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Posts with tag microsoft

Microsoft's In-Car Sync Tech to Come to Hyundai and Kia


Once thought to be the exclusive domain of Ford, Sync-like technology looks to be coming to Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010. While Microsoft and Hyundai aren't calling the technology Sync officially, the new "music and information system" will be a voice-controlled interface that links mobile devices to car stereos, complete with remote firmware updates. Sounds a lot like Sync to us.

Interestingly, only later versions will include multimedia and navigation-related features. This is a curious omission -- why would Hyundai need Microsoft's help just to plug in some iPods? The product will be made official at a ceremony in Seoul attended by Bill Gates and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group Chairman Chung Moon-koo. Cocktail hour and family photos to follow immediately. [Source: Reuters]

Zune 2.5 Update Brings TV Downloads, Zune Card Sharing


Microsoft has quite a bit in store for the Zune faithful with its new Zune version 2.5 software update. The high points are the new Zune Card integration and the addition of TV show downloads on Zune Marketplace, but much-requested features like gapless playback, improved syncing controls, meta data editing, auto playlists and other tweaks have also been included. On the marketing front, Microsoft is really pushing the Zune Pass going forward, and will be launching a new TV commercial to help plug it. Subscribers will particularly benefit from the new Zune Card sharing, which lets you automatically score copies of your pal's favorite songs, artists and recent plays -- non-subscribers can view that Zune Card info, but will have to buy the tracks if they want to have a listen.

Unfortunately, news on the video store front isn't so compelling: Microsoft is only adding TV shows at this point, no movies, and there's no way to pull video you've bought on your 360 over to your Zune. There's no reason Microsoft can't close this loop and turn some scattered media offerings into a compelling ecosystem, but until then we suppose we'll have to thank our lucky stars that we can shell out 160 MS Points ($2.00) for TV shows we can watch for free online. The 2.5 Spring Update is a free download and should be available nowish.

Xbox 360 Kiosks Headed to Children's Hospitals Across the US


Here's your heartwarming story for the day. Microsoft has teamed up with Companions in Courage in order to bring "hundreds" of Xbox 360 kiosks to children's hospitals across the nation, and the gaming stations have already been installed at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children's Hospital of Orange County, California.

The customized units are "hospital-friendly" and come pre-loaded with a variety of E and E10+ rated games, Y-rated television programs, G-rated movies and the Xbox Live headset / Vision camera in order for gamers to play online. Speaking of, each kiosk is wired to a private Live network which "allows hospitalized children across the country to play games and chat" with each other. There's no word on where the stations are slated to arrive outside of the three venues already mentioned, but those interested in broadening the reach of the endeavor can feel free to donate to the cause.

[Source: Companions in Courage via OhGizmo]

'CSI' Shows Off Microsoft's Cool Photo Synth Technology

CSI Shows Off Microsoft's Photo Synth

Watching 'CSI' is enough to make any tech enthusiast jealous, but have you ever wondered where they get all their wonderful toys? Well, much of it comes from a partnership with Microsoft. Some of the show's sets have been outfitted with modified Surface computers, and the stars will soon start carrying tablet PCs and UMPCs instead of notepads.

On Wednesday's episode, the star is Photosynth, a product from Microsoft's labs that lets the forensic scientists recreate the scene of a murder from hundreds of thumbnail photos taken at a dance in a school gymnasium. The wider image can then be manipulated to get close up shots of the gym from any angle.

Photosynth analyzes images for similarities and then pieces them together into a 3-D recreation of the original setting. You can get a preview of Photosynth here, and the technology will be available to consumers at the end of the year. [Source: USA Today]

Microsoft Finally Releases New Vista Ultimate Extras, Still "Ultimate" in Name Only


Last year Microsoft really carried on about fulfilling its commitment to all the power users that anted up to get untold future Vista Ultimate Extras -- yet none really materialized besides the disappointing early stuff like DreamScene and Texas Hold 'Em. Well, get ready to feel a whole new wave of Ultimate justification wash over you, because today Microsoft is releasing a trifecta of new Extras: sound schemes, DreamScape animations, and OS language packs. Oh yeah, there's definitely some Vista "Wow" in here -- but it's mostly from being kind of appalled at these sorry post-apologetic excuses for "ultimate"-grade software additions. Someone wake us when Microsoft decides it cares about making good on its many unfulfilled promises to Vista users. [Source: Microsoft]

Windows Live Mesh Gives You Access to Your Docs From Anywhere

Windows Live Mesh Puts Your Docs Anywhere and NowhereThe days of the isolated computer desktop are winding to a close; more and more software vendors are working to bring everything online, moving your docs and information into a shared location that you can access from anywhere -- or at least anywhere with Internet access. Microsoft has been a little late to the game in bringing its business model, primarily focused on selling software for installation on those isolated desktops, into those new models of everything anywhere. The company is now catching up in a big way with the announcement of Windows Live Mesh, a service that looks to give you access to your data from anywhere.

Live Mesh is a service that will give you 5-gigabytes (GB) of online storage that is accessible from anywhere in the world, provided you're on one of your Internet-connected devices (laptops, handsets, etc). The idea is that you would be able to store files in Live Mesh and modify them anywhere, synchronizing documents onto your devices so that you can take them offline, then pushing any changes back to the service the next time you connect. You'll even be able to share documents with others and view and edit them on a virtual, online desktop.

Initially, the service will be offered for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows Mobile devices, but the Mesh Desktop will be accessible via Safari or Firefox, meaning many possible platforms are available. And, most impressively, the service will be totally free -- at least initially. No word on exactly when the service will be launching for all, but it's in a closed beta now, and, with any luck, will launch before the end of the year. [Source: BBC]

Xbox 360 Power Supply Pinpointed as Cause of House Fire

Sure, you've heard the horror stories of faulty Xbox power cables sparking up fires in homes, but it seems the latest case involves the aforesaid console's successor: the Xbox 360. According to Little Rock, Arkansas fire department captain Jason Weaver, a 360's power cord was to blame for a blaze that injured no one (thankfully) but caused some $100,000 in property damage.

Mr. Weaver asserted that the power supply was likely crammed in a tight spot with no "space to dissipate heat," and while we've certainly seen no shortage of overheating Xbox 360s, this marks the first time that we've seen high temperatures wreak havoc on more than just the machine's internals. Here's to hoping this isn't the start of a dreadful trend.

[Source: Today's THV via Joystiq]

Limited Edition Joy Division Zune Makes Us Dance, Dance, Dance to the Radio


Listen to the silence, let it ring on. Microsoft is said to be releasing a limited edition, Joy Division Zune featuring an adaptation of Peter Saville's pulsating cover art from the band's 'Unknown Pleasures' debut. The launch is meant to parallel the June 10th release of the Joy Division DVD and could, in one fell swoop, lift the Zune above its L-7 image. Then we could go on as though nothing was wrong and hide from these days we remained all alone.

P.S. That's our mockup of what we hope the Joy Division Zune will look like. [Source: Pitchfork via Wired, Thanks Rob H.]

Hands-On: Microsoft Surface at the AT&T Store



AT&T and Microsoft debuted the much-talked-about Microsoft Surface today in five AT&T stores nationwide. We dropped by the New York premiere to check out the 30-inch touch-based tabletop computer.

This version of the Surface doesn't offer the breadth of features shown a year ago -- it only shows information on plans, AT&T's network, and a select group of phones. Still, we're thrilled to finally see a Surface in the wild. The device excels at letting users see and explore AT&T's network coverage on the responsive interactive map. Similar to the iPhone's map interface, the Surface's map lets you easily swipe and slide your way around the U.S., and you can select a 3G overlay to see where AT&T offers greater network speeds.

The Surface only works with eight phones -- more are coming soon -- but we liked the comparison feature. Place two phones on the Surface and windows will "slide" out of each phone with information comparing battery life, media features, size, and more. These windows, as well as most others that we came across while testing the Surface, can be easily resized, dragged, and launched across the workspace with a simple flip of the wrist.

AT&T's use of the Surface may draw customers in and improve the in-store shopping experience, but we're still waiting to see what the Surface can really do when pushed to its limits (e.g. file transfer between digital devices, music downloads, restaurant information). For now, check out our gallery of photos from the premiere below:

Man Threatens Mom With Knife After Xbox 360 Dies

Xbox Red Ring of Death Leads to Knife Threat

Lots and lots of gamers out there have been more than a little irritated by the Xbox 360's rather consistent problems with the so-called red ring of death. The bane of many a gamer's existence, the three red rings have been appearing after a few months (or years) after the Xbox is purchased and indicate that the console no longer works.

Microsoft did extend the warranty (twice) and is fixing the problem for free, but that wasn't enough for one hardcore gamer in Fort Pierce, Florida, who couldn't wait the 30 days for the repair. He demanded his mother order him a new one and, when she refused, threatened her with a knife.

The man, 19-year-old Roman White, had just been released from jail the previous Sunday, and is already back behind bars on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

From Newsvine and TCPalm


Microsoft Introduces "Clearflow" Live Traffic Routing Service

Clearflow traffic information from Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a new tool for drivers to avoid traffic jams. The service, called "Clearflow", calculates how tie-ups affect backups on local city streets which could mean more accurate rerouting along busy routes. There's no word yet on how this could be integrated into personal portable navigation devices.

According to a report in the New York Times, Microsoft's new Clearflow is the result of a five-year project by the company's artificial intelligence team at Microsoft Research laboratories. Clearflow predicts how "complex traffic interactions ... occur as traffic backs up on freeways and spills over onto city streets" in 72 different urban areas.

This is one more way Microsoft is trying to catch up with Google's array of online services, which do include maps with projected traffic delays, but Google's and other Web sites' traffic information is mainly limited to highways and major interchanges.

Mobile device users will be able to look up current traffic information but its still unclear if the service will soon be integrated into live traffic routing on GPS devices.

Garmin, for example, already allows its device users to connect with traffic information service provided by MSN Direct. Garmin users with a compatible antenna receive MSN Direct information which allows drivers to "find the best route through traffic, check traffic flow and receive accident warnings." It also provides information on local gas prices, movie times and weather forecasts.

Clearflow is supposed to be launched today but cursory looks at traffic route information for New York City and Chicago didn't seem to show side street information or alternative routes.

From The New York Times.


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Man Legally Changing His Name to 'Microsoft Zune'



We can't say we'd follow in this guy's footsteps for any amount of money, but boy, does it make for fantastic drama. Shortly after the famed Zune Guy (you know, that cat with a trio of Zune-inspired tattoos?) decided to legally change his name to "Microsoft Zune," the plan was put on hiatus after hearing that it cost a whopping $500 to get a name swap.

It turns out that the fellow will only need $150 to have it done, so needless to say the mission is back on in a big way. Unfortunately, there still stands a chance of the aforesaid name being denied, so he's posted up a poll in order to let the general public give him a list of backups. Personally, we're feelin' McZunin.

[Thanks, Brian]

Microsoft Extends XP's Life Again -- For Low Cost PCs Only

Microsoft Extends XP's Life Again, for Low Cost PCs
Windows XP is turning into the operating system (OS) that just won't die. After extending the life of its last generation OS from January of 2008 until June, Microsoft is giving the aging system another stay of execution, this time till June 30, 2010, or one year after the launch of Windows 7, whichever is later.

If you're thinking this sounds too good to be true, you're right. There is a catch. Windows XP will only be available and approved for so-called Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULCPC), such as the Eee or Classmate. Microsoft is giving manufacturers the option of using XP Home or Vista Home Basic on its ULCPC devices. But even in its most stripped down form, Vista is often more than these machines can handle and makes them operate more slowly.

This seems more or less like an admission that Vista has been a disappointment for Microsoft. The OS was geared at high powered desktops with dedicated graphics cards. Unfortunately for Mr. Gates and crew, the computer industry took an unexpected turn towards smaller and cheaper computers. Small form factor desktops, home theater PCs, and ultra-portable laptops are the hot markets right now, places where low power components are necessary to keep components cool, quiet, and lasting hours on a single battery charge.

We don't doubt Microsoft did its best, but Vista was not long for this world.

From Cnet

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Microsoft's Surface Computer Heading to AT&T Stores This Month

Microsoft's Surface Computer Heading to Retail This Month

It's been nearly a year since Microsoft wowed us with its Surface tabletop computer, a multi-touch display built into a cocktail table that had a number of crazy features. You could set your phone down on it and then, via Bluetooth, literally drag files to and from the thing, pulling your pics from the camera and showing them on the screen. It allowed some crazy interaction with digital mapping programs and even let you order more beer at the bar with just a few swipes of your finer. It was all conceptual, though, and with an anticipated price of roughly $5,000 to $10,000, the things were clearly not destined for the living room in the near-term. They are, however destined for a select few AT&T shops, starting later this month.

Unfortunately, the Surface units won't be for sale. The tables will be be used as a sort of informational kiosk surrounded by whichever phones AT&T is marketing at the time (probably not the iPhone). Shoppers will be able to pick up a certain model of phone, place it on the Surface, then pull up more information about it. They'll also be able to drag and drop media onto the device itself to see how it plays videos or songs and pull up maps of AT&T's coverage area. Unfortunately it's looking like you won't be able to interact with your own phones, just the demo models, but it should still be fun to play around.

Look for the Surface to show up at high-end AT&T stores New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio, and San Francisco beginning on April 17.

From Engadget

Major Windows Vista Update Available Today

Major Vista Update Available Today
For people who have taken the plunge of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista (product info), these have been some trying times. There are a number of small but irritating incompatibilities and glitches in the new Microsoft operating system that have many users wishing they'd stuck with the tried and true Windows XP. For months now, Microsoft has been putting the finishing touches on a major update that could solve many of these issues. At last, t's finally ready for download.

The update is called Service Pack One, or just "SP1" in Windows talk. A service pack is the traditional term for a giant batch of updates all rolled into one massive download. On its site, Amazon lists the SP1 version available for pre-order, and now lists the non-SP1 editions as "old version." The site now indicates that the SP1 editions will be shipping tomorrow, but if you happened to have just purchased one of those "old version" editions of Vista, don't worry: The update download is free from Microsoft. Still, you might want to burn that download to a CD or something, otherwise you're going to have to pull it from the company's site again and again every time you have to re-install. At 434 megabytes for the full download, it's not something you're going to want to do twice.

If you're a Vista user and are ready to take the plunge, you can head on over to Microsoft's site to start your downloading.

From Engadget

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