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Computers, Web, Social Networking

Twitter Users Want Microsoft to Fix 'Outlook'

We're not gonna lie. We can't stand 'Outlook.' Or its Mac-based sister app, 'Entourage,' either. There just isn't aren't enough words that can convey how we feel about this stalwart of the corporate world. It's a shame, too, because we really are actually quite fond of the rest of the 'Microsoft Office' Suite.

One big complaint about Outlook is how it handles HTML-formatted e-mails. The problem is that, when updating Outlook to the 2007 version, Microsoft decided to stop using the same (and already quite flawed) rendering engine that powered 'Internet Explorer,' and opted instead to use the HTML-formatting capabilities of 'Word 2007.' It's a bit like getting coal for Christmas, and, when you complain, having it replaced with a flaming bag of dog crap.

The move to the Word-based engine severed 'Outlook''s support of cascading style sheets (CSS: a markup language for controlling the layout, colors, fonts, etc. of a Web page), and also causes problems for images, especially those in the background. This results in this travesty, which compares Outlook 2000 with the beta of Outook 2010.

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Web

Dean Cain Stars in Awkward Internet Explorer Ads

Somewhere in the land between 'uncomfortably funny' and 'trying too hard' sits Microsoft's new commercials promoting Internet Explorer 8. Choosing Dean Cain, the ex-football player who made his acting debut in 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,' to play a William Shatner-like straight man is an odd choice, especially given Apple's adorably nerdy spokesman Justin Long.

But the video's style, which feels distinctly viral, along with Cain's over-pronounced, tight-lipped delivery is comedically awkward (see the G.R.I.P.E.S version to watch Cain magically emerge from behind a chair). Playing a late night lawyer type who flips through books absentmindedly, Cain's ungainly turtlenecks steal the limelight.

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Web

Microsoft Pulling the Plug on 'Money'

Microsoft Pulling the Plug on Money
Microsoft has been trimming the fat recently, and not just by laying off employees. The company is ending entire product lines; 'Encarta,' 'Flight Simulator,' and 'Windows OneCare' have all bitten the dust, and now joining the list of deceased software packages is 'Money.'

The personal finance program, which has been available online since last year, will be taken off the market at the end of June, CNET News reported yesterday. Microsoft will continue to support it through January of 2011. Then, automated feeds from banks and credit card companies will no longer be available via 'Money.'

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Computers, Web

Phishing Attack Hits Microsoft Outlook Users

In the past, we have warned you about phishing e-mails requesting personal information. Lately, it seems many of those phishing scams have moved to social networking or microblogging sites. Recently however, a phishing e-mail popped up in the inbox of Microsoft Outlook users. According to TrendLabs Malware blog, the message asks users to re-configure their e-mail account by clicking a link that leads to a phishing Web site.

By having users click this link, phishers can obtain not only a user's name and password, but also mail server information -- the most critical part of the scam. This gives phishers complete access to a user's e-mail account, which facilitates the theft of important personal information (credit card numbers, social security number, bank account numbers,etc.).

The easiest way to avoid e-mail phishing scams is to avoid clicking suspicious or unfamiliar links. You should also exercise extreme caution when sending personal information via e-mail. This particular scam is more dangerous than most because so many folks use Microsoft Outlook. [From: TrendLabs Malware Blog, via CNET News]

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Web

Microsoft Bing in Hot Water Over Porn Access



Just this week, Microsoft introduced Bing, a new search engine, to the world. Despite some positive reviews, the Google competitor is already stirring up controversy. It turns out that, with just a few simple clicks in the site's security settings, videos can be previewed from within Bing's search results. So, what's all the hoopla about? Any video can be played, which means pornography can be displayed once safety settings are turned off.

Once you turn off the search engine's safety features (which requires no age verification), pornographic videos may show up in your video results depending on your search terms. Because Bing automatically plays videos when you hover over them with your mouse, you may be surprised with an unexpectedly graphic video; we tested this out, and stumbled upon a few not-so-tasteful videos. Microsoft has issued instructions through Twitter -- prompted by Loic Le Meur, a high-profile blogger -- on how to adjust your security settings.

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Editor's Picks

E3 Gaming News: Xbox 360's Project Natal; Ringo, Paul Plug 'Rock Band'

Each year the biggest and brightest in the video game industry gather in Los Angeles to show off their wares destined for release in the coming months and years. It's called the Electronics Entertainment Expo, or E3. We're at the show, and here's the best of what happened on day one.


Microsoft Announces Project Natal

That Microsoft was working on a motion-based controller wasn't a surprise to most of the audience at the company's pre-show media event, but the exact capabilities of the thing certainly were. Dubbed "Project Natal" for now, it's a simple camera that sits in front of your television and, effectively, turns you into a video game controller. Unlike the Nintendo Wii, which relies on motion sensors and an actual 'Wiimote' that you have to hold, Natal simply detects your motions, letting you punch and kick and jump in combat games, sweep through menus with a simple gesture, and even raise your hand to answer trivia questions.

The camera can also recognize your face and detect what you're saying, as evidenced by the conversation between a Microsoft employee and Milo, a virtual boy who communicates with you using the Project Natal camera (Milo is essentially a much more realistic version of Sega's Seaman, if you remember that interactive buddy created for Sega Dreamcast back in the mid-to-late-'90s ). It's all very early now and we're not expecting to see Microsoft release the product until 2010 at the earliest, but we'll certainly be watching it closely until then.




'Beatles Rock Band' Rocks


Music games have taken the gaming world by storm, and the next big installment looks to be 'Beatles Rock Band,' which none other than Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr actually came to support on Monday morning by appearing live on stage at the Microsoft press conference. The special edition of the game sports fab-looking instruments and lots of authentic tunes, but we already knew that.

What we didn't know was that the game is launching on 9/9/09 for the Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), the same day as a complete re-release of newly remastered recordings of the entire Beatles collection. The game itself won't include all the songs, but 45 (including "I Am the Walrus," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," and "Back in the USSR") will be included to start, with new ones coming every week.

The game has a great visual flare to it -- onscreen fashion, hairstyles and scenery change constantly to reflect the period of specific songs, for example -- that fans of the Four will love. Of course, getting points for singing along to the tunes they already know and love ain't bad either.

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Web

Microsoft Disables Cuba's IM Privileges



Alongside the United States' sanctions on Cuba, which include restricted travel and trade, Microsoft has added a technological blockade against the country, CBS News reports. The software giant's Messenger has been available on the island for about a decade without interference, but that all reportedly changed late last year with the most recent Windows Live Messenger Update.

News of the change didn't spread, though, until last Friday, when Cuban youth newspaper Juventud Rebelde referred to Microsoft's actions as "the latest turn of the screw in the United States' technological blockade against the island." Along with Cuba, Microsoft has ceased providing their services to other countries that are under embargo, including Iran, North Korea and Sudan. Windows Live Product Management director Dharmesh Mehta stated that the company is taking "steps aimed at meeting their obligations to not do business with markets on the U.S. sanctions list."

While limiting communication with the island seems harsh, Cuba's government is known for restricting its citizens' Internet use, leaving Cuba with the lowest rate of Internet access in Latin America. While we applaud Microsoft for honoring U.S. sanctions, disabling Messenger access is no way to promote democracy or country-wide communication. [From: CBSNews.com]

Computers

Microsoft's 'Laptop Hunters' Ads Get Hilarious 'Jennie' Spoof


If you watch television, you've undoubtedly been subjected to the "I'm a Mac" ads, and Microsoft's retaliating blitz of "Laptop Hunters" promo spots -- which seek to depict ordinary consumers searching for economically friendly computers to fit specific needs. You're probably already sick of them, what with their cutesy approach and MTV-style editing and videography.

Although profane (hence the Not Suitable For Work disclaimer), this spoof lampoons the increasingly annoying ads and the "everyday citizens" they supposedly represent. Since the vid is from Funny or Die, if you find it offensive or not humorous -- or you're a Microsoft employee -- you can indicate your displeasure by voting to let it "die." [From: Funny or Die via Crunch Gear]

Web

Microsoft's New 'Kumo' Search Engine Hits Next Week

Code-named 'Kumo,' Microsoft's upgraded and revamped 'Live Search' is set to make its public debut next week at the "D: All Things Digital" conference, according to Digital Daily. The three day event will feature a number of guest speakers, including Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft representatives are expected to demonstrate the retooled search engine, which will feature interface changes as well as the incorporation of semantic search technology.

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Computers, Advice, Editor's Picks, Windows Software

What You Probably Don't Know About Windows 7

Best Under-Appreciated Windows 7 Features
We've covered some of the more important features of Windows 7 before -- including the improvements in security and speed -- but there are a host of other, lesser-mentioned features that make using Windows 7 much more pleasurable than Vista. Lifehacker, a must read here at the Switched offices, has compiled a list of its favorite less-hyped features in Microsoft's upcoming operating system.

Are you satisfied with Windows Vista?


One of these features is 'libraries,' which lets you break out of the standard file/folder paradigm with pictures by putting all your photos into a photo library -- even if they're in different folders. Also under-hyped are 'jump lists,' which gives quick access to commonly used files and features and limit how much menu digging we have to do.

You can check out the rest of Lifehacker's list of underhyped Windows 7 features at the read link. [From: Lifehacker]

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Computers

Apple Takes on Microsoft's 'Laptop Hunter' Ads


Apple has fired back the latest salvo in its never-ending marketing war with Microsoft. The glossy white maker of the iPhone and OS X looks like it's feeling the heat from Microsoft's Laptop Hunter series of ads, in which laptop shoppers realize that, while Macs sure are pretty, they're much more expensive than PCs.

Since Apple can't really claim that a Mac is a better value proposition, its latest ad argues that, although you may pay less for a PC, you're getting what you pay for -- namely crashes, viruses, and headaches.

Of course, at this point, we're getting kind of tired of ads from both sides. The "I'm a Mac" commercials are annoyingly smug and condescending, and the "I'm a PC" commercials are disingenuous and too touchy-feely. Really, all either campaign has done is make Linux look all that more attractive. [From: Engadget]

Audio/Video, Video Games

Rumored Xbox 360 Add-On to Allow Full Body Motion Control


Since the introduction of the Nintendo Wii and its continuously phenomenal financial success, rumors of similarly motion-controlled add-ons for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 have repeatedly found their ways online. The latest news, coming from a tipster supposedly in the know, says that Microsoft will enter the motion arena not with a remote-like device such as that found on the Wii, but with a sensor bar that can detect full body movements as well as sound. This sensor bar is said to allow for broad movements, like kicking and punching, to more minuscule hand gestures, including pinching, scrolling, and grabbing. Video-conferencing capabilities are also said to be available, using the sensor bar's included camera.

Ironically, many of these rumored features, as forward-thinking as they sound, are quite old in concept. Sony actually implemented many of them with its EyeToy camera on the PlayStation 2, and refined them slightly for the PlayStation 3 with the PlayStation Eye. Fully-body detection with onscreen interaction, a camera for conferencing, and a built-in microphone are standard features with the EyeToy. What Sony's past venture lacks, though, is overall precision (particularly in uneven lighting situations) and compelling software. If Microsoft is able to dial the accuracy to Wii-like levels, and avoid producing simple novelty software, it might just have a chance at chipping away at Nintendo's market share. Head on over to Engadget for the full details. [From: Engadget]

Computers, Web, Social Networking

Microsoft Vine Is Twitter for Emergencies

Microsoft Vine -- It's Like Twitter and the Emergency Broadcast System had a Baby

Microsoft is distracting itself with yet another non-Windows, non-Office product. This time, Microsoft appears to be trying to take on Facebook and Twitter with an alert- and message-oriented social networking tool called Vine.

Currently in beta testing in Seattle, Vine is squarely aimed at sharing emergency information and news feeds. A Vine widget sits on your desktop and displays a map of your community, news and alerts, and the statuses of connected friends and family. Vine seems to, more or less, combine an RSS feed reader (with information tailored to your specific locale), a status update system (like Twitter), and messaging (like Facebook) into a singular, pretty, Live Search Maps mash-up.

From the demo videos on the Vine Web site, it's clear that Microsoft envisions this as a tool for use during emergencies and moments of crisis. But we have to wonder if we need an emergency-only social networking tool. Sure, some the features are neat, and the idea of tying news alerts and updates from friends and family into a map-based tool sounds useful, but we're pretty sure you can do all of the same things with a Twitter-and-Google-Maps mash-up.

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Computers, Celebrities

Bill Gates's Dad Tells All...About Raising His Future Mogul Son


Bill Gates Sr., father of the Microsoft mogul and soon-to-be author, previewed his new autobiographical book in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. In the interview, the Gates family patriarch discusses seminal moments in his own life, while providing a rare glimpse into the formative years of his son, the world's wealthiest man.

Gates Sr., a World War II veteran and former Seattle attorney, now serves as co-chair of the Gates Foundation, his son's $30 billion philanthropic enterprise. The Foundation was inspired in large part by the wishes of Mary Gates, Bill Sr.'s wife and Bill Jr.'s mother, who passed away in 1994. In the interview, the elder Gates reveals details of the tumultuous relationship between his wife and son that began when Bill Jr. started exhibiting intellectual maturity and strong feelings of independence at a young age.

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Video Games

Why You Shouldn't Toss Your Broken Xbox 360 Just Yet


Having trouble with your Xbox 360? Well, join the club. Plenty of people have tossed their consoles, figuring them for dead. But what they probably didn't know is that they could have gotten their favorite toy repaired or replaced, for cheap or for free.

From a post by our friends at Geeksugar, we learned how easy it can be to get back on the gaming horse. First off, if you've encountered the dreaded "Red Ring of Death" malfunction, all hope is not lost. Microsoft will replace your machine for up to three years after the purchase date. This is opposed to the one year warranty on all other repairs. Hopefully, you saved your receipt.

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Weirdest Techie Heists and Scams

    Elderly Amish Man Caught on Film With Prostitute, Blackmailed
    When a 75-year-old Amish widower slept with a prostitute, he -- we feel certain -- felt pretty bad about it the next morning. As if that guilt weren't enough for the old man, the prostitute and her boyfriend demanded $67,000 from him, claiming that they had filmed the scene with wall-mounted cameras and would upload the recording to the Internet. The pair was later arrested and, we can only imagine, the Amish man abhorred technology more than ever.

     

    Bank Robber Gets Away With the Help of Craiglist
    In October, a bank robber -- wearing a safety vest, blue shirt, face mask and goggles -- eluded police with the help of Craiglist. Just outside the bank, while the robbery was in progress, stood a group of men who were responding to a Craiglist day labor opportunity. As the advertisement required, they were all wearing safety vests, blue shirts, face masks and goggles.

     

    Nude New Zealander Arrested After Responding to Fake Sexy Text Message
    Late in 2007, a Wellington, New Zealand man received a racy text message from two anonymous "ladies," giving him only an address and a request that he show up naked. Well, he indeed showed up naked... at the home of one appalled, unsuspecting New Zealander. Both the nude Romeo and the sadistic texter were arrested, though neither were prosecuted.

     

    Fake Craiglist Ad Costs Man Most of What He Owns
    Last Spring, a post appeared on an Oregon Craigslist board stating that the owner of a specific house was leaving all of his worldly possessions (still in said house) to whoever wanted them. When homeowner Robert Salisbury rushed home -- on a tip from a woman suspicious about the offer of a free horse -- he found his house being ransacked by 30 strangers. We suggest he take that horse and collect some vengeance Clint Eastwood-style.

     

    17-Year-Old Jailed for Stealing Virtual 'Furniture'
    When a 17-year-old Dutch boy hacked into several accounts on the Second Life-style site 'Habbo' in 2007, the the law got involved. The boy was discovered to have stolen $5,800 worth of virtual furniture and knick-knacks. Apparently, crime -- whether actual or virtual -- does not pay.

     

    Phishers Going After Your Phones in New 'Vishing' Trend
    Over the past year, sneaky spammers have begun to forsake the worn-out territory of e-mail in favor of cell phones' fertile frontier. The result? "Vishing." Get it? Voice mail phishing. It might be more ominous if it didn't sound like a James Bond villain saying, "Wishing."

     

    Burglars Break Into Restaurant, Steal HDTV, Leave Money / Food Behind
    Around Halloween of last year, a truckload of thieves drove into -- that's right, into -- a Pennsylvania Mexican restaurant, where they -- apparently uninterested in the cash register -- stole a mid-grade 47-inch HDTV and fled the scene. We've all heard about how this generation is lacking in ambition, but this generation's thieves, too?

     

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CNET provides the latest tech news, unbiased reviews, videos, podcasts, software, and downloads, making tech products easy to find, understand and use.

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