This week the various tech news sources have had no shortage of news about the upcoming Google Games, Google Maps 45 degree maps, Google Music, and Apple allowing wireless media syncing. Here’s the perfect opportunity to remind you who first brought you all these features. It was often overlooked Microsoft. Bing Games have been available for a few weeks now. Bing Maps has had “birds eye view” for quite a while. Bing Entertainment (including Music, movies, TV and more) using the Zune back end has also been around for a few weeks now. The Zune media players have offered wireless syncing since their inception (yes, you do not have to plug in a device to sync it) and the ill fated Kin phone offered over the air syncing (as will Windows Phone 7). Not going to try to be a fan boy at the moment, but strongly encourage you to try the Microsoft offerings. It just might encourage a switch (in many peoples’ opinions they are the better offering). This is also a good time to mention that Bing’s usage continues to steadily rise.
Infinity Ward working 2 map packs for the near future. New COD “Action/ Adventure” game announced. Another game in 2011. No word if this is the action/ adventure game. More info at IGN.
Microsoft today announced its Windows Phone Series 7 software for phones. Please don’t let the name fool you, from everything I’ve seen so far this is a game changer. Why? Despite what you may think Windows Mobile is the number 3 handset OS behind iPhone and Blackberry and yet Microsoft knows they have much ground to gain. To do so they’re starting from scratch and taking a big leap of faith, and I would bet it will pay off. If I had to sum up what I’ve seen so far in word, it would be “SMART.” MS seems to be truly integrating not only their products but the information people use today. It’s hard to describe what they’re doing here so I would strongly suggest you look at the videos (pics don’t do it justice) or better yet, try the interactive demo. http://www.windowsphone7series.com/
An attempt to summarize…
Check out this site. http://www.jumpman23mosaic.com/ Its a representation of what Silverlight and Azure can do and it’s pretty impressive. Try it out for yourself, especially if you have a multi touch device. Notice how fast it reacts (zoom in/ out). That’s apparently the power of the cloud, it’s even impressive on my netbook.
So this post has been a long time coming. Late last year I was lucky enough to be able to visit the first ever Microsoft store in Scottsdale, AZ.
The store itself is pretty slick with Microsoft folks giving product demos, training classes, answering questions, and of course selling devices, software and games. There is a series of video screens (or one big screen actually) that wraps around the 3 non glass walls of the store (you can see this in the picture). The screen shows one giant integrated pictures (think of a living background) in addition to having individual video Windows near kiosks along the wall showing PC screens, Zune software and XBOX 360. But what really stole the show for me were the 4 Microsoft Surface tables in each corner of the store. I walked in the store I saw a few folks sitting in seats gathered around these tables, at first I was thinking they were simply coffee tables, but then I saw people interact with them. I started to get excited and went to the one Surface table that didn’t have a crowd around it. I walked up and saw the virtual water app running. I stroked my fingers across the surface and the water reacted exactly as you’d expect. I was almost surprised that my fingers weren’t wet. Yet, i knew there had to be more to play with and noticed a virtual button in one corner of the screen. I pressed it and my jaw just dropped. What appears before you is a table top with various apps, but using them is hard to describe. The words multitouch, speed and performance just don’t do this justice, it’s something you have to use. Even the videos on the Surface website don’t do it justice (except the ones showing object interaction…INSANE!!!) All ten of my fingers affected the water demo, in Bing maps i was able to zoom, rotate, etc, faster than I ever though possible. The virtual photo books worked just as you’d expect, actually even easier than I’d expect and I think that’s what caught me off guard the most. This thing is intuitive and it just works. I honestly think my grandparents would figure it out once they realized you could interact with a table top. I’ve used touch devices and multitouch devices before and there is simply no comparison to this. After watching some of the tech videos on the Surface site I understand why. Regardless, this tech is a really exciting possibility for the future and I can’t wait to see it in more places. Please go watch the videos, and if you have the chance actually use a device, do it, it’s a life changing experience.
With all the recent privacy concerns @ Facebook would you trust them with an email account? Looks like they’ll be offering one soon. http://bit.ly/agUPHX
http://bit.ly/50FRzP This is a longer article but filled with goodies (if they end up being true). This should get you really excited about the next version of Windows Phone (aka just “7”). Again..all rumors right now but 2 versions, cloud syncing, office online integration, super sexy and powerful phones silverlight, mediaroom,, Xbox live game play, Zune, social apps. IF all this is true it looks like I’ll have to hang on to my ATT TILT just a bit longer.
Have a question about Windows, Office, Security essentials etc? Don’t want to randomly Bing around the internet or call MS? Try out the new Microsoft Answers, http://answers.microsoft.com, a community based support site. It’s well organized and a good start, let us hope they continue to add products here.
It’s the last of the consoles to get the service but in the upcoming months you will be able to stream Netflix shows to your Wii. The setup will be similar to the PS3, requiring a free Netflix disc to be loaded into the Wii prior to streaming. More info @ IGN http://bit.ly/6sHa5a
I wanted to post more bout his topic in October of 09 when it was more timely, but the importance of this topic still merits discussion. I won’t attempt to sway your opinion but I strongly encourage you to read the following article http://bit.ly/3wQKK9 and any other you may find. Educate yourself about net neutrality and write your congressman if you wish. The ramifications of decisions made in the near future may drastically impact the internet for the entire world.
So most versions of Windows 7 allow you to run a free version Windows XP in a Virtual Machine to maintain compatibility with some programs that won't make the jump to Windows 7. I noticed it was a bit tricky to find the Windows 7 XP Mode install and directions on the Microsoft site so.....here is the page you need to access: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx There are two files that need to be downloaded, one of them if pretty sizable so give yourself the adequate amount of time. Impressions on the setup will follow.
IGN has a story about a NEW GoldenEye coming out for the Wii. http://wii.ign.com/articles/103/1038911p1.html
How amazing would it be if it really felt like GoldenEye for the N64. I'd be first in line to be laying out my friends with Oddjob in a crouch!!!
Who remembers Short Circuit? The 80's movie is getting a remake. Dan Milano, who is involved with Robot Chicken for Adult Swim, is writing the script. The director of Mall Cop, Steve Carr, is directing. Are you excited?
So it sounds as if the execs responsible for Hulu are considering to start charging for Hulu in 2010. http://bit.ly/4n5kjY I love Hulu, and I personally don't see how a pay model will work for them. They don't offer anything you can't get for free over the airwaves and since it is an online only service you'd be paying for content in available only in one spot. If they do go to a pay model, then in my opinion you'd be better off going with getting your shows via the Zune marketplace. That way you could have content everywhere. On the go via the Zune device, on multiple pc's via the Zune software and on your TV via the Zune software on Xbox 360 (still in beta). The ability to access anywhere would be worth paying for. It's still difficult to comprehend why Hulu may go this direction. Obviously execs are seeing the numbers of how many are watching shows via Hulu and sees that as away to monetize. But the number one reason for Hulu's success is that it's free. The same shows that are available free over the air are free online. It makes sense. Just getting a DVR and having the ability to watch free shows whenever you want makes more sense than paying for Hulu, although you do have to assume you've got the shows recorded. With all the other options out there I think charging will drive away consumers. They just don't have an edge if it is not free. Hopefully Hulu makes the right choice. But as the article I linked above mentions. The whole Comcast / NBC rumored buyout is something that can really make TV as we know it go bye bye, and will affect Hulu as NBC is part owner. It's hard to predict what will happen there, that is for sure.
Microsoft is following Apple's lead and opening up real Microsoft Stores. The first opens in Scottsdale, AZ on Win7 launch day. For those Xbox owners the Microsoft stores will supposedly fix your console in house as well in the event of a red ring. In addition to that Microsoft is also setting up a unified online presence at http://store.microsoft.com/ . I personally think the online store is a great idea. For years Microsoft's products have been available, but scattered across their sites (normally by product line.) I think these are all steps in the right direction MS! I guess we'll have to keep our ears open for when a Midwest MS Store opens.
So Seth McFarlane either loves Windows 7 or is getting paid to. See the videos of Stewie and Brian advertising Win 7. http://bit.ly/AH1Q2 Oh and have you heard of the upcoming "Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show"? Well apparently it's a Win 7 sponsored thing (no commercials). It airs on November 8, set your DVRs now.
The rumors have been swirling about this for some time; here is some more fuel for the fire from someone at ATT. http://www.slashgear.com/atts-iphone-exclusivity-ends-in-2010-1541061/
FYI for the Midwest geeks… iPhone users, mostly in the San Francisco/ Silicon Valley area, have complained for some time that the ATT network sucks. What it really comes down to is the ever increasing amount of data getting sucked through the airwaves out there. Most don't realize that bandwidth is a finite thing, and there are so many iPhones out there in the Silicon Valley area that the bandwidth is being maxed out. Here in the Midwest I doubt iPhone users complain much. I personally have had ATT for nearly a decade and can count the number of issues I have had on one hand, but I'll admit I don't use data much yet. If you're a Midwest Geek and an iPhone user I'd love to get your opinion!
This page was last modified on Sunday, February 14, 2010 09:48:11 PM GMT-06:00
