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!

Hobbies

So I spent some time with the PS3 version of DJ Hero tonight (it releases on 10/27) at the local Best Buy. First off, the music mixes by themselves almost warrant this purchase. Very catchy mixes for sure. I think they'd be smart to sell the soundtrack to this game. So, I'm sure the first question most have is what is the controller like? I'd be lying if I didn't say it felt unnatural. I'm not sure if the height is adjustable but it was way too short for me. I don't think hardware is going to have the pick up and play success as the Guitar Hero games have had. Even the most music ignorant individual understands how to hold a guitar, but I doubt many know how a professional really uses a turntable. The arrangement can be changed for either righty or lefties but I think most will find the scratch pad lacking. You play with your fingers on three buttons. If you're getting really into I'm not sure how you're supposed to keep your hand on the controller. I consistently lost my fingering. I played the game on the 2 easiest modes. The first seems to focus only on scratching; you don't have to worry about the fader at all. As the "notes" come your way you either press one of the buttons or hold the buttons and scratch the pad. This mode is almost boring it's so easy. It really lets you enjoy the music. The second seemed an almost exponential increase in difficulty. It introduces the fader and let me tell you it was difficult for me for the two songs I spent with it. What I disliked most is that I found it difficult to determine what position the line on the screen was telling me the fader was to be in (left, neutral or right). If you're fully faded to the right and the screen tells you to fade back to the left it's hard to tell whether they want you to go center or fully left. I think there should be some arrows/ indicators on the lines to help you. Perhaps more time would get me over this, but I'm not sure. It also seems there is a mode you can play with a turntable and a guitar but I'm unsure how that works. For those music game fans out there DJ Hero is definitely a change of pace, but I'm not sure if it is for the better. The music rocks, there is no doubt about it, but I'm not sure if the average Joe out there is going to spend their $120 on a controller that's completely foreign to them. It might take till DJ Hero 2 for this IP to really kick off. I may change my mind, but again this is my first impression.

No-Hassle Backups, Intuitive File Sharing, Robust Remote Access, Versatile Media Streaming, Easy Expandability. I've been touting Windows Home Server as one of the best Microsoft products I've ever used for quite some time. I've been considering writing up an editorial on all its features, but rather than reinvent the wheel I'll let the folks at Maximum PC show you why this product deservers your attention (for both die hard geeks and newbies). http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/master_your_digital_domain?page=0%2C0

It appears Microsoft is close to launching Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune on the Xbox. If you'd like to sign up to preview these services navigate to www.xbox.com/xboxliveupdate and sign up. You will need your console id and serial number. I'm really excited to see what my Zune pass gets me on Xbox live. Expect more info when the preview starts.

CNet has a good article on all things Windows Phone 6.5. http://bit.ly/qUmCc

Looks like big improvements in the browser department. Flash support and better navigation. Check out the article for all the goodies. I'm really tempted to trade in my ATT Tilt to the Tilt 2.

Windows Phone 6.5, Mobile Marketplace rollouts and MyPhone upgrades all on the same day. Windows Phone 6.5 is definitely a step in the right direction but from everything I'm reading it's not "there" yet. Still a lot of sexy looking phones are being released with it (HTC Pure). The MyPhone upgrade isn't significant, but still pretty cool that Microsoft is growing this awesomely simple tool. You can now post pictures to social networking sites via it and it will also allow you to track your phones location, or brick your phone if someone steals it or you lose it. Very SMART! Win Mobile Marketplace is another step in the right direction, for anyone who tried to find Win Mobile friendly apps in a common location before you know how hard it was. Microsoft needs to stay on this path, even if they're a bit behind as it will only drive cooler tech in the future. Hearing more rumors about Zune services on phones (maybe even available on "fruity" devices), when that happens WATCH out. If Zune services were on a Windows Phone I'd upgrade in a heartbeat.