Posts filed under 'Microsoft'
To much surprise Microsoft has apparently agreed to purchase Danger Inc, the maker of the famed Sidekick (I think Danger originally made the device, but no longer does). This news comes on the heals of Yahoo’s rejection of Microsoft’s bid to
acquire them for $44 billion. The guy who started Danger, Andy Rubin, went on to launch Android, which was later acquired by Google. It’s not really clear what Microsoft plans to do with Danger, as they’ve already created a mobile operating system: Windows Mobile. There is of course significant opportunity to reach the young demo associated with the Sidekick and the Danger applications, and perhaps even leverage some of their technologies into the Windows Mobile platform.
Official Press Release here.
Update: According to Gigaom, Microsoft purchased Danger for a reported $500 million.
Via AP
February 11th, 2008
This bad boy will seamlessly fit onto your
Xbox 360
controller, includes the wired headset and cost you $30 before tax and shipping. I am guessing that it will throw off your game since you won’t be able to wrap your fingers around the controller (it will block the inner portion), especially for those with big mits. But what’s ‘play control’ when you have IMing at your thumb tips….
More info here (its officially called the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit).
Features:
- Chat on Xbox LIVE with ease featuring dedicated keys to letters and characters.
- Don’t hamper your style—the Xbox 360 Chatpad attaches seamlessly to your Xbox 360 Controller.
- Backlit buttons allow you to accurately type words even in dimly lit environments.
- Messenger Kit includes the Xbox 360 Wired Headset for the ultimate communication bundle.
July 10th, 2007
If you missed last nights Jon Stewart show with Bill Gates promoting Windows Vista, you can catch clips of it at
ComedyCentral.com. Jon plays dumb and grills him about the Internet, asks him his childhood pet’s name to obtain password information, and Gates surprisingly maintains his poise. Lastly, Jon asks what he can do if he can’t get Vista to work and Bill replies with “call me�.
January 30th, 2007
Jake Ludington compares the
Xbox Marketplace’s HD movies to that of HD-
DVD. His verdict? Both pictures are almost identical but the Xbox’s HD movies are slightly brighter.
Check out Jake’s full comparison here.
Mediablab: Xbox Video Marketplace and HD-DVD Comparison [EhomeUpgrade]
December 19th, 2006
In case you didn’t here about the
Xbox 360 sale at Amazon - 1000 core systems went for $100 - Microsoft’s 30GB Zune will go for $90 (usually retails for $230) some time shortly - probably later this week as the random selection begins tonight. There are only a 1000 units at this price, so when it does go on sale, it’ll go quick.
Head over to Amazon to check out the deal.
December 11th, 2006
That’s right. No lie. You just have to live in Japan to get this bundle. Microsoft released the “Blue Dragon
Xbox 360 Bundle” in Japan today - or recently, we’re not sure. In the bundle you’ll find the core system, a copy of the Blue Dragon game - which, by the way, is the same guy,
Sakaguchi, who created Final Fantasy - 5 figurines of the Blue Dragon characters, and a Blue Dragon limited edition
Xbox 360 faceplate. The 360 Bundle in the US goes for $399, but includes the $89
hard drive and if you buy it at
Amazon a free copy of Madden ‘07, a wireless headset and an Xbox live silver subscription. Still, pretty cool and an innovative ploy to boost Xbox 360 sales in Japan.
Click more for complete pics.
Microsoft Xbox 360 Bundle Selling for $259 in Japan [Crunch Gear via GWN]
December 7th, 2006
The guys over at
Ipodmods.com apparently aren’t all
iPod and to prove it they’re offering a guide on how to switch out your Zune’s 30GB HD for an 80GB HD. If you want the 80GB (40GB or 60GB will also work) then you’ll need to get your hands on Toshiba Zero Insertion Force drive (available
here for $190 to $240). There’s also instructions on how to switch out the Zune’s battery, which is apparently the same as the
iPods.
For complete step-by-step instructions go here.
Via Upgrade your Zune’s hard drive (up to 80 GB) [DAPReview]
November 28th, 2006
If the latest round of touchscreen
iPod rumors are true, you may want to revise your holiday wishlist.
Touchscreen iPod rumors have been circulating around the Internet for awhile now. Even MethodShop.com posted some touchscreen iPod patent pictures back in February. The new twist to this story is that the touchscreen iPod might have a wide aspect ratio screen. This would make a lot of sense since Apple recently started selling movies on iTunes.
The new widescreen rumor originated from an anonymous executive at an iPod accessories company who spoke to someone at TrustedReviews. How reliable is this anonymous executive? Your guess is as good as ours. Anyway, here’s what Mr. Anonymous had to say:
“In a very matter of fact tone I was told that the product was not designed for the current generation of device, but the official 6G iPod… which is to be released in December. His company’s device only comes onto the market shortly before then and would benefit hugely because the new iPod would sport a screen that filled the full side of the device and consequently offer higher resolution video… This is why Jobs isn’t afraid of the Zune,’ he said, though he had no knowledge of whether wireless would make an appearance.”
This might help explain Steve Jobs dismissive attitude last week:
“Jobs is unimpressed with Microsoft’s Zune, which allows users to exchange songs. ‘It takes forever,’ said Jobs. ‘By the time you’ve gone through all that, the girl’s got up and left!’”
Adding more fuel to the fire, here’s what Gizmodo had to say about the widescreen iPod rumors:
“One thing’s for sure, if this widescreen iPod is released in the next two months, the Microsoft Zune with its old-fashioned 4×3 screen and crippled WiFi will be slam-dunked.”
digg story | methodshop
November 5th, 2006
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