Windows Live for Mobile updated, but still missing calendar sync
Microsoft on Wednesday announced an updated version of Windows Live for Windows Mobile, the company's client software for cell phones. But some users were still lamenting the lack of calendar syncing.
The mobile Windows Live client enables users to synchronize their Live contacts (such as those in Live Mail and Messenger) with their device, sync e-mail from Hotmail, respond to e-mails with voice recordings, and upload photos to Windows Live Spaces.
Internet Explorer 8 shipping this year, Windows 7 still on track
At Microsoft's Financial Analyst Meeting Thursday, Bill Veghte, who heads up the company's Windows and online services division, said that Windows 7 is progressing well and confirmed that Internet Explorer 8 will ship before the end of the year.
Beta 2 of IE8 is slated for release next month, with a focus on new features for consumers and IT professionals. The first beta -- released in March -- was focused largely on developers, and Microsoft said the long delay between betas was due to the heavy feedback it received.
Microsoft prepares to auto-deliver Windows Search 4.0 to Vista users
If you notice your hard drive crunching later this month while performing a menial task, fear not: it's just the new Windows Search software creating an index of your files. Microsoft plans to automatically deliver version 4.0 of the software, formerly Windows Desktop Search, to Vista users.
Windows Search 4.0 was released in June and Microsoft says it has "seen a good number of downloads, and a number of positive responses from customers." The advantage over Vista's built-in search function is one of performance, the company claims. The structure of the search index was completely redesigned to speed up locating items on the hard drive and networked PCs.
Microsoft promises data corruption fix in final Home Server Power Pack
7 months of beta testing later, Microsoft is finally ready to say it has squashed the data corruption bug that has plagued Windows Home Server since its launch last year, releasing the final build of Power Pack 1 to existing customers and OEMs.
The update to the company's operating system designed to function as a media server in the home was originally slated to include features such as backing up of shared folders, Vista x64 support, more efficient power consumption and improved performance. However, the release was delayed so Microsoft could figure out, and a include a fix for, the data corruption problem.
Activation problems delay sales during iPhone 3G premiere
9:50 am EDT July 11, 2008 - Customers at Apple Stores across the country were told to wait, as it appeared that Apple's iTunes system it is using to activate the iPhones on AT&Ts network crashed.
Unlike last year's premiere, all 3G iPhone activation must take place in-store, rather than enabling customers to activate their phones manually. Transactions are having to be re-run and are still failing, report customers from inside Apple Stores in Maryland and Michigan.
Eager iPhone 3G buyers begin all-night wait outside stores
The second-generation iPhone won't go on sale for another 9 hours, but some intrepid souls are already lining up outside AT&T and Apple stores to be among the first to use the device. We spoke with two as they began their night-long wait.
At an AT&T store in downtown Baltimore, which saw early morning lines form before last year's nighttime iPhone launch, was preparing for big crowds. Shortly after the close of the store at 8pm, plastic posts and chains were being setup to guide the expected line.
Beta test a portable Web browsing device
Centercode is seeking beta testers in the New York City metropolitan area to try out a new device that serves as a portable Web browser. It works via cellular network, but comes already activated and won't require you to switch from your current phone to participate.
Beta testers will still need to have a mobile phone with active service. Those selected will be contacted over the next week to verify their shipping address and sign the testing agreement. Please note that if you are selected, you will need to keep your participation in this test very private. To apply, visit the Centercode beta callout.
Apple set to profit from 3G iPhone due to cheaper parts, memory
Despite its new capabilities, the new 8 GB 3G iPhone will cost Apple $100 less than its predecessor a year ago, indicating the company is set to drastically increase its profit margin on the device thanks to its new arrangement with AT&T.
In a preliminary teardown by hardware analysis firm iSuppli of the 8 GB iPhone 3G -- Apple's less expensive model, at $199 retail through AT&T when it launches July 11 -- iSuppli estimated Apple's bill of materials (BOM) per unit totaled $173.00.
McAfee seeks beta testers for Total Protection suite
Security software vendor McAfee is seeking beta testers for its Total Protection suite, which combines 12 tools into one, much like Microsoft's Live OneCare and Symantec's Norton 360. Although the company doesn't specify, it's likely testing the 2009 edition of the product, which is version 3.0.
McAfee also has its Personal Vault software in beta, and those who join the company's beta program can try out both. Personal Vault, which is a new product that entered testing last year, encrypts files and folder with a password. McAfee's beta program is free and U.S. residents may be eligible to obtain rewards including gift cards or certificates and other prizes.
Mac OS X 10.5.3 update brings dozens of minor fixes
Apple has released Mac OS X 10.5.3, the third major update to Leopard that brings dozens of fixes to the operating system, many of which are quite minor. The biggest changes in the 420MB upgrade involve reliability of Time Machine backups and Spaces, along with a handful of corrected issues in Mail.
No specific security fixes are mentioned on Apple's list of changes, but the company does say 10.5.3 "includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac." The update is available now from Apple's download site or through Leopard's built in Software Update feature.
Gates says retirement from Microsoft means he'll still be around
Bill Gates is scheduled to retire from Microsoft on July 1, shifting his efforts over to his namesake foundation. But Wednesday night at the Wall Street Journal's D conference, Gates clarified what he means by "retirement."
In an informal question-and-answer session before his keynote with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during which the Windows 7 multi-touch interface was briefly demoed, Chairman Bill Gates said that he'll continue to spend 20 percent of his time on Microsoft projects. The remaining 80 percent of his time will be dedicated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation -- a swap from the 20 percent he devotes currently.
Can a touch-screen interface turn Windows around?
It's no secret that Windows Vista hasn't seen the warm reception Microsoft had hoped. With Windows 7, the company is placing its bets on a multi-touch interface -- like the iPhone UI for PCs. Could it change the public mood?
At The Wall Street Journal's 6th D: All Things Digital conference in Carlsbad, California Wednesday night, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer offered up a "small snippet" of the next version of Windows after Ballmer acknowledged that he wants to "do better" than Vista. A video showed how Microsoft is bringing the touch technology from its Surface table-tops to standard laptops and desktops.
With Kindles back in stock, Amazon drops price of ebook reader
Amazon has struggled to keep up with orders for its Kindle electronic book reader since the device debuted just before Thanksgiving, but with inventory back on hand, the retailer has lowered the price by 10 percent.
Wait times for customers to receive their Kindle sometimes reached months, leading Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to publish an open letter on the company's homepage in which he apologized for the delays. "We didn't expect the demand that actually materialized," Bezos wrote in March.
AT&T to speed up 3G network uploads by end of June
Leading US wireless carrier AT&T said Wednesday it would complete the roll-out of HSUPA technology on its 3G network by the end of June, which will boost possible upload speeds to 800 kilobits per second.
HSUPA will complement HSDPA, which has already reached all of the 275 markets currently served by AT&T's 3G network. The addition completes the company's deployment of HSPA technology, which will eventually make way for HSPA+ and at some point in the future, LTE.
Microsoft tries to lure Google, Yahoo searchers with cash
Microsoft wants you to start using Windows Live Search to shop instead of rivals Google and Yahoo, and in return is willing to pay you cash.
The new program, called Live Search cashback and rolled out at the Advance 08 advertising conference in San Francisco Wednesday morning, promises to pay back users who find and buy products using its search engine between 2% and 30% of the purchase price.
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