Microsoft is Adding Google Chat to Outlook.com
Microsoft revealed today that it is adding yet another new feature to Outlook.com: Google Chat compatibility. Soon, you’ll be able to chat with your Google friends in addition to those with Skype and Facebook.
Microsoft Surface Firmware Updates for May 2013
Each month since the release of the first Surface tablet, Microsoft has issued firmware updates that improve the devices. And May is no different: Today, the firm is releasing firmware updates for Surface RT and Surface Pro. It’s the 7th straight month they’ve done so.
Windows Phone Book: Messaging 0.8
I’ve updated Chapter 7: Messaging in Windows Phone Book to the new task-based approach. This is one of the first chapters I wrote for the book, back in late 2012, and this version is significantly cleaned up and shortened.
City of Boston Drops Microsoft for Google
Last week, the City of Boston announced that it was making "a move to the cloud" by adopting Google Apps for all city workers and schools. Google Apps will replace "multiple aging on-premises email systems currently in use"—read: "Exchange Server"—and will even save the city money each year, it's claimed. This is disappointing, and I think that the City of Boston is making a huge mistake.
It’s Official: Windows 8.1 “Blue” will be Free
Microsoft’s Tami Reller appeared publicly today and reveal that Windows 8.1 “Blue” would indeed be made available for free to existing Windows 8 and Windows RT customers when it ships later this year. And as expected, a public preview release of the OS update will be made available in late June, when Microsoft holds its BUILD developer conference.
Nokia Lumia 925 Preview
Nokia on Tuesday announced the Lumia 925, its second major Lumia 920 derivative and the first Lumia to sport an aluminum rather than polycarbonate body. Available internationally and on T-Mobile in the US in June, the Lumia 925 isn’t the PureView monster we were hoping for, but is rather another evolutionary step for Windows Phone 8 handsets.
Samsung Claims 5G Wireless Technology Breakthrough
Samsung this week claimed to have made a technological breakthrough that will enable true 5G wireless networks with speeds “several hundred times faster” than today’s wireless networks. The catch? It won’t be commercially available until as late as 2020.
Introducing Amazon Cloud Player for Windows Desktop
So this is interesting. For the past several months I’ve been clamoring for Amazon to release a Cloud Player mobile app for Windows 8/RT (“Metro”) and Windows Phone 8. Nothing on that front, yet, but today Amazon surprised me with a Cloud Player application … for the Windows desktop.
Did Google Just One-Up SkyDrive for Free Storage?
Google today announced that users of its free Gmail, Google+ Photos and Google Drive customers will receive a combined 15 GB of storage which they can split as needed between the three services. This offering somewhat exceeds the 7 GB of free storage that Microsoft provides to SkyDrive users. Did Google just one-up Microsoft?
Microsoft Improves the SkyDrive Photos Experience
Microsoft today announced several new features for SkyDrive that make it easier for users to upload and manage their photos in the cloud storage service. The improvement comes a week after the firm revealed that over 250 million people actively use the service.
Skype Updated for Windows Desktop and Windows Phone 8
Skype today released minor updates to its Windows desktop application and Windows Phone 8 app. But the Microsoft business unit noted that it is still trying to address some key issues with the Windows Phone 8 app, with fixes to come at a later date.
Another Nokia Tease: More Than Your Eyes Can See
I enjoy Nokia’s recent efforts at teasing new phones. But the most recent teaser—a short video that focuses on the camera in an upcoming and unnamed new Lumia handset—had better result in a device that matches the hype.
Microsoft Reportedly Offers to Buy NOOK for $1 Billion
A report claims that Microsoft is close to purchasing Barnes & Noble’s NOOK business for $1 billion. But Microsoft apparently isn’t interested in the chain’s struggling eBook reader devices. Instead, the firm is looking to obtain NOOK’s digital assets, which it could integrate into its growing digital content ecosystem.
New Coke?
Microsoft’s communications chief has a tough job these days, and with Windows 8 is under attack from all sides he’s bravely called for a return to the center and a less partisan conversation about the new OS. There’s just one problem: The periodicals he’s called out for engaging in “sensationalism and hyperbole” are in fact right about Microsoft’s strategy. And ignoring that is the real problem.
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