Microsoft and T-Mobile Need Data Backup Advice

Microsoft? Microsoft needs advice about backing up mobile (cellphone and smartphone) user data? Yes! Especially when we're talking about Danger/T-Mobile's Sidekick devices which are designed to essentially store little except for whatever happens to be in the device's active memory while it's still turned on. On Thursday October 15, a catastrophic server upgrade (or change or modification or something) resulted in widespread data loss which, over the past five days, Microsoft has been battling hard to restore. Last week, most news items about this fiasco were stating flatly that user data (address books, logins and password, bookmarks/favorites, notes, etc., etc.) were likely lost forever. Good for Microsoft for not taking 'dead' for an answer. So far, according to Microsoft's Roz Ho no data has been restored. Word from the always-ready-to-snipe-at-Microsoft AppleInsider seems rather scary, especially the allusions to internecine internal warfare in the mobile development group at Microsoft. Forget the hype though because even a half-volume assessment of internal politics at Microsoft might help to explain why the Windows Mobile operating system has never worked well (or in some cases at all) for me. If you're using an affected T-Mobile Sidekick, do not turn off the device until such time as data restoration begins. What a mess. Some may feel it's all a whole lot o' nuthin' going on. Unfortunately, data storage in the so-called cloud (read: on a remote server somewhere as opposed to your own device or Mac/PC or laptop or external hard drives) must be faultless and essentially foolproof, with multiple security checks in place and made in order to ensure that no individual has the power to undertake a change or an upgrade which might endanger customer data, private information and so on. What a mess. Let the class-action suits begin!

Windows 7 out in the wild

Last month, Microsoft released Windows 7 (the successor to Vista) to select beta testers. The evolutionary update to Vista is supposed to be shown at the upcoming CES show. The beta was leaked on some bit torrent sites and many have thought that Microsoft let this happen to dispel some of the rumors and change the public perception that the new OS is better, more reliable and stable - if Microsoft did this, it's a great marketing ploy. Early reports back of the current beta have indicated a much easier install and improved stability over its predecessor. All the hold outs from XP will have to jump ship eventually, and Windows 7 is looking functional enough to finally allow you to do so. You can't purchase the new OS yet, but if you're looking to upgrade, check out Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 Upgrade

Microsoft Blacks Out Desktops Of Chinese Pirates

Microsoft are engaged in a new tactic which targets Chinese users of pirated copies of Windows XP. The Tactic involves blacking out the destop of these users every 60 minutes with a message reminding the user to "upgrade" to a legit copy of XP. Thanks to arstechnica.com for the lead.

Microsoft Goes After Scareware Vendor

Microsoft and Washington State teamed up to fight against scareware, targeting one vendor specifically. James Reed McCreary IV is the sole director of Branch Software, which created Registry Cleaner XP, he is also the CEO of hosting company Alpha Red. Registry Cleaner XP is a Scareware program which is sold by using underhanded techniques in the form of false error alerts to scare end users into buying this completely useless and unnecessary utility. The user is led to believe that they need the program to correct a nonexistent error within the operating system. It's about time parasites like Branch are taken to task by organizations with deep enough pockets to stay the course. Bravo MS!

SkyMarket WiMo App Store

Windows Mobile has been lacking what Apple have with their app store. It seems that Microsoft's solution will be to launch Skymarket. Although there are several sites that do a good job of listing apps that are available for Windows Mobile however with Skymarket set to launch with Windows Mobile 7 it'll be nice to be able to get your apps all in one place.

IE8 Beta Wows Reviewers

After so many years of grumbling from users of IE, it seems that Microsoft are finally paying attention. The latest Beta of IE8 seems to have hit a positive note with many reviewers. The updated browser includes many features that are making the browser look like a real competitor in the market as opposed to just something to replace. With features like Suggestions, Accelerators, Tabs and InPrivate, there has obviously been a lot of effort expended on improving the users experience of the web when using IE. Ars Technica conver a lot of these improvements in this article. Other articles cover the security, stability, and privacy features. I'm really hoping something will be done to tackle the memory problems.

Microsoft Zune Phone

Microsoft are rumoured to be producing a Zune based phone. There are several sites speculating on this at the moment, including crunchgear and gizmodo, but nothing concrete in the way of any announcements from Microsoft. The problem with this kind of speculation is that it leads nowhere and is hardly newsworthy. The iPhone may be making some folks think in a me too way but I'm of the opinion that if you want to make a decent alternative to the iPhone and its competitors, it'll take some serious design thinking and innovation and a look at the few mistakes made in the design and implementation of existing models.

Vista VS OS-X

For those of you who are interested or even bothered, ExtremeTech have an ongoing discussion happening at their forums. It's an interesting and honest comparison, however it's bound to ruffle some feathers.

Microsoft Launch MSN Video

Microsoft has announced the launch of a new social video service which is tightly integrated with it Windows Live Messenger instant messaging service. "MessengerTV," is initially only available in 20 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico. Funny enough it is not yet available in the US. The service offers content from MSN Video's collection, this includes TV shows, music videos, and a selection of the web's viral content from third party providers.

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price Cuts For Some Eastern Markets

Microsoft announced that they will be discounting the Xbox 360 in four of its five Asian markets. They are hoping that this will continue expand their market share. There are currently over 19 million Xbox owners.

XP SP3 RTM - April 29th Availability

Microsoft have confirmed that they have released XP Service Pack 3 to manufacturing. It will also be in Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center on April 29th.

XP Available Till 2010

Microsoft have announced that Windows XP Home will be available to OEMs until at least June 2010. Microsoft is very clearly recognisisng that consumers and manufacturers are not seeing much in the way of benefit in migrating to Windows Vista. I still haven't seen it necessary to use Vista on my boxes and laptop.

Microsoft iPhone Like Interface...

According to i4u.com and Dial a phone, Microsoft have file a patent for a UI which may be designed for Windows Mobile devices and which looks very similar to that of the iPhone.

Jobs and Gates Meet & Chat

Last Wednesday night, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates had an intimate sit-down, in which they chatted and shared with an audience much in the way of the history and relationship between Apple, Microsoft and each other. Engadget have posted a review of the meet, so to read more, visit here.

Microsoft To Issue Seven Security Patches

According to Information Week, Microsoft are slated to release Seven patches next week, Three security bulletins are related to Office, two for Windows. Exchange is affected by one, as is Microsoft BizTalk business process management server and Capicom, a Microsoft ActiveX control. Microsoft said that next thursday they will also provide an update to their Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. The company is additionally planning to release one high-priority non-security update on Windows Update as well as six high-priority non-security updates through Microsoft Update.

Spotlight On . . . Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

These days plenty of doctors are prescribing ergonomic keyboards in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries caused by unnatural typing positions. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is decked out in black, with a soft palm rest made of very durable and washable synthetic, plus an array of system control and web browser navigation keys positioned above the F-keys. Professional keyboards such as the Kinesis Maxim offer adjustments for keyboard split angle, lateral angle, vertical angle, and tent angle. The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 offers only vertical angle adjustment using hinged feet, in addition to the fixed split key layout and moderate fixed vertical tenting. The supplied Intellitype keyboard driver installs a configuration tab in the Windows Control Panel keyboard applet so that you can assign and configure the extra control and navigation keys. The gently curved key split reduces wrist pronation and the tent angle provides a noticeably more natural wrist and forearm position. The key layout conforms to Microsoft's standard which pairs Insert/Delete, Home/End and Page Up/PageDown in a double row. The numeric keypad is on the right side. An F-Lock key is provided to activate alternate key functions. Indicator LEDs for Caps, Num, F and Scroll Lock are located between the split key layout. Most of the key caps are concave, so strikes feel generally accurate. But the Ctrl keys are flat and the space bar and Alt keys have slightly convex tops which are disconcerting to some users. General home users, general business users, students and gamers should get good use out of this one, but medium to heavy duty typists still need a professional keyboard such as the Kinesis Maxim or the Goldtouch. 3 out of 5 stars

Microsoft To End Sales Of XP In Jan 2008

Despite problems with Vista, Microsoft are planning to end the availability of Windows XP for sale with systems from January 2008. This means that all Windows PCs offered for sale after that date are going to have Windows Vista installed. This decision applies to all versions of Windows XP. Manufacturers like HP, Dell, Toshiba, and others will no longer be able to offer new systems with pre-installed versions of Windows XP.

Microsoft Sued Over Vista Capable Marketing...

A Seattle based law firm is spearheading a lawsuit which claims Microsoft of allowing PC manufacturers to label computers as "Vista capable" when they're barely able to run even the most basic version of Vista. Shame on you Microsoft and fellow Rogues...

Microsoft Announces Three Halo 3 Editions

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios released details on their upcoming Halo 3 title for the Xbox 360. Gamers will have their choice of the Standard Edition for $60, a Limited Edition $70 or the Legendary Edition which will come complete with a Spartan helmet case, along with two bonus disks full of supplemental content for $130. Gamers who purchase the Legendary Edition will also receive a collection of original “Halo 3” storyboard art from artist Lee Wilson, from the cinematic production of Halo.