Windows 7 to launch October 22

According to CNET, Microsoft confirmed on Tuesday that it is planning for Windows 7 to hit retail shelves and start showing up on new PCs on October 22.

To reach that milestone, Microsoft plans to wrap up development of the operating system by the middle or end of next month, Senior Vice President Bill Veghte said in an interview.

Microsoft also confirmed, without giving details, that it plans to offer some sort of "technology guarantee" giving those who buy Vista machines close to the Windows 7 launch a free or discounted copy of the new operating system. As with past similar programs, details on pricing will be up to individual computer makers, although Microsoft did say the upgrade program will apply to Vista Home Premium and higher-priced editions (meaning not Windows Vista Basic).

Source: CNET News

Technorati Tags: Windows 7,Microsoft

Full Body Motion Control for the Xbox with “Project Natal”

As we previously reported on May 25th, at the E3 Expo, Microsoft unveiled “Project Natal” which is a whole new way to interact with your Xbox 360. Like Nintendo’s Wii, Natal lets you control a game using motion, but unlike the Wii – very unlike it, in fact –  you don’t hold any sort of controllers or sensors in order to do so.

Instead, the bar that sits above or below your TV has a camera, sensors, and a microphone within its casing. In other words, it can see you and your movements. It even does facial and voice recognition and lets you swipe through screens by moving your hands (how “Minority Report” is that!).

Watch video below!!!

Source: Channel 10

Technorati Tags: xbox,xbox 360

1-800-Bing-411

 

Alongside the launch of the new search engine Bing, another free service called Bing 411 also debuted. As you may have guessed by its name, the service lets you call a phone number and get free 411 information (available in the U.S. only). Just like the standard, paid 411 service, you begin your call by saying your city and state and then you tell Bing 411 what business listing or other information you’re looking for. The service will attempt to locate the information and then it will connect you or you can choose to receive a text message instead.

To try Bing 411 yourself, call 1-800-Bing-411 (1-800-246-4411) for free

Source: Channel 10

Technorati Tags: microsoft,bing,411

No Hotmail with Outlook Express after September 1st

If you are using Microsoft Office Outlook, Outlook Express, or Entourage to view your Windows Live Hotmail, the DAV protocol retirement may affect you. Microsoft is changing the way these programs access Hotmail e-mail which will require you to take action. We’ll be sending a note to customers who are likely affected to remind them to take action.

To continue to receive e-mail from your Hotmail account in your mail program, please select one of the alternative solutions below before September 1, 2009. After this date, new e-mail can only be delivered to your mail programs through the following alternative solutions. However, you can continue to view your e-mail via the web at http://mail.live.com or http://www.hotmail.com.

If you use Microsoft Office Outlook to view Hotmail, you can download Office Outlook Connector for free to continue accessing your Hotmail within Outlook 2003 or 2007. If you’re using Outlook 2002, you will need to change the settings in your Outlook program. Click here to learn more.

If you use Outlook Express to view Hotmail, you can choose to download Windows Live Mail (recommended) for free or change the settings on your program to access your Hotmail within Outlook Express. Click here to learn more about your options.

If you use Entourage to view Hotmail, you will need to change the settings in your program to continue receiving Hotmail messages in Entourage. Click here to learn more.

Source: Windows Live Blog

Technorati Tags: outlook express,microsoft,hotmail

Add Bing to Internet Explorer Search Bar

Internet Explorer (IE) 7 or 8 users can get the new Bing search helper add-on from ieaddons.com.

The add-on provides search suggestions, as in the screenshot above.

Technorati Tags: microsoft,bing

Announcing Bing Travel!

Live Search Farecast has joined forces with MSN Travel to become Bing Travel, one of the largest travel destinations on the Web. Preview us today.

Bing is built to help you cut through the clutter of the Web and connect with the information you need to make better decisions.

Comparison shopping for travel. Shop flights and hotels from hundreds of providers for destinations worldwide. Our planning tools will allow you to decide when and where to travel. Our Price Predictor will tell you when’s the right time to buy airline tickets, and our hotel Rate Indicator will show you where to stay.

When it's time to take a trip, Bing is the only site you need. In addition to Bing Travel, Bing Shopping is where you can start your search for everything from a new camera to a new wardrobe for your trip. Bing Local will help you decide which restaurants to visit, and Bing Health will answer your questions about staying well while you're on the road.

Source: Kumo Travel Communications (notice the screenshot below)

Technorati Tags: microsoft,bing,bing travel

Bing.com launches in multiple geographies

Bing.com – Microsoft’s rebranded search decision engine has launched today in multiple countries.

The screenshot above is from the Greek version of Bing.com, depicting the beautiful island of Santorini (planning for vacation there?).

The first impressions of Bing look very promising.

Technorati Tags: bing,santorini