Microsoft WebMatrix

WebMatrix actually looks interesting, maybe I should give it a spin.

Cheap Way Out

Windows Live Messenger

virus_scanner.bat

@ECHO OFF
ECHO.

First looks: Microsoft Live Labs Pivot

I just got an invite to Microsoft Live Labs Pivot and I am currently testing it out. Although, I haven't found a practical use of it, it looks visually interesting. Other than that, this desktop application seems resource intensive.

Microsoft describes Pivot as follows: "Pivot makes it easier to interact with massive amounts of data in ways that are powerful, informative, and fun." It is difficult to pinpoint what exactly that means, because its doesn't seems like a search engine. Also, it is unclear if this has anything to do with the semantic web.

Pivot uses Trident, Seadragon and .NET. (In fact, this is quite apparent once you experience the app for yourself). It feels like a desktop version of Photosynth with images of data (as collections) instead of images of places.

Here are some screenshots:

Office 2010: The Movie

Oh yeah, that's for Office 2010. Now get ready for Office on the Web.

Bill Gates, Seinfeld, Microsoft and Nothing

Official Explanation:

After seeing the new ad from Microsoft, which debuted today, some may wonder what Jerry Seinfeld helping Bill Gates pick out a new pair of shoes has to do with software. The answer, in the classic Seinfeld sense of the word, is nothing. Nevertheless, the spot is the first and most visible sign of an ambitious effort by Microsoft’s Windows business to reconnect with consumers around the globe.

See also: LA Times' Analysis

This is non-sequitur.

Virtual Earth

Virtual Earth is simply awesome. If you computer has problems rendering, try this video which shows you a helicopter-like tour using Virtual Earth.


Anyway, I am still trying to find a way to install IE 7...

Windows Live Dashboard

Windows Live Dashboard, which is part of Windows Live Essentials. Its nothing more than a small program that displays what you have installed. And Microsoft invited me to download this program.


Apple updates: the news about iTV and the iPod Nano remastered is all over the web. But don't forget to check out the presentation itself.

Apology from Microsoft

This is a follow up post to the previous post on the Windows Vista Speech Recognition Demo.
Now, Larry Osterman, a Microsoft techie has finally admitted to the mistake. That, requires a lot of courage. Its also good to see that Microsoft programmers have taken to blogging to stay in touch with the end-users.

Windows Vista Speech Recognition Demo Gone Awry

Indeed, this is what M$ can come up with?

Microsoft Live Labs: Photosynth

For once... this Microsoft idea looks really cool...

Photosynth takes a large collection of photos of a place or object, analyzes them for similarities, and displays them in a reconstructed 3-Dimensional space.

With Photosynth you can:

• Walk or fly through a scene to see photos from any angle.
• Seamlessly zoom in or out of a photograph whether it’s megapixels or gigapixels in size.
• See where pictures were taken in relation to one another.
• Find similar photos to the one you’re currently viewing.
• Explore a custom tour.
• Send a collection to a friend.

Don't miss out the video demo. (Currently, there is no application for you to download yet.)

Anyway, if this idea takes off... (it will if there is enough support from the bosses at Microsoft), we can be sure that its going to be cooler than Google Earth. Talk about phototourism.

A little Microsoft humor...

Microsoft Office Live Basics

http://officelive.microsoft.com/officelivebasic.aspx

Apparently Microsoft is having this programme called "Microsoft Office Live". There are 3 types of products: Basics, Collaboration, and Essentials. All are free during beta, but only Basics is free "during and after beta".

An extract from the site:

during and after beta

Sign up now

Create an effective Web site and more:

• Your own domain name
  (for example, www.northwindtraders.com)
• Easy-to-use design tools
• Five e-mail accounts
• Web site traffic reports

See preview | Learn more

However, at the "Registration Complete" page, there is this line:

At this time, our beta is open to U.S. residents only.

Looks interesting... hope it will continue to remain as it is...

Office 12

On Nov 16, Microsoft released the technical beta of Office 12 to 10,000 customers.

Well... for those who did not have a chance to take part in the beta,
I managed to get a look (open in New Window first) at what the beta page looks like.
(Special thanks to Pak Chuen for this.)

Office Live (Beta)

I received this in the Microsoft Inside Office newsletter today:

Microsoft Office Live is coming
Office Live is a suite of hosted services that helps small businesses create a professional online presence. It also automates processes such as employee management, payroll, and more. Be part of the free limited beta program. Register now at www.officelive.com.

But the small print on the website says:

*At this time, participation in the Microsoft Office Live Beta services program is open to U.S. residents only. Due to the number of requests received for this beta, we cannot guarantee participation for every registrant. If you are selected as a beta participant, you will receive an e-mail message from us with further information.