Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software
March 6, 2008
Apple today previewed its iPhone 2.0 software, scheduled for release in June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.
“We’re excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone’s enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device.”
With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. The iPhone SDK will allow developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone’s groundbreaking Multi-Touch™ user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver truly innovative mobile applications.
Apple has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that iPhone will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists. Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. The iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.
The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications—including free—and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.
During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple’s new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year.
In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.
[Source: Apple]
Microsoft Announce Office Live Workspace
March 4, 2008
Microsoft today announced the public availability of Microsoft Office Live Workspace beta (http://workspace.officelive.com), the new Web-based extension of Microsoft Office that lets people access their documents online and share their work with others. Office Live Workspace was among the first entries in the new wave of online services in Microsoft’s software plus services vision previewed last fall.
Office Live Workspace is now available worldwide in English. People can sign up for free at http://workspace.officelive.com and will be granted immediate access to the service. Microsoft is also unveiling a number of new Office Live Workspace features, such as an activity panel, notifications, direct links and multifile upload.
“Today’s announcement moves us further down the path of bringing a software plus services experience to people at home, work and school,” said Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division. By combining the rich client experience of Microsoft Office with flexible, intuitive service offerings, we’re providing seamless computing experiences for our 500 million Office users worldwide.”
Access Anywhere, Share and Extend the Microsoft Office Experience
Office Live Workspace lets people organise documents and projects online and work on them from almost any computer. People can save more than 1,000 Microsoft Office documents to one place online,* and access and share them via the Web. They can view and comment on documents in the browser as well as create simple Web lists and Web notes, and share documents in real time through integration with Microsoft SharedView.
Microsoft has also added several new features to Office Live Workspace, based in part on feedback from early beta participants:
| • | Activity panel. A new activity panel shows all the activity in a workspace at a glance. |
| • | Notifications. People can now receive e-mail notifications about changes made to their workspaces or documents. |
| • | Direct links. People can now bookmark their workspace or a workspace item via a unique URL in a browser window. |
| • | Multi-file upload. People can now upload several files simultaneously by simply dragging and dropping from their desktop. |
| • | Improved sharing. New sharing functionality includes an easier user interface and auto-completion of e-mail addresses. |
Transform your Windows User Interface with Cairo
February 23, 2008
Cairo on Wednesday have confirmed that the Alpha testing selections have gone out for the Windows UI software
With Cairo you can transform your desktop from the dated Windows user-interface to a brand new system that will change the way you use your computer forever. Taking advantage of proven functionality, and with stability and performance in mind, the Cairo Desktop system aims to give users a productive and easy to use shell that advances current technology standards. Welcome to the Revolution.
Cairo was originally created by Michael Ciarlo as a simple project containing a floating taskbar and hovering ’start’ menu. After a few weeks of work Michael abandoned the project; it had no future as a Samurize shell replacement and was limited by the program’s abilities.
A few weeks after development ended on the Samurize shell, Joseph LaFountain contacted Michael and offered to help develop the project in a different format: Desktop X. Accepting the offer, the two began working on concepts for the new Cairo shell. Once the project shifted away from the original floating taskbar and start menu concepts, both developers knew that Desktop X would not be an appropriate development platform. Days later, concept work began for a shell written in C#. Cairo was on its way to revolutionizing the Windows desktop.
Today, Cairo is being developed by a wonderful team of designers and programmers who all share a common goal: to redefine the desktop experience. Guided by fundamental design principles and attention to every detail, the following individuals distinguish Cairo as a leading shell replacement with their determination, wisdom, and selflessness.
From the early screens this is looking very nice can’t wait to get my hands on it to try..
XBOX Live Friends Application for the iPhone
February 22, 2008
This iPhone application allows you to check in on your fellow XBOX 360 gamers from just about anywhere. From 1337pwn this application can display gamer scores and online status for your friends list.
Features
- View Gamer Score, Online Status, and Game Info
- Send a message via XBOX Live by tapping on the gamer picture
- Tap on their last played game for game information
- Edit your list of gamers at any time
- Purpose built for mobile Safari web browsers
Point your iPhone’s browser at http://1337pwn.com/iphone.php to get going
Microsoft to buy Yahoo?
February 1, 2008
The BBC are reporting that Microsoft has offered to buy the search engine company for $44.6bn in cash and shares
The BBC go on to say The offer, contained in a letter to Yahoo’s board, is 62% above Yahoo’s closing share price on Thursday. Yahoo cut its revenue forecasts earlier this week and said it would have to spend an additional $300m this year trying to revive the company. It has been struggling in recent years to compete with Google, which has also been a competitor to Microsoft.
“We have great respect for Yahoo, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market,” Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said.
More news to follow
Microsoft & Dell go Red to fight against AIDS
January 27, 2008
Dell and Microsoft will offer customers a simple way to make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Africa through the purchase of unique (PRODUCT) RED branded personal computers and a printer. Adding to the premium experience, all Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs are powered by Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED. Dell is the exclusive partner for PCs and peripherals for (PRODUCT) RED.
Dell (PRODUCT) RED products will be available at http://www.dell.com/joinred and at Best Buy stores throughout the United States by the end of the week. Beginning Jan. 31, they also will be available through Dell in nearly 30 additional countries.(RED), launched in 2006, is a brand designed to engage business and consumer power in the fight against AIDS in Africa. To date, (RED) partners have contributed more than $57 million to the Global Fund based on the sale of (PRODUCT) RED products. (RED) funds are at work on the ground in Rwanda, Swaziland and Ghana.
With each purchase of a (PRODUCT) RED branded Dell personal computer including Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED, Dell and Microsoft will make a combined contribution of $50 to $80, depending on the PC purchased, to the Global Fund. Purchase of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED printer generates a $5 Dell contribution. One hundred percent of the funds contributed go to Global Fund-financed grants in Africa.
An $80 contribution generated by the choice of a Dell (PRODUCT) RED all-in-one PC with Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED is equivalent to more than six months of life-saving antiretroviral treatment for an individual living with AIDS in Africa.
“The computer has revolutionised our lives; the (RED) Dell Microsoft partnership goes a step further with PCs which channel money to the Global Fund,” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “It’s a truly beautiful idea that the purchase of a stylish PC can put someone on lifesaving ARV treatment for six months.”
Dell (PRODUCT) RED products are distinguished by their vibrant red colour and accents, and distinctive (PRODUCT) RED branding. All Dell (PRODUCT) RED PCs feature Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED includes six unique desktop wallpapers, a screensaver, two Windows Sidebar gadgets and a (RED)-themed Windows DreamScene.
Dell (PRODUCT) RED products include the following:
| • | XPS™ One (PRODUCT) RED. The elegant, simple and space-saving XPS One combines multimedia computing with high style, high-definition television and entertainment, and is a distinctive addition to any room in the home. Starting at $1,599. (Purchase contributes $80 to the Global Fund) |
| • | XPS™ M1330 (PRODUCT) RED. With a starting weight of just under 4 pounds and featuring an ultrathin 0.9-inch profile, the award-winning XPS M1330 notebook features a high-definition 13.3-inch display, full-sized keyboard, built-in Wi-Fi and optional mobile broadband wireless for connecting on the go. Starting at $1,149. (Purchase contributes $50 to the Global Fund) |
| • | XPS™ M1530 (PRODUCT) RED. The XPS M1530 is a sleek and stylish 15.4-inch notebook that is loaded with premium features such as built-in webcam and fingerprint reader, and design accents such as touch-sensitive multimedia buttons and brushed aluminum accents. Starting at $1,149. (Purchase contributes $50 to the Global Fund) |
| • | 948 All-in-One Printer (PRODUCT) RED. The 948 printer features easy-to-use fax, scan, copy and print functions and photo printing options — available with or without connection to a computer. Starting at $149. (Purchase contributes $5 to the Global Fund). |
“The combination of Microsoft, (RED) and Dell means consumers can help in the fight against AIDS in Africa by buying a great Dell PC that comes loaded with the best version of Windows Vista, with each purchase funding up to six months of life-saving drugs for someone in Africa through the Global Fund,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. “The (RED) business model is a powerful way for consumers to use their purchasing power to help bring about positive change in the world, and we are pleased to have Windows Vista Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED be an engine for that change.”
MediaCart, Microsoft and Wakefern Create Digital Grocery Shopping
January 15, 2008
MediaCart, Microsoft and Wakefern Food Corporation announced today, at the National Retail Federations Annual Convention & Expo, that Wakefern plans to pilot MediaCart’s next-generation computerised shopping carts for potential rollout to all ShopRite stores. The early pilot, conducted with Wakefern in its ShopRite stores, The nine-month pilot with Wakefern began in the spring of 2007. Microsoft’s Atlas Division will provide video ad serving on the MediaCart grocery cart screen, providing advertisers with the opportunity to reach shoppers at the point of purchase, and providing ShopRite customers with a more personalised shopping experience.
“In working with companies like MediaCart, we’re continuing to push the envelope in the digital advertising realm to enable new and innovative ways for advertisers and agencies to create brand loyalty and engage with their target audiences in a highly relevant, measurable and targeted way,” said Scott Ferris, general manager of the Advertiser and Publisher Solutions Group at Microsoft. “Digital advertising opportunities are expanding rapidly into new areas, as many of consumers’ daily activities, such as shopping, become increasingly ‘connected,’ and Microsoft is committed to working with advertisers and agencies to take advantage of these opportunities as they unfold.”
By using Microsoft technologies, the MediaCart solution will enable anonymous ad targeting through data obtained through ShopRite’s customer loyalty card program. A shopper would scan his or her card at the MediaCart, and receive ads and promotional offers based on past purchases and/or saved shopping lists that could be uploaded from a home PC. No personally identifiable information will be shared with Microsoft, MediaCart or any advertiser as part of the ad serving process. The technology will also provide advertisers with reporting and analytics capabilities to assess performance of the ads in the stores.
In addition to the advertising shoppers will receive, they will also be able to save time and money with MediaCart-equipped shopping carts by obtaining electronic coupons, locating products in the store, performing comparative price checks, viewing store specials in aisle as they shop, viewing recipes and nutritional information, shopping using an electronic shopping list that is presented in aisle order, totaling the cost of the items in their baskets before checkout, and expediting the checkout using the cart-level checkout feature. This enhanced shopping experience helps differentiate ShopRite in the marketplace and drives brand and customer loyalty.
In addition to Microsoft’s Atlas technologies, the MediaCart solution is also built on Microsoft Windows CE and Microsoft SQL Server. Trials of the MediaCart solution are expected to begin in ShopRite stores in the second half of 2008.
Put Facebook Faces in Outlook
January 15, 2008
OutSync is a Windows application that lets you syncs photos of your Facebook friends with matching contacts in Microsoft Outlook. It allows you to select which contacts are updated. So you can update all contacts at once or just a few at a time.
The benefit of OutSync is for Windows Mobile users. Updated contacts are automatically synced with Windows Mobile devices by Exchange server or ActiveSync. Thus new and fun photos appear during calls and other places where contacts are used.
Here is the Channel 10 Video with a 10 min demo, note you will need silverlight to view it.
Sync your Facebook contacts with Outlook (and Windows Mobile)
Looking for Desktop Blogging Software?
January 8, 2008
How do you write your blog posts? do you use the online interface, or a 3rd party application, I’ve listed a few good desktop blogging software applications, if you know of any more please add them.
Microsoft to buy Fast Search & Transfer
January 8, 2008
Microsoft today announced that it will make an offer to acquire Fast Search & Transfer ASA, provider of enterprise search solutions, through a cash tender offer for 19.00 Norwegian kroner (NOK) per share. This offer represents a 42 percent premium to the closing share price on Jan. 4, 2008 (the last trading day prior to this announcement), and values the fully diluted equity of FAST at 6.6 billion NOK (or approximately $1.2 billion U.S.). FAST’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept the offer. In addition, shareholders representing in aggregate 37 percent of the outstanding shares, including FAST’s two largest institutional shareholders, Orkla ASA and Hermes Focus Asset Management Europe, have irrevocably undertaken to accept the offer. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of calendar year 2008.
“Enterprise search is becoming an indispensable tool to businesses of all sizes, helping people find, use and share critical business information quickly,” said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division. “Until now organisations have been forced to choose between powerful, high-end search technologies or more mainstream, infrastructure solutions. The combination of Microsoft and FAST gives customers a new choice: a single vendor with solutions that span the full range of customer needs.”
The companies possess a number of complementary strengths that advance a shared vision for helping businesses deliver information worker productivity and improved business results. FAST has a deep talent pool and is respected throughout the technology industry for its expertise in best-in-class, high-end search solutions. Microsoft offers worldwide customer reach and an extensive partner network, and is the recognised leader in business productivity with the popular Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, which combines search with best-in-class collaboration, business intelligence, portal and content management capabilities.
“This acquisition gives FAST an exciting way to spread our cutting-edge search technologies and innovations to more and more organisations across the world,” said John Lervik, CEO of FAST. “By joining Microsoft, we can benefit from the momentum behind the SharePoint business productivity platform to really empower a broader set of users through Microsoft’s strong sales and marketing network. It validates FAST’s momentum and leadership in enterprise search.”
In addition to bolstering Microsoft’s enterprise search efforts, this acquisition increases Microsoft’s research and development presence in Europe, complementing existing research teams in Cambridge, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark, with new and significant capabilities in Norway.
The offer will be subject to customary terms and conditions, including receipt of acceptances representing more than 90 percent of FAST shares and voting power on a fully diluted basis, and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals on terms acceptable to Microsoft. The complete details of the offer, including all terms and conditions, will be contained in the offer document, which is expected to be sent to FAST shareholders during the week of Jan. 14, 2008. The offer will not be made in any jurisdiction in which the making of the offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
