Here’s a picture of Ballmer made entirely of individual photos of infamous PC Blue Screen of Deaths.
Look after the break to see the photo in more detail.
[Via Gizmodo]
Tag Archives: Microsoft
Facebook comes to PS3 (and Xbox 360) today
Seems like Facebook is infiltrating all of our favorite gadgets these days: computers, cell phones, iPods, and now video game consoles.
Facebook capabilities are now available on the Playstation 3 today via the (free) 3.10 firmware update. Sony is pressing that this is the first of many Facebook features coming to the PS3. For now, FB on PS3 will enable users to share their Trophy and Playstation Store activity in their Facebook News Feeds. Also, publishers are given the option to send game-specific information from the console to users’ News Feeds. Other Facebook features, basics such as status updates and photo sharing, are not included with this update. Hopefully future updates will bring these features to life. For now, Sony advises its users to make use of the PS3’s browser to log-in and fully utilize Facebook that way for the time being. Other new updates with 3.10 include a new way to orgainze and view your photos in a gallery and customization options in your PSN Friends List (you can color your PSN ID).
And don’t forget: also available today (via a free download) is the Xbox 360 dashboard update that includes full-blown Facebook integration, Twitter, last.fm, and Zune (video) marketplace additions with HD (1080p) instant-on streaming. What are you waiting for? Get social network’d.
[Via Engadget; Playstation EU Blog]
Long-awaited Xbox 360 dashboard update is coming November 17
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We’ve known for quite some time now about the next Xbox dashboard update coming to Xbox Live subscribers. Here’s a refresher for those of you not in the loop: Facebook/Twitter integration, last.fm, Zune (video) Marketplace, and instant-HD (1080p/5.1 channel) streaming. The new press release (in full after the break) sheds light on new additions:
In addition to these social features, Xbox LIVE will also be debuting “News and More,” a new section of the “Inside Xbox” channel, transforming Xbox LIVE into a full-fledged media portal. With a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert, “News and More” brings the latest in current events, arts and entertainment right to your fingertips.
[Via Engadget]
Continue reading Long-awaited Xbox 360 dashboard update is coming November 17
Rumor alert: Project Natal gets priced, dated, and further detailed
Here’s the scoop, Coop. Details surrounding the anticipatory launch of Microsoft’s codenamed Project Natal has apparently been leaked from a “behind-closed-door meetings in the UK between Microsoft and third party developers.” According to the leak source, Natal will launch in November 2010 from a low, low price anywhere between $50-$80, thus making it quite the “impulse buy.” Natal will come packaged with an initial set of 14 games. Microsoft will manufacture 5 million units (that includes standalone and bundled-with-Xb0x 360s units) for a worldwide launch. Pretty sweet if you ask me.
[Via Gizmodo]
Microsoft employee bids $35,000 to tour boss’s (Bill Gates’) home
Microsoft holds an annual charity campaign. When fall comes around MS “donates products, services, and experiences” for their elite employees to bid on. It’s a yearly extravaganza when it comes to watching for the highest bid to tour of Bill Gates’ Lake Washington home. Last year the winning bid was a measly $8,600. One lucky Microsoft employee and a few of his friends will be taken on a personal tour of the Gates estate by Bill himself–in exchange for $35,000! MS matches the donation too, so this philanthropic venture is whole-heartedly (very) good in nature.
Oh, what I’d do to go on a personal tour of Bill Gates’ home… I bet there’s all kinds of insanely awesome gadgetry and futuristic, out-of-this-world stuff that would just make my tech heart melt. For some reason I can imagine a Massive Dynamic feel to the place, with Melinda taking the place of Nina Sharp, of course.
Microsoft Courier UI in more detail
Gizmodo’s got the scoop on how the oft-rumored Microsoft Courier tablet will function. Some features include finger-swipes and gestures, “clip, tuck, and paste,” and a camera. The user interface includes Infinite Journal, Smart Agenda, and the Library. The device will have its own browser, information will stored on “the cloud” (allowing users to edit/share their data on various devices), and it will come with a pen (not stylus) that functions as a drawing tool and has two buttons. For detailed explanations on all of these features check out Gizmodo’s coverage. Or just look in the gallery below for some concept screen shots of this tablet-of-the-hopefully-near-future.
[Via Gizmodo]
Muscle-computer interface; watch this and be amazed
Johnny Chung Lee, everyone’s favorite modder-turned Microsoft employee, is back in action, bringing us yet another insanely awesome and innovative interface. This time it’s a muscle-computer interface. He explains: “We face many situations where we need to interact with technology without a physical artifact, because a physical control is not accessible or because hands are already busy.” The video is just over two minutes long. Just watch it. It features a demo of the interface using what would be best called “air” Guitar Hero, showing how the technology allows you to control on-screen action from mere “hand and finger-based input” without a separate material device. Although this is not so practical, it shows how the technology works. Lee goes on to explain how a muscle-computer interface canwork practically, in situations when you need to control a device (ie. a car) when your hands are full (ie. carrying groceries). Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next time Mr. Johnny Chung Lee.
[Via Engadget]
Netflix streaming coming to PS3 (and Wii?)
Sony announced that it will be offering Netflix streaming movies and TV shows to its Playstation 3 console owners come this November, thereby throwing the Xbox 360-Netflix exclusitivity out the window. Initially PS3 owners will be forced to feed a Netflix CD into the console in order for streaming capabilities to function. Don’t fret too much; Sony plans on releasing a software update sometime in 2010 that will remove this annoying barrier to entry. PS3 owners can order a streaming CD directly from Netflix. Check out the official press release after the break.
It is worthy to note that streaming Netflix on the PS3 (on Sony’s end) is absolutely free. What you pay for is the Netflix service itself, which starts at $8.99/month and rises as you increase the number of rentals. The Xbox 306, on the other hand, requires you to pay to stream Netflix content; you must be an Xbox Live Gold member ($50/year subscription) to access the Netflix menus.
In much related news, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter foresees the Nintendo Wii also gaining the ability to stream video via the Netflix service sometime next year. Though will many be excited for Netflix capabilities on a non-HD device?
Microsoft unabashedly rips on Apple’s App Store
Some of my favorities include The Sun Dial (“Oh, what time you got?” “Ah Chip, it’s 3:15.” “3:15, just like that. That’s great.” “Oh, actually, it’s 5:30.”), The Germophobe (“so people can shake hands without actually touching”), and lastly, “the phone that shocked you every third ring.”
Gizmodo makes a good point. As humorous as this is, I don’t really see Microsoft’s point here. It is true, Apple’s App Store does contain tons of stupid and unnessary apps and their process of allowing (and dis-allowing) apps into the store is wacky. But, taken as a whole, the App Store has proven extremely successful. Paid apps are bringing in a lot of revenue and an open market gives well-known and lesser-known developers much opportunity to shine. This is a funny poke at Apple, sure. But what have you proven, Microsoft?
[Via Gizmodo]
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talks Windows 7 on Today Show
Windows 7, the day after: Apple fights back, gigantic burgers are eaten
Here’s a couple treats for you. Apple has already started the anti-ad war against Windows 7 with this latest (and in my opinion, one of the greatest) “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” advertisement. Look after the break for two more new Windows 7 bashing ads.
Nerd alert: Remember the picture of the Windows 7-branded burger from Burger King? Well here’s proof that it existed and that people paid the premium to eat it. Gross. Look after the break for a second burger video.
[Via Engadget here & here; Gizmodo]
Continue reading Windows 7, the day after: Apple fights back, gigantic burgers are eaten
Windows 7 release day — it’s all about ‘7’
The day has finally come. Windows 7, Microsoft’s next major operating system, is out today. Will it turn out to be the “Vista fix” and live up to its positive initial reviews? Only time will tell.
Alongside the release there has been a handful of Windows-related news to peruse. First there’s a slew of new Windows commercials featuring a new tagline; “I’m a PC, and Windows 7 was my idea.” Heck, it works. Check out one commercial here, and look after the break for two others.
Next up is the grand opening of the Microsoft Store. The first MS retail store opened in Scottsdale, AZ today, exciting hundreds of Windows fanboys (and girls) who camped outside the mall overnight. The first four people on-line received free Zune HDs and other early customers received some other freebies. From some YouTube video footage and in-store images the Microsoft Store looks very much like an Apple Store, except with more vibrant colors and, obviously, Windows-related products such as Surface tables and Xbox 360s. The video below is the fascinating countdown of the store’s morning launch; the countdown starts (so appropriately and to the glee of the rabid fans) at 7. For a glimpse at the inside of the store, look after the break for a video featuring the welcoming colorful staff and see the gallery below for some stills. [Also noteworthy is that the online Microsoft Store is up and running, too. It offers MS and third party products and services to purchase online.]
Two more less significant but equally relevant newsbits. Today in Paris a “Microsoft Cafe” opened its doors to the public. Besides it being the onlyofficial Windows-themed cafe in the world, there isn’t much else to say about it. It offers free WiFi service to its customers and there are a myriad of Windows products for customers to play with as they sip their coffee and eat their pastries. See the gallery below for some stills of the Windows Cafe.
This last bit of news is quite freaky, actually. In Japan, Burger King introduced the “Windows 7 Whopper,” a 5-inch tall beast of a burger that packs (you guessed it) seven patties. Customers are forced to pay a premium for this…unique treat (777 yen/$8.53).
Oh, one more thing. Remember that over-the-top awesomely awkward “How to throw a Windows 7 party” ad Microsoft made some time ago? Well the good patrons at Funny or Die have created the ultimate parody of it. Check it out in the video below.
And that’s a wrap. Now that Windows 7 is out…what are you waiting for?! If you are a Vista user or looking to purchase a new PC, upgrading/adopting is a no-brainer. If you are still using XP, hesitance is natural (thanks, Vista) but you should definitely consider jumping into the next generation OS. If you’re that skeptical about it, it doesn’t hurt to wait for Service Pack 1. If you’re a Mac user–I’ll just shut up. Windows 7 is finally here. PARTAY…or don’t.
—> Continue reading Windows 7 release day — it’s all about ‘7’