VOTW: Microsoft’s Tech Vision
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, November 7, 2011 · 
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In late October, Microsoft released a viral video showcasing its future of technology and productivity.
To which John Pavlus over at FastCodeDesign commented that the video, although sleek and sophisticated, is not realistic for a future that is supposed to exist merely 10 years from now. Perhaps more importantly, these futuristic interfaces are supposed to solve real problems and make life easier — two points that Microsoft misses entirely in its video.
As Pavlus says, “Microsoft’s film is probably going viral as we speak, but imagine how much more reach it would have if it dared to depict a guy stuck in a meeting that sucked, or using his smartphone in an airport that was full of noisy assholes and long lines, or searching his touchscreen-enabled smart refrigerator for a quick meal because his kids are bouncing off the walls and he’s bone-tired from a long day at work?”
Food for thought for independent telcos and your technology-related marketing campaigns.
XBox 360 to Offer FiOS, Xfinity On-Demand Content
Posted by Jesse Ward on Friday, October 7, 2011 · ·
As had been rumored for some time, Microsoft announced yesterday that it will expand the video content available over its Xbox Live system to pay-TV subscribers in most major markets. Microsoft has deals in place with nearly 40 entertainment providers including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon FiOS, as well as Bravo, ESPN, HBO GO and Syfy. This is in addition to the inherent gaming services and previously announced content from Hulu Plus, Netflix and Google’s YouTube which are available on the Xbox.
Pay-TV subscribers will need to authenticate in order to access the content through the Xbox system. In general, users also will need to subscribe to video and broadband services from their traditional service provider (in other words, cord cutting is not an option), and subscribe to a $60 per year Xbox Live Gold membership. (Microsoft confirmed today that only a small amount of content will be available on the Xbox without authentication and Xbox Gold status.) Read more
VOTW: Microsoft Demos Windows 8
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, June 6, 2011 · ·
And last but not least, our video of the week (VOTW). Microsoft introduced Windows 8 last week.
Microsoft to Acquire Skype
Posted by Jesse Ward on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 · ·
Microsoft Corp. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.
Microsoft said that the deal will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities.
With 170 million connected users and more than 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype is the world’s most popular Internet communications service. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30% revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE. Read more
Reuters: Microsoft Preparing Online Pay-TV Service
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, November 29, 2010 · ·
Reuters is reporting that Microsoft Corp. is in talks with media companies to license TV networks for a new online pay-television subscription service through devices such as its Xbox video game console.
Microsoft has not made a secret of its TV ambitions having previously invested in interactive video initiatives such as Web TV and MSN TV set-top box software. The company is looking for a niche in the crowded and competitive over-the-top market.
According to Reuters’ sources, Microsoft has proposed a variety of possibilities including creating a “virtual cable operator” delivered over the Internet for which users pay a monthly fee.
If this vision does not come to fruition, Microsoft is exploring the possibility of creating content silos and selling individual channels such as an HBO or Showtime, similar to its current offering of Walt Disney Co’s ESPN on XBox Live. Read more
Canadian Telco Offers IPTV via XBox 360
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, August 9, 2010 · ·
Canada’s second largest telco Telus is allowing subscribers to its IPTV service to use a Microsoft XBox 360 game console as a set-top box, an option which AT&T says it will offer its U-verse subscribers by year-end.
Optik TV customers can use the game console to:
- Watch any of Optik TV’s over 400 digital channels, including over 50 in HD
- Watch any shows they have recorded on their Optik HD PVR digital box
- Use PVR Anywhere to record up to 3 live shows simultaneously from any room
- Pause a recorded program in one room and pick it up from the same spot in a different room
- Get PVR functionality from any TV when watching recorded programs – pause, replay, rewind, fast-forward.
To utilize the XBox 360 as a set-top, Optik TV subscribers must have an HD DVR from the telco. In addition, a Telus technician must visit a customer’s home to install the required software and configure each Xbox 360 for the service. Read more
Windows Phone 7 Preview
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Monday, July 19, 2010 · ·
While I would love to say we have a review of the developer’s version of Windows Phone 7 , unfortunately we do not. However, we have found several reviews out there if you are interested:
Overall it is getting pretty decent reviews. While most bloggers have suggestions for improvements, it’s not likely it will come out before the fourth quarter, so they still have time to polish it up. I just wonder if MSFT is too late in the game to get any traction.