ReelSmart.com » Microsoft

Ballmer Adds To His List

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:16:41 +0000

I really didn’t want to make too big a deal out of Apple passing Microsoft as the most profitable company in the industry, but i can not resist. This trend has been clear for a long time. But maybe not so clear to everyone. Steve Ballmer, back on May 27, 2010 less than a year ago, after Apple’s market cap passed Microsoft’s: Mr. Ballmer (using a rather awkward first person as Daring Fireball says) said he remains unfazed despite Apple assuming the position of the technology king. “I will make more profits and certainly there is no technology company in the planet which is as profitable as we are,” he said. “Stock markets will take care of the rest,” he added. Well apparently, they have! Now we can add this one to the list: http://www.reelsmart.com/2007/10/23/ballmer-on-mobile-phones/ http://www.reelsmart.com/2009/02/25/ballmer-where-is-my-foot-oh-yeah-i-found-it/ http://www.reelsmart.com/2008/03/09/ballmer-on-silverlight-on-the-iphone/ http://www.reelsmart.com/2009/02/06/ballmer-consumer-screwballs-and-google-apps-overpriced/ Lets see some of Ballmer’s greatest hits (after the jump):

Review: AnyBizSoft PDF Converter for Mac – UPDATE

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:41:29 +0000

AnyBizSoft has released three new products for Mac users, including PDF Converter for Mac, PDF to Excel for Mac and PDF to PowerPoint for Mac. They were kind enough to provide me with an evaluation version for my testing. See my review.

Apple Surpasses Microsoft in Market Cap!

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:34:03 +0000

Apple has now surpassed Microsoft in market cap making them the second largest company in the US and the most valuable tech company. I called this one over five years ago and the criticism I received was enormous. So today I get to say, I TOLD YOU SO. Congrats, to all the hard working people in Cupertino! Apple did this the old fashioned way. They worked hard, innovated, listened to users and provided superior products and service. This occasion is more psychological than anything, but clearly the momentum is with Apple. Pretty funny it happens in the same week Ballmer and company hatchets two VPs and is reorganizing the entire consumer division.

Bill Gates on iPad

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:07:35 +0000

I guess after publicly predicting the failure of everything Apple from OS X to the iPod to the iPhone, "no comment" is the better response. The iPad has been a huge seller for Apple and is certainly the most successful "tablet" like computer in history. Guess Mr. Gates forgot the Newton. Apple now has only two companies in the US that are larger Exxon Mobile and Microsoft. Today Apple stock is up to $266.37 with a market value of about $239.66 Billion, just $33.66 Billion below Microsoft. It is only a matter of when Apple will surpass Microsoft in market value now.

Microsoft Shameless Copy of an Apple Store

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:46:56 +0000

Microsoft seems to have no shortage of ideas - Apple's ideas actually. Examples, come to mind like the ZuneHD copying the most they could on the iPod touch, Windows 7 photo app and Dock, oops I mean task bar, and take a look at the new Microsoft Store. It is another example of the blatant copy machine Microsoft is. The employees may be wearing different color shirts and the tables are a bit darker, but the videos shows a retail store that looks like every Apple Store you have ever visited. Same decor, Gurus instead of Geniuses, they hired Apple executives and store staff, even the same opening store festivities. As I always say about Microsoft, years later and not as good!

Apple Posts List for Snow Leopard Incompatible Software

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:38:42 +0000

Looking to upgrade to Snow Leopard today? Well make sure to BACKUP your Mac and check the list Apple has posted on application that are NOT compatible with Snow Leopard at this time. In another document Apple outlines printer and scanner software that is compatible with Snow Leopard. I suggest you clone your Mac's hard drive using a USB or Firewire (preferable) external hard drive using Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. Then make sure an app you must have is not on the Snow Leopard incompatible list before you upgrade.

Going Google Campaign Begins

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:08:13 +0000

Google has started a new campaign, "Going Google" that is clearly set directly against Microsoft. Google has launched a series of ads that will begin touting how and why some 3,000 organizations are signing up to use Google apps each day. This campaign will include billboards on four major U.S. highways that will give a new message about Google apps everyday for a month. Microsoft of course is advertising Bing, its search site

Join over 1.75 million businesses that have gone Google. Each day, thousands of companies are going Google by switching to Google Apps -- a web-based suite of messaging and collaboration applications. It's all hosted by Google, and designed with security and reliability in mind, saving your company the frustrations and hassles of managing traditional IT solutions yourself. Find out how others have switched from Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes to Google Apps. Learn more about the businesses that have gone Google...

Microsoft of course is advertising Bing, its search site that competes with Google and has signed a deal with Yahoo. Should get interesting.

Is Microsoft Trying Capitilze on App Store Rejections?

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:25:19 +0000

9to5Mac has an interesting post, called Microsoft tries to get iPhone developers to port their apps to Windows Mobile that suggests that Microsoft may be trying to capitalize on the recent App Store rejections and removals. Seems the folks in Redmond have put together a case study on porting iPhone Apps to Windows Mobile in hopes of attracting the developers who have flocked to the iPhone. There was a time not so long ago when Microsoft boosted of the 18,000 apps available for all the collective models of its Mobile OS. Nowadays, Apple has long surpassed them with over 65,000 iPhone apps and 1.5 Billion downloads. Apple may end up alienating enough developers with its ever changing rules, closed system and very unpopular removals and rejections of innovative apps to give Microsoft an opening. Microsoft is doing what all the mobile platforms like RIM, Nokia and Palm will all be doing trying to attract developers. This is why it makes little sense for Apple to treat developers so poorly and allow innovative apps to remain off the iPhone slowing its momentum. While they are available on competing platforms in many cases even on the same carrier.

Ballmer on Yahoo Deal The Puppet Edition

Stephen Antonucci — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:13:36 +0000

Very funny! See Video.

Google Exposes the Chrome OS

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:27:43 +0000

In a salvo directed at Microsoft, Google has announced its working on a lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Google's Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010 and will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips. Google Chrome OS is a new project, separate from Android. Google Chrome is a new windowing system running on top of a Linux kernel. It will be open source and Google is asking for help from the open source community. Can Google do more damage to Microsoft's market share than Linux distros have? Maybe? I think I just heard a chair crashing into a wall in Redmond!

Microsoft E3 2009 Press Conference Video

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:39:34 +0000

Microsoft E3 2009 Press Conference video that starts out with a visit by Paul and Ringo introducing the Beatles Rockband game! See video.

Microsoft E3 Demo of Project Natal

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:48:53 +0000

Microsoft demo of Project Natal (codenamed) at E3 today it, is a controllerless game control system using a 3-D camera and an array of motion sensors to capture player movements and translate them into in-game actions. Microsoft says Natal will support voice and facial recognition and multiple players by the time it launches. Just when that will be is anyone’s guess; it’s unlikely to be in 2009. Looks cool, but without a launch date I have nothing more to say about it. See video.

Apple Answers Microsoft Ads

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:17:02 +0000

I think these ads speak for themselves! What is really funny is the ad agency that makes the Microsoft ads is Mac based. See videos.

Microsoft Posts First Ever Drop in Revenue

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:04:38 +0000

Not so good news for Microsoft. Hit hard by the recession, Microsoft reported the first year-over-year revenue drop in its history, even short of analysts’ expectations. Microsoft posted net income of $2.98 billion (33 cents per share), down 32 percent from the $4.4 billion (47 cents per share) recorded during the same period a year ago. However, that included a 6 cents per share one-time charge due to severance payments and investment impairments. Revenue for the company’s third fiscal quarter dropped 6 percent to $13.65 billion, from $14.45 billion a year ago. On average, analysts had expected earnings per share of 39 cents and revenue of $14.1 billion. Some highlights after the jump: —Online services: The company’s online business reported a 14 percent drop in revenue to $721 million, compared to $843 million a year ago. Analysts had actually expected an increase in sales. Losses also more than doubled to $575 million. In its quarterly filing, Microsoft said that online advertising revenue had plummeted 16 percent to $521 million due largely to a fall in display advertising. (Microsoft is posting its earnings as the company opens its Digital Showcase in New York City. Read our coverage here). —Entertainment and devices: Sales fell 2 percent to $1.567 billion. However, the division posted a $31 million loss, compared to operating profit of $106 million during the same period a year ago. The fall in sales was driven largely by decreased sales of Microsoft software for Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) computers. Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue actually increased 16 percent. —Other divisions: The company’s core Windows business and its Office Division also posted drops in sales and profits due to weakness in the PC and server markets. The only unit to show an increase in revenue and profits was server and tools. —Outlook: CFO Chris Liddell said in a statement that the company expected weakness to continue “through at least next quarter.” —Layoffs: There was no immediate word about whether the company would undergo another round of layoffs as one analyst speculated last week. However, the company said it spent $290 million in severance related to previously announced plans to cut up to 5,000 jobs. So much for Ballmer claiming the Apple "logo" was not worth extra money. Apple reported yesterday, the best non-holiday quarter revenue and earnings in Apple history. Even thought Mac sales were down 3 percent due to education sales being 11 percent lower. Apple iPod and iPhone sales were strong. Selling 11.01 million iPods during the quarter, representing three percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Ballmer is starting to sound more like Michael Dell everyday! Seems "netbooks" have not helped Microsoft or Dell's bottom line much. Sure the economy is bad, but has Microsoft "jumped the shark?"

MS Lauren Goes Grocery Shopping

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:21:21 +0000

Lauren has already been exposed as an actress hired under NDA for the dopey Microsoft ad. Enough said!

Tuesday Brings New Macs from Apple

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:53:17 +0000

Apple has rolled out new Macs this morning as anticipated including updated Mac mini, 20 and 24-inch iMacs and Mac Pros all sporting updated processors and graphic capabilities. Apple also updated the 15-inch MacBook Pro, bringing it more in line with its 17-inch MacBook Pro. The top-of-the-line standard configuration of the 15-inch MacBook Pro now features a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with a list price of $2,499. That’s a slight boost from the previous 2.53GHz speed. And for those who crave the most power possible in a 15-inch MacBook, there’s a $300 build-to-order option that will top out the system at 2.93 GHz, up from the previous top speed of 2.8GHz. NOTE: The new iMacs come with an ultrathin, compact wired Apple Keyboard that lacks the Numeric Keypad. You can upgrade to the Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad at no charge or the Apple Wireless Keyboard for $30 extra.

Ballmer: Where is my foot? Oh yeah, I found it!

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:20:54 +0000

Interesting take on Steve "the monkey-boy" Ballmer and where he put his mojo over at John Paczkowski article on Digital Daily. Ballmer speaking at Microsoft’s annual Strategic Update in New York on Tuesday, said that while consumers might be fascinated with the iPhone and BlackBerry, carriers and OEMs much prefer Windows Mobile. “The truth of the matter is all the consumer market mojo is with Apple and to a lesser extent BlackBerry,” Ballmer said. “And yet, the real market momentum with operators and the real market momentum with device manufacturers seems to primarily be with Windows Mobile and Android. … “I think the guys who are in the best position to benefit are the guys who actually have phones at low price points,” Ballmer added. “I think that’s a distinct advantage that we have,” Gee I did not know that the Blackberry was really a consumer device? I always see corporate types with them. Gee even my company gave me one! Too bad carriers and OEMs are not the ultimate buyers, actual people are!

Humor: Stinger or Zinger You Decide

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:38:06 +0000

I put out a tweet on this yesterday. Gotta love Joy of Tech from Geek Culture.

Ballmer: Consumer Screwballs and Google Apps Overpriced

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:20:19 +0000

In an interview with CNET, Steve Ballmer claimed Google Apps were overpriced and seemed to indicate that consumers that use them are screwballs. Google has started aggressively hiring salespeople to pitch Apps. Google Apps could pose a competitive threat to the MS Office bundle, but Ballmer calls the $50 per user per year pricetag on Google’s product overpriced. Ballmer, “Google is neither free nor low cost. That’s not a joke. We’re talking about the enterprise. We’re not talking about some screwball consumer thing now. We’re talking about the enterprise. Google charges a very hefty price, comparable to our prices, when it comes to the enterprise.” Guess he thinks we all need to continue to pay for all those expensive Office upgrades!

6 for 7 for Windows Fixa

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:26:47 +0000

Microsoft has made public that there will be SIX editions of Windows 7. Here is the line-up - Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate! Really? Simple? No! You would think after the fiasco and failures of Vista, Microsoft might have re-thought this strategy, no such luck. At least the early reviews of the beta are more positive.

Who killed Microsoft?

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:12:43 +0000

CrunchGear’s John Biggs: Good amusing read, make sure to click the links!

New iLife ’09 Shipping Soon – Discounts

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:15:31 +0000

Apple will soon start be shipping the new iLife '09 suite. Get discounts with these links and support ReelSmart.com at the same time.

iWork '09 - $74.49 - FREE shipping
iWork '09 Family Pack - $89.99 - FREE shipping
iLife '09 - $79.00 - FREE shipping
iLife '09 Family Pack - $99.00 - FREE shipping
Mac Box Set $149 - includes OS X Leopard, iLife '09 and iWork '09 - FREE shipping
Mac Box Set Family Pack $199 - includes OS X Leopard, iLife '09 and iWork '09 - FREE shipping
MobileMe Retail $69.99 - FREE shipping
MobileMe Family Pack $88.95 - FREE shipping
Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition $184.99 - FREE shipping

Pirate Copy of iWork ’09 Contains Trojan

Stephen Antonucci — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:52:03 +0000

DO NOT Install any Pirated Software. Intego warns that a Trojan horse is circulating in pirated copies of iWork '09 downloaded from BitTorrent trackers and direct download. The Trojan, known as OSX.Trojan.iServices.A exists as a package within the actual installer and installs itself as a startup item in the /System/Library/StartupItems folder, where it has root permissions. Once the service is on your system (called iWorkSerices), it will connect to a remote server online, making your computer a target for other malicious downloads and remote operations. Note that the iWork '09 files are not directly affected and they are acting as a method to get this Trojan on your system. Intego has updated their virus definitions for its VirusBarrier programs. Paying for a legitimate iWork license from Apple is highly recommended. If you think your system is infected use these methods to rid this nasty-ware.

Open Terminal.app and type:
sudo su (enter password)
rm -r /System/Library/StartupItems/iWorkServices
rm /private/tmp/.iWorkServices
rm /usr/bin/iWorkServices
rm -r /Library/Receipts/iWorkServices.pkg
killall -9 iWorkServices

Also MacScan has released a free utility to remove the Trojan from infected systems.

Zune Shows Its Brown

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:53:43 +0000

First the Zune loses the ability to see the date and goes screwy as New Year Eve approached. Microsoft's fix, WAIT until the New Year starts and try again. Now the Zune revenue is reported to have decreased $100 million, or 54 percent compared to the same quarter last year, while Apple sees a 3 percent increase in iPod sales over the same period. This despite Microsoft cutting the price during the holiday season! Ouch! Microsoft's announcement yesterday for 5,000 layoffs may hit the Entertainment and Devices Division (where the Zune lives) hard. Not all doomed the Xbox 360 has seen a revenue increase, but not without problems with the gaming console and last years write down.

Mossberg: Windows 7 Leaves Vista in the Dust

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:54:15 +0000

Well at least their is some bright spot for the folks in Redmond. After reporting disappointing earnings numbers and planning 5,000 layoffs, at least Walt Mossberg's first review of Windows 7 is positive.

Microsoft is Challenging You to Watch This

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:46:41 +0000

Microsoft saw GarageBand and invented this? It warn you it is hard to watch! The little girl may be on American Idol next year or a remake of the Gong Show. This I believe is a real product.

IBM Brings Lotus Notes Update and Symphony Beta to Mac

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:53:36 +0000

IBM announced at Macworld 2009 Lotus Notes 8.5 and update that features integration with social calendaring Web sites. The company also released a beta version of Lotus Symphony, a free productivity software suite that includes document, presentation, and spreadsheet capabilities. Symphony supports OpenDocument Format (ODF) and can export files in PDF format as well. The software is based on OpenOffice.org, but uses IBM Lotus technology as well. The software was released initially for the Windows in May 2008. System requirements for the Lotus Symphony beta call for an Intel-based Mac running OS X 10.5 or later, 540MB free hard drive space, and 512MB RAM. It is available for a free download here.

Microsoft BU Intros 2 New Apps for Mac Office Users

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:12:39 +0000

According to ars technica, Microsoft's Mac Business Unit has announced two new applications "as part of their long-term commitment to connect Mac users to Microsoft software and services." The two applications are the Microsoft Document Collaboration Companion for Mac Beta and Entourage for Exchange Web Services (Entourage EWS). The Document Collaboration Companion provides Mac Office users ways to... well, collaborate with both Mac and PC users online. According to Microsoft, it uses a Cocoa-based application that provides easier downloading/uploading capabilities to SharePoint Products and Technologies and Office Live Workspaces. The collaboration software will be available as a private beta in February and a final release later this year. The second app, Entourage EWS, provides a "significant improvement to Entourage 2008" that will allow users to sync their Entourage Tasks, Notes, and Categories with Exchange. This will be available as a public beta later this month, and the final release will be available for free sometime in 2009 for Office 2008 users. Read the rest on ars technica.

Zune 30GB Units Go Crazy All at Once – UPDATED

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:56:07 +0000

Software bug? Maybe. Zune owners, yes there are some, are reporting that after midnight EST their 30GB Zunes would have errors that would freeze, lock, or hang leaving them with an unusable device. This may be affecting hundreds or even thousands of units. According to some Zune owners, it appears to be affecting units that have the most recent firmware updates. Technically-inclined and brave Zune owners may be able to fix the problem by cracking open the case, and disconnecting the battery. Then reconnecting it. This of course risks invalidating the warranties and could risk damage the Zune. Microsoft seems to be aware of the problem, but has not announced a solution yet.

From Official Microsoft Zune page: Customers with 30gb Zune devices may experience issues when booting their Zune hardware. We’re aware of the problem and are working to correct it. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience!

The forums on several websites are full of people with this problem. Like Bond007 who said "Alright I called Zune support. They told me Microsoft is investigating the situation or trying to figure out a fix, but I would have to call back within 24hrs before my Zune 30GB with expire warrant is considered for a repair. Now it is time to see how good Zune support is or whether Zune support & Microsoft can handle this major Zune 30GB product disaster. This is probably the biggest problem Microsoft has has with a consumer product since the Xbox 360 rings of death issue." Zune owner Dawty said "LETTING THE POWER DRAIN DOESN'T WORK!!! ok, i had this problem. i had been syncing music right before i went to bed, and my zune was plugged into the AC adapter/charger. I woke up at like 3AM cause the light from the zune was flashing in my face. it was stuck at the reset screen. i tried to hard reset it, etc... nothing worked. I unplugged it from the charger, and kept trying to hard reset it. i thought, "oh well, let it drain then see if it turns back on." I woke up in the morning. The Zune was totally out of power. I thought, "good, now i just have to charge it." So, again, i plugged it into the charger. i checked back in about 2 hours. it was stuck at the same screen. this doesn't work. there's something seriously wrong with zune,, and its really ticking me off. " Zune owner 5 Hit Combo said "I bought mine in Febuary and still under warranty at Best Buy, I'm not opening mine up. I want to hear official word via MS. Until then, I'll sit here with my brick." Imagine the DJ that uses the Zune and has a scheduled New Years Eve party? For the people who bought a Zune, I sure hop that Microsoft has a quick fix and gets this resolved in a timely manner, not like the Xbox 360 "red ring of death" fiasco that left Xbox owners without a console for months at a time. Poor Zune owners, instead of being welcomed to the social what they get is a Zunesday experience! UPDATE: Microsoft's remedy for Zune user's woes is just wait a day, and it will go away. Here's the full statement:

Early this morning we were alerted by our customers that there was a widespread issue affecting our 2006 model Zune 30GB devices (a large number of which are still actively being used). The technical team jumped on the problem immediately and isolated the issue: a bug in the internal clock driver related to the way the device handles a leap year. That being the case, the issue should be resolved over the next 24 hours as the time change moves to January 1, 2009. We expect the internal clock on the Zune 30GB devices will automatically reset tomorrow (noon, GMT). By tomorrow you should allow the battery to fully run out of power before the unit can restart successfully then simply ensure that your device is recharged, then turn it back on. If you are a Zune Pass subscriber, you may need to sync your device with your PC to refresh the rights to the subscription content you have downloaded to your device.

Microsoft’s First iPhone App Seadragon Mobile

Stephen Antonucci — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:41:18 +0000

Microsoft Live Labs is the first group inside the Redmond company to release an iPhone app in Apple's App Store. The app is called Seadragon Mobile is a free demonstration program meant to test the viability of the high-tech Seadragon photo-display technology on mobile platforms. Microsoft welcome to the fairer more innovative platform.

Apple Blasts Microsoft Ads and Windows Vista

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:15:01 +0000

Microsoft's Bean Counter
Apple Stops the V Word Apple has begun airing two new "Get a Mac" TV commercials that pokes fun at Microsoft's Ads and Windows Vista product. Priceless! Did not cost Apple anywhere near $300 million or the $10 million Microsoft spent for 6 days work from a washed up comedian that was actually a Mac guy.

It’s Official Windows Vista is a Failure

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:34:54 +0000

If you thought that Vista was just going through a slow period, think again. Seems Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer has all but given up on Windows Vista. That's right, he said at Gartner's Symposium/ITxpo conference in Orlando, that it's OK for companies to SKIP Vista and hopes they come to Windows 7. Maybe the "WOW" will begin then? If this is not admission that Microsoft brass is rushing the next version, Windows 7 to market and giving up on Windows Vista I do not know what else you need. Seems to me that Microsoft better slow down and get it right this time, Vista was rushed (only took 5 years) and the result was not received too well by users. Who is to say Windows 7 won't be full of issues? Ballmer reiterated Microsoft's pledge that Windows 7 will be compatible with Vista. Wow, Windows will be compatible with... Windows. Isn't that something! Was this in doubt also? While telling companies that it is OK to pass on Vista, Ballmer is quick to point out that "the adoption rate of Vista is two times faster than XP at two years in." He probably does not include how many users have bought Vista and then UPGRADED to Windows XP in his numbers. I say just buy a Mac and be happy. The ONLY PC you will ever need. It can run Windows too, if you must.

Running Windows on Macs Gets Even Better

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:52:13 +0000

It is clear to me that Microsoft simply does not get it as exampled by their newest "I'm a PC ad." My Mac has long been a PC. Why choose when running Windows on a Mac is so easy and convenient. Walt Mossberg, WSJ tech guru weights in on the latest version of VMware Fusion. I could not agree more with his assessment as I run Parallels 3.0 and Fusion 2.0. Macs really "have no walls" as Mac users have the ability to run and manage Windows and any Windows app easily without issues. Fact is running Windows on a Mac is actually safer. Want to run Linux? Want to run Windows Server 2003? How about Solaris? No problem. This is truly “Life without Walls.”

Aren’t We ALL PCs?

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:24:07 +0000

Even Microsoft’s new ads seem to miss the mark. Can’t we all get along? Watch the video and see we are all really just PCs! Since PC stands for personal computer, what’s more personal than a Mac? Especially, since it can run all the most popular OSes as well as OS X! See Apple had already previously answered Microsoft’s new ad campaign, well long before Microsoft had an ad campaign. The above video is from Apple’s original Touché ad. Video above highlights Apple praise from PC World on running Vista on Mac laptops so well. You see Apple sells computers, that are quite personal. Apple does not sell an OS. Microsoft sells and OS, and do not sell computers. Maybe Microsoft ad people might wanted to get this straight before launching their latest campaign. In fact, Macs can run more software than Windows these days, as it can run Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Microsoft has NO defense for this in an ad or real life! This is truly “Life without Walls” as Microsoft tagline says! Truth in advertising…

MS: Want Fries With That McZune?

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:48:41 +0000

Microsoft doing what it does best these days, introducing another "me too" deal, has partnered to bring song downloads to Zune at MickyDees. Since the Zune has no browser, no email, or any app that can really use the Internet saying it is offering free WiFi at participating McDonalds is a bit over the top. All Zune owners can really do with this is, buy songs while they chow down on their favorite McProduct. Sure seems like Microsoft tried to copy Apple / Starbucks with their speciality, "years later and not as good!" The entire Zune update is a bit underwhelming if you ask me. I may be a bit bias of this one, however. Hey did you ever notice you never see Steve Ballmer and Ronald McDonald together? You don't think they are really the same....? Nah!

Microsoft Tries To Be Cool?

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:19:48 +0000

An uninspiring, unfunny, pointless, creepy ad starts Microsoft's new $300 million ad campaign. This ad will attract who? Which demographic? Are we to believe that Seinfeld becomes friends with Bill Gates? I guess for the $10 million Microsoft is supposed to be paying him, even a guy that had a Mac in his apartment on his show all those years, he can be friends with a very rich nerd. I think John Hodgman plays a better Bill Gates type and is funnier than Seinfeld.

Microsoft About To Do Another “Me Too”

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:51:37 +0000

After all the years that Windows Mobile has been in existence Microsoft is about to follow Apple's lead and open an "App Store" for Windows Mobile users. Maybe they are realizing how many developers are working on iPhone apps now instead of Windows Mobile. One Windows Mobile magazine has even converted into an iPhone magazine. [via PCWorld]

Microsoft Hires Themselves A $10 Million Comic

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:13:14 +0000

Say it isn't so, says Steve to Jerry on the latest Joy of Tech. Microsoft apparently feeling the pain in lost market share, especially to consumers as the Apple ads have proved their effective. Now they plan on counting by spending upwards of $300 million in marketing. The theme "Windows, Not Walls."starting with $10 million to Jerry Seinfeld who may say "No Mac for you." I say to Microsoft "good luck with that." Personally I don't get it Vista is JUST not funny! If Microsoft is getting ready to talk about interoperability, they better get used to ducking the blows that will certainly come their way!

Apple Brings Some New Ads

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:05:25 +0000

Apple brings us some new ads. I sure like them a lot more than the Microsoft Mojave experiment. I really enjoyed the one called Calming Teas.

Blue Screen of Death Appears at Olympics 2008 – UPDATED

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:36:08 +0000

Windows BSOD are now part of Olympic history. I wonder if they were running Vista? [via Gizmodo] UPDATE: Microsoft's newer operating system, Vista, was not chosen. Seems Microsoft is designated as an official supplier to the 2008 Olympic Games. Lenovo chairman, Yang Yuanqing, was quoted as saying that because of the complexity of the IT functions at the Games, it was decided to not use the the more recent operating system. "If it's not stable, it could have some problems," he said. Vista, not stable? Really! Bill Gates and his wife were in attendance at the opening ceremony, so it is a good guess that he saw the BSOD displayed in all its glory!

Zune Guy Says Microsoft Disinterested

Stephen Antonucci — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:37:14 +0000

The Zune guy was the ultimate fanboy for Microsoft's Zune, he now says the Microsoft did not pull their weight and seems disinterested in the product adding little to nothing in features. See video. This guy may be a bit of a fanatic, but I thought he made some sense here. He also is reporting that the Zune community and websites are drying up.

Zune’s Lack of Improvement Loses Its Biggest Fan

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:44:50 +0000

It is no secret that Apple's iPod has trounced Microsoft Zune in the marketplace. Microsoft has done little to improve or change the Zune's features. While iPod owners have enjoyed audiobooks, movie rentals, or any of the advanced features of the iPod touch, Zune owners have seen little change since the device was introduced in November 2006. This has now cost the Zune's most avid fan, Steven Smith the guy even went as far as getting three Zune-themed tattoos. Now he will be hiding them and no longer wants to be part of the Zune community (as small as that community may be). "I have had the Zune since day one and have noticed little improvement," Smith says. "I have tried my best to support them every step of the way but the recent Xbox Live announcement at E3 made me lose it." He has now bought an 80GB iPod classic. Microsoft anemic improvements as lead to only recently received official TV show support in-store as of May 2008, two and a half years after the iTunes and the iPod. At this point Microsoft would need a small miracle, no a LARGE miracle to get anywhere near the feature set of an iPod touch. Rest assured, Steven Smith is not alone in his frustration with Microsoft and their product. There has been plenty of public frustration with the player expressed by early fans and potential buyers. The sales have been dismal. Where is the "social?" I have yet to see a Zune in the wild. Many of the stores I have seen them in are still carrying the old models and no one notices.

Apple releases iLife ’08 Update

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:39:50 +0000

Apple has just released an update for iLife '08. You can get it by running software update under your Apple menu. Support for MobileMe has been added.

Google Pushing Higher to Almost 70 Percent in Search

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:46:58 +0000

This chart says a lot. Look at the rise of Google search and the drop of Yahoo and Microsoft. Add Yahoo and Microsoft together and Google still easily doubles their collective numbers. M.G Siegler has a good article called Google pushes towards 70 percent of all U.S. searches; Yahoo, Microsoft push towards zero percent take a look.

Intel Sees No Need For Windows Vista Upgrade

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:50:50 +0000

“This isn’t a matter of dissing Microsoft, but Intel information technology staff just found no compelling case for adopting Vista.” Intel, a longtime partner of Microsoft, has decided against upgrading the computers of its own 80,000 employees to Microsoft’s Vista operating system. The decision, after a lengthy analysis by its internal technology staff of the costs and potential benefits of moving to Windows Vista, which has drawn fire from many customers as a buggy, bloated program that requires costly hardware upgrades to run smoothly. See Bits NY Times for entire story.

I Will Miss the Bill Gates Rants

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:22:45 +0000

Bill Gates will be leaving Microsoft as a day worker by the end of this month. This signals the end of an era and the start of the Steve Ballmer roller coaster ride at Microsoft (in my opinion). If you ever got mad using Windows or the microsoft.com website (and who hasn't?). I have included an internal email I found that shows you were not alone, even the big guy at Microsoft gets frustrated with Windows! See below.

Windows XP R.I.P. – Now the WoW Begins

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:58:11 +0000

Windows users will soon have no choice but to accept Vista on new PCs as June 30 is the cut off date when Microsoft will no longer make Windows XP available to large system builders. Like or not Vista will be the desktop OS sold. Dell will only accept orders for PCs with Windows XP until June 26, which was extended by demand. After the cutoff date, Dell customers will still be able to obtain Windows XP only on certain gaming and business systems that will be Windows Vista PCs that have been "pre-downgraded" to XP through a loophole in Microsoft's licensing terms. Despite he fact that PC makers have continuing to push Windows XP almost 18 months after Vista's debut reflects widespread disappointment with the newer Windows OS. Business and home computer users have complained about Vista's cost, resource requirements, lack of compatibility with older software, printers and other peripherals. Microsoft recently said that it would only allow computer makers to continue to sell the Home version of Windows XP on low-cost "nettop" PCs for an extended period past the official June 30 expiration through June 2010, or about one year after Windows 7 is expected to generally become available. Best reason was due to Vista's demand for hardware and resources these lower end computers can not run it effectively. To run Vista effectively with all its features, computers need at least a 1-GHz processor, 1 GB of memory, and a 40-GB hard drive at a bare minumum. Windows XP Professional requires only a 300-MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, and a 1.5-Gbyte disk. Microsoft saw the popular ultra-mobile PCs like the Asus EeePC which runs Windows XP or Linux and sells for less than $400. These machines are incapable of running Vista. So killing off Windows XP would give Linux a big boost, since quite a few of these are already sold running the free open source alternative. So will Windows Vista become what Windows ME was? Nothing more than a interim OS. I doubt Microsoft thought so. But it sure looks this way. If Windows 7 is another failure for Microsoft, it may be the "straw that breaks Gigantor's back." Microsoft spent big time to promote and push Vista, without much success in winning over large amounts of users. So killing off Vista's main competitor, Windows XP may help, even if users are not making the switch on their own. Ballmer and company is making the choice for you. I think there is still a great choice, move to the Mac and run Vista or Windows XP if you must alongside the more advanced OS X Leopard.

Ballmer Spreads the FUD Using Privacy Scare

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:41:25 +0000

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is spreading the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) about a "rumor" that Google may be getting ready to display ads based on people's surfing habits, this quite a bit different than using Google search. Does Ballmer have a point? Maybe. But with Microsoft trailing so badly behind Google in search and on the web, he has reasons to spread FUD. Microsoft may be using the same tactics.

Ballmer Using XP to Sell Vista Now

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:29:27 +0000

It is no secret that Windows Vista has not exactly started the "Wow" it promised with users, especially business users. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, responding to a question about the support for XP off the shelf, said that customers can buy Vista, then downgrade to XP for free. "I don't know how you can do better than getting both," says Ballmer. I DO stay with XP and buy nothing! Or buy a Mac, of course.

Microsoft Buys HP Live Search and Silverlight

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:35:51 +0000

Oh, how delightful. Hewlett-Packard has agreed to make Live Search the default on its consumer PCs along with a toolbar that uses Microsoft's Silverlight starting in January. No word on how much Microsoft paid for this.