Over on the ViaWindowsLive site they’re running a Virtual Earth contest. Simply submit an article or video about something cool you’re doing with Virtual Earth and you’re in the running. You get a T-shirt just for entering (assuming your entry is valid :-), and there are a bunch of other prizes if yours is up the higher end on the awesomeness scale. You can contribute your article or video...
I was a little disappointed to read Microsoft’s Developer Strategy for the Next Generation of Windows Phones. Unveiled last week, this PressPass piece indicates that Microsoft will be sharing 70% of sales revenue with developers for any Windows Mobile 6.5 applications sold through Windows Marketplace for Mobile. (Note: 70% is the same as Apple shares on their AppStore) Put another way...
Perhaps you missed this little gem: Photosynth Map Explore. I hope not, because I think it represents an interesting insight into the future of location. A little while back I was underwhelmed with Photosynth, but I did look forward to improvements with location being tied in. Photosynth Map Explore is the answer. It’s early days, but the potential here is huge. I love it. I was, and still am...
I’ve been wondering what’s next after Twitter. Where are all the cool kids heading these days? After all, it has become so mainstream now that the inevitable transformation from intimate community to marketing broadcast is all but complete. The vibe on Twitter has changed. Yes I know, that’s what the Un-follow option is for, but that doesn’t stop the fact that Twitter has changed. And for...
This was originally titled: “Frustrations with Microsoft – Part II†and is a follow on from my post in January. But I decided to change the title so that it comes across more positive. I don’t actually like complaining (seriously!) and my real aim is to provide constructive thought, so tweaking the words a bit will hopefully help. That said however, I do see a problem with how Microsoft...
The announcement of a $250K bounty (a little while back) for the heads of those responsible for the Conficker worm is a good one. Let’s hope this kind of practice is extended to cover all kinds of virus/worm production. Especially in the current economic climate, the motivation for fame (one of the reasons hackers build these viruses and worms in the first place) could be countered by the...
Last month I lamented the complexity Microsoft was imposing on products. Today’s Silverlight refresh is a simple example of them getting it right – it’s, um, simple. Here’s the upgrade screen you see when hit the Silverlight install page. I especially appreciate the message (marked in the red box). One big button. Simple. (Of course if you’ve got the developer tools installed, you’ll...
It’s been heartening to see some glimmer of hope on the Microsoft Windows Mobile horizon (in spite of disheartening trends). The announcements at Mobile World Congress this week show that Microsoft is at least trying to improve their offering, with UI improvements in Windows Mobile 6.5 as well as various integration strategies including My Phone (hey what’s that rhyme with…), Marketplace...
In a word: Complexity Yes, I know I’ve touched on this before, but it seems more apparent than ever that one of the problems crushing Microsoft at the moment is a set of overly complex experiences. We need simplicity. One the strongest marketing messages you can broadcast is: It just works! Give me a product that just works, and you’ve got yourself a fan. Companies like Apple (the current...
The Microsoft layoffs (they’re reducing headcount by approx 5.21%) announced last week have been well and truly covered, with many (like Mini) saying it’s too little, too late, and others lamenting that a company of Microsoft’s stature has ‘steeped’ to get rid of it’s biggest asset. My opinion? Well, it’s just business right? I’m sure the decision wasn’t made lightly, and who am...