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Latest by Geoff Duncan

Microsoft Confirms "Value Box" App Suite

Microsoft has confirmed it is working on a subscription-based collection of productivity software with online sharing features to compete with the likes of Google Apps.

Microsoft Buys Travel Predictor Farecast

Microsoft has acquired Seattle-based travel startup Farecast, which works to predict whether (and when) airline ticket prices will rise or fall on specific routes.

Microsoft Unplugs Colorful Notebook Mice

Microsoft is offering its popular Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 in five new colors: red, dark pink, green, brown, and khaki.

Alcatel Prevails in Microsoft Patent Fight

A jury has awarded Alcatel $367.4 million after finding Microsoft violated two of the company's patents...but it's a lot less than the $1.5 billion Alcatel originally won.

Yahoo to Microsoft: Make a Better Offer

Yahoo has officially responded to Microsoft's three-week deadline to make a deal or face hostile takeover: we'll make a deal, but only for the right price.

Symantec, Microsoft Resolve Storage Dispute

Microsoft and Symantec have resolved a two year-old dispute over Veritas storage technology included in Windows.

Microsoft’s OOXML Gets ISO Approval

Microsoft's proposed Open Office XML (OOXML) document format standard has received fast-track approval from the ISO.

Microsoft Shows Off Windows Mobile 6.1

Microsoft has unwrapped Windows Mobile 6.1, offering incremental improvements, a new version of its mobile Internet Explorer, and extensive upgrade support.

Original Programming Coming to Xbox 360

Microsoft has inked a deal with a Hollywood production company to create short, scripted original programming to debut on Xbox Live.

Onkyo in AV Patent Pact with Microsoft

Home entertainment manufacturer Onkyo has entered a patent cross-licensing pact with Microsoft that will let them each develop home entertainment hardware and software.

Windows Vista SP1 Officially Released

Microsoft has officially released Windows Vista SP1, a mammoth 400 MB+ update to its flagship operating system.

Supreme Court Refuses Microsoft Appeal

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Novell's antitrust suit against Microsoft, alleging the company deliberately "destroyed" WordPerfect and Quattro Pro.

Microsoft Drops Xbox 360 Price in Europe

Microsoft has lowered prices on the Xbox 360 in Europe, with the 20 GB Xbox 360 going for 269 euros, the Elite for 369 euros, and the Arcade edition for just 199 euros.

Microsoft Acquires Credentica’s U-Prove

Microsoft is beefing up its online privacy portfolio with the acquisition of Credentica's U-prove technology.

Internet Explorer 8 Beta Touts Standards

Microsoft has released its first beta of Internet Explorer 8, with the browser defaulting to standards mode to render as well as Firefox or Safari.

Microsoft Releases Singularity Research OS

Microsoft has released a research version of a non-Windows operating system dubbed Singularity, featuring a microkernel written from scratch.

Yahoo onePlace to Manage Mobile Content

Yahoo's forthcoming onePlace enables mobile users to manage content in a single, instantly organized, constantly-updated spot on their phones.

Microsoft Expands Business Online Services

Microsoft is expanding availability of its Exchange server and Sharepoint services for businesses from companies with 5,000 or more employees to firms of any size.

Microsoft and Visto Settle On Mobile Email

Microsoft and Visto have settled their two-year old patent dispute over mobile email technology, with Redmond handing over "cash and non-cash" considerations.

EU Fines Microsoft $1.35 Billion

The European Union has levied a $1.35 billion fine against Microsoft - the largest ever imposed on a company - for failing to comply with antitrust rulings.

Microsoft Takes OOXML Back to the Table

Microsoft is taking its Open Office XML format back to the ISO/IEC standards body, hoping to improve on its 53 percent show of support back in September.

Microsoft Drops HD DVD for Xbox 360

Although it comes as no surprise, Microsoft is officially dropping its HD DVD player for the Xbox 360, although it will offer warranty support for existing players.

Google Testing Health Records System

Google will begin storing medical records of a few thousand patience at the Cleveland Clinic as a test of its Google Health platform.

Microsoft Promises Interoperability

Microsoft has announced a broad series of principles designed to provide developers greater interoperability with Windows Vista and key server technologies.

Microsoft Taking Yahoo Bid to Shareholders?

Microsoft is getting ready to take its multi-billion offer for Yahoo to Yahoo's shareholders by getting its own slate of directors elected to Yahoo's board.

Microsoft Offers Students Free Dev Tools

Microsoft's DreamSpark program will let students download a broad range of professional development and design tools - and maybe take them to their future jobs.

Microsoft Focuses on Two New Mice

Microsoft's new Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and 7000 offer a new comfortable desktop mouse design and portable snap-in transceivers.

Microsoft Hires Tony Scott as CIO

Microsoft has hired former Disney executive Tony Scott as its new Chief Information Officer, replacing Stuart Scott who was abruptly fired last November.

Microsoft President Jeff Raikes to Retire

After 26 years with the company, Microsoft president Jeff Raikes is retiring: his replacement will be the former COO of Jupiter Networks, Stephen Elop.

Microsoft Patches Critical Windows TCP Flaw

Microsoft has published a security bulletin warning of a critical vulnerability in Windows 2000/XP/Vista that could enable attackers to control - or destroy - a system.

Why Pay for Premium When Free is Better?

Windows Secrets' Scott Dunn has a good point: why pay $120/year for MSN Premium when darn near everything it includes is available from Microsoft for free?

Viacom and Microsoft Parter on Content, Ads

Viacom and Microsoft have announced a long-term advertising and content distribution deal that'll put Viacom content on MSN and the Xbox 360.

PlaysForSure Is Certified for Windows Vista

In a confusing move, Microsoft has rebranding its PlaysForSure media compatibility platform as "Certified for Windows Vista."

Microsoft Rolls Out MSN Mobile Ads

Do you have an affordable data plan? Microsoft has entered the fledgling mobile advertising market, putting ads on its MSN Mobile service.