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Latest by Geoff Duncan

Xbox Fall Dashboard Update Detailed

Microsoft has spilled the details of the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update, due December 4.

Xbox Live to Get Original Xbox Games

Microsoft is bringing original Xbox games to the Xbox 360 via its Xbox Live online service, including hits like the original version of Halo.

Microsoft Word to Get DAISY XML Capability

Microsoft and the Digital Accessible Information System consortium plan to cooperate on a tool to make Open XML documents accessible to users with print disabilities.

Microsoft Launches New Windows Live

Microsoft has launched its new set of Windows Live services, including mail, instant messaging, photo sharing, even planning, and parental controls.

Microsoft Abruptly Fires CIO

Microsoft has abruptly fired Chief Information Office Stuart Scott, saying only that he violated company policy.

Libya in Deal for 150,000 Classmate PCs

An Intel spokesperson says Libya placed an order for 150,000 Classmate PCs last August, and that the cost of the laptops is not being subsidized.

Microsoft Rolls Out Zune Goodies

Just in time for the holiday season, Microsoft has rolled out a bunch of Zune accessories, including a home AV pack, a car pack, cases, and premium headphones.

Microsoft Profits See Halo Effect

The Redmond software giant reports its fastest first-quarter revenue growth since 1999 - in part due to sales of Halo 3 and Xbox 360 systems.

Microsoft Capitulates to EU Ruling

Microsoft has agreed to comply with the European Commission's 2004 Antitrust ruling, slashing software license royalties so developers can hook into server technologies.

Microsoft Cuts Xbox 360 Price in Japan

Microsoft has announced it is lowering the price of its Xbox 360 gaming console in Japan by 13 percent.

Universal Prepping New Music Service?

BusinessWeek is reporting that Universal Music is trying to get other major labels on board a new low-cost digital music subscription service which would take on iTunes.

Microsoft Bundles Games with Xbox 360

To promote the Xbox 360 during the end-of-year holidays, Microsoft is bundling Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance with Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite systems.

Bungie Studios Leaves Miicrosoft

Halo developer Bungie Studios is going to break away from Microsoft, but the Redmond company will retain a stake - and, of course, the Halo franchise.

IE7 Loses WGA Installation Requirement

Microsoft has released a new version of Internet Explorer 7 which can install without Windows Genuine Advantage validation.

Adobe Buys Online Word Processor

Adobe looks to be going up against Google and Microsoft with online applications by buying the makers of the online world processor Buzzword.

Microsoft Opposes Google-DoubleClick Merger

Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the proposed merger of Google and DoubleClick poses an "imminent risk" of monopoly abuse.

Microsoft Puts a New Face on Live Search

Microsoft has retooled Windows Live Search to deliver more relevant results, integrate video and other media, and - you guessed it - better compete with Google.

Microsoft To Replace Damaged Halo 3 Discs

Turns out the Halo 3 Limited Edition packaging can frag Halo 3 discs before they ever get into an Xbox 360, so Microsoft will replace them for free through December 31.

Microsoft’s Silent Windows Update Updates

Microsoft is clarifying how they issue revisions to Windows Update: they will do it automatically, even when users don't want software installed automatically.

Microsoft Ships Silverlight 1.0

Microsoft has shipped version 1.0 of its Flash competitor Silverlight, and is partnering with Novell to develop Linux support.

ISO Fails to Fast-Track Microsoft’s OOXML

Microsoft's Office Open XML document format didn't get fast-tracked as an international standard, but the company still believes the format will gain widespread acceptance.

Microsoft Offers Racing Wheel Retrofit

Microsoft is offering a "precautionary and voluntary" retrofit to its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel because the units may overheat and start emitting smoke.

Nokia Embraces Windows Live Services

Phone maker Nokia has pacted with Microsoft to bring Windows Live services - like Hotmail, Messenger, Contacts, and Spaces - to S60 and Series 40 mobile devices.

Microsoft Debuts SideWinder Gaming Mouse

Microsoft's new SideWinder gaming mouse sports its own LCD, adjustable weight try, switchable DPI settings, and programmable macros.

EA’s John Shappert to Helm MS Live Services

In another EA-related executive move, Microsoft tapped Electronic Arts veteran John Shappert to head up Microsoft's Live software and services.

Microsoft Lowers Xbox 360 Price by $50

Responding to pressure from Sony and the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft is lowering the price of Xbox 360 systems by $50 effective August 8, 2007.

Microsoft’s HD Photo Proposed for JPEG XR

Microsoft's HD Photo image format has been proposed as the basis for JPEG XR, an international open image standard designed for the next generation of digital cameras.

Windows To Reach 1 Billion Machines by 2008

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that a total more than 1 billion machines worldwide will be running Windows within the next year.

Microsoft Drops Xbox HD DVD Drive Price

Microsoft has lowered the price on its Xbox HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 - and will include five free movies with players purchased between August 1 and September 30.

Microsoft Annual Revenue Eclipses $50 Bln

Microsoft has released financial numbers for its fiscal year ended on June 30, 2007: surprise, the company pulled in more than $50 billion.

Xbox 360 Gains Controllers, Halo Edition

Microsoft has announced three new controllers for its Xbox 360 - and a themed 20 GB Halo 3 edition for folks looking to devote their lives to Master Chief.

Microsoft Ships Robotics Studio 1.5

For folks inspired by the Transformers movie - or looking to take over the world - Microsoft has updated its robotics platform to support Windows CE and Windows Mobile 6.

Xbox 360 Warranty Extended to Three Years

High failure rates amongst Xbox 360 video game consoles has led Microsoft to extend its warranty on the systems to three years.

Microsoft Taking Xbox 360 Elite to Japan

Microsoft says it plans to launch its Xbox 360 Elite gaming console in Japan October 11.