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Latest by Geoff Duncan

Microsoft Rolls Out Book Search

Microsoft's Live Search Books is a new beta service offering to search the full text of books...and maybe it won't draw as many lawsuits as Google's offering.

Microsoft Lights Up Xbox Video Marketplace

A week after introducing its Zune media player, Microsoft has launched its Xbox Live Video Marketplace, offering Xbox 360 owners pay-to-download movies and TV shows.

Linux Community Rejects MS Patent Claims

The Linux community is rebuffing Microsoft's claims that the company's recent deal with Novell establishes that Linux infringes on Microsoft patents.

Sprint Adopts Microsoft Live Search

Microsoft and Sprint have inked a deal to make Windows Live Search the default mobile search option for Sprint mobile phone users.

Halo 3 to Get Online Test in 2007

Microsoft has announced it plans to offer a pre-release, multiplayer beta version of Halo 3 via Xbox Live in early 2007.

Microsoft Releases Vista to Manufacturing

Stick a fork in it! Microsoft has sent Windows Vista to manufacturing; business customers will get copies this month, but consumers must wait until January.

Microsoft to Pay Universal for Every Zune

In a stunning move, Microsoft has agreed to pay Universal Music Group a royalty on every Zune media player sold as compensation for pirated music used on the devices.

Microsoft’s Live Search Gets 3D City Models

Microsoft has announced Virtual Earth 3D, and integrated 3D maps of 15 U.S. cities into Live Search.

Xbox Live to Carry HD Movies and TV

Beginning November 22. Microsoft's Xbox Live service will offer Xbox 360 owners both standard and high-definition television and movie content.

Office 2007 Goes Gold

Microsoft Office 2007 has been send to manufacturing; business customers can get it November 30, but consumers must wait until January, 2007.

Microsoft Eases Vista Licensing Terms

Responding to customer outcries, Microsoft has altered its Windows Vista licensing terms so customers can transfer Vista licenses between computer systems.

Microsoft and Novell Enter Broad Linux Pact

For the second time this week Microsoft is embracing open source, this time pacting with Novell to improve interoperability between Windows and SUSE Linux.

Microsoft Announces Vista Launch Dates

Microsoft has announced launch dates for Windows Vista: November 30, 2006, for corporate customers, and January 30th, 2007 for consumers.

Microsoft and Zend Pact to Improve PHP

Microsoft and open source developer Zend have entered a multi-year, multi-phase partnership to make sure Web deployment language PHP runs as well on Windows as Linux.

Microsoft Confident of Xbox 360 Unit Goals

As part of its first quarter financials, Microsoft says it has shipped six million Xbox 360 consoles and still believes it will ship 10 million by the end of 2006.

Vista Release to Manufacturers Delayed?

Sources and news services are reporting that last-minute problems have forced Microsoft to delay releasing Windows Vista to PC makers by at least a week.

Microsoft to Offer Vista Holiday Coupons

Microsoft will launch a coupon program for PC buyer starting October 26, offering low-cost Windows Vista and Office 2007 upgrades for new PC buyers.

Microsoft Launches Safe Gaming Campaign

Microsoft is rolling out an educational campaign to help parents control content available via the Xbox 360. Will it be enough to quell critics?

Microsoft Inks with Blinx for Video Search

Microsoft has inked a deal with online video site blinkx to use the company's video search technology to power parts of its MSN and Live.com sites.

Vista To Include Anti-Piracy Lockdown

Microsoft announced today that Windows Vista will lock itself down to reduced functionality mode if it is not successfully activated within 30 days of its first use.

Microsoft Inks Game Deal with Peter Jackson

Microsoft has inked a deal Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong" team Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh to create the next Halo installment...plus one more game.

Zune to Launch November 14 for $249.99

Microsoft has announced official launch details for its forthcoming Zune personal media player: the devices will hit stores November 14 for $249.99.

Microsoft Releases IE Patch for VML Flaw

Microsoft has released a patch for a bug in Internet Explorer two weeks early because of a growing number of attacks using the loophole.

Microsoft Ponders Free, Ad-Based Web Apps

Microsoft is apparently considering offering free, ad-supported basic versions of word processing and spreadsheet software as another front in its battle with Google.

Nokia Goes with Microsoft Live Search

Nokia has announced it will integrate Microsoft's Live Search into its own Mobile Search platform.

Microsoft Soapbox Aims to Scrub YouTube

Microsoft has launched a beta of Soapbox on MSN Video, a new user-generated video offering designed to take YouTube to the cleaners.

Microsoft Zune Ready for Holidays

Microsoft says its first 30 GB Zune portable media device will be on sale in three colors for this year's end-of-year holiday season.

Windows Vista RC1 Enters Testing

Microsoft announced estimated prices for Windows Vista today, just as Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 enters customer and partner testing.

DOJ, Microsoft File for Antitrust Extension

The Department of Justice and Microsoft have formally requested a federal judge give Microsoft two more years to fully comply with the landmark 2002 antitrust settlement.

Windows Live Writer: WYSIWYG Blogging Tool

Microsoft gets into the blog-authoring space with a beta of Windows Live Writer, offering WYSIWYG blog creation which - uncharacteristically - works with non-Microsoft blogs.

Microsoft Launches Windows Live Spaces

Microsoft keeps on rolling with its Windows Live initiative, morphing its MSN Spaces blogging service into gadget-filled Windows Live Spaces.

Microsoft Confirms Zune Music Devices

Responding to a rumor frenzy, Microsoft has confirmed it will launch a line of portable media devices under the name Zune, taking on Apple's iPod by the end of 2006.

Microsoft Faces EU Fines, Korea Sanctions

European antitrust regulators are getting closer to fining the company about $2.5 million a day, and Korea refuses to postpone antitrust penalties.

Microsoft Talks Up Windows Live Messenger

Microsoft has taken the "beta" disclaimer off Windows Live Messenger, launching the service with an exclusive "Pirates of the Caribbean" game.