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Microsoft And Google Bury The Hatchet To Work On A Windows Phone YouTube App With Ads

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:31:42 -0400

Once a upon a time, Microsoft saw fit to put together a YouTube app for Windows Phone and it was actually pretty great -- it let users download videos straight from the app and there was nary an ad to be found. To absolutely no one's surprise, Google wasn't too pleased: after all, the features that made the app so appealing didn't exactly jibe with YouTube's terms of service, and the search giant demanded the offending app be removed. Well, after a bit of back and forth (and a conciliatory update), it seems the two companies have finally come to an agreement. Microsoft and YouTube released a statement today affirming that the two companies will work together on crafting yet another YouTube app for Windows Phone that doesn't fly in the face of Google's and YouTube's rules.

This Week On The TechCrunch Gadgets Podcast: So Many Laptops, But Only One Xbox

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:00:43 -0400

Thank the old gods and the new that it's Friday, AMIRITE? You know what that means right? Friday is Gadgets Podcast day, and boy do we have a show for you! In this episode, John Biggs, Matt Burns and Darrell Etherington discuss Microsoft's just-announced Xbox One, complete with voice commands, a brand new Kinect, a slew of new entertainment/social features, and the best specs yet. Plus, Laptop Week is coming to a close, so the fellas discuss some of their faves, like the Dell XPS 13 Developer's Edition with Ubuntu and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina.

4 startups totally screwed if bridges keep collapsing and roads disappear

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:16:51 -0400

As bridges collapse and roads erode, the burgeoning transportation startup scene could be looking at hard times...

Microsoft Will Back Xbox One With 300,000 Servers

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:02:10 -0400

Early Microsoft money is behind new, super-green campus in Ballard (slide show)

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:42:42 -0400

Fueled by money from an early Microsoft employee, a new eco office and residential development is opening in Ballard...

Auctioning .art: New top level domains could sell for tens of millions of dollars

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:06 -0400

Great art has always been valuable, but the word “art” itself may never have been more valuable than it will be this summer...

Google cuts prices on week-old datastore

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:35:52 -0400

Don't like the cost of your cloud datastore? Wait a second, it'll probably go down. Watch for rivals to jump in.

Microsoft's Cheap Shot At The iPad Actually Points Out Exactly Why The Surface Sucks

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:06:05 -0400

Being behind in a market sucks, and it's understandable to want to lash out at the top dog, as Microsoft has shown it's willing to do with Google in search and email, and now with Apple in tablet computers. A brand new Surface ad pits the iPad against Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet, in an attempt to show how much more versatile the Surface is vs. the iOS device.

Halo, phone home: Steven Spielberg meets the XBox One

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:09 -0400

It’s doubtful Netflix is looking over its shoulder just yet, but Xbox Live is joining the online video service and Amazon Instant Video to distribute original content on its console...

Survey: Share your thoughts on Microsoft’s Xbox One

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:18:54 -0400

The web is abuzz with talk of Microsoft's Xbox One, which was announced on Tuesday. Here's a chance for GigaOM readers to share their own thoughts by taking our survey.

Move Over, Apple: 16 More U.S. Companies Stashing Billions Overseas

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: Getty Images Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook was summoned to Capitol Hill Tuesday to explain his company's tax arrangements, which, according to Congressional investigators, amount to large-scale avoidance of taxes due to the U.S. and other ... Read more

VMware challenges Amazon, Miscrosoft launches hybrid offering

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:49 -0400

EMC subsidiary and virtualization company VMware (NYSE:VMW) will launch vCloud Hybrid Service at an event Wednesday, an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) product that allows companies to use both private and public cloud services...

Electronic Arts Reverses Decision, Develops New Wii U Games

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:07:48 -0400

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) CFO Blake Jorgensen has confirmed that, contrary to the previous comments from company spokesperson Jeff Brown (and a barrage of negative tweets from an EA engineer), the company is developing games for Nintendo's (OTC: NTDOY) console.

According to IGN, Jorgensen made

Is Microsoft peeking into your Skype messages?

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:51:32 -0400

If you have any expectations about the privacy of your Skype communications, you may want to reassess them. Microsoft appears to be peeking into Skype messages for security reasons, according to Ars Technica.

The owner of Skype regularly scans the contents of messages sent on the service for signs of fraud, but what's done with the information from those scans -- whether it's stored indefinitely or destroyed -- is unknown.

Is Microsoft peeking into your Skype messages?

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:51:32 -0400

Is Microsoft peeking into your Skype messages?

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:51:32 -0400

Is Microsoft peeking into your Skype messages?

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:51:32 -0400

The 20 Most Valuable Brands In The World

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:30:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: YouTube.com By Laura Stampler In spite of struggling stock prices and loud public uncertainty over Tim Cook's innovative capabilities, Apple (AAPL) is once again the most valuable brand in the world, for the year 2013. Every year, BrandZ and ... Read more

Microsoft Launches Azure in China Via 21Vianet Group

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:00:48 -0400

Much Remains Unknown About Microsoft's Xbox One

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:46:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: Ted S. Warren/APMicrosoft's Xbox One entertainment and gaming console was unveiled Tuesday. By DERRIK J. LANG REDMOND, Wash. -- Will gamers want One? After four years of development, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One entertainment console and touted ... Read more

New Xbox Fails To Woo Investors As Microsoft Stock Dips And Sony Shoots Up 9%

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:15:13 -0400

Wall Street apparently wanted something more revolutionary out of the Xbox One that launched today, as Microsoft's stock is down 0.66%. In turn, investors pushed Sony shares up 9% as they expect its new PlayStation 4 to give the Xbox One a solid fight for console gaming dominance.

This Microsoft Invention Could Finally Destroy the Cable Company Monopoly

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:51:31 -0400

For too long we've been held hostage by our local cable companies. Their monopoly-like status has left us chained to spotty service, inexplicable rate hikes and laughable customer service.

But a new product is about to trigger a revolution - or, evolution - that could end the cable company reign.

Today (Tuesday), Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) revealed its next-gen Xbox, called the Xbox One, a device which may prove capable of replacing your cable box.

To continue reading, please click here...

Xbox One Announced as Microsoft Takes on Sony's PlayStation 4

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:49:56 -0400

The rumors are over and the expected names (Xbox 720, Xbox Fusion, Xbox Infinity, etc.) are out. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has unveiled its next game console, which is now officially known as Xbox One.

Today's event did not contain the two hours of game hype that accompanied Sony's (NYSE:

Xbox One: Microsoft reveals new all-in-one entertainment device

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:08:52 -0400

Video-game console? What video-game console? Microsoft revealed the newest version of what was once its video-game console...

Microsoft Confirms That The Xbox One Will Come With An Incredibly Sensitive New Kinect

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:01:21 -0400

The Xbox One was just unveiled at Microsoft's Redmond campus and, true to multiple reports that circulated before the official reveal, the new console will indeed come with a Kinect. And what a Kinect it is! The rumors of a vastly improved Kinect sensor array were right on the money -- this next-generation model is capable of tracking motions as minute as wrist rotations, and Microsoft's Marc Whitten said the new Kinect would even be able to read users' heartbeats when they're exercising or when players shift their weight.

The New Xbox One Live Features Adds Advanced Social Gaming Features That Could Lead To True MMORPG Experiences

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:41:15 -0400

While we don't have all of the details on the new Xbox Live features announced at today's XBox One launch, it's clear that Microsoft is going all-in when it comes to social and multiplayer gaming. First, they are upping the number of dedicated servers for online play from 15,000 to 300,000 and that nearly all of your content and game data will be store in the cloud.

Watch Microsoft's Xbox Reveal Event Live Right Here, See The Future Of Console Gaming

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:59:50 -0400

Microsoft is about to unveil the next Xbox home gaming console, and they're broadcasting the entire event live for all to watch. There will be thrills! Spills! Chills! Maybe some actual hardware, unlike at Sony's PlayStation 4 reveal. Check it out above, or if you're in an environment where you can't listen in, or just prefer glorious words written by Greg Kumparak to these newfangled moving pictures, check out our live blog.

Amazon beats other big cloud providers to federal certification

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:19:22 -0400

Amazon Web Services Inc. is the third company — and first large, commercial cloud provider — to get an official blessing from the federal government that enables agencies to more easily purchase and implement the company's cloud products and services...

First South Florida Technology Summit to be held Wednesday

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:13:34 -0400

The first South Florida Technology Summit will offer attendees an opportunity to learn about the hottest gadgets and to prepare for future tech advancements with workshops, tutorials, presentations, keynotes and exhibits...

Target Drops Wii U Price Ahead of Xbox Unveiling

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:17:03 -0400

Is the timing coincidental or a sign of things to come?

Target.com (NYSE: TGT) has lowered the price of Nintendo's (OTC: NTDOY) latest console, Wii U, from $299.99 to $239.99.

According to GameSpot, Target has only chosen to reduce the price of the basic 8GB

Microsoft Plans New Data Centers in Singapore, Australia

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:13:26 -0400

Market Minute: Scrutiny Awaits Heads of JPMorgan, Apple

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:40:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: The heads of both JPMorgan and Apple are in line to get grilled today. The Dow industrials (^DJI) fell 19 points yesterday, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged one point lower, and the Nasdaq (^IXIC) lost 2. Apple (AAPL) chief Tim Cook testifies on Capitol ... Read more

Connected feet: Local startup weaves technology into socks

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:33:48 -0400

Tumblr deal: $1 billion new tech price?

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:25:33 -0400

Microsoft's Third Xbox to be Unveiled in 24 Hours

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:44:05 -0400

In roughly 24 hours, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) will hold a press conference to unveil the first tease of the company's third game console.

Commonly referred to as "Xbox 720" or "Xbox Next," the new console is rumored to be called "Xbox Fusion" or "Xbox Infinity."

Microsoft will introduce the console

Can Windows 8 thrive on small tablets? Acer thinks so, debuts 8.1-inch Iconia W3

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:09:26 -0400

Acer's Iconia W3 is the second coming of Ultra Mobile PCs, only this time, there's a touch-friendly user interface. The Windows 8 desktop is still the biggest challenge on a small slate; perhaps Microsoft should offer a "Metro"-only license?

The week in cloud: Google and Microsoft in slap fight while IBM and SAP play hot hands

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:49 -0400

Google and Microsoft slapfest continues; IBM pushes Watson for third-party apps; SAP bets big on HANA for ERP.

What Games Are: Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Xbox?

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:00:13 -0400

With Xbox 360 having started well but ended in a very confused state, I worry that Microsoft is about to carry over much of its baggage to the new console. Will the company make the same mistake of not listening to the market that it has often made in recent years? Will it continue to believe that there is a burgeoning market for an everything box? Or will it refocus on what matters?

Tableau CEO after IPO: Data is the oil of the 21st century

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:56:23 -0400

Mayor, investors celebrate Kings deal: 'We. Did. It!'

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:23:52 -0400

Familiar Face Climbs Back to the Top of Billionaires List

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:39:01 -0400

Apparently, the world has a new richest man.

Actually, reclaiming the top spot is more accurate. According to Bloomberg, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) founder Bill Gates is, once again, the world’s richest man. He moved ahead of Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim in rankings released on May 16 by

Microsoft responds to Larry Page remarks, but Oracle is quiet

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:21:12 -0400

Microsoft has responded to a high-profile put-down by Google CEO Larry Page, but Oracle, at least for now, won't be drawn into a public fight with the executive.

Page criticized Microsoft and Oracle in response to questions after his keynote speech at Google's I/O developer conference in San Francisco Wednesday. Microsoft came under fire about instant messaging interoperability, while Oracle was singled out over Java.

Microsoft responds to Larry Page remarks, but Oracle is quiet

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:21:12 -0400

Microsoft has responded to a high-profile put-down by Google CEO Larry Page, but Oracle, at least for now, won't be drawn into a public fight with the executive.

Microsoft responds to Larry Page remarks, but Oracle is quiet

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:21:12 -0400

Microsoft has responded to a high-profile put-down by Google CEO Larry Page, but Oracle, at least for now, won't be drawn into a public fight with the executive.

Microsoft responds to Larry Page remarks, but Oracle is quiet

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:21:12 -0400

Microsoft has responded to a high-profile put-down by Google CEO Larry Page, but Oracle, at least for now, won't be drawn into a public fight with the executive.

In wake of NBA rejection, what's next for Hansen's Sodo properties?

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:54:43 -0400

Microsoft: Invulnerable software is not possible

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08:21 -0400

While Microsoft has instituted processes intended to make its software secure and even opened up those processes for others to use, there is no such thing as completely risk-free software, a Microsoft official says.

Google issues YouTube ultimatum to Microsoft as Hatfield-McCoy feud heats up

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:02:07 -0400

Google yesterday sent a cease-and-desist letter to Microsoft, demanding that its rival remove the YouTube app built for the Windows Phone platform.

The letter cited violations of the YouTube and YouTube API terms of service, including preventing the display of advertisements -- the way YouTube reaps revenue -- allowing video downloads and playing videos that partners have blocked on certain mobile devices.

As Amazon, Google, Microsoft beat each others brains in, who wins? The user

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:15:39 -0400

It may not be pleasant for the competitors, but cloud competition is nothing but good for cloud consumers -- whether they're startups or Fortune 100 companies.

Google CEO talks interoperability and his company's relationship with Oracle

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:11:27 -0400

Google CEO and co-founder Larry Page wishes there could be more interoperability and that Google could get along better with Oracle.