Microsoft Corp. will require some computer makers to post a prominent link to its MSN Internet-access service when they ship computers loaded with Microsoft's new Windows XP software this fall, the company said.
A Microsoft spokesman said during the weekend that the company's announcement two weeks ago, which he described as a direct response to a federal appeals court ruling in the company's antitrust case, dealt with flexibility about other Microsoft products, namely its Web browser. Microsoft said in the previous announcement it would allow computer makers to remove on-screen links to its browser and allow them to post links to competing software. The weekend comments followed a Friday news report on the matter.
(also reported by ActiveWin)
On Monday, Intel will unveil its next-generation Pentium III processor for notebook computers, which is based on a smaller 0.13 micron technology that will let the chip run cooler and longer than its predecessors. Code-named "Tualatin," the new mobile Pentium III comes after a round of steep price cuts on the previous generation chips, and further price cuts are expected later this week. But what's more impressive than the lowball pricing is the speed of these new designs: Intel says that versions will exceed 1.2 GHz, which is faster than the company's desktop-based Pentium III line.
Microsoft Corp is determined to prevent AOL Time Warner acquiring or buying a stake in AT&T's cable business, the Financial Times reported on Monday. It quoted people close to Microsoft as saying the company was prepared to use its financial muscle to encourage alternative bids for the AT&T broadband division, rather than see AOL become the dominant player in the U.S. cable market. Microsoft increasingly viewed AOL as its primary rival in the consumer Internet sector, and following the apparent failure of Comcast's $52 billion bid for the AT&T Broadband division, it was keen to stop AT&T's talks with AOL succeeding, the FT said.
Software makers, in turn, are altering code to make their programs compatible with Microsoft Corp.'s redesigned operating system. Even the computer chain stores, which won't start selling the product until Oct. 25, are already putting up the Windows XP posters and displays.
Windows XP is significantly more sophisticated than the behind-the-scenes maintenance programs that operating systems used to be. It is a bridge between the PC-centric world we live in and one in which computing is possible on a variety of devices. The system has an abundance of built-in features such as instant messaging, a DVD movie player, and even a "remote assistance" tool that will let technical help desk operators access a computer and fix problems.
I have just started download of WinXP RC 2 from MSDN, also Windows Beta Testers are able to download RC2. Moreover, people that have registered for Windows Preview Program will be able to get long awaited WinXP. So if you are able to get WinXP, then start your modems, it is about 450MB.
More info can be found in the comments.
CNET News.com caught up with Sullivan after his latest road trip to get an update on the progress of the operating system and on the interesting times he finds himself living in.
The lead product manager for Microsoft's Windows division recently celebrated his 11th anniversary at the company. But with the demands of the XP project consuming more and more of his time, the 36-year-old joked that his tenure at Microsoft really should be measured in dog years, which would put him at the ripe old age of 252.
Sullivan's role is to provide the public face of XP, shuttling between industry partners, customers and press. But it's been a demanding role.
On Saturday, Microsoft will release Windows XP Release Candidate 2 (RC2), the final public release of its next-generation operating system. Build 2526 is expected to be declared as RC2 sometime Saturday, and then the company's technical beta testers and other close partners will get access to the build. Beginning Monday, customers who signed up for the Windows XP Preview Program (WPP) will begin getting download access to RC2 as well, though Microsoft tells me that these downloads will be staggered because of the sheer number of WPP customers.
Undeterred by legal threats and political pressure, Microsoft Corp. will move forward with plans to release Windows XP in October, a company executive said Friday. Microsoft will ship the final test version of the desktop operating system Saturday, said Group Vice President Jim Allchin, who is overseeing the product's launch. The company plans to have a version ready to be manufactured in the next few weeks. Allchin said Microsoft is making no contingency plans for meeting demands that the new system be altered. He called criticism that the system hurts competition "very serious,'' but insisted it was unfounded. Windows XP works well with other products and gives consumers plenty of choices, he said.
Microsoft is preparing to clear an important hurdle for delivering Windows XP, but outside forces still could trip up the new operating system. The company on Saturday will issue Windows XP Release Candidate 2--the expected final testing version--Microsoft Group Vice President Jim Allchin said Friday during a media conference call. But as Microsoft puts the finishing touches on the new version of the Windows operating system, the company faces a growing controversy over the new software. Rather than generating the excitement of the Windows 95 launch, where hordes of people lined up outside computer stores for early copies, Windows XP is the focus of competitive and government forces seeking to delay the new operating system's release.
According to Klein, AOL will pay computer makers $35 for each subscriber the new process yields, enabled by Microsoft's decision to give computer makers more flexibility in assembling desktop icons.
MS CEO Steve Ballmer went for the "save the consumer" angle, hissing to the Journal, "The stuff that AOL is doing now is limiting market choice; it's unbelievably egregious." The Post found a consumer advocate who agreed, saying that AOL's actions should trigger a call from the friendly neighborhood Department of Justice for "investigation into potential anti-competitive practices."
Finally AOL will get what they deserve, DOJ investigation, taste of their own medicine, yes!