Microsoft

Everybody knows that Microsoft rarely innovates. You know the knock. While companies such as Apple Computer roll out bold and original hardware and software products, Microsoft relies on tweaks to its world-dominant Windows software. Of course, there's something to be said for this approach. Rather than launch some radical product, why not add a heap of features to a product that already has a loyal user base tens of millions deep? That's the philosophy that guided Microsoft in the development of its upcoming Tablet PC technology.

Check back on this slug frequently for updated details about the Xbox release. Microsoft today showcased details of its next-generation gaming platform, Xbox One, which will succeed the Xbox 360. The announcement at Microsoft's Redmond campus followed significant speculation about the new device, which is expected to include a built-in version of the formerly detached Kinect module. Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business, debuted the box at 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, with the Microsoft team showing off a "hub"-style device that relies heavily on voice commands and gestures for control.

Today is a big day for Microsoft. The company is introducing its Windows 8 operating system, it's biggest makeover, some say, since Windows 95. Computers have changed dramatically since 1995, of course. Mobile devices, i.e. smartphones and tablets, have roared into common use over the past three to four years. People are doing a lot more computing tasks on such alternate devices. The influence of mobile has been seen in Apple's operating system updates, as it's integrated some iOS-like features into OSX. Now, we're going to see Microsoft's take.

Microsoft says its "pop-up" holiday stores have been a success and will stay open now that the holidays are over, at least for now. That goes for the Mall in Columbia location as well. It's one of about 30 temporary shops Microsoft opened in the U.S. and Canada for holiday shopping. The company is extending all locations "into the New Year" but not saying how long. Some will become permanent outlets or specialty store locations. The stores were designed to give consumers hands-on experience with products and complement Microsoft's nearly two dozen permanent locations, none of which is in Maryland.

A time line of events in the Microsoft case:Allegation1991: Federal Trade Commission investigates claims that Microsoft monopolizes personal computer operating system market1993: FTC drops case; Justice Department begins investigationSettlement1994: Microsoft and Justice Dept. reach settlement; Microsoft changes PC maker contracts, lifts restrictions on other software firmsFeb. 1995: Federal judge rejects settlement as an inadequate remedy to Microsoft "monopoly"'Bundling' investigation1996: Federal investigation of Microsoft's "bundling" its Internet browser with Windows 95Oct.

The Justice Department has broadened its investigation of Microsoft Corp.'s plans for its new on-line network, issuing subpoenas this week to publishers, broadcasters and others who have signed up to be on it.The requests for documents from the information suppliers of the on-line service, Microsoft Network, signal a second step in the investigation.Two weeks ago, the Justice Department issued civil investigative demands -- the equivalent of subpoenas -- to Microsoft's rivals in the on-line business, including America Online Inc., H&R Block's Compuserve and Prodigy Services, the joint venture by IBM and Sears, Roebuck & Co.In the new round of requests, the information suppliers for Microsoft Network are being asked for any documents received after July 1993, written by either suppliers or by Microsoft, that relate to estimates of how many people will sign up for Microsoft Network.

Increased competition -- usually a good deal for consumers -- is in prospect for banking by personal computer, a field on the verge of explosive growth. With the collapse of Microsoft's $2.1 billion plan to acquire Intuit and its popular home-banking software system (Quicken), there could be a fierce scramble in a lucrative market.For the Justice Department's anti-trust division, Microsoft's uncharacteristic withdrawal from the field of battle is a doubly sweet victory. It helps division morale after being chastised by a federal judge for being too soft on Microsoft in an earlier unfair business practices case.

Q. Why is the Microsoft case being tried before a judge, not a jury?A. If the plaintiffs (the Department of Justice and 20 states) were seeking damages (money) from Microsoft, then either side would be entitled to request a jury trial.However, the plaintiffs are not seeking money -- they only seek injunctive relief, such as stopping Microsoft from packaging its Internet browser in Windows 98. The Microsoft trial thus falls under a category of law called "actions in equity."According to a tradition dating back to English law, "actions in equity" are tried before a judge, not a jury.

In the fall of 1995, I bought a Hewlett-Packard Pavilion computer loaded with Microsoft Windows 95. But when I turned it on, Windows 95 wasn't what I saw. Instead, I was greeted by a cute, colorful animated screen that made it easy to launch programs and otherwise navigate through everyday use of the computer.Many other PC manufacturers were doing the same thing -- they had concluded that Windows 95 was still too confusing for many of their customers, particularly first-time buyers.Their motives weren't entirely altruistic.

WASHINGTON -- In a decision that throws the federal government's biggest antitrust case into turmoil, a federal judge rejected yesterday the Justice Department's agreement to settle allegations that Microsoft Corp., the world's biggest software company, unfairly competed with its rivals.The decision is a considerable embarrassment for the Justice Department, which described its settlement last July as a victory that would rein in one of the most feared companies in the computer industry.The Justice Department must now rebut criticism that the accord was too tame.

Today is a big day for Microsoft. The company is introducing its Windows 8 operating system, it's biggest makeover, some say, since Windows 95. Computers have changed dramatically since 1995, of course. Mobile devices, i.e. smartphones and tablets, have roared into common use over the past three to four years. People are doing a lot more computing tasks on such alternate devices. The influence of mobile has been seen in Apple's operating system updates, as it's integrated some iOS-like features into OSX. Now, we're going to see Microsoft's take.

The "pop-up" store Microsoft has been planning for the Mall in Columbia will open Oct. 26. Microsoft announced the opening date for the temporary holiday store on Wednesday. In September, the company said the Columbia store will be one of about 30 temporary shops planned for the U.S. and Canada to coincide with the holiday shopping season.  The outlets are designed to complement Microsoft's nearly two dozen permanent stores. (None of those are in Maryland.) Microsoft says it wants to give store customers hands-on experience with its products.

Microsoft plans to open a "pop-up" store in time for holiday shopping this fall at The Mall in Columbia. The store will be one of about 30 temporary holiday locations Microsoft plans to open this year in the U.S. and Canada, a move to complement nearly two dozen permanent stores. Maryland at this point has no Microsoft stores.  Microsoft is offering few details about the temporary stores, but promises hands-on experience with Microsoft products. The idea for the pop-up stores was first announced earlier this year by Microsoft COO Kevin Turner, during the Worldwide Partner Conference.

Microsoft wanted a tablet done right, so the company figured it'd give it a try. CEO Steve Ballmer announced the Microsoft “Surface” family of tablet devices Monday in Los Angeles, a move that sends a clear warning shot across the Apple iPad's bow. The device is currently slated to come in two versions, one running Microsoft's tablet-specific Windows RT and a power-user version that will run Windows 8. For comparison to the iPad, the 10.6”...

Microsoft on Monday unveiled a nice looking tablet computer called Surface , or rather, a pair of devices that are targeting the tablet market currently dominated by Apple and Android. Surface looks pretty cool. I like the thin tactile keyboard that also doubles as a screen cover. You get the impression Microsoft beat Apple to the punch by adding a keyboard with this design, which Apple first introduced with its own Smart Cover a couple years back. Microsoft is positioning the device as one that's good for both consumption and creation.

Microsoft led off the lineup of developers and publishers who will be showcasing everything new in digital entertainment at this week's E3expo in Los Angeles. While the news out of Redmond was very heavy on the Xbox's capabilities as a media center, there was still plenty of gaming news and announcements for the coming fall and following year on the world's best-selling console. Microsoft Studios president Phil Spencer proclaimed this year as the “biggest year ever for games on the Xbox.” Not surprisingly, Microsoft opened the event with an extended trailer for “Halo 4” (in stores Nov. 6)

IS MICROSOFT being persecuted unfairly by the U.S. Justice Department? Many columnists, editorial writers, political cartoonists and members of Congress seem to think so, and public sentiment appears to favor the view that the company should be absolved of any wrongdoing and the suit terminated. I recently heard a news analyst say, "It is difficult to see how consumers have been hurt in any way by Microsoft." The company's ads imply that if the government is successful in breaking them into separate companies, it will be damaging to "healthy competition, innovation and consumer choice."

SEATTLE -- The Federal Trade Commission's investigation of Microsoft Corp. has moved into far-reaching allegations that the company has monopolized operating systems for the nation's personal computers.Microsoft, which earlier characterized the investigation as the FTC pursuing a curiosity, said yesterday that it now faces a broader investigation."Microsoft is surprised and disappointed that the inquiry has been broadened," said William Neukom, Microsoft vice president for law and corporate affairs.

Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Microsoft to create a powerful competitor to the Amazon Kindle -- setting up a mano a mano battle for dominance of the e-reader market. The deal is built around the Barnes & Noble Nook and related digital business. Microsoft annonced a $300 million investment in a new Barnes & Noble subsidiary, which could be spun off as a separate public company. Microsoft will hold a 17.6% equity stake in the subsidiary, giving it a valuation of $1.7 billion.

In its own special way, my Xbox 360 let me know it was time for some spring cleaning this week. I could've danced with Bill Gates' minions and mailed in my system for service. Instead, like Sarah Palin, I went rogue.  Before we begin, let's get something straight: Microsoft didn't want me to do what I did to my Xbox. I had to break at least three different sticker seals that clearly stated that I was voiding any and all warranties by doing what I did. If you ever plan on sending your system to Microsoft for service or reselling it as a "pure" system, do not do what I'm about to describe.