Microsoft

Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tomorrow, consumers ready for a richer, more connected and more personal entertainment experience will have the first opportunity to get their hands on sleek new Zune players, redesigned Zune software, and new online services including the Zune Marketplace and Zune Social, an online music community. The players -- along with dozens of accessories -- will be available at retailers across the United States, while the new Zune software will be available for free download at www.zune.net.

For the first time, consumers also will have the option to customize their Zune player with laser-engraved designs and personal text through a new Web store called Zune Originals. Customers will be able to purchase a Zune player directly from Microsoft at www.zuneoriginals.net and choose from a collection of laser-engraved artwork designed exclusively for Zune by 18 internationally recognized artists. Read more

Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360 console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price). Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: "PAC-MAN Championship Edition" (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), "Uno" (Carbonated Games), "Luxor 2" (MumboJumbo), "Boom Boom Rocket" (Electronic Arts Inc.) and "Feeding Frenzy" (Sprout Games). Read more

Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Hardware is taking mobile computing to a new level with the Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000, the industry's first rechargeable notebook mouse with 1 GB of flash memory built right into the transceiver. Designed to prevent Universal Serial Bus (USB) port shortage, the single transceiver is a three-in-one supertool that lets users simultaneously work wirelessly, save important files with 1 GB of storage and recharge the mouse without deficiency in performance -- all through one USB port.

Computing on the go has never been more productive, with the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 freeing up USB ports and delivering all the tools consumers need to get the job done in one sleek, compact device. With the added convenience of 1 GB of storage in the mouse transceiver, users can easily store the information they need on the go -- whether it's their favorite photos, PowerPoint presentations or even music files. Read more

Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today launched Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services. The updated version of the program combines the No. 1 best-selling travel and mapping software(1) for the United States and Canada, a sleek Global Positioning System (GPS) locator, and the inclusion of a new MSN Direct receiver, providing drivers with current traffic updates and competitive gas prices without needing an Internet connection.(2) Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services also integrates with Live Search Maps, allowing consumers to find up-to-date local information that can easily be saved to take on the road. This affordable full-navigation solution is a unique synergy of offerings that will keep drivers on track so they can travel with less stress while enabling them to save money by knowing what to expect along the way. Read more

June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continuing its history of setting new benchmarks for desktop innovation and ergonomic design, Microsoft Corp. today launched the Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 -- the pinnacle of comfort. With the average consumer spending approximately six hours per day on their computer(1), Microsoft responded to the growing need for comfortable peripherals with its new desktop that makes optimal use of the ergonomic designs of the bestselling wired keyboard(2), the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, and the award-winning Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000. Combining best-in-class ergonomic design and 2.4 GHz technology for a confident wireless connection, the Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 represents the ultimate wireless desktop experience and makes time spent on the computer more comfortable and productive. Read more

May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Picture a surface that can recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Today at the Wall Street Journal's D: All Things Digital conference, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer will unveil Microsoft Surface, the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, retail establishments, restaurants and public entertainment venues. Read more

May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to an independent survey commissioned by Microsoft Corp., 77 percent of teachers and 73 percent of parents claim math and science are the most difficult homework subjects for students, yet only 36 percent of parents feel capable to help their children. While parents and teachers struggle to find the time or knowledge to provide their kids with adequate assistance in math and science, students can grow frustrated by the lack of resources and the amount time it may take to find relevant guidance in these difficult subjects. To address these issues, Microsoft has developed a low-cost, comprehensive resource for middle school, high school and entry-level college students. Read more

May 1, 2007 -- Fast-teks On-Site Computer Services is gaining national recognition at record speed! As the worldwide general availability date for Microsoft’s Widows Vista system quickly approaches, computer users around the globe are anticipating the increased hardware requirements that the system will need. Graphics cards, increased CPU size, and larger RAM requirements are just a few of the many areas that experts are warning users about. This is especially noteworthy for businesses, who will likely be forced to make the upgrade in order to remain competitive whether they want to or not. The issue, says Fast-teks’ Cari Diaz, is less focused on the Vista system itself than it is on installation. Read more

March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360 Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately. The Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories are expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29. Read more

March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 07 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft Corp. formally announced HD Photo, a new file format for end-to-end digital photography that offers higher image quality, greater preservation of data, and advanced features for today's digital-imaging applications.

This new, next-generation digital image format offers the best solution for digital image editing and storage and unlocks the potential for digital photography on devices, applications and services. Microsoft also announced that it intends to standardize the technology and will be submitting HD Photo to an appropriate standards organization shortly. Read more