Business

Microsoft has given Internet Explorer 9 its first public airing. The browser looks set to make up a significant gap in speed compared with its rivals but will reawaken controversy over Microsoft's policy on web standards. It's no secret that many ... tests show Internet Explorer is much slower in loading pages, particularly those that use javascript. However, it was still surprising to see the firm's Steven Sinofsky openly admit that gap, with his presentation even noting one test which showed Internet Explorer achieving just 50% of the speed of some rivals. According to Sinofsky, Internet ... (view more)

YouTube has struck a content deal with the largest provider of Spanish language television in the United States. The partnership with Univision could be a major breakthrough in the Latino market. As well as a self-titled channel, Univision runs ... TeleFutura and Galavision. It's best known for its broadcasting of telenovellas, a form of soap opera that air in Mexico and Venezuela. However, those won't be part of the YouTube deal because Univision only has TV broadcast rights rather than online rights to the U.S. market. (Source: wsj.com ) The content which most definitely will air includes ... (view more)

Thus far, Windows 7 is getting some fantastic reviews. However, that doesn't mean Microsoft will be resting on their laurels, and it appears the company is already readying for Windows 8. How do we know that? There's evidence in a secret job posting ... unveiled for the recruitment of Windows 8 developers. Neowin.net discovered the odd posting in reference to the "next newest" Microsoft operating system. The listing, which has since been removed from the original recruitment site, revealed that the company was seeking qualified personnel for the planning and preparation of the Windows Update ... (view more)

When Windows 7 first launched back in late October, Microsoft touted the system as more efficient from the ground up -- making for, it said, longer PC battery lives compared to Vista. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem Windows 7 is quite so generous to ... netbook batteries, particularly when compared to its own, decade-old operating system (OS), XP. Just prior to Halloween, Microsoft had some not-so-scary news for prospective PC buyers: Windows 7 will let you get more out of your laptop battery. That wasn't surprising news, considering Vista, the company's much-maligned 2007 OS, was a veritable ... (view more)

In an attempt to curb the rising number of pirated or 'modded' Xbox 360s, Microsoft has unleashed a torrent of attacks upon these hacked systems. According to reports, in the last little while the software company has banned an astounding 600,000 ... Xbox 360 users from its Xbox Live online gaming community. Modding involves customizing the Xbox 360, Microsoft's popular video game console. Those who buy the system can, if they know how, change the operating system, hard drive and other components so that a console is capable of running unofficial copies of games. The allure of modding a system is ... (view more)

A senior Microsoft figure in the UK has said Windows 7 tries to mimic the look and feel of a Mac. Microsoft headquarters responded by calling him "inaccurate and uninformed." Simon Aldous, Microsoft's partner group manager, recently gave an ... interview to PCR, a computer industry magazine. As you'd imagine given the timing, the interview covered the development of Windows 7, which he agreed was like "Vista on steroids". However, he went on to say: "One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it's very graphical and easy to use. What we've ... (view more)

Microsoft is examining claims that a bug in Windows 7 could allow a hacker to remotely disable a computer. The news comes just as the firm urges users of previous editions of Windows to give priority to one particular patch in this month's security ... update. The Windows 7 bug, reported by a security researcher who's posted what he claims to be code for exploiting the bug, involves the Server Message Block. That's a section of Windows used in networks for features such as file and printer sharing. Bug Allows "Infinite Loop" Attack Laurent Gaffie says that the bug could make it possible for a ... (view more)

If you have yet to make the switch to Windows 7 , perhaps because of financial reasons, then you are wise. There are a number of ways to get your hands on the upgrade for a discounted price, proving once again that good things will come to those who ... wait. Here are some deals to help combat the "new release" sticker prices. 3-for-1 Windows Family Pack The first deal is the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack. Here, prospective buyers will receive up to 58 per cent off of the suggested retail price, if there are two or more PCs making the upgrade. The bundle consists of two ... (view more)

According to TechCrunch, Google is reported to have paid $30 million for Internet phone call company Gizmo5. It could be a major boost for Google Voice, but may also raise further interest among regulators. (Source: techcrunch.com ) Google Voice ... lets users hook up a single phone number that can receive calls. When they get a call on that number, a user can have multiple phones ring, such as home, work and cellphones. The service also includes features such as voicemail transcription, meaning the user can search for words in their messages in the same way as with emails. The firm also offers ... (view more)

Microsoft has assured users that it will strive to give cloud computing customers the same privacy commitments given to those using desktop software. But it warns that this could be limited by government regulations, particularly where data is ... transferred across international borders. Cloud computing is a broad term, but generally refers to set-ups where data, an application, or even an operating system is stored on, and operative from, a remote server rather than a user's computer. As Microsoft notes, it's not a new idea: Hotmail is an example of a cloud-based service, with the emails and ... (view more)