Is Microsoft / Yahoo Search Deal Still On?
October 30, 2009 by The Editor
Filed under Advertising
In an SEC filing on October 29th, Yahoo and Microsoft asked for an extension to close their deal to cooperate in the Internet search space and compete together against Google.
“Given the complex nature of the transaction, there remain some details to be finalized,” the SEC filing states. “The parties are working diligently on finalizing the agreements, have made good progress to date, and have agreed to execute the agreements as expeditiously as possible.”
The parties insist that the deal will be completed in early 2010. However, Mobile search advertising is a large part of the deal. Reports are that Yahoo wants the freedom to use its own or other options outside of Microsoft AdCenter and this is causing issues in its negotiations with the Redmond, WA based software giant.
Smartphone Manufacturer HTC Dragged Down by Windows Mobile?
October 30, 2009 by The Editor
Filed under Uncategorized, Windows Mobile / Phone
We here at Observer Publishing won’t hide the fact that we’re Windows Mobile fanboys. While the iPhone is a pretty little thing, we’d rather endure some of the clunkiness of Windows Mobile and get features such as multi-tasking, slide out keyboards and the ability to use our phones as computer models (tethering).
A couple weeks ago, Microsoft officially released its Windows Mobile 6.5 (now Windows Phone) with AT&T and other carriers featuring the HTC Touch Pro as their ‘hero’ device. For those unaware, Taiwan based HTC is the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world.
However, all does not seem to be happy in the HTC / Microsoft relationship. As mentioned in this Business Week article, HTC’s profits are slowing and the company, as with much of the industry sees the Google Android operating system for smartphones as a strong route to profitability. Press leaks suggest that a copy of Windows Mobile is between 15 and 25 of the cost of a smartphone. The elimination of those costs by switching to Android is a big incentive to either increase profits or fuel a pricewar among manufacturers. Add that the new Android 2.0 operating system has much of the glitz seen in the iPhone OS, and Microsoft has a big challenge on its hands to keep Windows Mobile relevant.
Microsoft Stock Up 5% As Profits Beat Estimates
October 23, 2009 by The Editor
Filed under Financials
Microsoft’s recent cost cutting moves pleased investors today and the company was rewarded with a 5% rise in its stock price as of 3pm today (October 23rd, 2009).
First-quarter net income fell to $3.57 billion, or 40 cents a share, beating the 32-cent average estimate of analysts. Highights from their earning annoucement include:
- The company said it will spend as much as $26.5 billion on operating costs in the year ending June 30, down from a previous forecast for as much as $26.9 billion.
- Microsoft sold more copies of Windows last quarter than in any previous period because of Windows 7 orders and high demand for the older Windows XP used on cheap laptops called netbooks, General Manager Bill Koefoed said in an interview.
- Microsoft’s search engine Bing, released in June, has taken more than a percentage point of market share, according to research firm ComScore Inc. in Reston, Virginia. Microsoft had 9.4 percent of the U.S. search market in September, compared with 64.9 percent for Google Inc. and 18.8 percent for Yahoo! Inc.ComScore said.
Windows 7 Launches October 22nd – What You Should Know
October 23, 2009 by The Editor
Filed under Windows
Finally, the folks at Microsoft get to put the debacle known as “Windows Vista” to rest with its successor product Windows 7. I’ve been running it at work and at home for many months now and have to say its the best Microsoft OS ever. That’s not a backhanded compliment, despite what all the Apple Macintosh fanboys will say. Its easy to use and rock solid – never crashes or other application or device issues.
For all the folks out there thinking of upgrading or purchasing a new system, here’s a collection of great articles to bring you up to speed. Happy Shopping (tomorrow, all PCs will now come with Windows 7 Pre-installed)!
New York Times: The People Spoke. In Windows 7, Microsoft Says It Listened.
Wired: 7 Things You Should Know About Upgrading to Windows 7
PC World: Windows 7: A Complete Survival Guide
