Windows 7 is now part of the computing landscape, and is becoming a bigger part of that as consumers and business adopt the new operating system. But what’s next for Microsoft? Windows 8, obviously, probably launching some time late in 2011 or early 2012. But the company isn’t giving anything away at this stage.
Microsoft has prevailed in a long-running legal battle over its Windows Genuine Advantage program. A judge rejected claims that its distribution effectively constituted spyware.
Anyone with children can’t help but be concerned by what their little cherubs are being exposed to on the Internet. Thankfully, there are organizations eager to help prevent kids being harmed on the Web and dealing with the fallout if it does happen. And Microsoft is doing its bit.
A week after Microsoft began investigating a reported problem, it’s starting to appear unlikely that notebook battery performance is a major issue in Windows 7.
Windows Mobile 7, now renamed Windows Phone 7, is likely to make its long-awaited debut at Mobile World Congress 2010 on Feb. 15. However, many details surrounding the newly redesigned mobile OS are thought to have been leaked, at least unofficially.
Microsoft and Facebook have worked together since 2007. But their relationship is now evolving, with both sides giving up a little but receiving more in exchange. In essence, Facebook is gaining back advertising opportunities while Microsoft, through its Bing search engine, will be gaining exposure on the most popular social network in the world.
Next week’s monthly security update from Microsoft will finally fix a loophole dating back to 1993. But there’s no fix yet for a problem Microsoft just confirmed which could make files accessible to hackers.
The unveiling of the Apple iPad seems to have brought up some long-hidden grievances from a former Microsoft employee. The former vice president at the company has accused Microsoft of having such a dysfunctional corporate culture that it is harming its ability to innovate. And without innovation he thinks the future of the company is looking decidedly patchy.
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that Windows users are happier running Windows 7, but now there’s some figures to support that theory. A market research firm says customer satisfaction for Microsoft users has hit a two-year high.
Windows 7 was meant to be a boon to the battery life of notebook PCs. And generally speaking it has been. But some people are experiencing a problem with battery life on their machines that only appears to occur when Windows 7 is installed. Enough people have reported the problem that Microsoft is now investigating the cause.
A British government minister has rejected calls for a widespread review into whether officials should use Internet Explorer. But individual departments are split over whether version 6 should still be used in 2010.
The Apple iPad may not be as useless as we all fear it is after all. Because it will be possible to run Windows 7 on one, at least as a virtual desktop.
Microsoft’s latest financial figures, in the wake of the release of Windows 7, are clearly a success. But there are some mitigating factors and other points which should hold the company’s attention.
All things considered, Microsoft had a good 2009. After a couple of tough years which saw Gates’ reign come to an end and Ballmer’s start, the pain of Vista, the pain of Zune, and more besides, 2009 can be considered a win for the company. Its latest financial results are proof positive of this, and they’ve been underlined by the success of Windows 7.
Microsoft has released a series of patches for Windows 7. They cover performance rather than security, but may be worth seeking out now if you’ve experienced some specific problems.
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