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Espoo, Finland — Dec 03, ‘07 — Discover and listen to radio shows broadcasted over the internet with the Nokia Internet Radio service now available. The application can be downloaded for free from Nokia.com/internetRadio and will also be embedded in upcoming Nokia S60 3rd edition devices.

“Most new music discovery occurs while you’re listening to the radio,” said Tommi Mustonen, head of the Nokia music business. “By offering the Nokia Internet Radio service on mobile devices, the radio experience becomes more accessible, giving people new ways to find music.”

With hundreds of internet radio stations to choose from worldwide, the station directory of Nokia Internet Radio makes music discovery effortless - browsing can be done based on station name, genre, country or language.

To find out what hits are hot around the world, hourly updates of the top ten most popular internet radio stations are also available in the station directory. Plus, there is no need to search for your top stations time and again because adding them to the list of ‘Favorites’ makes them easily accessible.

Moreover, the audio quality is enhanced by selecting appropriate streaming servers that match the speed of the current network connection.

The Nokia Internet Radio application is currently available for download to the following devices: Nokia N82, Nokia N91, Nokia N95 and Nokia N95 8GB.

The application is planned to be available later on further devices and will be embedded in selected upcoming Nokia S60 3rd edition devices. Please visit Nokia.com/internetRadio for the list of the latest compatible devices.

Nov 27, ‘07 — Google wants to offer consumers a new way to store their files on its hard drives, in a strategy that could accelerate a shift to Web-based computing and intensify the Internet company’s competition with Microsoft. Says  Kevin J Delaney and Vauhini Vara of The Wall Street Journal.

The WSJ further writes, “Google is preparing a service that would let users store on its computers essentially all of the files they might keep on their personal-computer hard drives — such as word-processing documents, digital music, video clips and images, say people familiar with the matter. The service could let users access their files via the Internet from different computers and mobile devices when they sign on with a password, and share them online with friends. It could be released as early as a few months from now, one of the people said.

Google’s push underlines a shift in how businesses and consumers approach computing. They are increasingly using the Web to access applications and files stored in massive computer data centers operated by tech companies such as Salesforce.com, Microsoft and Google. Such arrangements, made possible by high-speed Internet connections between homes, offices and data centers, aim to ease users’ technology headaches and, in some cases, cut their costs.

Other companies offer various Internet-based file storage services, but most have been slow to catch on with businesses and consumers. Some offerings, such as Yahoo’s Briefcase Web-based storage service, require users to go to a Web page and click through a few screens to upload a new file and set various limits.

For its part, Microsoft offers a test version of a service called Windows Live SkyDrive with one gigabyte of free storage.

Google faces hurdles on issues such as data privacy, copyright, the economics of adding storage capacity and the technical challenges of offering service without interruption.

For Google, one advantage of offering a broad data-storage service would be to potentially draw consumers to existing Google services that compete with Microsoft’s Office applications suite, which includes Word, Outlook and Excel.

The company has been tackling technical issues including how to get the storage service to work seamlessly with software on users’ computers so it appears like just another hard drive, say the people familiar with the matter.

A document Google inadvertently released on the Web in March 2006 said it was moving toward being able to “store 100% of user data,” citing “emails, Web history, pictures, bookmarks” as a few examples. The document referred to what appeared to be unannounced Google initiatives, including one dubbed “GDrive” and said they could help compete with Microsoft.” More at WSJ.

CUPERTINO, CA– Nov 16, ‘07 — On the heels of Microsoft releasing Windows Live OneCare, Symantec today announced new versions of Norton SystemWorks, the leading PC tuneup solution that diagnoses, repairs and maintains consumer and home office/small office computers. Norton SystemWorks Standard, Norton SystemWorks Premier and Norton SystemWorks Basic are now Vista compatible and provide consumers the opportunity to choose the solution that best suits their needs.

All three editions of Norton SystemWorks automatically diagnose and fix hard drive errors with the One-Button Checkup feature. Also included are Norton Utilities’ trusted tools, Norton Cleanup, which removes cookies and temporary files, and System Optimizer, which allows computer users to optimize their Windows settings from a single screen.

In addition, Norton SystemWorks Standard and Premier include Norton AntiVirus 2008, which protects against new and emerging malicious code. Norton SystemWorks Premier also features Norton Save & Restore 2.0, offering easy yet reliable system and data backup and recovery, and an emergency boot CD so customers can start their computer when it can’t start itself.

Pricing and Availability

The estimated retail prices for the products are US$69.99 for Norton SystemWorks Standard, US$49.99 for Norton SystemWorks Basic, and US$99.99 for Norton SystemWorks Premier. Prices for all editions of Norton SystemWorks include a one-year subscription to Symantec’s protection updates. More at Symantec.

REDMOND, Wash — Nov 15, ‘07 — Microsoft on Thursday officially released Windows Live OneCare 2.0, which has been in beta testing since July.

Windows Live OneCare is an online service that provides managed maintenance and security for consumers and small businesses. It offers protection from viruses, spyware, and phishing, helps with firewall settings, and coordinates system tune-ups and data backup.

“Customers have told us they want an all-in-one solution for PC care that is simple and easy to use across all the PCs in their home,” said Amy Barzdukas, senior director of Windows Live OneCare at Microsoft, in a statement. “Windows Live OneCare helps address this need by providing a comprehensive set of security and performance tools while adding new features, including multi-PC management, printer sharing support and centralized backup options.”

The service’s main new feature is the OneCare Circle, which links PCs together over a wireless connection to make them manageable from a single place. OneCare Circle allows, for example, a parent to see that a child has disabled the firewall on his or her PC and to turn it back on. It also helps centralize data backup by allowing a hard drive connected to any linked machine to serve the whole home network.

The service also includes the new Start Time Optimizer, which helps users load only the programs they require at startup, thus accelerating the startup process. In addition, it includes a “Proactive Fixes and Recommendations” feature to help optimize PC performance, and it helps maintain wireless networking security. More at Microsoft.

NEW YORK — Nov 12, ‘07 — Reuters reports, ”Microsoft said on Monday it has entered exclusive talks to buy mobile music service company Musiwave, a unit of Openwave Systems Inc.

Microsoft said an acquisition would bring Musiwave’s relationships with music labels, device makers and mobile operators together with Microsoft’s Connected Entertainment technologies including Windows Mobile, Zune and MSN. If the transaction proceeded, Musiwave would continue to operate out of its current headquarters in Paris.” More at Reuters.

Update: Microsoft Press Release :

Microsoft Corp. today announced it has entered into an exclusivity agreement around its intention to acquire Musiwave SA, an Openwave company and a leading provider of mobile music entertainment services to operators and media companies. The acquisition would bring Musiwave’s relationships with music labels, device makers and mobile operators that deliver digital entertainment to consumers, together with Microsoft’s Connected Entertainment technologies and services, including Windows Mobile, Zune, MSN and Windows Live. Should the transaction proceed, Musiwave would continue to operate out of its current headquarters in Paris.

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 6, 2007 — Microsoft today launched Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, which encompasses more than 20 services, including Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live OneCare Family Safety.

A free and fun upgrade for the online and Windows experiences, the new Windows Live was launched today at Windows Live and at events in New York and Los Angeles. To celebrate the launch, Microsoft is partnering with the children’s nonprofit Operation Smile to encourage people to share smiles through Windows Live to help Operation Smile make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

Windows Live Features:

Communicate. Stay close and connected how you want, wherever you are.

Share. A simpler way to share your photos and express yourself online.

Access Anywhere. Connect easily and share information you want.

Safety. Enjoy a worry-free computing experience with built-in safety features.

ROCHESTER, NY–BUSINESS WIRE–Nov 05, ‘07–According to the latest Harris Poll, the number of adults who are online at home, in the office, at school, library or other locations continues to grow at a steady rate. In the past year, the number of online users has reached an estimated 178 million, a ten percent increase.

In research among 2,062 U.S. adults surveyed by telephone in July and October, 2007, Harris Interactive found that 79 percent of adults are now online. This is a steady rise over the past few years, from 77 percent in February/April 2006, 74 percent in February/April 2005, 66 percent in the spring of 2002, 64 percent in 2001 and 57 percent in Spring of 2000. When Harris Interactive first began to track Internet use in 1995, only nine percent of adults reported they went online.

The amount of time that people are spending online has also risen. The average number of hours per week that people are spending online is now at 11 hours, up from 9 hours last year and 8 hours in 2005.

Internet Access Increases at Home and at Work

The proportion of adults who are now online at home has risen to 72 percent, up from 70 percent in 2006 and 66 percent in the spring of 2005. The percentage of those online at work has also risen, now at 37 percent, and up from 35 percent in 2006. The largest increase is among those adults who are online at a location other than their home or work as this has risen from 22 percent in 2006 to 31 percent today. It appears people who do not have access at home or work are increasingly turning to other outlets to get online. More at BusinessWire.

Consumers can shape and share ideas in 3-D in Virtual Earth. REDMOND, Wash., and PARIS — Oct. 18, 2007 — Dassault Systèmes (DS), a world leader in 3-D and product life-cycle management (PLM) solutions, and Microsoft Corp. today launched Microsoft^® Virtual Earth™ -3DVIA (Technology Preview). This free online application, developed by Dassault Systèmes, allows consumers to imagine and create realistic 3-D models — such as of buildings and structures — then share them through Microsoft Virtual Earth and online communities.“Virtual Earth -3DVIA users will be able to build a world that mixes their future projects and ideas with real-life places, buildings and structures,” said Lynne Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of 3DVIA at Dassault Systèmes. “Through Microsoft’s online geographic location mapping technology and our 3-D modeling and realistic visualization know-how, we have created a new level of realism within Virtual Earth that provides an unrestricted freedom for creativity and innovation.”

Users can download Virtual Earth -3DVIA for free and immediately begin using the fun, easy-to-use and intuitive application. Virtual Earth -3DVIA allows anyone to do the following with their ideas:

– Create. With just a few clicks, users can easily design a 3-D model of their house, favorite building or any structure, then select from different visualization options, textures and colors to give their 3-D model a style of its own.
– Publish. Users can upload their 3-D models to Virtual Earth, specifying an address or neighborhood so they can experience the model within a real-life context.
– Share. Users can add their 3-D model to collections, and share it with friends and colleagues through Web communities.

“Our alliance with Dassault Systèmes, a company that has 26 years of technology experience in 3-D modeling, will help us bring a new level of realism to Virtual Earth,” said Stephen Lawler, general manager of Virtual Earth at Microsoft. “Microsoft is committed to delivering the highest-quality product for our Virtual Earth customers, and this enhancement is another step toward fulfilling that commitment.”

Virtual Earth -3DVIA is being released as a technology preview to allow community feedback before the next release of the product. More information about Virtual Earth -3DVIA is available online at http://maps.live.com/Help/en-us/VE3DVIADownload.htm.

About Virtual Earth

The Virtual Earth platform is Microsoft’s next-generation integrated set of powerful online mapping and search services that offer a variety of capabilities, including unique bird’s- eye view, three-dimensional imagery, and aerial and satellite imagery. The Virtual Earth platform also powers a variety of consumer, enterprise and government applications that enable people to discover and explore a specific location. Virtual Earth powers Live Search Maps, Microsoft’s online local search and mapping Web site. More information about the Virtual Earth platform is available at http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth/default.mspx.

About 3DVIA

3DVIA is Dassault Systèmes’ brand for online 3D lifelike experiences. It establishes 3D as a universal media for consumer and professional communities, and allows anyone to imagine, play, and experience products and services used in our daily lives. Once perfected in the virtual world, these can be delivered in the physical world. The Virtools product line is part of 3DVIA. For more information about 3DVIA, go to: www.3dvia.com.

Microsoft has rolled out updates to the latest release of its Live Search service, introducing improvements to local and mobile search. Following hot on the heels of Google’s newly unveiled Google 411 local search offering, Microsoft announced the availability of its rival LiveSearch411 service.

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 15, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the final updates to the fall release of its Live Search service, introducing a broad array of new services and features to its local and mobile search offerings. Microsoft also announced the availability of the Live Search 411 service. Customers can gain toll-free* access by dialing (800) CALL-411 (800-225-5411) from any phone to find and connect to local businesses and other local information, such as weather updates, movie show times and airline information. People using a cell phone with Internet access can also receive links to traffic maps from Live Search 411. Today’s release offers these key features:

Maps and Directions

Mobile Enhancements

More at Microsoft Press Room

The Associated Press reports, “SEATTLE (AP) — Microsoft Corp. has added a digital party-invitation service to its suite of Windows Live Web services. Windows Live Events, as the new tool is called, works much like IAC/InterActiveCorp.’s Evite does.Users choose one of dozens of predesigned templates — birthday, cocktail party, Chinese New Year, even Yom Kippur breakfast. They fill in the time and place of their event, add a map, type in invitees’ e-mail addresses and hit send. The person planning the party must have a Windows Live ID, such as a Hotmail e-mail address, but guests don’t need one to respond to the invitation.

The event page keeps track of who’s attending and who’s not and offers a discussion board tool for uploading photos and linking the event to personal calendars like Outlook’s or Apple Inc.’s iCal. The service is closely tied to Microsoft’s other Web tools. Users can click links to blog about the event on the Spaces social network site and get driving directions from Live Search.”

Excerpts from PC World Article: “One feature that may set Live Events apart from other similar services is the ability for event participants to visit the invitation site after the event to upload photos or videos or comments, said Jay Fluegel, product manager for Windows Live Events. Then anyone can order prints of the pictures, view slideshows or download the photos to Windows Live Gallery, a beta service that lets users share photos and other content.

The service, accessed at Windows Live Events, will begin a gradual rollout across 56 international markets Thursday and Friday. The rollout is expected to begin just after 5 p.m. Pacific time Thursday in the U.S.

Microsoft also announced updates to a couple of other Live services. Users of the Skydrive beta, which lets anyone store and share files online, will now have 1G byte of storage, up from 500M bytes.”

More at The AP, PC World, Windows Live Events

Updates to Windows Live SkyDrive! Microsoft has increased its Windows Live SkyDrive online storage to 1GB.

“These past couple of months since our last release, we asked ourselves, “What can we do to make SkyDrive even better?” The most obvious answer is something that our users have asked us to do: give out more storage. We’re excited to announce that we’re doubling everyone’s storage to 1 GB!”

Windows Live SkyDrive has also added RSS feeds to public folders and a feature to let you share your folder with anyone directly from SkyDrive by typing in your friend’s e-mail address. Finally, on users demand, SkyDrive is now displaying the name of the person that added each file.

More at SkyDriveTeam Blog, Windows Live SkyDrive