Matthew@MSN : Microsoft

Announcing Windows Vista - Clear, Confident, Connected: Bringing clarity to your world [rev0]

matthewsoft — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:51:00 GMT

I thought I would have to blog about this at the very least - come on, it's Windows.

Well kids, it's not going to be Windows 2006 - that would be too 1990s. Windows Codename “Longhorn” is now going to be known as Windows Vista, the next version after Windows eXPerience, in case you're confused. The news broke yesterday, but Microsoft hadn't made an announcement until this morning. It's clear to me that Microsoft branding/marketing is no longer happy with being the boring old company of the past, instead they want to be like Apple. Well, they have a long way to go and unfortunately a lot of boring old people still use Windows and they don't seem very happy. haha Just kidding to all those who don't like the name, but I think it's kinda neat; then again I can't get enough from marketing. At the very least, if Microsoft didn't create these wonderful crazy names, then what would we have to talk about? Well, maybe about all the children dying of starvation in Niger because of a new famine there, but *sigh* I live in the USA.

Ugh, now I seem kind of jaded - lol, this is what happens when you don't blog enough.

Anyway, Windows Vista Beta 1 is coming August 3 and might RTM [release to manufacturing] May-October 2006. Already people have been registering “vista“ domains like 'microsoftvista.co.uk', 'vistafordummies.com', 'winvista.net' [that Microsoft didn't already get] and even selling them on eBay.

Also, be sure to check out some blogs and news stories for more information:

Microsoft Watch: Longhorn to Be Christened 'Windows Vista'
Robert Scoble: Speculation over new Longhorn name all over the blogosphere
ActiveWin.com: Official Longhorn Name is Windows Vista
Bink.nu: It's Official: Windows Codename Longhorn is Windows Vista! Beta 1 on August 3rd
Neowin.net: Longhorn To Be Named 'Windows Vista'

@Matthew

MSN Messenger 7.0.0777 is released to the public! [rev0]

matthewsoft — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 05:06:00 GMT

Today MSN Messenger 7.0 was finalized and released to the web [RTW] for public consumption. Jeff Wilkes and others have reported being able to get it from the official site, but I just tried and got 6.2, so try the Neowin download link.

Also, MSN Spaces has removed beta from it's name, increased storage from 10 MB to 30, added more themes, announced 4.5M Spaces created, and launched What's Your Story?. However, there will be many more exciting things from the Spaces team later on and eventually more storage as a universal platform is completed.

Press releases:

More press:

@Matthew

PS--Thanks to Paul for most of this stuff.

Xbox Power-cord Replacement Program for No-charge [rev1]

matthewsoft — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 17:43:00 GMT

A problem has been found with Xbox power cords that can cause burns or damage to the console when submitted to sustain over voltage or mechanical malfunction. The power cords affected were manufactured in the United States before October 23, 2003 or Europe before January 13, 2004. Record the serial number and manufacturer date found on the bottom of the Xbox and then go to <http://replacements.webprogram.com/en-us/index.asp> to receive your no charge replacement.

For more information:

FAQ - <http://replacements.webprogram.com/en-us/faqs.asp>

Microsoft recalls Xbox power cords - <http://news.com.com/2100-1043_3-5580586.html>

When checking multiple consoles on the web site, make sure to clear your cache and I would even go so far to try it multiple times. I was able to register one Xbox for the replacement and then another came up fine, when I went to register the third it said it didn't need the replacement at first, but after trying again I was able to order a replacement.

Now my question is I have multiple Xboxes in the house and power cords have been shuffled around in the past. How do I identify which power cords are faulty? Additionally, one Xbox was manufactured on September 9, 2003, which is before October 23, 2003, yet the web site and automated phone system [number in FAQ] says it's fine, how can that be? I called and then pressed 0 twice to speak to someone, but was disconnected after a few minutes. Microsoft needs to promptly address these concerns with the contractor.

@Matthew

Update: I finally talked to someone at the Xbox Power-cord Replacement call center and he basically told me “I have no idea.” Luckily he ordered another cord so I could replace all of them. However, he didn't know how I could tell which power cords would be effected, other than to look at the new ones and compare/contrast. Also, he didn't know why the system would deny an Xbox that was manufactured before October 23, 2003 based upon the serial number. I was thinking about it some more and Xbox Support had refurbished my old unit with a brand new one since mine was damaged in transit upon requesting them to fix the damm DVD drive [this being the second time I needed it replaced!]. Maybe since it was refurbished and a new serial number, it wasn't in the system correctly. It's incredibly unfortunate that the contractor isn't making a better effort to resolve problems customers are experiencing and as a result it reflects negatively upon Microsoft. I'm going to try bringing up these issue with Xbox Forums and Major Nelson.

The NEW Microsoft Network

matthewsoft — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 06:19:00 GMT

Tonight Microsoft officially launched the new version [a/k/a wave 10] of MSN.com. The site loads much faster, emphasizing content and search services more than advertising. With the launch of the new site comes the final release of the more precise, more powerful MSN Search. The new search has been in development since March 2003 and beta since November 2004. The engine is using MSN’s own web crawler [MSNBot 1.0] and Newsbot service that launched back in July 2004. New features include search results in RSS, faster performance and more results from other MSN properties. The search engine is also featured on Microsoft.com now. For more information, visit:

The online tour.
Two PressPass articles, How to Build a Better Search Engine: MSN Launches New Internet Search Service, and MSN Launches New Internet Search Service Designed to Give More-Precise Answers in Less Time.
MSN Search Fact Sheet and MSN Search Answers Fact Sheet.
The quite lengthy MSN Search Reviewer's Guide [helpful tips].
On the MSN Search team's blog.

If you want to be nostalgic, I was still able to access the old search on either IE's Search Assistant or IE's Auto Search, and the old tour is still up [with sound!].

Some press:

NYTimes.com - Microsoft Introduces Its Own Search Service
ClickZ Network - MSN Campaigns For Search Share in Integrated Effort [wow, big ad blitz!]
C|NET News.com - Microsoft kicks off search effort
PRNewswire - MSN Launches New Internet Search Service Designed to Give More-Precise Answers in Less Time [probably more permanent link]
MarketWatch - MSN unveils its new search engine
Geek.com - Microsoft announces MSN Search [guess who commented]

Additionally, the MSN Toolbar Suite [Desktop Search] team has launched a new beta build to address some bugs. More information about the changes can be found on their blog. Also be sure to check out the user testimonials.

Please submit any feedback to MSN Support or the Channel9 Wiki.

Although this means that a number of betas have gone gold, there are more betas right around the corner, like MSN Shopping beta. It’s another much cleaner interface over the predecessor and quite like Windows Marketplace.

Now that MSN has kept me awake when I wanted to go to bed early, I’m going to go crash. Have fun everyone!

@Matthew

PS--I kept forgetting to blog about the v6 updates to Microsoft TerraServer [another play toy in MSN Sandbox].

Update: I quickly added some press links. I see Google's and Yahoo's [Inktomi] stock price going down soon. Also, much thanks to Paul for posting a lot of this!

Go all over Europe in MSN! [rev3]

matthewsoft — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 00:10:00 GMT

Thanks to Scoble for this.

There is a bug in Microsoft MapPoint that takes you on a crazy adventure all over Europe while the start and end points are in the same country. The bug is expected to be fixed in February.

@Matthew

Update:
1) You can read the response from Microsoft @ <http://www.mp2kmag.com/mappoint/discussion/viewtopic.asp?p=12088#12088>.
2) c|net News.com also picked up on the story.
3) February is gone [today is March 2] and the bug has been fixed! In case you didn't know, MSN Maps & Directions has been redesigned as well.

The official MSN.com beta, My MSN RSS, and MSN Search!

matthewsoft — Fri, 21 Jan 2005 23:41:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

Paul said I need to update more so I thought I would tell you all that the MSN.com beta has officially launched. You can check out the new features at <http://www.msn.com/?opt=out> or <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx> [the former will create a cookie so you get the beta page every time you go to msn.com]. I really like the choice of colors, simple white or classic blue. More information can be found on the tour page and be sure to be heard by giving your own feedback.

Also of note, My MSN can now import RSS feeds, like mine! That means that you can create a My MSN module that updates the latest headlines from some of your favorite sites [or blogs] that support RSS [usually an orange logo]. Check it out at <http://rss.msn.com/> and <http://my.msn.com/>! One thing I would like to see is the ability to import multiple RSS feeds into one module [or cluster them if you will], giving you the latest headlines from a combination of sites/feeds [i.e. the latest headlines from IT, international news, business news, et cetera]. Submit your own feedback at <http://support.msn.com/feedback.aspx?productkey=msncom>.

One last thing, in case you haven't noticed, MSN Search has switched over to the beta service and appears to no longer be using Yahoo's Inktomi or Slurp technologies, but it's own MSN Advantage and MSNBot. I have been using the beta service quite a bit since MSN Toolbar Suite has launched and I must say I'm quite impressed. However, the old search is still in IE's Search Assistant, IE's Auto Search or simply <http://www.search.msn.com/>. For more information, please visit the MSN Search Team's Blog.

Expect more updates when I recover all my data from this nasty recovery CD that reformatted my HDD! Thanks to Jonathan and Ontrack's EasyRecovery Pro, I should be back up and running shortly.

@Matthew

Update: MSNtv2 is also using the old search. Snap.com, a company I've never heard about, offers an interesting search technology also now in beta.

A rose for those affected by the tsunami...

matthewsoft — Sat, 08 Jan 2005 08:02:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

Mess.be is reporting that some MSN Messenger users are showing their sympathy for tsunami victims with a rose (f) in front of their display name. My prayers are with them all...

@Matthew

Update: Only one of my friends has actually done this, which I find to be quite surprising. Also, I ended up putting the rose at the end of my name so that I would be listed alphabetically.

Microsoft releases a preview of Anti-Adware software.

matthewsoft — Thu, 06 Jan 2005 09:04:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

Well good news tonight [right before I go to bed of course], Microsoft has released their Anti-Spyware [*cough* Anti-Adware */cough*] beta created from the acquisition of GIANT Company Software. Current users of GIANT Anti-Spyware are recommended to use their current software subscription, which will be supported <http://www.giantcompany.com/commonQuestions.htm#gen_beta>. If you would like to participate in the preview, download at <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671> or visit <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware> for more information.

Please note this is beta quality software and is not supported by Microsoft. The software is set to expire on 2005/07/31. However, if you have any difficulties, please submit any new cases via newsgroup at <http://communities.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.asp?ICP=spyware>. You can also access the newsgroup via NNTP newsreader by entering <news://privatenews.microsoft.com> as the server and 'privatenews\spyware' as the login name with password: 'spyware' [case-sensitive].

@Matthew

PS--I'm not a big fan of the 'spyware' label since spyware refers to malicious users using software to spy or steal things from your computer. Adware is a specific form of malware usually packaged with freeware or shareware as means of advertisement revenue. However, GIANT does a great job of protecting from all malware except viruses, Trojan horses, et cetera. Now I can't wait for the Anti-Virus solution from Microsoft [PC Satisfaction Trial].

Update:
1) It appears there may be a little more propping going on as some links fail, try to download the EN-US version at <http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/5/815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc/MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe>.
2) The official site was finally propped earlier today at <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software>.

LIVE: Celebrate the new year with msnvideo.com!

matthewsoft — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 11:40:00 GMT

LIVE: The three live streams are as follows,
1) The Show of behind the scenes activity with Romeo from Z100 [some radio personality in NYC]: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream1.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream1]
2) The Scene of the Times Square celebration show: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream2.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream2]
3) The Skybox, bird's-eye coverage of Times Square: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream3.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream3]
Also, if you wish to send out a Happy New Year live across the world, e-mail <timessquare@hotmail.com>, with "NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE" as the subject line <http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_interactive.html>. Your messages may appear on The Show webcast or online at <http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_acrossGlobe.html>.

Hello everyone,

New year's eve is upon us and MSN Video is ready to help you ring in the new year with exclusive three-angle Times Square coverage available for the first time on the Internet! Celebrate like never before on this historic 100 year anniversary of the official Times Square New Year's Eve party. The webcast will begin at 6:00 pm EST and end at 12:15 am EST. Until then, there are a number of videos about the celebration, it's history and a review of 2004 at <http://msnvideo.com/newyears>. Additionally, check out MSNBC's Year in Review at <http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6662484/> and have a Happy New Year!

@Matthew

PS--For those who subscribe to .NET Alerts updates of my blog, there will be an alert sent out shortly before the webcast begins. For more information, read the press release at <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-28NewYearsBallPR.asp>.

Update:
1) That means it starts 5 pm CST, 4 pm MST, 3 pm PST [I know it's easy to forget].
2) I tried doing the .NET Alert but MessageCast didn't want to play along.

Concepts, concepts, concepts everywhere! [rev3]

matthewsoft — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 09:13:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

In case you haven't heard, Neowin has leaked some concept photos of MSN 11, for which we can expect around the launch of the next version of Windows, codenamed Longhorn due in 2006. The images and video of MSN wave 11, Longhorn Live, and Microsoft Live Services have since been restricted. I think it all looks great, although I will warn you that the final product is usually much different from the original concept. There is no live code, or program behind these images; it's simply a graphics designer working his magic. That said it still shows where the MSN team is heading and that they are absolutely committed to developing better products. Maybe eventually we'll even see some prototypes, which have running code, of MSN 11 and these new Live services.

Feel free to browse around the Concepts image gallery where you'll find not only the above mention concepts, but also the old concepts of MSN Mars [MSN Explorer 6], HailStorm [now defunct .NET My Services/XML Web Services] and Unified Communication Client [still left to be seen].

@Matthew

Update:
When viewing the image gallery, I know that some of the images aren't resized properly for the CSS I'm using and I did change it, but I like this one so much! So remember you may have to scroll all the way down to view the image. I may fool around with it and add some white space just to get it to resize better, but for now I'm being lazy [and have too much stuff to do].
Attention--All images and references to the artist have been removed at the request of the artist.

For our international users...

matthewsoft — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 09:03:00 GMT

Hello again,

MSN Hotmail has started to introduce the availability of new country code [top level domains] e-mail addresses: <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2004/nov04/11-18MSNSecurity.asp>, <http://www.msn.co.uk/newhotmail>. This means that now you might be able to get an e-mail address that's already taken on @msn.com or @hotmail.com. However, I do not recommend creating an easy address, as through my experience you will be spammed the easier it is. Spammers will commonly take well-known domains and a dictionary to start creating e-mail addresses to spam, regardless of their actual validity. Anyway, these are the domains [so far]:

France @hotmail.fr <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1036>
Germany @hotmail.de <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1031>
Italy @hotmail.it <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1040>
Japan @hotmail.co.jp <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1041>
United Kingdom @hotmail.co.uk <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=2057>

Important: You cannot change the country or language during registration [as it will change the domain], but you can after the account is registered <https://registernet.passport.net/editprof.srf>. Also, note that new accounts will be given 25MB within the first 30 days and then bumped up to 250MB [applies to new accounts only, existing accounts in 9 markets should have full storage].

You could actually migrate your current account to the new one, although it isn't an easy task as described in <http://www.msn.co.uk/newhotmail/help> [applies to all MSN Hotmail accounts]. They describe a somewhat hard way to move over contacts, because I think it would be easier to subscribe to MSN Hotmail Plus <http://upgrade.msn.com/> and use Windows Address Book. Additionally, when moving over your Calendar, after sharing it's as easy as opening the shared calendar event and clicking 'Add to My Calendar' [which finally works]. There is also a tool from TrueSwitch [new], but I believe it costs.

@Matthew

PS--I’m still trying to find @hotmail.com.ar, @hotmail.co.th and @hotmail.com.tr if anyone wants to assist.

The wave keeps rolling on in...

matthewsoft — Sat, 04 Dec 2004 09:11:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

I unfortunately neglect this NG way too often. Here is some information on what's new in MSN...

On November 17, MSN Hotmail Web 10 launched. Although initially the update was minor and most things were hidden, the December 2nd MSN Spaces blogging service <http://spaces.msn.com> launch in the US [total of 26 markets, 11 languages] completed it. For more information, read below and the press release at <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-01MSNWave10PR.asp>. Please comment/ask questions about anything!

MSN Hotmail Web
- Full integration with MSN Web Messenger to provide instant Messenger service especially when roaming [note--this may not be available yet].
- MSN Contacts integration in more areas with MSN Messenger to encourage users to communicate via IM even while in their e-mail.
- Contact cards like those in MSN Messenger 7 with the user's display picture, display name, messenger status, blog photos, blog updates, easy access to view space, start messenger conversation, and send e-mail .
- Add a Messenger contact <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/AddressPicker?context=WebIM>.
- Change settings for automatic Messenger sign-in when signing into MSN Hotmail Web <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/domsgroption>.
- Links along with pictures are now disabled in messages in the Junk Mail folder [or unknown senders if the option is enabled]. Also, a warning message can be turned on for links that are not from msn.com/microsoft.com. To change settings for 'Display Internet content' or 'Unknown Link Warning' go to <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/prefs?screen=mail>.
- Virus scanning when forwarding a message.
- Attach photos OCX control that shows thumbnails and then automatically compresses photos for sending via e-mail.
- Find feature searches headers and body [although stated otherwise] <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/HoTMaiL?FindMSG=1>.
- URLs open in a fresh new window using JavaScript instead of the old 'You're viewing a page outside of Hotmail' banner [which just caused so many problems].

MSN Messenger 7
- Public beta available at <http://messenger.msn.com/beta>.
- MSN Spaces showing blog activity in contact card, including new posts and photos.
- 'Gleaming' buddy icon when new space content is added for both online and offline contacts.
- Default 'Click here to customize MSN Messenger' link <http://messenger.msn.com/feature/personalize.aspx> in bottom content bar.
- 'Add to my personal space' access via user's display name at top.

MSN Web Messenger <http://webmessenger.msn.com/>
- Removal of beta status [RTW on November 18].
- Available in 25 markets [as opposed to 8 initially].
- Service looks more like MSN Messenger 7.
- Ability to choose status before signing in.

Left to be seen:
- Sender ID SPAM prevention <http://www.microsoft.com/senderid>.
- Hotmail server level scanning provided by Trend Micro.
- Custom messenger status messages.
- MSN Spaces .NET Tab for seamless access to the user’s space.

Regressions:
- Hotmail 'Apply filter now' removed [which I'm NOT happy about].

MSN.com Home Preview <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx>
To set your browser cookie to the new page, go to: <http://www.msn.com/?opt=out>
To revert back to the old page, go to: <http://www.msn.com/?opt=in>
Fill out the survey at <https://www.msnfeedback.com/surveys/usa/prm_hp9pf_200406.htm>.

Demo of MSN Spaces; video by Robert Scoble [MSFT Evangelist] of Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager] and Jim Horne [Product Unit Manager]:
Video link [00:14:15]: <http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0411/23725/MSN_Spaces_Demo_MBR.asx>
Channel9 post: <http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30998>

Talking all about MSN Spaces; video by Robert Scoble [MSFT Evangelist] of Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager] and Jim Horne [Product Unit Manager]:
Video link [00:30:55]: <http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0411/23725/MSN_Spaces_MBR.asx>
Channel9 post: <http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30995>

MSN Spaces team that blog on MSN Spaces [imagine that]:
Scott Isaacs [Web Experience Architect]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/siteexperts/>
Mike Torres [Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/mike>
Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/emcee>
Dare Obasanjo [Program Manager of Backend]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/carnage4life>
Jay Fluegel [Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/jay>

Versions:
MSN Hotmail Web: 10.00.1118.0072
MSN Web Messenger: 10.0.1108.0
MSN Spaces: 10.0.1124.0
MSN Hotmail Web with Web IM and Spaces: 10.00.1121.0073

@Matthew

Update:
1) Changed the wording of the beginning because it was partially incorrect.
2) Added "Note: These features may or may not work on your Passport, there is some confusion as to if these are available everywhere."
3) Added "'Add to my personal space' access via user's display name at top" under MSN Messenger 7 heading.
4) Added easier link to MSN.com Home Preview: <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx>.
5) Added "URLs open in a fresh new window using javascript instead of the old 'You're viewing a page outside of Hotmail' banner [which just caused so many problems]."
6) Added MSN Web Messenger section since it is part of wave 10.

Woo hoo, Scoble as a referrer?!?

matthewsoft — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 08:23:00 GMT

Wow, I’m going to bed happy tonight! Robert Scoble, God of Blogging, has read *my* first post, woo hoo! Although I have never met the man myself, I try to keep up with his blog as much as possible. Scoble works at Microsoft as Technological Evangelist (read: really awesome, cool job I’m sure), helping out with the MSDN Channel9 stuff among other things. I say God of Blogging since somehow he keeps up with a gazillion different blogs through the magic we call aggregation and syndication. Blogging is really quite amazing and I intensely enjoy following the score of Microsoft employees that blog. In fact Scoble has done so much to improve relations between Microsoft and the public, especially through Channel9. I must admit that I might be a little too obsessive since when he posted his mobile phone, I put it in my address book. Hmm, don’t worry, no stalking, but you never know who might helpful in my road to achieving Microsoft employment (man I’m so dead set on this, it’s scary). Anyway, .Text has this neat little feature that will tell you who the referrers are for particular blog posting and although I don’t really understand the technology (yet), it’s really neat and I’m proud to be featured on Scoble’s blog of blog posts <http://www.kunal.org/scoble/archives/2004_11.html#011084>! I’m sleeping happy tonight, yay!

@Matthew

PS--Scoble, expect my postcard for a Nine Guy soon!

Update: How does the man do it? Man he's quick! <http://www.kunal.org/scoble/archives/2004_11.html#011151>

Why I care so much...

matthewsoft — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 05:58:00 GMT

Quite often, I recommend Microsoft’s products and services and defend its actions; my friends will ask me why? I must say it’s because now that big giant has become personal. I have come to know the developers and people who work at Microsoft. I think many see the organization as a giant monster, when in fact at the root of it all exists hardworking people. These people are compassionate, caring and love what they do. I’ve always wanted to work for Microsoft; it has been a childhood dream. However, now I have come to adore not only the business, but also the employees and their ideals. I can see myself participating in this organization and contributing all of my passion and knowledge to the goal. I admire their respect for the customer by listening and understanding to their ideas. Their passion for the customer’s potential is evident in all they do. Their vision is clear: listen, understand, develop and deploy great software and services.

@Matthew