Microsoft patent application cuts controller cords, sews them back together

Wireless gamepads are more convenient, but for latency, copper trumps 2.4GHz. What to do? Build hybrid controllers that can instantly cut the cord. It seems that's what Microsoft's thinking, as the company applied for a patent on just such a controller in March, using infrared, Bluetooth or RF technologies alongside a wired (possibly USB) connection and switch between the two "without permanent disruption to an ongoing game." Of course, dual-mode controllers have been around for months in a slightly different form -- Microsoft's own Sidewinder X8 and the Razer Mamba did the same for the high-end gaming mouse. It also doesn't bode well that this particular application clearly describes the original chunky Xbox.
[source]

Microsoft comes clean on doling out cash, free hardware to entice Windows Phone devs

 According to a BusinessWeek report, it seems they're pursuing a number of angles to entice software shops to help build out Windows Phone 7's launch catalog, ranging from offering free test hardware to simply paying cash, sometimes in the form of revenue guarantees that Microsoft will meet if apps don't meet sales goals in the Marketplace. Of course, there's not really anything wrong with Microsoft inorganically pursuing support for its ecosystem like this -- they've certainly got the pocketbook for it, and considering their come-from-behind position, they ought to be using any tool available to 'em right now to get this thing as ready as it can possibly be for app-hungry customers later this year.
[source]

Microsoft says 74 percent of work PCs still use Windows XP, extends downgrade rights until 2020

The latest Microsoft operating system may be selling seven copies a second, but it's no match for the behemoth Windows XP, still the most popular OS in the world despite recent nefarious attempts (we kid) to invoke spontaneous shutdowns, slow hard drives and trigger blue screens. In fact, a Microsoft exec admitted today that practically three-quarters of business computers still run the nine-year-old OS on hardware averaging 4.4 years old, and Computerworld's now reporting Microsoft will extend XP's lifespan through 2020  as a result. "Going forward, businesses can continue to purchase new PCs and utilize end user downgrade rights to Windows XP or Windows Vista until they are ready to use Windows 7," an official Windows blog post reads.
[more]

Microsoft's Windows Phone Developer Tools package goes to beta

Early versions of the tools Windows Phone 7 developers will use to craft their wares have been floating around since Microsoft's MIX event in March, but it looks like things have finally gotten robust and feature-complete enough this week to bless the kit with a beta label. In fact, Microsoft is coming out and saying that this release "represents the near final version," which we take to mean you can develop with some confidence that your world won't be turned upside down when the time comes to prep your apps for shipping devices and firmwares. The actual API has been tweaked and Expression Blend is now fully integrated with the tools, though there are apparently still a few controls that aren't ready for primetime and will be added over the coming weeks.
[source]

Microsoft prepping Magic Mouse-like Arc Touch Mouse?

Microsoft isn't saying anything about this one just yet, but there's a growing amount of evidence that the company is set to take on Apple's Magic Mouse with its own Arc Touch Mouse. A product listing for an "Arc Touch Mouse" at several European retailers (with a $70 price tag), an arctouchmouse.com domain registered to Microsoft in late March, and some Microsoft Research projects that show that the company has indeed been working on multitouch mice since at least late last year (one of those prototypes is pictured above).
[source]

Microsoft announces InstaLoad battery technology: never insert a battery the wrong way again

Microsoft has certainly had some ups  and downs  with its products over the years, but we're pretty sure the company's new InstaLoad technology falls somewhere between a home run and the best thing it's ever done. It promises to do nothing short of redefine the way you insert batteries, and let you shove 'em into devices without any regard for positive or negative polarity. That's apparently possible thanks to a patented battery contact design, which Microsoft says "simply works," and is compatible with a whole range of battery sizes (both standard and rechargeable).
[source]

Microsoft Sidewinder X4 keyboard

Microsoft has announced  Sidewinder X4 keyboard,this keyboard has many noticeable features including Anti-ghosting,programmable keys,calculator button etc.,let us see them in detail.Anti-ghosting means that you can press number of keys as you like,this is enabled for gaming.The keys are really good so that mistake wont occur while typing.Shortcut keys are enabled in this keyboard that is if you press the Media key it launches Media player.This keyboard does not have USB port,this may be the drawback for this launch by Microsoft.To know more check this.

via crunchgear

eVouse Wireless Mouse Concept Released

eVouse is by designed by Marcial Ahsayane this mouse is in the shape of V  fitted with a pen sensor.The eVouse can be used as normal mouse or as a pen. These pen sensor is located in the top corner of the head giving the user perfect grip when dragging the mouse to perform particular actions.Check this to know more.

via geeky-gadgets.

Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive

 

 

Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive from Microsoft  will definitely help the users mainly for storage,which now makes Xbox to store downloaded TV shows and movies from the Xbox Live Marketplace.Microsoft’s Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive will be available in Japan for ¥15,540 that is for $172.Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive is being released in Japan on March 11 this year.

via Geeky Gadgets

Microsoft Arc Keyboard

Features

-The Arc is small, thin, lightweight and portable
-The size of the device is just 12×6 inches Which allows you to carry it anywhere you go.

-The Microsoft Arc keyboard is scheduled to release on February 21st with a price tag of $59.95
via cogadget
Hope You Got The Info Using  www.JuzGadgetz.BlogSpot.com