We just got off stage with Steve Ballmer, where we garnered a blistering 40 minutes of wild conversation with the man, touching on all things Microsoft. Of course, Windows 7 was at the forefront of talking points, be we also got Ballmer chatting up that
Courier vid, and the lack of Zune integration on Windows Mobile. For the former he swears he hasn't actually seen it, but that it sounds like it's something someone should make, while for Zune he says Windows Mobile is going to get integration in the next release -- which is a comforting thought, if perhaps a bit late. Of course there's plenty more to what he said, and we'll have an HD version of the whole show up tomorrow so you can sit back and take it all in if you
missed the live shindig.
Update: We've uploaded a gallery of photos courtesy of our good friend and podcast producer, Trent Wolbe. Check 'em out!
posted October 22nd 2009 6:51PM
Look forward to seeing the video!
It wasn't very good. Josh was sort of a passive agressive troll. Right after Ballmer walked off the stage it became all an Apple fest and they almost wanked over the new apple mouse >-/
@astrodemoniac: Actually, it seemed to me like they were pointing out its flaws more than anything else and similarly with the iMac. What they were(or at least Josh was) really gushing over was the nook.
5 of 14 will haunt me forever.
The day I waste even 10 seconds of my time watching that fat sweaty loser open his BS hole, is the day I'll shoot myself in the head. Everything about this man, body and mind, is gross. ech!
This being said, he is still the best thing that ever happened to AAPL, so: "May he remain Microsloth CEO for as long as it takes!"
Cheers!
Especially for us, its good engadget stream the whole feed. Anyway, looking back at the history - in the past it seems mr. ballmer has a pretty high sense of humor. You got to love his pictures this halloween.
Hilarity Link: http://pinoytutorial.com/bestandworst/steve-ballmer-wears-a-halloween-costume
"just for laughs"
How many times did he say "developers"?
Just 3. ;)
Not enough, he should repeat it more often just in case we misheard it the first 12-20 times.
@crashcarstar: I have to lol every time I see your avatar photo.
@Sweet Dude
funniest video ever.
Zune intregration ! Great idea, but, then, DEMAND all manufacture to include the 3.5 mm jack on all WinMO 7 phones.
Um yeah, The Specs for Win7 already require that every device has a 3.5 mm jack.
**makes victory dance **
Zune integration would be nice. However, the software has been out for ONE MONTH. Give them some breathing room already.
What would have been a disaster is if Zune integration was required for 6.5. Can you imagine the horror of having to delay 6.5 or the Zune because the other side wasn't ready to deploy? Both are huge initiatives for Microsoft. Both were independent development platforms.
I'm much happier that 6.5 is out and that the Zune HD is out. I can wait 6 months for there to be tighter integration.
Dammit why no Zune integration for 6.5?!? Me want Zune app!!!
@ bjsguess
You earn my vote bro. Nice analysis.
SP
"Zune integration would be nice. However, the software has been out for ONE MONTH. Give them some breathing room already."
maybe i'm reading this comment wrong, but seriously the Zune software has been out since 2006. i have a Windows PC, Zune, and WinMo phone. there really isn't a reason i can think of that i shouldn't be able to sync my WinMo phone with my Zune playlists from the Zune software. sure i can do it in Windows Media player since it can read my Zune playlists but i feel like my phone should pop up just like my Zune in the Zune software (which is much smarter when handling my music collection).
i'm glad it's finally coming but in reality, it should have been here long ago.
SoCoolCurt -
When people talk about Zune integration the primary focus is on an improved media interface on the WinMo device - not the syncing software. I do agree that it would be nice if the music/video libraries would sync between WinMo and the desktop Zune software.
Not get too picky but the Zune desktop client has also been updated - as recently as last month. I believe the client has been updated annually to coincide with the last 3 Zune hardware releases.
Engadget has all of these awesome DSLRs at their fingertips to take photos and they use a camera phone pic to use as the main picture for an article? srsly?
Probably the only reason for this crappy iPhone quality photo was for their obligatory Apple tidbit in every post. Gotta make money somehow.
As for Steve Ballmer, after watching this show he did not seem as crazy as gadget blogs make him out to be.
I think the iPhone pic was good .. it's a neat gadget .. and we already know what joshua and steve look like so there is no point in fancy quality. I think the camera phone effect was good.
Coz in case you don't yet know it: the best camera is always the one you got at hand
That's the first thing I thought when I saw the article...seriously guys.
@plexus
"Coz in case you don't yet know it: the best ******* is always the one you got at hand"
My love-life in a proverb.
Looks like Engadget updated the picture.
@ROFL
They actually updated it twice.
Courier... "sounds like it's something someone should make"
Sure does, doesn't it Stevie... Someone like Microsoft maybe? *wink, wink*
i know, i loved that part, what a great line.
Yeah, I kinda took that as it is pretty much a go.
It will be interesting to see how people feel about the courier once its on market. It might be a game changer for MS to really start getting into the business of controlling the majority of variables between hardware config and OS like Apple does.
He probably hasn't seen the video because he has the prototype in his desk. If you watch the video he rubs his "eye" as he say Denies the Courier. I'm thinking that was a hint hint.
"DEMAND all manufacture to include the 3.5 mm jack on all WinMO 7 phones" Boy this is part of WinMo 7 prerequisites :-p
I want Zune for Windows Mobile 6.5 damnit !!!
Won't work too well, 5/6.1/6.5 Kernel won't handle it.
And how could he NOT have seen the Courier video?!
He's seen it. Dont read too much into that.
Maybe he's used the actual device, so has no reason to watch the video ;)
So the sprint guy gives out free touchstones which nobody can use but Ballmer can't afford to give out copies of win 7.
By "nobody" I assume you mean "everyone except people who have palm pres." Go back to the hole where you came from.
I have to admit, I was expecting a little windows 7 love :) What better way to win over Engadget readers Mr.Ballmer?
By nobody, I meant the 98% of the audience that day that did not have a palm pre. Not take any credit from Palm.
And in response to your second point, I would but your mom is still sore.
@Kaitou KID
Go back and read.... you flamed over a commet you obviously understood and got your panties in a twist because your a pre fanboy. Learn how to write a coherent sentence.
And by the way I don't have two accounts just changed the name.
Zune HD sales numbers please
stats or GTFO?
Apple TV sales numbers please
Im agreeing with Mark
SP
Mark ... Like what has the rarely updated "hobby" AppleTV got to do with a Zune HD.
Unless you are indicating that like the AppleTV the Zune is in it's market (pmp) a rice grain in a pasta salad. A duly noted and irrelevent bump
You should have shown him the video, so he couldn't claim to have not seen it. Just his reaction alone would have been worth it.
why didn't you bring up the windows store?
"Everyone who's been in this industry of as much as I have knows that what keeps Microsoft alive is not their innovation (or lack thereof); it's simply inertia."
Err... no.
In business sector it's because they're cheaper and give better support than anyone else. In the consumer sector it's because it runs all the good software.