Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft touts 98-percent 'Smoked by Windows Phone' success rate, a few beg to differ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/smoked-by-windows-phone-98-percent-success-rate/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/smoked-by-windows-phone-98-percent-success-rate/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/smoked-by-windows-phone-98-percent-success-rate/#comments Image

Microsoft's "Smoked by Windows Phone" challenge has been long on claims that Windows Phone can outrace your smartphone platform of choice in day-to-day tasks, but it's been short on hard numbers. Until now, that is. Company Evangelist Ben Rudolph claims that over 50,000 smartphones -- or 98 percent of all contenders -- have been beaten in the challenges since the company started running them back at CES, with just 638 people having proved their devices faster at a trade show or a Microsoft Store. That's good news for advocates, although it doesn't come without its share of controversies over fairness and whether or not the challenges overlook the advantages of your Android phone, BlackBerry or iPhone. Ultimately, the real challenge for Microsoft may be translating those successes into real improvements for its so-so market share.

Microsoft touts 98-percent 'Smoked by Windows Phone' success rate, a few beg to differ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben rudolphBenRudolphchallengecontestMicrosoftmicrosoft storemicrosoft windows phoneMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftWindowsPhonemobilepostcrossretailSmoked by Windows PhoneSmokedByWindowsPhonetrade showTradeShowWindows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Tue, 08 May 2012 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly launching subsidized Xbox 360 bundle next week for $99 with a two-year subscription]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/#comments

Microsoft has long been pushing to get the Xbox 360 into as many living rooms as possible, and it looks like it could now be about to attempt a new tactic to further expand its reach. According to The Verge's sources, the company will launch a new bundle next week that will include both a 4GB Xbox 360 console and a Kinect sensor for just $99 -- the only catch being that you'll also have to sign a two-year contract at a rate of $15 a month. That will give you access to the Xbox Live Gold service, and potentially some additional streaming content, as well as a two-year warranty (there's also naturally an early termination fee for those that break the contract). From the sound of things, though, the new offering could be getting something of a soft launch -- the only outlet mentioned for the bundle so far is the rather limited number of Microsoft Stores in the US.

Microsoft reportedly launching subsidized Xbox 360 bundle next week for $99 with a two-year subscription originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecontracthdpostcrosskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft storemicrosoft storesMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoressubscriptionsubsidizedxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 May 2012 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Join us for Microsoft's Windows 8 press conference tomorrow at 9am EST!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/join-us-for-microsofts-windows-8-press-conference-tomorrow-at-9/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/join-us-for-microsofts-windows-8-press-conference-tomorrow-at-9/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/join-us-for-microsofts-windows-8-press-conference-tomorrow-at-9/#comments
If you're Microsoft and in the process of overhauling Windows so that it's equally at home on PCs and tablets, it would make sense to unveil a semi-final version at the world's premier wireless show. That's exactly what's going to happen tomorrow, when the company's executive team takes the stage here in Barcelona to show off all the changes it's made to Win8 since we got hands-on with the Developer Preview five months ago. Though we still won't know tomorrow what the final version will look like, we'll have a much firmer idea, as this will be the first version available to the general Windows-using populace. So what does Redmond have up its sleeve? Will the Windows Store open for business? A first look at some native touch-friendly apps? And what's to become of the Start button? Bookmark this page and come back tomorrow at 9am EST (3:30pm local time), when we'll be firing off up-to-the-minute updates. See you then!

February 29, 2012 9:00 AM EST

Join us for Microsoft's Windows 8 press conference tomorrow at 9am EST! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarcelonaConsumer PreviewConsumerPreviewMicrosoftMicrosoft CorpMicrosoft StoreMicrosoft WindowsMobiie World Congress 2012MobiieWorldCongress2012operating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemsOSSci/TechWin 8Win8WindowsWindows 8Windows8Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/#comments Frequenters of India's online Microsoft Store were briefly greeted with the suspicious visage of a Guy Fawkes mask this morning, following a hack that compromised the site's user database. According to WPSauce, Microsoft Store India's landing page was briefly taken over by a hacker group called Evil Shadow Team, who, in addition to putting a new face on Windows products, revealed that user passwords were saved in plain text. The group's motivations are unknown, though the hacked page warned that an "unsafe system will be baptized." The store is now offline, suggesting that Microsoft may have regained control. Read on for a look at the compromised password database.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text

Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guy fawkesGuyFawkeshackedhackershackingindiamicrosoft storemicrosoft store hackedmicrosoft store indiaMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoreHackedMicrosoftStoreIndiapasswordssecuritysecurity breachSecurityBreachstolenstolen passwordsStolenPasswordsSun, 12 Feb 2012 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Store to expand retail presence by 2014, makes shopping for a PC redundant]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-store-to-expand-retail-presence-by-2014-makes-shoppin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-store-to-expand-retail-presence-by-2014-makes-shoppin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-store-to-expand-retail-presence-by-2014-makes-shoppin/#comments

Microsoft really wants to hang with the cool kids at the mall. Or, at least park its retail derriere next to the likes of Apple's sleek boutiques -- to the tally of 86 stores by 2014. We know most of you are scratching your heads thinking, "Microsoft store? Don't you mean Best Buy?" Aye, but we don't. The MS-branded outfits started cropping up in 2009 and with 11 locations already dotting our map, COO Kevin Turner hopes to plant some more Windows flags in California, Florida, most of the northeast and even some overseas territories. Comments regarding the Ballmer-led company's retail expansion came during the 2011 Worldwide Partner Conference and centered mostly on the benefits of customer feedback. It sure is nice to see the former market monopolist catering to us plebes, but we're more interested in the D-list stars and awkward dancing destined to accompany opening ceremonies.

Microsoft Store to expand retail presence by 2014, makes shopping for a PC redundant originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kevin TurnerKevinTurnerMicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoreMSretailretail expansionRetailExpansionstorestoresWindowsWorldwide Partner ConferenceWorldwidePartnerConferenceFri, 15 Jul 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft offers free Xbox 360 with back-to-school PC, professors shake their gray, uncool heads]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/microsoft-offers-free-xbox-360-with-back-to-school-pc-professor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/microsoft-offers-free-xbox-360-with-back-to-school-pc-professor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/microsoft-offers-free-xbox-360-with-back-to-school-pc-professor/#comments With only the best interests of its younger customers at heart, Microsoft has a new back-to-school promotion: starting May 22, college students buying a new Windows 7 PC can also get a free Xbox 360 4GB console. That's right, free -- as long as your new computer cost at least $699 and came from Redmond or one of its partners, including HP and Dell. Online ordering will require a .edu email address, which even attendees of the School of Life know how to procure; if you'd rather shop at Best Buy or a Microsoft Store, you'll need an actual student ID. This isn't about convincing students they need more than a tablet computer, of course. It's about giving them the opportunity to be popular. "Get ready to be the coolest kid on your dorm floor with a killer new Windows 7 PC and an Xbox 360 -- all you really need for college," the company says. Yes, being the coolest kid on your dorm floor: pretty much the definition of Higher Education.

Microsoft offers free Xbox 360 with back-to-school PC, professors shake their gray, uncool heads originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicsBest BuyBestBuycollegeconsoleconsolesdealDelleducationfreegamingHPmicrosoftMicrosoft StoreMicrosoft storesMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoresPCprofessorretailschoolspecialstudentsstudywindows 7Windows7xboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 19 May 2011 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba puts its business laptops on a diet, intros the Portege R830, Tecra R840, and Tecra R850]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/toshiba-puts-its-business-laptops-on-a-diet-intros-the-portege/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/toshiba-puts-its-business-laptops-on-a-diet-intros-the-portege/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/toshiba-puts-its-business-laptops-on-a-diet-intros-the-portege/#comments
Toshiba's thin-but-full-powered Portege R700 was such a hit among business types that the company is now designing other machines in its svelte image. Tosh just unveiled the Tecra R840 and R850 -- both of which ape the R700's slim build -- along with the Portege R830, a refresh to the R700 itself. The R830 looks the same, though it has a strip on the edge of the lid that looks like it's made of magnesium alloy, but is actually plastic -- a material that's expected to improve the signals of the the various antennae housed underneath it. And -- surprise, surprise -- this refresh adds a USB 3.0 port and Intel Sandy Bridge processor, which the company says should bump the rated battery life to a max of 11 hours, up from eight. Not the corporate type? The company will also sell an $889 consumer version, the R835, that has a one-, not three-year, warranty, and loses enterprise-grade features -- namely, Intel's vPro technology, a docking connector, and an ExpressCard slot.

Meanwhile, the 14-inch R840 and 15.6-inch R850 are also getting Sandy Bridge CPUs, USB 3.0 ports, chiclet keyboards and all-around trimmer silhouettes. These laptops are now made with fiberglass-reinforced casing and the same Honeycomb rib structure that made last year's R700 sturdy enough to grab one-handed. Of the two, the R840's slim-down is more dramatic: it's 25 percent thinner than the last-generation Tecra M11, as you can see in the comparison shots past the break. That's largely thanks to Intel's Airflow Cooling technology, which rearranges all of the heat-generating components in a row and draws in cool air from outside the notebook, instead of within. And Tosh claims the battery can last up to ten hours on a charge (11 with an SSD) -- a vast improvement over the five and a half to six hours it promised the last time around. Moving up in size to the R850 will get you a number pad, but not that cooling technology. But it is about an inch thick at its thinnest, a point the PC maker is pleased as punch about. The R830, R840, and R850 start at $1,049, $899, and $879, respectively, and are available now on Toshiba's site, with the consumer-friendly R835 on sale at Best Buy and through the Microsoft Store.

Gallery: Toshiba Portege R830, Tecra R840 and R850


Gallery: Toshiba Portege R830, Tecra R840 and R850 hands-on!

Continue reading Toshiba puts its business laptops on a diet, intros the Portege R830, Tecra R840, and Tecra R850

Toshiba puts its business laptops on a diet, intros the Portege R830, Tecra R840, and Tecra R850 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airflow Cooling TechnologyAirflowCoolingTechnologyBest BuyBestBuybusiness laptopbusiness laptopsBusinessLaptopBusinessLaptopsintelMicrosoft StoreMicrosoftStorePortegePortege R700Portege R830Portege R835PortegeR700PortegeR830PortegeR835R830R835refreshsandy bridgeSandyBridgeTecraTecra R850TecraR850ToshibaToshiba Portege R700Toshiba Portege R830Toshiba Portege R835Toshiba R700Toshiba R830Toshiba R835Toshiba R850Toshiba Tecra M11Toshiba Tecra R840Toshiba Tecra R850ToshibaPortegeR700ToshibaPortegeR830ToshibaPortegeR835ToshibaR700ToshibaR830ToshibaR835ToshibaR850ToshibaTecraM11ToshibaTecraR840ToshibaTecraR850Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Inspiron Duo and speaker dock up for pre-order at Microsoft Store now, no clue when they'll ship out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/dell-inspiron-duo-and-speaker-dock-up-for-preorder-at-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/dell-inspiron-duo-and-speaker-dock-up-for-preorder-at-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/dell-inspiron-duo-and-speaker-dock-up-for-preorder-at-microsoft/#comments The Dell-Microsoft symbiotic relationship continues where it left off with the Venue Pro, as another highly desirable piece of hardware has been made available at a Microsoft Store ahead of Dell: the transforming Inspiron Duo and its JBL-powered speaker dock. That's actually in your favor this time, however, as you won't have to trek across the countryside to one of Microsoft's seven brick-and-mortar stores, but rather grab the $549 convertible at Microsoft's website, and you can even get $50 off the audio station's typical $99 price. That said, these are most definitely pre-orders we're dealing with here and there's no expected shipping date on the site, so it's hard to tell if you're actually securing yourself the first spot in that "first week of December" line. They won't charge you until it ships, though, so if you're not willing to wait for our full review to see if that slick spinning screen is up to snuff, now is probably the time.

[Thanks, Joe]

Dell Inspiron Duo and speaker dock up for pre-order at Microsoft Store now, no clue when they'll ship out originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audio stationAudioStationConvertibleconvertible laptopconvertible netbookconvertible tabletConvertibleLaptopConvertibleNetbookConvertibleTabletDellDell Inspiron DuoDellInspironDuoInspiron DuoInspironDuoJBLMicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoreon saleOnSalepre orderpre orderspre-orderpre-ordersPreOrderPreOrdersSun, 21 Nov 2010 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption Contest: Steve Ballmer goes on kill-crazy rampage at Microsoft Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/caption-contest-steve-ballmer-goes-on-kill-crazy-rampage-at-mic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/caption-contest-steve-ballmer-goes-on-kill-crazy-rampage-at-mic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/caption-contest-steve-ballmer-goes-on-kill-crazy-rampage-at-mic/#comments In the photo above you see Microsoft's Steve Ballmer performing a ribbon cutting at the company's new store in Bellevue, Washington. Shortly after finishing with the ribbon, Ballmer proceeded to rampage the store and patrons, leaving 17 dead, 6 wounded, and a stunned Miley Cyrus wondering if she had made the wisest career decisions. Ballmer was finally subdued by Dave Matthews, who knocked the CEO unconscious with an 8-foot bong.

Josh: "I'm a PC, and I'm going to mess up your insides so bad, you'll pray for death."
Ben Bowers: "Anyone else want to claim Windows 7 was their idea?"
Chris: "To the cloud! With Windows 7 and Windows Live, Microsoft can mix and match its CEO's best faces until it's able to piece together a photo it's proud to share."
Ross: "Using the power of Control-X while mobile is just one of the many superpowers Ballmer has and Windows Phone 7 users don't."
Darren: "Moments before this tremendous occasion, Ballmer begrudgingly confirmed a prompt questioning his true intentions to dismantle a red ribbon."
Nilay: "Touch my junk and I'll have you arrested."
Don: "There can only be one!"
Vlad: "I love this company! I love it so much I'm gonna cut it up into little pieces and eat it!"
Joe: "Clearly event organizers hadn't planned for every possible emergency."
Thomas: "Baby Ballmer cuts his own cord thankyouverymuch."
Myriam: "Developers! It's time to get cut and paste into Windows Phone 7..."

Caption Contest: Steve Ballmer goes on kill-crazy rampage at Microsoft Store originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballmercaption contestCaptionContestccmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoresteve ballmerSteveBallmerwashingtonwindowswindows 7windows storeWindows7WindowsStoreFri, 19 Nov 2010 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Venue Pro on sale at Microsoft stores, but good luck getting one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/dell-venue-pros-on-sale-at-microsoft-stores-but-good-luck-getti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/dell-venue-pros-on-sale-at-microsoft-stores-but-good-luck-getti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/dell-venue-pros-on-sale-at-microsoft-stores-but-good-luck-getti/#comments So, just as was rumored, it seems Dell pushed a small handful of Venue Pros to Microsoft's seven flagship stores for sale today. We just spoke with a friendly rep who told us they were "going fast" and didn't sound too confident that we'd be able to get one by the time we got down there, but theoretically if we did, it'd be $199 for a new line (or an eligible upgrade) or $449 outright. If you manage to score one, that'll put you about a week ahead of everyone else -- they aren't expected to be available straight from Dell's site until the 15th. On a related note, Dell's website is showing two configurations for the phone -- an 8GB and a 16GB model -- though none of the stores we called could tell us which one they were stocking. Let's hope for 16, eh?

[Thanks, Andrew and @FocusedProverbs]

Dell Venue Pro on sale at Microsoft stores, but good luck getting one originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dellmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoret-mobilevenue proVenueProwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Venue Pro launches November 8th at Microsoft stores, November 15th at Dell website?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/dell-venue-pro-launches-november-8th-at-microsofts-retail-store/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/dell-venue-pro-launches-november-8th-at-microsofts-retail-store/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/dell-venue-pro-launches-november-8th-at-microsofts-retail-store/#comments We're finding it hard to hold back our enthusiasm for Dell's Windows Phone 7 slider, but come launch day the 4.1-inch Venue Pro may be a tricky one to find -- you'll need to line up at one of only seven Microsoft retail stores on November 8th (a likely date) if this allegedly leaked document is right. If you're willing to wait until November 15th, however, there's also Dell itself, which will apparently double as the only place you'll be able to go to get any support for the T-Mobile device. Neither niggle will stop us from nabbing one, however. For all we know, Lightning might not strike Windows Phone 7 twice.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Dell Venue Pro launches November 8th at Microsoft stores, November 15th at Dell website? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DellDell LightningDell Venue ProDellLightningDellVenueProLightningmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStorerumorrumorssmartphoneT-MobileTmobileVenue ProVenueProwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Sat, 06 Nov 2010 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung X430 headed for Microsoft Stores with a crapware-free copy of Windows]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/samsung-x430-headed-for-microsoft-stores-with-a-crapware-free-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/samsung-x430-headed-for-microsoft-stores-with-a-crapware-free-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/samsung-x430-headed-for-microsoft-stores-with-a-crapware-free-co/#comments We just got a quick look at a previously Korea-bound Samsung X430 laptop that Microsoft has tapped as a "Microsoft Store Exclusive." It's pretty good hardware, both inside and outside, for the price. Also, due to its Store-exclusive nature, Microsoft also put the promised "Microsoft Signature Image" on here, which means a copy of Windows 7 completely free of crapware and trialware, though Microsoft has put a good quantity of first party software that you'll probably want like Windows Live, Bing Maps 3D, and Microsoft Security Essentials. If you ask yourself "how would Steve Ballmer use this computer," the Signature Image is pretty much the answer. For $1,099 you get a Core i3 ULV processor, GeForce 310M graphics, a 500GB HDD, and a 14-inch WXGA screen. Our favorite part is probably just the premium feel of this device, and its no-nonsense look, at least when it's open and you're actually using it -- that faux carbon fiber lid on the outside is a little loud.

Gallery: Samsung X430 headed for Microsoft Stores

Samsung X430 headed for Microsoft Stores with a crapware-free copy of Windows originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crapwarehands-onmicrosoft signature imagemicrosoft storemicrosoft storesMicrosoftSignatureImageMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoressamsungsamsung x430SamsungX430trialwarex430Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect now playable at Microsoft Stores nationwide -- all four of them]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/kinect-now-playable-at-microsoft-stores-nationwide-all-four-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/kinect-now-playable-at-microsoft-stores-nationwide-all-four-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/kinect-now-playable-at-microsoft-stores-nationwide-all-four-o/#comments
Not lucky enough to find yourself in front of a Kinect sensor at E3 last week? Then it looks like you might not have to wait until November after all -- Microsoft has just announced that you can now try it out at any Microsoft Store nationwide. That includes the San Diego store that just opened today and, well, all three others -- in Scottsdale, AZ, Mission Viejo, CA, and Lone Tree, CO. Interestingly, Microsoft is also reminding folks that they can pre-order Kinect at the Microsoft Store website, but that site now states that "official pricing has not yet been announced," and that "$149.99 is an estimate only and subject to change."

Kinect now playable at Microsoft Stores nationwide -- all four of them originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect for xbox 360KinectForXbox360microsoftmicrosoft kinectmicrosoft storemicrosoft storesMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoresxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Xbox 360 now listed for $150... at Microsoft's own online store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/#comments Listen Microsoft, we know you've been wanting to stay absolutely mum on Kinect's price since its official E3 unveiling, even as GameStop and Walmart say $149.99. Included is the Kinect sensor itself, power supply cable, manual, and WiFi extension cable (huh?), and it shows up in our virtual shopping cart just fine. So, now that your own official online store is giving that price tag on a pre-order page, don't ya think this guy deserves something akin to a legitimate press release for its MSRP?

[Thanks, Steven W.]

Kinect for Xbox 360 now listed for $150... at Microsoft's own online store originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStorenatalpre orderpre-orderPreOrderproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft opens PC lounge in Saks Fifth Avenue for holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/microsoft-opens-pc-lounge-in-saks-fifth-avenue-for-holiday-seaso/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/microsoft-opens-pc-lounge-in-saks-fifth-avenue-for-holiday-seaso/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/microsoft-opens-pc-lounge-in-saks-fifth-avenue-for-holiday-seaso/#comments We all know Microsoft's feeling pretty smug -- and with good reason -- about Windows 7 right now. In an effort to drum up yet more hype for its latest OS, and perhaps to try and gauge customer interest in an East coast Store, Microsoft has decided to open up a cozy "PC lounge" inside Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship New York store -- you know, the one that actually is on Fifth Avenue. As part of the agreement, Windows 7 will be used to drive Saks' window displays, and opportunities will be provided for customers to interact with the new software throughout the building. The lounge itself will be populated by Windows 7 laptops and Microsoft experts, who'll probably answer your questions in the sort of overly peppy, commercial way that makes us wonder why anyone goes to offline shops in the first place.

Microsoft opens PC lounge in Saks Fifth Avenue for holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayseast coastEastCoastmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStorenew yorkNewYorkpc loungePcLoungeretailsakssaks fifth avenueSaksFifthAvenueshopshoppingstorewindowswindows 7Windows7Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Store employees perform dance of the cringe (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/microsoft-store-employees-break-out-in-dance-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/microsoft-store-employees-break-out-in-dance-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/microsoft-store-employees-break-out-in-dance-video/#comments Why is it that whenever Microsoft tries to have a little "fun" it comes across as creepy or overly controlled? This time it's Microsoft's Mission Viejo Store employees engaged in a fit of awkward boogie that some would call the Electric Slide. Oh boy, corporate fun... it's a bit like corporate rock only less natural. Now go ahead and view the entire 4 minutes and 44 seconds of the video after the break, we double-dog dare you.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Continue reading Microsoft Store employees perform dance of the cringe (video)

Microsoft Store employees perform dance of the cringe (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danceelectric slideElectricSlidemicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoremission viejoMissionViejovideoTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft borrows Apple Store blueprint, manager (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/microsoft-borrows-apple-store-blueprint-manager/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/microsoft-borrows-apple-store-blueprint-manager/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/microsoft-borrows-apple-store-blueprint-manager/#comments
Anyone who witnessed the opening of Microsoft's first retail store in Scottsdale must have been feeling a bit of deja vu at the whole experience. It started with the camping and the long meandering lines leading to a raucous countdown. When the doors finally opened, customers were greeted with sturdy high-fives from overly-enthusiastic employees dressed in their casual, every-man uniforms. Inside were products placed on tables within easy reach of a curious public as well as an "Answer Bar" where presumed geniuses will tenderly solve customer issues. Failing that, you can always sign-up for the in-store events and training sessions scheduled throughout the day. Sound familiar... maybe a bit too familiar? But the icing on this plagiaristic cake is Lisa Seigneur, a former Apple retail store manager who famously (in our circles, anyway) introduced Oprah to Bono's Product RED iPod nano in Chicago -- the very same Microsoft Store employee who handed out free Zune HDs to those early campers in Scottsdale. Video evidence after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft borrows Apple Store blueprint, manager (video)

Microsoft borrows Apple Store blueprint, manager (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStorestorevideoMon, 26 Oct 2009 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Store opens to Scottsdale campers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-store-opens-to-scottsdale-campers-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-store-opens-to-scottsdale-campers-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-store-opens-to-scottsdale-campers-video/#comments By now you know that Microsoft's on-line store is selling PCs and third party software. Well, Microsoft is also waving the flag over Scottsdale, AZ today as it swings the doors wide on its new line of brick-and-mortar retail stores. Fans lined up overnight and stood for hours in a twisted line that should have Apple fans nodding in a tacit understanding. Come on, you may have different tastes in OSes but you should be willing to fight to the death for the right to choose 'em. Check the queue after the break as well as the grand opening countdown from 7, naturally, and a first walk around the store. Pics just beyond the read link down there.

P.S. The first four campers each received a free Zune HD from Microsoft. Nice.

Continue reading Microsoft Store opens to Scottsdale campers (video)

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Microsoft Store opens to Scottsdale campers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disappointed that you can't make it to Scottsdale for the opening of the big Microsoft retail store? Since you've given up on real life in lieu of a completely wired existence anyways, perhaps a more meaningful experience would be to mosey over to the company's online shop and check out all the new PCs and third party software that's been added to the catalog. No longer just the fine purveyors of Office products and "Bill Gates is my homeboy" t-shirts, this is your newest online destination for Sony netbooks and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software -- as well as that operating system you've been longing to get your hands on. One thing they don't have? Manic Panic hair dye. Well, not yet anyways.

[Via CNET]

Continue reading Microsoft online store now featuring third party hardware and software

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Microsoft online store now featuring third party hardware and software originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manic panicManicPanicmavis beavon teaches typingMavisBeavonTeachesTypingmicrosoftmicrosoft online storemicrosoft storeMicrosoftOnlineStoreMicrosoftStoreretailthird partyThirdPartyThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Store opening Thursday with Ashley Tisdale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/microsoft-store-opening-thursday-with-ashley-tisdale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/microsoft-store-opening-thursday-with-ashley-tisdale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/microsoft-store-opening-thursday-with-ashley-tisdale/#comments
Looks like our tipsters were spot-on. The Scottsdale Arizona Microsoft Store is indeed opening on October 22nd as we heard, the first of many we expect to grace local strip malls across the country. "Be entertained," "Be excited," and "Be early" (doors open at 10AM), exclaim the ads in the Arizona Republic newspaper, to collect gift bags and concert tickets being given away to the first 1,000 visitors. And wow, Ashley Tisdale... we guess Tony Danza was busy that day.

Gallery: Microsoft Store opening Thursday with Ashley Tisdale

[Thanks, Sebastian O.]

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Microsoft Store opening Thursday with Ashley Tisdale originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashley tisdaleAshleyTisdalegrand openingGrandOpeningmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoreopeningretailscottsdalestoreMon, 19 Oct 2009 01:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft store opening October 22nd, insides revealed?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/microsoft-store-opening-october-22nd-insides-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/microsoft-store-opening-october-22nd-insides-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/microsoft-store-opening-october-22nd-insides-revealed/#comments Imagine for a second that you're Microsoft: unimaginably rich, a bit bloated after years on the Office hog, and worried about a few big projects you've been meaning to finish if only you could find the time. Now, what day would you choose to launch your brick-and-mortar stores back into retail if you were David Porter, vice president of retail stores and former Wal-Mart exec? If it was us, we'd choose October 22nd, the official Windows 7 launch. That's exactly what a number of tipsters are telling us courtesy of an in-person briefing by Kevin Turner, Microsoft's COO. Specifically, the Scottsdale store will swing the doors wide on the 22nd, we're not sure about the Mission Viejo location. According to the Wall Street Journal, the stores will sell Windows-based laptops and cellphones and allow consumers to play Xbox 360 games on a 94-inch in-store screen. It'll even have a Genius Bar "counter" where people can bring their Microsoft gear for help. In fact, the WSJ claims that the Scottsdale store interior is a "nearly exact replica" of the store created on Redmond's campus -- something we covered back in January (pics in the gallery below). Who knows, this could be the beginning of www.peopleofmicrosftstore.com as Internet trends go.

Gallery: Microsoft builds pretend retail store


[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Microsoft store opening October 22nd, insides revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david porterDavidPorterkevin turnerKevinTurnermicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoreopeningretailrumorstoreFri, 16 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[First two Microsoft retail stores now hiring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/first-two-microsoft-retail-stores-now-hiring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/first-two-microsoft-retail-stores-now-hiring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/first-two-microsoft-retail-stores-now-hiring/#comments
 Interested in handling the Zune HD and other such goodies ahead of time? Microsoft's first two retail stores are now hiring, and if you've always dreamt of being a "retail associate" now's your chance to stand on the front lines. The job will require at least some geographical proximity to the Scottsdale, Arizona or Mission Viejo, California store locations, a love for technology, and the memory to remember all those Windows 7 SKUs, but those are just small hurdles -- the honor and courage will have to come from within.

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First two Microsoft retail stores now hiring originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here you have it, folks. We knew this was coming, but the first photographic evidence of a Microsoft retail store under construction has just come to us -- via the company's Twitter account -- and we have to say, it brought a few tears of joy to our eyes. The first two stores are set to be opened in Scottsdale, Arizona and Mission Viejo, California this fall. Wonder if the inside will look anything like those plans we saw?

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First pic of Microsoft retail store's construction -- both Abercrombie & Fitch visibly nervous originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those leaked Microsoft retail store plans certainly seemed like the real deal when Gizmodo got a hold of them last week, and Microsoft itself has now finally come out and confirmed that they are indeed legit. It's also quick to point out, however, that they're still far from finalized, noting that, "as a part of our process in briefing creative agencies, we shared some early prototypes and concepts of our retail store plans." Otherwise, company spokesman Frank Shaw would only go so far as to reiterate that "no final decisions have been made," and that Microsoft is still on track to open its first retail stores sometime this Fall.

Update: Looks like the folks at Redmond have picked the first two retail locations for its stores, and according to CNET, those lucky locales are Scottsdale, Arizona and Mission Viejo, California -- yeah, not exactly the most exciting picks, but perhaps the local authorities were quicker to sign the leases. Unsurprisingly, the California store is in a mall where an Apple store also resides -- let's hope the two stores find themselves within earshot of one another.

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Microsoft confirms leaked retail store plans are legit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft retail storemicrosoft retail storesmicrosoft storemicrosoft storesMicrosoftRetailStoreMicrosoftRetailStoresMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoresretailretail storeRetailStoreTue, 28 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft gets serious about retail stores with exec hire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/microsoft-gets-serious-about-retail-stores-with-exec-hire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/microsoft-gets-serious-about-retail-stores-with-exec-hire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/microsoft-gets-serious-about-retail-stores-with-exec-hire/#comments Remember those pretend Microsoft stores from last month? Looks like the crew at Redmond are taking that idea one step closer to reality. The company's announced that former DreamWorks SKG exec, and more interestingly Wal-Mart veteran, David Porter has joined up as corporate vice president of retail stores to "create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience" and -- here's the key -- develop Microsoft-branded stores. Porter's first order of business will be defining a time frame, locations and specifics for the retail rollout. We can't wait to see how the Simpsons mock this one.

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Microsoft gets serious about retail stores with exec hire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's new Retail Experience Center is a new showcase of Microsoft's products and solutions for retailers -- including back-end stuff and point of sale. It's all pretty boring and corporate, but it could also be construed as a look at what a Microsoft take on an "Apple Store-style" experience might be. Result? It kinda looks like Circuit City plus a few Surface displays, Microsoft Tags and magical screen-equipped shopping carts (pictured above). Oh, and before you gather up your Zune pals for a road trip: the Experience Center is real, but the customers are fake -- the store isn't open to the public. Video is after the break.

[Via istartedsomething]

Gallery: Microsoft builds pretend retail store

Continue reading Microsoft builds pretend retail store, wants to play house later

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Microsoft builds pretend retail store, wants to play house later originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hard to believe that a company the size and stature of Microsoft hasn't had an online store to call its home -- not even a quirky collection of "Bill Gates is my homeboy" CafePress t-shirts and mousepads. The newly launched Microsoft Store solves that, however, with its many store-like properties. Therein you can find all sorts of Microsoft products, like software, peripherals, games and professionally-printed "Bill Gates is my homeboy" t-shirts.* What's particularly notable is that Microsoft is jumping into electronic software distribution here, meaning in addition to traditional physical purchases you can buy a bit of software and download it right there on the spot. Downloaded software can be re-downloaded for as long as Microsoft provides mainstream support -- about 5 years in most cases. We'd prefer forever and always, but we suppose that will have to do. The store is live now, and we'd suggest you head on over before we make some drastically ill-advised enterprise software impulse buys.

*This isn't true.

[Via ZDnet]

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Microsoft debuts Microsoft Store in apparent attempt to sell stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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