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Windows Marketplace's newest anti-piracy measures already thwarted

by Ross Miller posted Nov 12th 2009 at 8:21PM

Yar, that was fast. Less than a day after Microsoft updated its Windows Marketplace for Mobile with new advanced anti-piracy measure, some apt xda-developers community member has managed to crack the new code -- in under two hours, according to Chainfire's posting. The hack itself won't be posted, but we're sure other astute programmers, many of more nefarious intention, will be able to have their way with it just as easy. Sad for developers who've been wanting something more secure -- better luck next update.

[Via WMPoweruser]

Windows Marketplace for Mobile updates tackle piracy, adds online store for non-mobile browsers

by Ross Miller posted Nov 12th 2009 at 12:10AM

Windows Mobile 6.5 users rejoice, you now have a better marketplace experience your way. Microsoft's added a couple updates to its mobile app store. On the developers' side of things there's a new portal for submission, and "more advanced anti-piracy protection" -- no clue if it solves those DRM issues we heard about before, but sounds at least like a step in the right direction. For the consumers, there's now an online store that you can use from your certainly superior desktop / laptop browser. In the vein of Xbox Live Marketplace's online portal at Xbox.com, purchased apps from the browser will be sent to the connected phone next time you open up the Windows Marketplace client... what's that? You want support for Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1? Microsoft reassures us it's coming later this month, so hang tight, okay?

[Via Mobile Tech World]

Read - Announcing new features...
Read - Windows Marketplace for Mobile

Microsoft borrows Apple Store blueprint, manager (video)

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 26th 2009 at 9:50AM

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 Store opens to Scottsdale campers (video)

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 1:26PM

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)

Yanko Design opens store, oodles of concepts now on the market

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2009 at 4:48PM

Yanko Design is well known for digging up some of the most amazing, most commercializable concepts on the world wide web, and today the site has finally taken the next logical step. With every awesome mockup comes the inevitable question: "Yo, holmes -- where can I buy this?" With the grand opening of the YD Store, you can now exchange your currency for such luxuries as the d°light Huggable Pillow, Magnetic Spice Stand, Sorapot and Cloud Chair. We couldn't be happier to see some of these incredible designs ushered into the market place, and if you're feeling the same, you can give that read link a tap to enter a deep, dark world that's bound to drain your wallet dry. Have fun!

Update: Seems the site is getting battered at the moment, though we're sure they're buying more bandwidth as we speak. Right?

Microsoft Store opening Thursday with Ashley Tisdale

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 19th 2009 at 1:26AM

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.]

Microsoft store opening October 22nd, insides revealed?

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 16th 2009 at 5:40AM

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]

DoubleTwist now powered by Amazon MP3 store

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 7th 2009 at 3:27AM

Here's the choice promised by DVD Jon last week: Amazon MP3. Doubletwist is now powered by Amazon's 5 million strong music store in support of its vision to connect consumers with all their media across any device. The interface is bare-bones simple to navigate (no apps, TV shows, or Movies to clutter the experience) as you preview and purchase music with your Amazon credentials -- tracks are downloaded into your doubleTwist library where they can be synced with BlackBerry or Android handsets, the Palm Pre, PSP or hundreds of other devices. Amazon access is only available to US users from the Mac-only software at the moment. A PC version is "coming soon" along with more country support. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading DoubleTwist now powered by Amazon MP3 store

Apple store outage incites tipping riot

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 29th 2009 at 3:28AM

It's Tuesday and the Apple Store is down -- but only for North America at the moment. So hold tight, start sifting through the latest Apple rumors and check back with us at 0830 New York time when all (or nothing) will be revealed.

Update: 'Twas nothing, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Samsung's Application Store scrambles to life for some Omnia i900 owners

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 14th 2009 at 4:41AM

If you have an Omnia i900 and you live in the UK, Italy, or France then listen up, Samsung's Application Store just went live. A quick .CAB file download installs the new Application Store client onto your WinMo handset. From there you have access to about 300 paid (payable by credit card, phone billing "coming soon") and free apps via WiFi or Cellular data connections. Samsung plans to have over "over 2,000" apps in the store by the end of 2009 with support added for the Omnia II I8000 and OmniaLITE B7300 from more than 30 countries planned on an indeterminate timeline. A quick glance through the top paid apps reveals the £3.50 Guitar Hero World Tour and free apps like Evernote and the Skyfire browser -- otherwise, the so-called "Hot" game-heavy, apps look pretty lackluster for the moment. It's also interesting (read: odd) that Skyfire is tagged with an "OS Cetified" (Samsung's misspelling) badge for Windows Mobile while the heavily promoted Guitar Hero remains badge-less. Ah well, it is launch day and we expect these things will get ironed-out soon enough. Pics and highly conceptualized App Store experience demonstration after the break.

Read -- Press release
Read -- Download

Continue reading Samsung's Application Store scrambles to life for some Omnia i900 owners

Spotify launches on iTunes App Store and Android Market, premium members only

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 7th 2009 at 5:13AM

As expected, Apple has blessed Spotify's streaming subscription music application with a home in its iTunes App Store. Additionally, the app is also making a first, less ballyhooed appearance on the Android Market. The free app allows you to stream any of its nearly 4 million tracks over WiFi or 3G and syncs playlists for playback while disconnected. It's available exclusively to Spotify Premium members in the UK, Sweden, Spain, France and Norway -- only the iPhone app is available in Finland. Great, so does that mean Rhapsody is next? Magic i-ball says all signs point to yes. Video overview of each app after the break.

P.S. We're seeing reports that the iPhone app won't play music in the background. The fix? Android.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read -- Spotify on Android
Read -- Spotify on App Store

Continue reading Spotify launches on iTunes App Store and Android Market, premium members only

First two Microsoft retail stores now hiring

by Vladislav Savov posted Aug 21st 2009 at 12:53PM

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.

Microsoft Store concept revealed in leaked design presentation?

by Ross Miller posted Jul 24th 2009 at 6:57PM

Microsoft's very real brick-and-mortar stores are not too far off now, and it looks like Gizmodo got its hands on a Powerpoint presentation purportedly from "design and brand strategy" consultant firm Lippicott for how these retail outlets might turn out. The presentation overall is reminiscent of Apple's stores, complete with its own "Answer Bar" for troubleshooting. Other highlights include lots of Surface demos scattered about the interior, a massive "digital media wall" screen that wraps around the store, and stage areas for Windows 7, Media Center, WinMo, and netbooks. Additionally, the slides discuss in-store events centered around Project Natal, the ever-secret project codenamed Pink, and most importantly... the option to throw your birthday party on location. While it's not 100 percent clear what the purpose of some of these slides might be -- or if this is even the firm the big M has gone with -- there is a lot here that's piqued our curiosity. Whether or not this ends up being indicative of the final product, something tells us that last bit about the birthday parties is gonna be key to its success -- get on it, Steve.

Caption contest: Google Checkout finally finds a home

by Nilay Patel posted Jul 20th 2009 at 6:31PM

Reader Milad sends in this picture of a Lebanese grocery store suffering from a little branding envy.

Nilay: "This is not what we expected by "'innovative windowing system.'"
Chris: "Oh, so this is what Orkut is."
Ross: "Interestingly, the produce section has a sale on blackberries."
Darren: "And you thought Google Groceries was a belated April Fool's prank."
Paul: "Our VeggieRank was suspiciously low."
Thomas H.: "I'm Feeling Lucky doesn't work so well with produce."
Josh F.: "No, really. It's pronounced 'Goo-Glay.' It's French."
Richard: "Unfortunately, AisleView is not available in the scones, tea and treacle section."
Ross R.: "Our carrots put the beta in their Beta-carotene."
Thomas R.: "Do you sell Bing?"

Microsoft confirms retail stores coming this fall

by Laura June posted Jul 15th 2009 at 5:01PM

Well, this is going to be fun! Microsoft, which hired former Wal-Mart exec David Porter to be its corporate vice president of retail stores back in February, has just confirmed that stores are, indeed, on the way -- and soon. COO Kevin Turner confirmed the plans at the Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans yesterday, saying the stores are due to open this fall (maybe to coincide with the launch of Windows 7?) -- and what's more, Redmond's bringing the fight directly to Apple's doorstep. "Stay tuned, because we're going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores." Things are about to get saucy, people.