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What does PS3 say about your love life?
We couldn't help but laugh at this article on MSN Dating, which details what owning a specific console means for a person. A PS3 owner according to psychologist Carl Arinoldo reminds women that PS3 owning men "have deep pockets." Great for a fancy first date, no?Ted Owen, CEO of GGL adds that "the PS3 guy enjoys life to its fullest. He is sophisticated, intelligent, enjoys competition and is willing to wait for a good thing." Finally, Shane Satterfield also notes that PS3 owners are a cut above the rest: "This guy is in the know. He knows the right people, goes to the best restaurants and doesn't wait in line to get into the club."We don't know how well this describes our readers, but that certainly sounds like the life of a blogger. Seriously. To check out what it means to own other consoles, check out MSN.[Thanks, petey!]
Microsoft done with current Messenger for Mac client, whole new app due next year
Microsoft is calling it quits on MSN Messenger for Mac, instead choosing to go with an all-new IM client that will work with both AIM/gTalk/ICQ users and folks still on the Messenger network. The Mac version of Messenger was plagued with bugs (and Scott's gripes), and seriously-- why would you use a client like Messenger when you've got iChat and Adium anyway? It's good news that they're planning a new client, and extra good news that it's supposed to work with other protocols.So no more updates for Messenger on the Mac, but the new client is supposed to be "really, really cool and awesome." Sounds like just what the kids like these days. We'll believe it, of course, when we see it. Messenger 9 for Windows ships next year, so if this new Mac app gets delivered, it'll probably be sometime around then.Update: A few readers said the post was confusing regarded Microsoft's plans for Messenger on the Mac, so updated for clarity.Update II: Microsoft has responded, and the rumors of Messenger's demise were exaggerated-- Messenger 6.0 will be included with Office 2008, and Messenger 7.0 will have audio/video capabilities included, and will be beta testing soon. Makes us wonder what Liveside really heard Jenks say, but if you're a Messenger user like our own Scott McNulty, you'll be pretty happy to hear it's not going anywhere.[via MacBytes]
Meebo releases iPhone web app
Meebo, the reigning champion of web-based chat, has just released their entry into the iPhone app arena. I had a chance to speak with meebo's CEO, Seth Sternberg, earlier today about the release, and they truly do have a surprisingly innovating iPhone app on there hands. Simply point MobileSafari at meebo.com and the site will send you to the iPhone portal (a technique about which our own Scott McNulty had a few thoughts to share) where you can sign into any of Meebo's supported services - including AIM, Yahoo!, MSN and Google Talk - or you can sign in with an account you have already registered with meebo. From there, things get very interesting (note that the screenshot below was snapped in Camino since I'm just not cool enough to get Erica's iPhone screenshot utility up and running). First, if you registered an account with meebo and added your credentials for one or more chat networks, you'll appreciate the fact that everything transfers over to the iPhone app. Custom status messages, your buddy icon, even the history from chat sessions on your desktop computer - they all appear in the iPhone app. Your buddies are listed alphabetically, but any current chats float to the top of the buddy list for easy access, and this is a bit of UI where meebo has some unique innovation going on: the entire iPhone meebo experience centers around a home screen that is your buddy list; it takes up the entire display, and it even rotates and scales gracefully for landscape mode. No tabs here, which can be a mixed bag for the experience. Tapping on a buddy slides over to a new chat window with nothing but an icon to get back to your buddy list, a box to type in and the send button. Chat history (if there is any) populates pretty quickly, even over EDGE, which is an area that Seth said the company focused quite a bit: ensuring the entire app was light on data, simple to use and ultimately fast. Tapping the buddy list icon of course gets you back to the list, and any chats you started automatically float to the top. This is where the lack of tabs can be both a blessing and a curse: while the buddy list is nice and large, making it far easier to to read and navigate than any previous iPhone chat apps, it still takes at least two taps - not including any potential scrolling - to get out of a chat, back to the list and into another chat; more taps if you need to scroll. It's a unique approach to solving this kind of a problem, but ultimately, I think meebo made the right choice.All things considered, meebo's iPhone chat app is hands down my new favorite. I haven't been chatting much on my iPhone yet, but meebo's streamlined experience, fast load times and easy navigation make this a slam dunk that has finally sparked my interest in trying out mobile chat. I was even more surprised about how well they've done on this 1.0 app when Seth shared that this is meebo's first mobile app of any kind. While the company has done web-based chat for years now, they've never ventured onto any mobile device platforms. That said, I think they just about knocked this one out of the park. If you own an iPhone and need to chat, meebo.com is easily one of the best options available.
eBuddy reveals iPhone multi-network chat client
While Meebo is still working on optimizing their web-based chat service for the iPhone, a new player by the name of eBuddy is joining the ranks of FlickIM, JiveTalk and Trillian Astra. Already doing business like Meebo as a web-based, multi-network chat service, eBuddy has just announced an alpha version of their iPhone-optimized chat app that is heavy on the features, though certainly a departure from mimicking the increasingly standard iPhone-ish UI. With support for AIM, Yahoo! and MSN (which I thought was now called Windows Live Messenger?), as well as text styling and the all-too-handy tabbed chatting, eBuddy definitely offers a powerful iPhone chatting experience - if you're willing to wait for the web app to load, that is. Users can simply visit ebuddy.com on their iPhone to access the optimized app. Alpha tester beware though: eBuddy took a surprisingly long time to load even over my AirPort Express Wi-Fi, which makes me worry about testing it over EDGE. Still, it's nice to have options for those times when Apple drops the ball, and eBuddy looks like one of the most feature-packed chat alternatives for the iPhone yet.Thanks Chris
VideoJug partners to provide HD educational & DIY videos to MSN
With just a few more hours to go before 22-hours of Live Earth coverage hit our HDTVs via Universal HD, online video producer VideoJug has announced its partnership with Live Earth backer Microsoft to provide hundreds of high def videos to MSN and MSN Video. The educational films cover a wide variety of topics discussed on the portal like parenting and travel, but to kick things off they've shipped videos concentrating on environmental and "green" causes. The company highlights that its videos are formatted for playback on a variety of devices, so no word on how we'll see these in HD just yet but the content is there. You can find the videos on VideoJug's website or during MSN.com's Live Earth coverage tomorrow.
Using multi-network Meebo chat service on your iPhone
While Nik Fletcher at our sister site Download Squad discovered that Meebo works decently on an iPhone, it isn't without some catches. Meebo, for those who have never experienced, is a leading web-based multi-network chat service; in other words - chatting in a web browser is their business, and they've been doing it for a long time. Even though Nik is right, and Meebo might fill in for the lack of any kind of chat in the iPhone, it isn't without some UI quirks that can make the experience less than pleasing. Of course, it is entirely plausible that the Meebo team are already hard at work on getting their product to play nicely with an iPhone, but until then, I figured some tips and tricks were in order for those who are just dying to chat across AIM, Yahoo!, MSN and even ICQ on their iPhones. Save time logging in: You should probably make it easy on yourself and register a Meebo account with a real desktop browser. While you always have the option of manually signing into one or more services each time you visit Meebo, if you want to chat on more than one network, it's going to be a pain in the butt to keep zooming in and out while typing in your login credentials each time. From what I can tell, iSafari (Safari on the iPhone) doesn't properly save your login name and/or password, so it might simply be easier to create a Meebo account and attach all the network logins you want to it so you can simply log into all of them with one master Meebo account. The buddy list works - mostly: I'm no web 2.0 designer, but from what I can tell, Meebo is a pretty complex web-based chat app. Since Meebo is providing some pretty powerful functionality, I'm not surprised that it doesn't work quite right in iSafari, and the quirky buddy list is probably the first thing you'll notice. If you try to tap on any contacts, the entire buddy list gets that dark translucent overlay as if you just tapped on and selected the entire thing. What's worse, you might not even see a new chat window open up, even in landscape mode. Fret not, however: for some reason, Meebo (at least on my iPhone) places new chat windows far, far to the left. If you pinch and zoom out a bit, maybe even scrolling a tad, you should see any and every new chat window you opened by tapping on the buddy list. Handling windows: Once you get over that buddy list hump, the rest of Meebo works fairly well. Tapping in the text field area of a chat window will bring up the iPhone's keyboard, and I find that, given how much space the keyboard takes up, using the iPhone in typical portrait mode (vertically) here gives you a bit more space to see what you're typing and maybe the last word or line of what your buddy said. Simply pressing the Go button in the lower right of the keyboard will actually send your chat message. While windows don't seem to be drag-able, you can tap on their title bars to bring one or the other to the front, allowing you to tap in the text field and get typing. This, of course, is all going to require you to get real comfortable with zooming in and our frequently, because the iPhone will zoom in on the text field area when you want to chat, forcing you to zoom back out to see what your buddy is saying or any other chat windows you have open. It isn't perfect, but it works. Chat junkies will likely rejoice since they won't have to burn through SMS, and Meebo offers a better experience and more chat networks than that AIM-only experimental app we found last month. Aside from waiting for Apple to get on the ball here, keep your eyes on Meebo, as I would not be surprised if they're working on optimizing their web app for the iPhone.
FYI Xbox 360 TID named 'Chatpad' kthxbai
Hi followin da 360's spring upd8t and da console's new instant msging trix the use of a qwerty keyboard is all the mor necesary neccesssary rad! previously given a placeholder name of TID (4 txt input device), the upcoming txting peripheral is referred to as da "Chatpad" in da update's help doc. 2 find da txt, go 2 the marketplace bl8, select da "learn more" ad block, then select "More Details" and "Windows Live Messenger." cool hai?now wat about us dvorak users :p[Thanx, BAK6E]
Microsoft, Best Buy face revived racketeering charges
Pop quiz: What do Microsoft and Best Buy and John Gotti and Michael Milken have in common? Surprisingly, all four have at one time or another been charged with racketeering under the 1970 RICO Act, with the former two entities facing revived charges surrounding an alleged ongoing fraud that began more than seven years ago. Specifically, San Francisco's 9th US Circuit of Appeals has "reversed and remanded" an earlier dismissal of a suit in which plaintiff James Odom claimed that Microsoft and Best Buy colluded to sign him and other unsuspecting customers up for paid MSN subscriptions when they purchased a PC at the big box retailer. Although Microsoft began doling out refunds to those whose credit cards had been illicitly charged as early as 2003, interested parties still seem keen on winning a verdict against the software giant, and were seemingly unswayed by offers of increased Hotmail storage and free Zunes -- and now, as the case heads to US District Court in Seattle, even the mighty Geek Squad's powers are completely useless.
Geometry Wars Vista available on MSN Games
Microsoft be a cold pimp, turning out its Xbox Live Arcade darling onto the uncharted streets of Windows Vista. There's no crawling into bed with a trusted XP customer for this version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Vista-only. For its sake, Geometry Wars won't be working the MSN corner alone, as it's joined by fellow newcomers Bliss Island and Crystal Quest. The cost might have gone up (from $5 on XBLA to $7.95), but the experience will be over just as fast for the average john (patience, it takes practice) -- do remember to bring your Xbox 360 controller for an authentic experience. Play safe, folks.
Better keyboard and AIM client released by fans
Qaz from DCEmu (registration required) has released a pretty nice AIM/MSN/Yahoo client for the PSP. It's pretty easy to install and use ... so long as you're willing to struggle with the PSP's pathetic phone-like virtual keyboard. Too bad ZX81's newly released Virtual Keyboard isn't compatible: certainly, conversations would be far more manageable. Regardless, these are two appreciated apps that will certainly help a great number of people, especially because it doesn't involve homebrew. Simply download, extract, and access from the PSP's internet browser.
Microsoft, MSN game devs to share in-game ad revenue
Developers for titles hosted by MSN Games can now expect to have an extra outlet of income, care of Microsoft. The House of Gates is promising to share portion of the revenue earned from in-game advertisement generated by a title to the respective game maker. The model is divided between two tiers: Level I: developer will be given ten percent of the ad revenue, no obligations necessary Level II: developer will earn 20 percent of the revenue, but their game must be submitted to the ESRB for a rating. The title must also provide a "deluxe experience" lasting at least 10 hours. Of course, if a developer is willing to place advertisements within its title, then there's no reason to avoid an ESRB rating and not earn the extra ten percent -- we imagine "deluxe experience" is a subjective term, as we could theoretically make Text Twist and ten hour game.There's an added bonus for Microsoft concerning this business model, in that the more ESRB-rated games it has, the easier it will be for Windows Vista to properly filter content in tune to the Parental Control settings. The only outlet currently mentioned is MSN Games, but how long until this business permeates through Xbox Live Marketplace?
Casual games consuming 'me time'
According to a survey commissioned by MSN Games, Americans are stressed out and starved for their 'me time,' with more than half of the adult population squeezing in less than an hour of daily downtime. Microsoft, with a thumbs-up from Stress Institute founder Dr. Kathleen Hall, is encouraging the over-worked to join millions of others who spend their fleeting moments of free time playing casual games. "Taking a break to solve a brain-teasing puzzle or take on a fun vocabulary challenge on MSN Games is a perfect way to clear your mind of the clutter and stress that can pile up during the day," diagnosed Dr. Hall.But does playing a game actually "clear" your mind, or just distract it? Even worse, what happens when you can't solve the brain-teaser -- does the stress continue to accumulate? Perhaps if you've got only 20 minutes a day to yourself, you should spend less time playing, and more time examining your lifestyle. Take a walk. Decide if a life devoid of 'me time' is actually making you happy. See that guy in the picture? He's just about to take back his 'me time' ... wait for it ... wait for it...
Vista security too tight on casual games, claims WildTangent
DirectX creator Alex St. John says Windows Vista "breaks" casual games. The WildTangent CEO recently described the arduous process of patching his company's network of games to ensure Vista compatibility. The effort reportedly took a year of working closely with "nearly every major casual game developer.""Parents who choose to use Vista's parental controls are likely to accidentally block access to hundreds of very popular family friendly games that happen not to have ESRB ratings," explained St. John. Casual game networks hosted by Yahoo, AOL, RealArcade, and even Microsoft (MSN Games) could all be affected, according to St. John. Microsoft has yet to comment on the allegations.It should be noted that WildTangent's software is often denoted as spyware by antispyware applications. While the software is generally regarded as harmless, it's often installed without express consent (and remains self-updating); WildTangent also reserves the right to collect personal information for use in tuning its products.
Nimbuzz lets you call your IM buddies
We've all been there -- you need to get in contact with your friends; they're not answering their phones. You know they're online, but you need to have an actual voice conversation. Well, rejoice, our frustrated friends -- for Nimbuzz plans to bridge the gap between instant messaging and cellphones. Its currently-in-beta (no surprise there), free-to-download app supports "more than 500 [Java-enabled] mobile devices" and allows you to call and initiate voice chats with your buddies on Google Talk and MSN / Windows Live Messenger. In addition to keeping you on top of your online friends, it lets you make international calls to other cellphones at local rates, so long as whomever you are calling also has Nimbuzz installed on their device. Besides that, you also get free text messaging and the ability to have Group Calls with up to five buddies on your contact list regardless of how they are connected, and Nimbuzz says it is currently working on getting your AIM, ICQ, Yahoo! and Skype friends into the mix. Now that you know, we hope you don't mind as we run and make a few overdue calls to our pals across the pond and in the far East.
Microsoft and Sega create new deal to promote Sonic Rivals
Sega will be running a pricey viral ad campaign through Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger to promote its upcoming games: Sonic Rivals on the PSP and Sonic the Hedgehog on Xbox 360. One may notice that the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Sonic the Hedgehog is not mentioned. Just like Sonic and Silver pictured above, Sony and Microsoft are fierce rivals, and it appears that Microsoft wants no part in promoting Sony's next-gen platform. Of course, without a handheld gaming device from the Xbox folks (for now), it seems Redmond's empire is willing to litter your IM-ing experience with ads for the PSP Sonic.Expect a full review of Sonic Rivals and a giveaway soon.[Via Brand Republic]
MSN, Ingenio team up to launch pay-per-call advertising
In the ever-expanding world of mobile searches, we knew it was simply a matter of time before revenue-hungry mega corporations dug in and gave the impulse caller in us all one more irresistible temptation. While Google's AdWords have already landed on mobile search screens, Ingenio has now inked a deal with Microsoft to enable location-based advertisements to appear atop MSN's "Windows Live searches" made via cellphones. Although Ingenio already has a similar agreement in place with AOL, this partnership will allow users who search for local "businesses, restaurants, and services" to see a single banner ad which will automatically ring up a nearby supplier with just a click. The oh-so-coveted ads are being "auctioned" to interested parties willing to shell out the most dollars to get their plugs listed first, fetching "$2 to $4 each" for typical entertainment clicks, while demanding "$20 or more for things like financial services and real estate."
Casual players act hardcore, win loot
Something's perverse about the idea of a casual games tournament, but that's exactly what happened when 71 gamers who don't speak a word of l337 gathered to compete in Bejeweled 2, Solitaire and Zuma. We're having trouble imagining a LAN party without overwhelming BO, shouts of "pwnt!" and at least one Y chromosome for every X, but that's what Fun Technologies claims happened this past weekend in Hollywood, CA. To be serious for just a second: casual games tournaments are nothing new. Scrabble, Chess, Poker and Bridge tournies have been around for many years (in some cases, hundreds of 'em). This may well be the biggest prize awarded in a software-based casual game tournament, though. Professional FPS players the world over can now rest easy. When ya'll are too old and slow for FPS competitions, you won't need to start endorsing Mueslix and Viagra. Instead, prolong your glory days on the casual gaming circuit. [In the image: champion Kavitha Yalavarthi, with her winnings and her fiance.]
Switched On: The gist on your wrist
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment: Watch maker Fossil was among the first companies to support MSN Direct, the smart objects technology first offered by Microsoft in a number of timepieces. Earlier this year, the company, through its Abacus brand, revisited the technology in its Abacus Smart Watch 2006. While the watch is still on the bulky side, it's slimmed down a bit and Fossil has used a sloping profile to minimize the watch's girth. In fact, the Abacus 2006 was no thicker than a workaday Seiko men's watch I purchased last year. Other improvements include more memory and the inclusion of a year of MSN Direct service. Abacus offers the watch with a metal band that nicely complements the watch's masculine design for $179, as well as a number of leather straps. Unlike nearly any other consumer product that includes Microsoft software, it has nary a trace of Microsoft branding. Like all of the MSN Direct watches, the 2006 Abacus uses FM radio technology to communicate updates to the device. After activating the timepiece, you choose content channels from a Microsoft Web site. The content has diversified considerably from when the watch was first launched, but it's still mostly focused on the basics, including a variety of different "faces" -- two of which I found attractive, three more of which were acceptable, and several of which were just hideous.
Man runs MSN app on his DS
Here we see a fine young gentleman running Beup, an MSN Messenger program, on his DS. According to Rob, the keyboard works about 99% of the time and the program has tabs at the bottom for chatting with multiple users and managing your buddy list. The program sometimes crashes at random, but it's clearly a small price to pay for such a nifty program.A direct link to the zip file containing the program may be found here.[Thanks Rob!]
Yahoo Messenger 3.0b1
Apparently, a lot of our readers are Yahoo Messenger users. A good dozen of you or so sent us this tip that Yahoo Messenger 3.0b1 has been released. I've just taken it for a spin and my early impression is that Yahoo seems to have hired some great developers. This is a really nice application with a great Tiger/Leopard iChat-like interface, cross-platform webcam support, integration with other Yahoo services, chat conferencing, and file transfers. The website says that the ability to chat with MSN Messenger/Microsoft Live users will be coming soon as well. Oh, and it's a universal binary.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
