That is right people, Microsoft has lost its appeal to sell the Microsoft Office and Word 2007 versions of it’s software. Turns out that it was not indeed a patent troll and Microsoft was infringing on a copyright for the handling of XML documents held by a no name company “i4i”. Turns out that the little 30 person database design firm got the U.S court of appeals to agree with them and come January 11′th Word 2007 as well as Office 2007 will not be sold.

Microsoft is fixing the problem however and plans to have a version of 2007 Word and Office out in time to fix the issue. That said, they can always appeal tot he Supreme Court to get a few extra weeks or month to get those versions off the shelves of retailers and the new versions out before the new judgement takes place. Of course, with no end to cash in sight they have the option of buying out i4i and getting all the patents. Either way its a win win situation for Microsoft and gives i4i some notoriety.

VIA: Engadget

Incoming search terms for the article:

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft Office 2007 Lost Patent, Microsoft Word 2007 Patent, Office 2007, software, Word 2007, XML

Remember that little digital hub Microsoft created for Ford vehicles? Well it has blossomed into a full fledged system within its short existence and now Ford and Microsoft are ready to unveil a new chapter in Sync’s history.

First of all the system will be getting its own version of an App Store will open up the possibility for Twitter apps, Google navigation apps and of course iFart apps and a bunch of other stuff to keep the kids busy in the backseat and mommy and daddy annoyed in the front.

Last but not least, devs will get a crack at the Sync system come next year when a full API will be released for the system. So far a few students from University of Michigan got a few weeks to play around with the API and came up with some cool demos. Check them out at the link below.

VIA: Engadget

Incoming search terms for the article:

Technorati Tags: API, Ford, Microsoft, Sync

So guess what Zune lovers? Microsoft is expanding the options of colors on the Zune HD. On the website, both colors are grayed out with a postponed date of December 1st listed. As for the device storage size, that’s unsure although we are hoping both 16GB and 32GB flavors will be available.

Oh and Microsoft, while you’re at it, give us 64GB, a few more apps, and slap a cellphone radio on this thing and ship it to Sprint or T-Mobile. Is that too much to ask? We thinks not. So if you’re interested, head over to http://zune.net in a few days and pick up your device in the new colors (and the old ones),

Incoming search terms for the article:

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Tech News, Zune HD

Microsoft is feeling pretty good about their recent successful launch of Windows 7 and even though their commercials are hitting Apple in the weak spot and their new line of Windows branded stores are popping up all over the U.S, they have seen it fit to go a step further.

For this holiday season, Microsoft will be opening up a PC lounge at Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store in NYC. In the deal with the fashion powerhouse, Microsoft computers will power the stores displays and Microsoft will have Windows 7 PC’s throughout the store as well as reps from Redmond to answer any and all questions customers may have on Windows.

What better way to court the money of the rich and famous, eh Microsoft?

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Saks Fifth Avenue, windows 7

Microsoft did mention that games would be coming to the Zune HD and now their word has come to pass. Just today an update was made to the Zune Marketplace and among other things the Zune HD has gotten 5 new 3D games. The games include PGR: Ferrari Edition, Lucky Lane Bowling, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, Piano, Checkers, and Audiosurf: Tilt. Best of all, the games are all free.

You will need to update the firmware of your device to get the latest features. So head over to the Zune software, give it a test drive and let us know how it goes.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Technorati Tags: Games, Microsoft, Zune HD

Microsoft MVP Miguel wrote an interesting post about the new decision engine from Microsoft “Bing“.

Check out the post here.

Technorati Tags: Bing, images, Microsoft

Finally Bing is live. Goto www.bing.com and try out. Bing is a new search experience and consumer brand, outlining a new approach to helping customers use search to make better decisions. This “Decision Engine” approach focuses initially on four key user tasks and related areas: making a purchase, planning a trip, researching a health condition or finding a local business.

You can learn more about bing here.

Technorati Tags: about, Bing, experience, images, Microsoft