Posted 07/03/2009 at 05:29:22pm

Until now, it was assumed that Microsoft would only sell single license versions of Windows 7. But, thanks to a recent discovery in the latest license agreement, there’s some evidence suggesting otherwise.

In section two, there’s a new clause that clearly details a family pack, which will allow you to “install one copy of the software marked as ‘Family Pack’ on three computers in your household for use by people who reside there.” Which, for those keeping score, would finally let them combat Apple in this particular field.

Still, there’s no official word from Microsoft on pricing or availability, or if this is even true.

Posted 07/03/2009 at 04:41:22pm

In what appears to be a desperate dig for traffic, Bing has decided to add Twitter messages to their search results in an attempt to take some market share from Google.

“We’re not indexing all of Twitter at this time… just a small set of prominent and prolific Twitterers to start. We picked a few thousand people to start, based primarily on their follower count and volume of tweets. We think this is an interesting first step toward using Twitter’s public API to surface Tweets in people search,” wrote Microsoft search general manager Sean Sucher. These results will appear in a separate box alongside the normal search results within Bing.

Ultimately, it’s not too surprising to see Microsoft do this – considering how Google has already admitted defeat in the real-time information race with Twitter.

Posted 07/02/2009 at 03:07:54pm

Google recently introduced another tweak to their Gmail interface, allowing users that aren’t quite at home with the labeling system to use them as folders.

With the introduction of drag and drop to Gmail, your list of labels will move from the lower left-hand corner to the upper left-hand corner, directly underneath “Inbox” and “Sent Mail.” Google hopes that this will allow users see them more like traditional folders.

Drag and drop comes into play with the use of the labels themselves. Instead of adding tags to each individual message, you’ll instead be able to drag and drop your messages into the label of your choosing.

Posted 07/02/2009 at 02:33:03pm

Earlier this week Asus announced their RT-N16 router, which brings their “three ‘S’s’ – Speed for ultra-fast data transfers, Simplicity for unparalleled ease-of-use and ease-of-setup, and Security for absolute peace of mind when performing online tasks.” (Seriously.)

The RT-N16 will feature wireless speeds up to 300Mbps, use an innovative “EZ UI” which will let system administrators easily setup and manage their networks, as well as allocate bandwidth to suit specific needs. And lastly, it’ll sport WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), so that users can lock down their networks quickly and easily.

No word yet on pricing or availability.

Posted 07/01/2009 at 04:22:28pm

Looking to pave the way for Windows 7, many netbook vendors are hoping to clear out all of their Windows XP-based stock.

When Microsoft announced their Windows 7 upgrade program, they didn’t include Windows XP devices, causing some vendors to believe that their customers aren’t willing to pay a premium for the new OS. There are others that believe that many consumers would prefer to stick with the lower-cost Windows XP for their lightweight netbooks.

Currently, an OEM version of XP runs $25-30, while quotes form Microsoft show that Windows 7 for a netbook would run around $45-55. It’s expected that this confusion may cause some negative publicity for Microsoft in the netbook market.

Posted 07/01/2009 at 03:52:26pm

If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Portland, you’ll be among the first to use Comcast’s High-Speed 2go service.

High-Speed 2go will be based on Clearwire’s WiMAX service, and will be available in a “Fast Pack Metro” bundle, complete with home internet service, a WiFi router and the WiMAX for $50 a month, with an addition $20 tagged on for nationwide Sprint 3G (which comes with a 3G/WiMAX combo card). Current customers can add the WiMAX for an additional $30.

Comcast is planning to launch the service in Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia before the end of the year.