Winextra – Microsoft and Windows Round-up

There was actually a good bit of Microsoft related news today but the big bit has to be the fact that Microsoft will be showcasing Project Natal at this year’s E3 gaming conference slash trade show. Hopefully we’ll hear a definite release date for it.

Microsoft:

Microsoft hits back on expanded Novell-VMware alliance – Mary Jo Foley
It’s relatively rare that Microsoft execs comment officially on Redmond’s competitors. Something’s got to really hit a nerve before that happens.
Microsoft Mocks Google’s Copy-Cat Background Image Feature On Twitter – TechCrunch
Microsoft Europe’s communication team has used its Twitter account to make fun of Google’s latest search page feature: the ability to add background images to said page, a feature that has characterized Microsoft’s Bing search service since its debut.
How Does Office Web Apps Compare to Google Docs? [Lifehacker Showdown] – Lifehacker
Microsoft rolled out its free Office Web Apps earlier this week, introducing a free, basic Office suite for the web. How does it compare to Google’s own Docs offering? Here’s a rundown of each webapp’s strengths and weaknesses.
Microsoft Applies To Patent Natal-Like Implementation For PCs – I’m Just Being Manan
Been some time that I came across an interesting patent application but here’s an interesting one. Microsoft engineers have applied for two patents detailing the Architecture to control the PC using hand gestures. Earlier Microsoft showed controlling devices by muscle movements and has applied to patent a pressure sensitive mouse.

Windows:

PC makers no longer allowed to preinstall Windows XP on new netbooks as of October – Mary Jo Foley
Before Windows 7 launched, there was a lot of consternation about when Microsoft planned to cut off the supply of Windows XP to netbook makers. This week, Microsoft officials reminded customers and partners of that deadline date — October 22, 2010.
Windows Live Sync beta blends the best of Sync and Mesh – The Windows Blog
If you’ve been following us closely, you know we’ve had two different synchronization services: Windows Live Sync and Live Mesh beta. We’ve heard two things loud and clear.
Office 2010 Review: Outlook gets a facelift – The Globe and Mail
One-click macros and message-thread views are just a couple of the additions to the new e-mail application
Bing and the FIFA World Cup South Africa – Part 1 – LiveSide.net
With the FIFA World Cup South Africa right around the corner, Bing can not escape on doing something for all the Soccer fans.

Windows Phone 7:

Trialing applications on Windows Phone 7 a breeze for users and developers – Long Zheng
Windows Phone 7 might not launch with a catalog of applications the size of Apple’s, but Microsoft is going to one-up Apple in terms of the application marketplace experience with a refreshingly friendly implementation of a trial-mode for applications for both end-users and developers.
Windows Phone 7 developer phone unlock detailed – Long Zheng
Today at the TechEd North America 2010 event Microsoft has confirmed Windows Phone 7 developers will be able to register a number of devices which unlocks the capability to side-load applications on to devices directly from development tools such Visual Studio or Expression Blend.