17
Jul
Bing.com, the new “decision engine” from Microsoft builds upon, Live.com and of course MSN.com. Because of this you probably think that your site will automatically be listed. Turns out mine had some trouble being found by Bing so I had to do it manually, which you can do here.
But why is pinging Bing so important? Surely it has no dent on Google.
Well, recently stats came out for June and it recieved almost 50 million vilitors for that month. You may think that 50 million is pretty small, but lets just put this into content. It got more than Twitter, which is getting publicity left, right and center. More than Digg, a very popular user generated news site, and more than CNN, one of the most accurate and well-respected news sources in America. I know that Microsoft arent competing with these sites, but to get more than pretty established websites in the first month of launch, its great. For any site that is a hug achievement, but its a momentous one for a site that Microsoft owns.
Now how did they get it? Well obviously most of that was redirected from Live.com, and even more obvious is the influx of new visitors, dying to see what the whole fuss is about. But to keep 50 million users a month, they need to start getting people to make the switch. How? Relevant searching. I’ve started using Bing, whilst going cold turkey on Google, in order to see if it has any effect on my daily search needs. For the most part, no. But there are a few things missing from the “decision engine” before I decide to make the switch permanent. Things like money conversions are missing. The extended features the US site has is missing, we have localized search and that is it. And I dont think its integrated enough with the rest of the Microsoft websites.
Overall getting listed on Bing may not be a priority right now. But soon, we might have Microsofts second coming. And I cant wait, Google is getting boring.
4
Jul
These days, its a done thing to mock the world largest computer technology corporation. Microsoft knows its the nerd, but things are a’changing. They are being bullied by both Apple, Nintendo, and Sony, but they’re not quiting. Their focus now is on keeping their users and building good, clean, products And all this is coming from a guy who uses a Mac…
Xbox
In late 2005, Microsoft launched the second iteration of their console, the Xbox 360, a year before any of their rivals were ready to ship their consoles. There were several issues with the console before launch,mainly the Red Ring of Death, which caused the infected consoles to freeze. But Microsoft knew this, and I agree with their decision. It was to get out there first. They knew that if they launched alongside the Sony Playstation 3, that they would not be able to lead the “console war”. So in the short-run, there were a few damaged consoles, but in the long run they are managing to sustain a growing fan base, and along with Xbox Live. People are happy with the Xbox. But these gamers only count for a small fraction of the people Microsoft want to target.
Zune
Microsoft’s venture into the mobile industry hasn’t been a worthwhile one. Windows Mobile OS – before 6.5 – has been known to have several issues (especially with IE). Apple’s iPod, is without doubt, a revolutionary piece of hardware, in terms of both design and usability. Microsoft’s feeble attempt with the Zune, hasn’t been a lucrative one, yet. The Zune HD, which will launch in September, will feature a 3.3″ touchscreen (16:9), HD video out(720p (astounding for a PMP)), HD radio (Whatever that is), integrated WiFi, and a web browser. Its looks amazing, and by the sound of things, it will act amazing too!
Windows 7
Last but not least there is the almighty Windows 7. Since the beta arrived at the start of January ’09, it wasnt short of praise. Tech users liked it, everyday users liked it, and it looks like its going to work well for businesses also. Rather than cramming more features into an already overflowing OS, Microsoft has gone minimal this time around. IE8 can be removed, the task-bar gets an overhaul (with handy shortcuts in the form of Jumplists), and lets not forget the XP Mode, which shuts up the users who still use ancient software. Overall its speedier, much more intuitive, and better allocation of resources. Its RTM is scheduled to be released on July 13th with the consumer version to be available by October 21st..
Overall
In conclusion, Microsoft have finally listened to their users. They’ve done many things correctly, yet they still have a long way to go to get into the general public’s good books. They need to start being more competitive, but in a healthy way. Not by preinstalling an OS with useless software like IE8, but giving them the option. Listen to what the users want and Microsoft will achieve all that they are looking for right now. Now here is the real question, is it a coincidence that all this happened when Ballmer became head honcho?
16
Jun
A few weeks ago, alot of bloggers talked about Wolfram Alpha, stuggling to find its usefulness. Some even went as far as listing pointless joke questions to ask the powerful yet young computational search engine. Things like “What is the meaning of life?” dont belong in this engine. What is both interesting and fun at the same time are often the simplest.
I typed in my birthday, “18 April 1990″ into WolframAlpha to find that the date was 6999days ago. Tomorrow I turn 7000 days old. Or 1000 weeks. Or if you really want to be boring 19 years old and 2 months.
Some other info about that day 7000 days ago:
- sunrise : 6:31 am GMT/IST
- sunset : 8:39 pm GMT/IST
- duration of daylight : 14 hours 8 minutes
I also learned that I have the same birthday as Conan O’ Brian, and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty).
So you see, Wolfram Alpha may only be for mathematicians and idiots for now, but you can get some use out of it. Just dont ask “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
15
Jun
So I made the switch today. I went to the bank, took out 1080 euro (the feeling of 1000+ cash in your hand is empowering), and bought a 13″ Macbook Pro. I could have saved for a few weeks and bought a 15″ mid or high level, but my reasoning was:
- I didnt know if I would like it
- I didnt want to spend that much
- I wanted somehing small yet powerful.
The entry model was going to be more than enough to match that criteria. Yes its still a little expensive, and yes I would be happier with a 15″ screen, but honestly this is the best machine I have owned.
First of all the presentation is the best I’ve seen.. ever. The packaging was neat and simple. The welcome video, was actually very welcoming. And the build of the machine is just amazing. They’ve hidden the speakers too well, I can’t find them.
There is a distinct learning curve, but not an impossible one. The keyboard layout is different, mouse gestures are most definitely different, window managment is different. All these differences seem like a huge adjustment, but they’re all pretty manageable when looked at perspective.
The hardware obviously looks amazing. The black finish mixed with aluminum is probably one of the most used color palletes for hardware these days, but Apple pulls it off well. Nothing inside the casing is really outstanding, but Apple make up for it both cosmetically and in usability.
The trackpad is probably one of the more complex aspects of the Macbook. I like the gestures, but coming from a Windows background, I’m not that used to using several fingers to maneuver around the OS, and so I now cannot use my thumb as a rest for my finger 
. However the right click is one thing I’ve managed to conquer 
. Ok I lied, but this is all new to me
The software is both incredible yet extremely confusing for me. Most things are mouse-orientated but I use the keyboard most often on my Windows PC. This gives me a slight headache, but these are early days.
I dont like the whole expand-windows-as-much-as-you-need. When I maximize things in Windows, I do it because I don’t want any other application grabbing my attention. But theres always something interesting in the window behind that always catches your eye, which can be a bit distracting. I guess I have to get focused.
Overall this is an amazing machine (well I cant call it PC anymore can I, not really). The 2GB ram is actually pretty sufficient. Probably because this is based on Unix, but i’m no expert. Enjoying my Mac is a severe understatement. I love teaching myself new things, its the best way I learn. One of the most enlightening periods of self-education was learning to use a computer, and now it feels like I’m doing it again, only with a head start
14
Jun
It was always bound happen. Tomorrow I’m finally getting myself an Apple Macbook Pro. After watching the unveliing of the new Macbook Pro family at the WWDC on Tuesday, I had to get one, and soon before Apple do yet another refresh.
This is going to be my first Mac, and I’m pretty excited about it. I posted an article about my admiration for a Macbook a few months ago on my college years blog, and finally I’m making the switch. Its gonna take a while to get used to, I know, but theres never been a piece of technology I’ve been dumbfounded by. And by the way, people say Mac’s are easy. I think I deserve a bit of that, after 9 months on the Clonmel Campus.
I’ve decided on getting the 13″ MBP. There are multiple reasons, but the main ones are
- Its portable yet powerful.
- Its one of the cheapest, and as I am a new Mac user I’m not sure if I will like it, so why gamble big bucks on machine I might not like.
- 7 hours battery life? Pretty hard to say no to that.
- It’s such a good looking piece of machinery.
- I’m a student, and therefore I get a discount..
Seeing as Apple love to rip off their loyal customers, I’ve decided to get the base model, and upgrade afterwards. Takes a bit longer but well worth it in the long run.
I will be doing a post-macbook post (hopefully on the Macbook itself), with video and image unboxing. Honestly Apples packaging is just as impressive as the actual product.
I’m not abandoning Windows totally either. My XPS M1530 will sit alongside my Macbook on my desk. Now all I have do to is make some room.
