Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Happy 25th birthday, Windows!]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/20/happy-25th-birthday-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/20/happy-25th-birthday-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/20/happy-25th-birthday-windows/#commentsFiled under:

25 years ago today, Microsoft released the very first version of the operating system which now powers around 90% of the personal computers in the world. Even with the sweet analog clock to the word processing might of Write (and truly useful features like running multiple applications and a shared clipboard), Windows 1.0 failed to generate much excitement.

It would take five more years -- when version 3.0 launched -- for Windows to become a force to be reckoned with on the desktop. Sure, there have been bumps along the way like Windows ME and Vista, but Microsoft keeps on rolling. Most of our readers are now happily running Windows 7, Microsoft's customer satisfaction rate is at an all-time high, and things are generally looking good for the crew in Redmond.

This is actually the time of year when my family brought home our first Windows PC -- a sleek (for then) little unit from Magnavox complete with caveman overclocking. Oh turbo button, how I loved you...

Download SquadHappy 25th birthday, Windows! originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaymicrosoftwindowswindows 1.0Windows1.0Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Discover Windows Phone 7 apps with Bing Visual Search]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/discover-windows-phone-7-apps-with-bing-visual-search/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/discover-windows-phone-7-apps-with-bing-visual-search/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/discover-windows-phone-7-apps-with-bing-visual-search/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bing WP7 visual search
You can now browse the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace with Bing's Visual Search tool. According to the announcement, it only works in the US and UK -- but to make it work, after visiting the WP7 Visual Search, I had to change my location (in the top right corner) to "United States - English." Then I had to visit the Visual Search page again. Presumably this will also work if you live elsewhere, too.

The Visual Search itself is beautiful. The app icons slip and slide around the screen, and panels fade in and out with consummate smoothness -- it's powered by Silverlight, of course. Unsurprisingly, it looks and feels a lot like Zune -- and indeed, you can click through from any app to the Zune. From there you can install apps onto your phone.

The thing is, this tool in itself is nothing special -- but look at the competition! Apple's Web presence is alright, but it's hardly a joy to navigate -- it simply functions as a "preview" for those without iTunes. Google... well, take a look at the Web-based Android Market and decide for yourself. Microsoft's WP7 visual search seems positively awesome by comparison.

Download SquadDiscover Windows Phone 7 apps with Bing Visual Search originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app discoveryAppDiscoverybingmicrosoftvisual searchVisualSearchzuneThu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac is significantly faster than 2008/2004]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-is-significantly-faster-than-2008-2004/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-is-significantly-faster-than-2008-2004/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-is-significantly-faster-than-2008-2004/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Microsoft Office 2011 benchmarking

The bods over at MacTech have been putting the Microsoft Business Unit's latest Mac offering, Office 2011, though its metaphorical paces, and have found that, on the whole, it's significantly faster than its previous siblings Office 2008 and 2004. App launches are around 70% faster from cold and 98% faster on relaunch, a noticeable and welcome improvement for the user. That's not all, common tasks in the big four applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, have also been streamlined giving an average speed up of between 36 and 129%.

The usual disclaimer is in force here -- measured by a stop watch, might not be accurate, etc -- but MacTech was adamant that on the face of it, the whole Office suite for Mac has seen real-world speed improvements that directly affect the user, something to which we can personally attest. Impressive stuff indeed, and when combined with ditching Entourage for Outlook, Office 2011 makes a worthy upgrade.

[via 9to5Mac]

Download SquadMicrosoft Office 2011 for Mac is significantly faster than 2008/2004 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macMacTechmicrosoftofficeos xosxThu, 18 Nov 2010 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Lync 2010 replaces Microsoft Office Communications Server for workplace collaboration]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-lync-2010-office-communications/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-lync-2010-office-communications/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-lync-2010-office-communications/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

microsoft lync 2010 conferencing screenshot
Microsoft's workplace collaboration tool, Office Communications Server, just got a big upgrade and a new, less stuffy name: Microsoft Lync 2010. Like OCS, Lync connects the various Microsoft services in a workplace, including Office, Exchange email and Sharepoint storage. It's also a hub for instant messenging, voice calls and video calls.

The major new stuff in Lync 2010 includes enterprise voice calling that's compatible with various USB and IP devices, and could theoretically do the job of your office's legacy phone system. Contact lists are now unified across your Microsoft applications, so you can use your contacts in both Lync and your office apps. Lync also includes new conferencing features, like desktop and app sharing (including PowerPoint sharing and whiteboarding).

The last big Microsoft OCS release was back in 2007, although it got a service pack last year. Lync 2010 represents a huge leap forward in functionality that looks like it actually belongs in a 2010 office environment. There's an insane amount of info on new features, including several demo videos, at the Microsoft Lync 2010 launch page.

Download SquadMicrosoft Lync 2010 replaces Microsoft Office Communications Server for workplace collaboration originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferencinglynclync 2010Lync2010microsoftmicrosoft lync 2010MicrosoftLync2010officeWed, 17 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 1 beta has been made available to testers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-office-2010-service-pack-1-beta-has-been-made-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-office-2010-service-pack-1-beta-has-been-made-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/microsoft-office-2010-service-pack-1-beta-has-been-made-availabl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft Office 2010 SP1 Beta

Microsoft has made the first beta of Office 2010 Service Pack 1 available to testers. This is not a publicly released beta, and probably never will be -- it is ready for download by those who Microsoft has invited to test it and people who have registered to test it via Microsoft's Connect beta testing portal. The version number for this beta is 14.0.6011.1000.

It doesn't boast any new features, for it is merely a collection of bug fixes and various enhancements and improvements -- so you aren't missing anything by not having access to it. You will, of course, be able to install the finalized SP1 when it's ready via Windows Update. The service pack should add stability and performance to what is already Microsoft's fastest-selling consumer version of Office in history.

[via Winrumors]

Download SquadMicrosoft Office 2010 Service Pack 1 beta has been made available to testers originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaMicrosoftmicrosoft officemicrosoft office 2010Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 1MicrosoftOfficeMicrosoftOffice2010MicrosoftOffice2010ServicePack1officeoffice 2010Office 2010 SP1 betaOffice2010Office2010Sp1BetaWed, 17 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 preview 7 available, takes SunSpider crown; Beta now downloaded 13 million times]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/internet-explorer-9-preview-7-available-takes-sunspider-crown-13-million-downloads/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/internet-explorer-9-preview-7-available-takes-sunspider-crown-13-million-downloads/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/17/internet-explorer-9-preview-7-available-takes-sunspider-crown-13-million-downloads/#commentsFiled under: ,

IE9 tops the sunspider benchmark
As of a few moments ago, you can now download Platform Preview 7 of Internet Explorer 9. The main focus of this update is the continued enhancement of the Chakra JavaScript engine; as a result, IE9 now leads the SunSpider benchmark by a few percent.

Like its predecessors, this preview lacks any kind of useful UI -- but if you have the Beta installed, you can follow Lee's guide to hack the Beta UI onto the preview. The Beta, incidentally, has now been downloaded over 13 million times. We're not seeing significant use of IE9 amongst Download Squad readers, but with almost 4% of Ed Bott'z ZDNet readership using IE9, there's definitely some evidence of its growing popularity. With my sources indicating a January release of IE9, Microsoft really ought to release a second beta...

Anyway, in infinitely more exciting news, there's a bunch of cool new HTML5 demos on the Test Drive site to play around with! Shakespeare's Tag Cloud is very cute (and educational!) Galactic, on the other hand, is an excellent example of the 'Open Web' 3D games that we can expect to see next year. It also acts as a very good benchmark tool -- I may have to do another head-to-head browser shootout!

Update: I just tested IE9 on the 'real world' Kraken benchmark... and it beats Firefox!

Another update: The IE Blog has been updated with more information about Preview 7.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 preview 7 available, takes SunSpider crown; Beta now downloaded 13 million times originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmarkbetabrowserschakradeveloper previewDeveloperPreviewie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9javascriptplatform previewPlatformPreviewsunspiderWed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-video-review-of-office-for-windows-phone-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-video-review-of-office-for-windows-phone-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-video-review-of-office-for-windows-phone-7/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you weren't aware, it's impossible to take screenshots with Windows Phone 7. Perhaps once it's rooted we'll be able to -- but until then, screenshotting apps for reviews is laborious -- you have to take a photo of the screen -- and the quality is inevitably low.

So, looking for an alternative, I decided to do a video review of Office for Windows Phone 7. It's about 10 minutes long, and the video quality is excellent. You should be able to clearly see the text on the screen, and the audio commentary should be informative (and perhaps even funny).

In the video I step through the three key features of Office for WP7: OneNote (and its integration with SkyDrive); Word and Excel (viewing and editing); and SharePoint integration (though I sadly couldn't get it to work). OneNote definitely stands out as one of WP7's killer features, especially when combined with SkyDrive synchronization. Word and Excel, which lack the ability to sync, seem rather useless in comparison -- but still, being able to view Word and Excel documents on the move is surely a good thing.

The video review is after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7

Download SquadHands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>reviewvideovideo reviewVideoReviewwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft launches new casual games hub that connects MSN, Bing and Live]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/microsoft-launches-new-casual-games-hub-that-connects-msn-bing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/microsoft-launches-new-casual-games-hub-that-connects-msn-bing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/microsoft-launches-new-casual-games-hub-that-connects-msn-bing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MSN Games social hub
Using the consummate magic of Facebook Connect (or Windows Live ID), users of Microsoft's game portals can now stay in touch with their friends while they play Bejeweled thanks to a 'casual games hub.'

From what I can see, this games hub takes the form of a 'dashboard' that wraps around each of the games, whether you play them on MSN Games, Bing or Live Messenger. Take a look at the screenshot above -- it's the only real way to explain how it works. You can now challenge your friends to games or see their high scores while you game. You can also see your News Feed -- pretty convenient if you're not the type that keeps Facebook open in a tab 24/7.

To accommodate all of these changes MSN Games has been completely overhauled. It's now rather beautiful! (Does anyone remember how it used to look back when it was called 'Zone'? Those were the days...) Oh, there's also a 30-second unskippable pre-roll video commercial before you can play each game -- is that new?

Live Messenger has also been updated, according to the screenshots at LiveSide. No one at Download Squad is seeing the changes yet, however -- but perhaps the patch will come tonight!

Download SquadMicrosoft launches new casual games hub that connects MSN, Bing and Live originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingbing gamesBingGamescasual games hubCasualGamesHublive messenger gamesLiveMessengerGamesmsnmsn gamesMsnGamessocial networkingSocialNetworkingwindows live messengerWindowsLiveMessengerwlmMon, 15 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Docs.com now supports Facebook Groups, makes office work more social]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/docs-com-now-supports-facebook-groups-makes-office-work-more-so/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/docs-com-now-supports-facebook-groups-makes-office-work-more-so/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/docs-com-now-supports-facebook-groups-makes-office-work-more-so/#commentsFiled under: ,

Facebook is making a major announcement on Monday, and while nothing is certain at this point it seems very likely that they could be unveiling Project Titan -- Facebook's take on Web-based email. Also a good bet: this new email platform will tightly integrate with Docs.com, which Microsoft and Facebook opened to beta testers earlier this year.

With all the hubbub about email, an update on the Docs.com blog went largely unnoticed -- and it's potentially huge news. Docs.com now supports Facebook Groups, meaning you can easily share Word, Excel and PowerPoint files with other group members. Collaboration can also be enabled, allowing users to edit each other's documents. The applications are manifold -- from a teacher sharing assignments with students (who probably all have Facebook accounts already) to groups like the Download Squad team sharing spreadsheets and slideshows.

Microsoft's Pat Kinsel calls Facebook Groups integration a "giant step toward our vision for social productivity." It's also a huge step in turning Facebook into something more than a place to play FarmVille, chat, and share party photos. If Docs.com and Facebook continue their current course, the combined platform will become a formidable opponent for services like Zoho and Google Docs.

Facebook in the office? Administrators unblocking Facebook.com from their firewall boxes so staff can do work? The Crazy Train has left the station.

Download SquadDocs.com now supports Facebook Groups, makes office work more social originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collaborationdocs.comfacebookgroupsmicrosoftsocial networkingSocialNetworkingSat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft disables active links in Messenger 09 to halt spread of worm]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/microsoft-disables-active-links-in-messenger-09-to-halt-spread-o/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/microsoft-disables-active-links-in-messenger-09-to-halt-spread-o/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/13/microsoft-disables-active-links-in-messenger-09-to-halt-spread-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

windows live messenger worm
The Inside Windows Live blog has announced that Microsoft has temporarily disabled active links for Windows Live Messenger (WLM) 2009 users. Its motivation: to prevent the spread of a malicious worm plaguing users of the instant messaging program. An infected user who is chatting with someone else could unknowingly send a poisoned link to other users -- who then click the link and download its malicious payload.

This is a fairly common way for infections to spread, and on a network as big as Live Messenger such worms can spread in a big hurry. Shutting down active links -- where URLs are automatically turned into clickable links in chat windows -- is a good first step, and will keep WLM 2009 users safe while Microsoft works on a permanent fix.

Not sure if you're running Live Messenger 2009? If you see the message box above on your main window, you probably are. The missing feature the message refers to is the disabled link support.

If you're running Live Messenger 2009, this might be a good time to consider upgrading to the 2011 version. WLM 2011 isn't affected by this particular worm thanks to its built-in Link Safety defenses. You can download the new version from Microsoft here as part of Windows Live Essentials 2011.

Download SquadMicrosoft disables active links in Messenger 09 to halt spread of worm originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009chatimlive messengerLiveMessengermicrosoftviruswindowswormSat, 13 Nov 2010 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker gets native code to run on Windows Phone 7 -- will a jailbreak follow?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/hacker-gets-native-code-to-run-on-windows-phone-7-will-a-jailbreak-follow/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/hacker-gets-native-code-to-run-on-windows-phone-7-will-a-jailbreak-follow/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/hacker-gets-native-code-to-run-on-windows-phone-7-will-a-jailbreak-follow/#commentsFiled under: ,

Windows Phone 7 native codeIt seems, thanks to one of Samsung's recent additions to the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, that a jailbreak of Microsoft's latest mobile platform might come a lot sooner than anticipated.

In a high-tech plot twist that even mother could've predicted, it turns out that Windows Phone 7 can run native code! Until today, it was thought that WP7 apps could only be written in Silverlight, an abstracted platform that made jailbreaking all but impossible. If third-party apps can contain native code, it makes jailbreaking all but a foregone conclusion. There still remains the problem of getting such apps onto your phone, though: Microsoft isn't going to approve the addition of a jailbreaking app on the Marketplace!

Microsoft's acceptance of Samsung's native app raises one other important question: why can Samsung submit a native app, but small-time indie developers can't? Samsung's app obviously required some functionality that only native, low-level code could provide -- but why shouldn't all developers get the ability to hook into the underlying operating system?

As Long Zheng says, for a phone's indie and homebrew community to really thrive, unfettered access to the phone's hardware is required. Let's hope this is just the beginning of WP7 hacking!

Download SquadHacker gets native code to run on Windows Phone 7 -- will a jailbreak follow? originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewindiejailbreakwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 Marketplace lets you peek at any app's source code]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/windows-phone-7-marketplace-lets-you-peek-at-any-apps-source-co/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/windows-phone-7-marketplace-lets-you-peek-at-any-apps-source-co/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/12/windows-phone-7-marketplace-lets-you-peek-at-any-apps-source-co/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bing WP7 app search

It has just been discovered that it's possible to download any Windows Phone 7 XAP full application package directly from Microsoft's Marketplace server -- no need to use a Windows Phone 7 device or the Zune application. This is possible because the Zune application uses Atom XML feeds to get the applications' information, so it's fairly easy to grab a direct link to the full app package just by looking at the XML. Once you have the XAP, you can unzip it and get access to all the assets and resources that app uses. And, by using a tool such as Reflector, you may even get to peek at the app's source code. One thing of note is that the XAP can't be installed on a retail WP7 handset, although it can be used in an emulator.

It looks like Microsoft's solution to this for now is asking developers to use code obfuscation tools, such as DotFuscator, before submitting the apps into the Marketplace. Unfortunately that tool has only been out for a few days, so not many app developers have had the possibility to use it yet. Furthermore, the commercial edition of DotFuscator can be pretty expensive for those developing 99-cent apps in their basements.

The easy fix would be to have all the XAPs encrypted, but Microsoft hasn't said anything about when that will become reality -- a fix is coming, though. Until that happens, closed is apparently the new open.

[via MobileTechWorld]

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 Marketplace lets you peek at any app's source code originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftmobilesecuritysource codeSourceCodeWindows Phonewindows phone 7windows phone marketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneMarketplacewp7Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Security Essentials 2 Beta update brings more improvements]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-security-essentials-2-beta-update-brings-more-improvements/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-security-essentials-2-beta-update-brings-more-improvements/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-security-essentials-2-beta-update-brings-more-improvements/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has pushed an update to Security Essentials 2, which is currently in beta testing. While there aren't a vast number of forward-facing changes, there is one important one: the re-introduction of context menu scanning. Once again, you can right-click any file on your system to quickly check it for infection with MSE.

When Security Essentials 2 is finally released, it will include heuristic abilities, which will allow it to detect malware that has not yet been added to its definition files. Symantec recently took a shot at MSE because of its dependence upon definitions, saying "Unique malware and social engineering attacks fly under the radar of traditional signature-based technology alone - which is what is employed by free security tools such as Microsoft's."

They'll no doubt be glad to know that Security Essentials 2 will be adding both behavior checking and tighter Web browser integration to its already strong defense system. MSE2 will also continue to be free, despite adding those new features.

Intrepid types can download the Security Essentials 2 beta from Microsoft Connect -- you'll need a Live account to get in, of course.

Thanks for the tip, Sean!

Download SquadMicrosoft Security Essentials 2 Beta update brings more improvements originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antimalwareantivirusmalwaremsemse 2Mse2securitysecurity essentialsSecurityEssentialstrojanvirusWed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac gets update two weeks after debut]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-gets-update-two-weeks-after-debut/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-gets-update-two-weeks-after-debut/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-gets-update-two-weeks-after-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Office 2011 for Mac

Not more than two weeks out of the gate, Microsoft has already released its first update for Office 2011 for Mac. A bug fix release, the update will take 110.5 MB of your precious hard disk space, but should stop unexpected quits and hangs. Some specific applications get a bit more attention -- Excel gets an update to its handling of revised data for formulae, plus improvements to the FORMAT macro command reliability. Inserting equations into that valuable, time consuming report should be a bit more stable in Word. PowerPoint gets improved compatibility with 2007 and 2010 creations. Last but not least, the fledgling Outlook for Mac also gets some attention, with better Keychain integration for new account imports and reliability fixes to make sure deletions across multiple IMAP accounts stay deleted.

Pretty dry all round, but what do you expect from a point release to Office? It's a free update for all those with Office 2011 for Mac and is available through Microsoft Autoupdate or direct from the Microsoft Download Center.

[Via TUAW]

Download SquadMicrosoft Office 2011 for Mac gets update two weeks after debut originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MacMicrosoftOfficeOffice 2011Office2011updateWed, 10 Nov 2010 05:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Full-time SSL goes Live -- on Hotmail, SkyDrive, Docs, Photos, and Devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/full-time-ssl-https-goes-live-on-hotmail-skydrive-docs-photos-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/full-time-ssl-https-goes-live-on-hotmail-skydrive-docs-photos-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/full-time-ssl-https-goes-live-on-hotmail-skydrive-docs-photos-devices/#commentsFiled under: ,

A few days ago, we were able to get Hotmail's new opt-in, full-session SSL (HTTPS) turned on, and now Microsoft has announced the general availability of the new feature. What we didn't know at the time is that the security upgrade has also been applied to other Live services -- including SkyDrive, Docs, Photos, and Devices.

If you'd like to activate full session SSL (and we'd recommend you do, especially if you ever access these services on public or shared computers), head on over to https://account.live.com/ManageSSL. Once activated, all future Web connections will be protected.

It's important to note, however, that flipping the SSL switch means you won't be able to access your Hotmail via Windows Live Mail (desktop), the Outlook Hotmail connector, or the Windows Live app for Windows Mobile 6.5 and Symbian.

Download SquadFull-time SSL goes Live -- on Hotmail, SkyDrive, Docs, Photos, and Devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotmailhttpsmicrosoftsecuritysslTue, 09 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's new slogan gets official]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/microsofts-new-slogan-gets-official/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/microsofts-new-slogan-gets-official/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/microsofts-new-slogan-gets-official/#commentsFiled under:

In Ray Ozzie's recent farewell note to his teammates in Redmond, he stressed the importance of looking to the future. "[...]The first step for each of us is to imagine fearlessly; to dream," he said, adding "It's the dawn of a new day - the sun having now arisen on a world of continuous services and connected devices."

Microsoft's new slogan certainly runs parallel to Ozzie's focus on the future: Be what's next. It's got that Nike "Just Do It" ring to it, though perhaps with a bit more dreaminess.

As spotted by Long Zheng, Microsoft has now filed a trademark to protect the new tagline. It's all about agility, anticipation, innovation, and the willingness to take risks in the hope of achieving something great.

Download SquadMicrosoft's new slogan gets official originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admarketingmicrosoftprsloganTue, 09 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Search app for Windows Phone 7 now available]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/google-search-app-for-windows-phone-7-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/google-search-app-for-windows-phone-7-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/google-search-app-for-windows-phone-7-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Google Search on WP7Google has released a dedicated search app for Windows Phone 7, on the day that phones powered by Microsoft's new mobile operating system have become available in the United States (and that's clearly not a coincidence). The app lets you search the Web, images, news and perform local searches. Suggestions automatically appear as you type, and your location is used to improve the search results you're shown. Your search history is readily available so you can easily repeat a previous query.

The Google Search app is a free download from the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, and works on all current Windows Phone 7 devices. To download it, just search for "Google Search" in the Marketplace.

Download SquadGoogle Search app for Windows Phone 7 now available originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle searchGoogleSearchMicrosoftmobilemobile appmobile appsMobileAppMobileAppsWindows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 launches in the United States]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-launches-in-the-united-states/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-launches-in-the-united-states/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-launches-in-the-united-states/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Windows Phone 7 on sale
As of this morning, Americans, you can now buy a Windows Phone 7 device online from the Microsoft Store, Dell or Amazon, as long as you're happy with either an AT&T or T-Mobile service plan.

The lowest price seems to be $99 for the HTC Surround on Amazon, with an AT&T service plan -- but it looks like it's already on backorder.

Presumably you can also pick up a phone from your local AT&T and T-Mobile retail store, too. There's no sign of SIM-free, network-unlocked phone, alas.

[via Engadget]

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 launches in the United States originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attt-mobilewindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 to feature built-in Azure-powered cloud backup?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-8-to-feature-built-in-azure-powered-cloud-backup/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-8-to-feature-built-in-azure-powered-cloud-backup/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-8-to-feature-built-in-azure-powered-cloud-backup/#commentsFiled under: ,

It stands to reason that Windows 8 would feature some seriously kicked-up cloud integration features, and built-in backup certainly seems like a good place to start. If this new job posting out of Redmond is any indication, Microsoft seems to think so, too.

The posting states, "We are currently working on a Windows Azure-based service and integrating with certain Microsoft online services and Windows 8 client backup." While that wording could indicate that the feature would be reserved for domain-connected WIndows 8 Professional (or business, or... ) systems. The potential for a nice, juicy revenue stream from a hassle-free cloud backup option for all Windows 8 users should be enough incentive to include the feature in all versions, however.

[via Windows 8 Beta]

Download SquadWindows 8 to feature built-in Azure-powered cloud backup? originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azurebackupcloudmicrosoftosupdateswindows 8Windows8Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox LIVE Web games coming soon to your desktop browser?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/xbox-live-web-games-coming-soon-to-your-desktop-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/xbox-live-web-games-coming-soon-to-your-desktop-browser/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/08/xbox-live-web-games-coming-soon-to-your-desktop-browser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You may have already known that Windows Phone 7 devices feature the Xbox LIVE app for multi-player gaming on-the-go. It appears, however, the Microsoft had another card up its sleeve when it comes to games. Over on the official Xbox site, there's a page which touts Windows Phone 7 and Web games -- which should, of course, be playable anywhere you've got a compatible browser.

The fine print only mentions playing a "turn-based game on the Web," but there's certainly no reason other types of games won't be made available. We'll have to wait and see.

[via Neowin]

Download SquadXbox LIVE Web games coming soon to your desktop browser? originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgamingmicrosoftwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7xbox liveXboxLiveMon, 08 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST