Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft releases sexy Bing app for iPad]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-sexy-bing-app-for-ipad/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-sexy-bing-app-for-ipad/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-sexy-bing-app-for-ipad/#comments It's still a bit odd seeing Microsoft deliver apps for Apple's mobile platform. And it's even stranger still to see one as sexy as the new Bing app for iPad, which brings a slick, immersive search experience to Apple's tablet.

Just as a regular search on bing.com will, the Bing app for iPad tailors the results it displays based on what you're searching for. There are loads of custom views, covering everything from movies and maps to weather and shopping. The app also offers a heads-up display of currently trending searches, complete with related images, which is an iPad-exclusive feature.

Navigation is a breeze thanks to multitouch controls, allowing users to flick or swipe through results. And while the development team refers to the app as "touch and decide," Bing Voice Search is also built in -- making it easy to start a query without using the iPad's on-screen keyboard.

The Bing app for iPad is available for download now from the App Store.

Download SquadMicrosoft releases sexy Bing app for iPad originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbingiosipadmicrosoftmobilesearchtabletThu, 07 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Office 2011 SP1 for Mac arriving next week with Outlook improvements]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-office-2011-sp1-for-mac-arriving-next-week-with-outloo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-office-2011-sp1-for-mac-arriving-next-week-with-outloo/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-office-2011-sp1-for-mac-arriving-next-week-with-outloo/#comments Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac SP1 Microsoft's Business Unit, the Mac software arm of the Redmond-based software giant, is set to release its first Service Pack for Office 2011 for Mac. Just like most updates of this nature, SP1 will address a myriad of bugs, and roll in most of the hotfixes that came before it into one, easy to install package.

SP1 will also address Outlook's syncing support, with the BU adding calendar support for Sync Services allowing you to finally sync Outlook calendars with iCal and other local calendars, as well as syncing iDevices hooked up through iTunes. For Office 2008 upgraders, this was one of the features removed in the Entourage to Outlook switch, so it's nice to see it finally make an appearance in Outlook. The irony here is that Outlook will no longer be able to sync with your MobileMe calendar when it's upgraded to the new version on the 5th of May, or before if you've jumped the gun early, as Apple has removed Sync Services support from MobileMe by turning to CalDAV. Nothing to do with Microsoft here of course, and it shouldn't be long before something gets worked out.

Outlook has also been bestowed with the ability to edit server-side Exchange rules, something our friends at TUAW pointed out, have been missing on the Mac since Office 2001 for Mac OS 9. The email Redirect and Resend buttons have also made an appearance, allowing you to send mail onto the intended recipient without being caught in the email chain for replies. Excel also gets some love from SP1 with improved Solver integration support, which should be handy for those attempting to use equations in Excel.

Look to Microsoft Autoupdate on your Mac starting next week, or visit the Microsoft Mac download center to update manually once it becomes available.

Download SquadMicrosoft Office 2011 SP1 for Mac arriving next week with Outlook improvements originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsMicrosoftOffice 2011Office 2011 SP1Office2011Office2011Sp1OS XOsXproductivityservice packServicePackThu, 07 Apr 2011 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 getting a built-in PDF reader, Metro-style]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/windows-8-getting-a-built-in-pdf-reader-finally/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/windows-8-getting-a-built-in-pdf-reader-finally/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/windows-8-getting-a-built-in-pdf-reader-finally/#comments
For what seems like an eternity, Download Squad readers have reacted to news of security exploits targeting Adobe Reader with a common sentiment: why doesn't Microsoft build its own secure PDF reader into Windows? Apparently the Windows 8 team agrees, and they're working away at an application called Modern Reader which is exactly that.

From the handful of screenshots Paul Thurrott has shared, it's clear that Modern Reader has been built with Metro in mind. You can see the Reader back button in the top-left corner of the yellow image and the minimal page navigation bar on the right. We've posted some larger images we managed to scrape from Google's cache after the break.

Thurrott also mentions that Modern Reader is the first program spotted which is built using AppX -- a packaging technology that may allow developers to roll a single build to both Windows 8 desktops and Windows Phone 8 mobile devices.

Continue reading Windows 8 getting a built-in PDF reader, Metro-style

Download SquadWindows 8 getting a built-in PDF reader, Metro-style originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe readerAdobeReadermicrosoftmilestone 3Milestone3modern readerModernReaderosupdatespdfreaderwin8windows 8windows8Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Install the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update regardless of your carrier]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/install-the-windows-phone-7-nodo-update-regardless-of-your-carri/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/install-the-windows-phone-7-nodo-update-regardless-of-your-carri/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/install-the-windows-phone-7-nodo-update-regardless-of-your-carri/#commentsSome of you who own Windows Phone 7 devices are still waiting for your pre-NoDo preparation update -- never mind NoDo itself. A few workarounds have been posted, but unfortunately they didn't work unless your carrier had completed testing and was ready to schedule the update.

Now, however, the Chevron WP7 team's Chris Walshie has delivered a handy little utility that will allow you to update any Windows Phone 7 device -- regardless of your carrier.
  1. Download and install the Windows Phone Support Tool (x86 or x64) and the ChevronWP7 Updater (x86 or x64)
  2. Launch ChevronWP7 Updater and select your language. If your language isn't listed, stop and do not update.
  3. If were running WP7 build 7004 (you can verify in Zune) then run the updater twice.
Once the process completes, you should be able to copy and paste to your heart's content. Let's just hope all this update foolishness gets sorted out before we're supposed to receive Mango.

Download SquadInstall the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update regardless of your carrier originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevronwp7microsoftmobilenodoosupdatesupdatewindows phone 7windowsphone7wp7Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/windows-8-welcome-screen-revealed-looks-very-metro/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/windows-8-welcome-screen-revealed-looks-very-metro/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/windows-8-welcome-screen-revealed-looks-very-metro/#comments windows 8 welcome screen It's not really a secret the Microsoft had planned on bringing bits of Windows Phone 7's Metro UI to Windows 8, but we haven't seen a lot of really telling evidence. However, with the Windows 8 milestone 3 build now available to Microsoft Connect partners, it was really just a matter of time before we started to get a peek.

Thanks to Rafael Rivera and Paul Thurrott, we've now had a glimpse at what the Windows 8 welcome screen will look like. As you can see, the typography is very Metro indeed. Within Windows also mentions that the background image is customizable, and we're wondering if it might not pull from your current Windows 8 theme. This particular shot shows the CTRL + ALT + DELETE login option, but we imagine you'll still be able to log in by clicking your account picture tile as well.

Rivera and Thurrott also mention that the tablet version of the welcome screen will allow you to log in by swiping a pattern on the screen -- as you can on current Android devices.

Download SquadWindows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leakleakedloginlogonmicrosoftmilestone 3Milestone3welcome screenWelcomeScreenwin8windowswindows 8Windows8Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft trumpets Windows Phone 7 numbers on first birthday]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/microsoft-trumpets-windows-phone-7-numbers-on-first-birthday/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/microsoft-trumpets-windows-phone-7-numbers-on-first-birthday/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/microsoft-trumpets-windows-phone-7-numbers-on-first-birthday/#comments windows phone 7 Happy first birthday, Windows Phone 7! One year on, and the fledgling mobile operating system has 36,000 active developers in its AppHub community, 1.5 million downloads of its Developer Tools, and 11,500 apps in its Marketplace.

Microsoft is quick to take a couple shots at competitors' app stores, beating its chest about not re-counting tanslations of an app or "lite" apps, "increasing tonnage" by supporting apps from other mobile platforms, and not listing wallpapers as a category.

That's all fine and dandy, but we spend a lot of time sifting through WP7 app feeds -- and we're still not seeing a lot of awesome apps on the platform. We think a few marquee apps would've made a pretty nice first birthday present -- along with a much smoother update process for WP7 users.

Download SquadMicrosoft trumpets Windows Phone 7 numbers on first birthday originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbirthdaycountmicrosoftmobilenumbersstatisticswindowsphone7wp7Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 nears 4% share on Windows 7, IE6 extinction countdown picks up steam]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/internet-explorer-9-nears-4-share-on-windows-7-ie6-extinction/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/internet-explorer-9-nears-4-share-on-windows-7-ie6-extinction/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/internet-explorer-9-nears-4-share-on-windows-7-ie6-extinction/#comments internet explorer 9 ie9 Microsoft has shared some news about the state of its most and least loved Web browsers -- Internet Explorer 9 and 6, respectively. Even with IE9 only recently exiting beta, Microsoft reports that 3.6% of Windows 7 users are now running the new browser (no mention of Vista... what's with that?). The post also reveals that the adoption rate is almost five times what IE8 garnered in the early going.

It's also interesting to note that there are now more than 1,000 sites utilizing Internet Explorer 9's Windows 7 integration features -- like the new desktop notification support we showed you in Hotmail.

But perhaps the best news of all is that Microsoft's IE6countdown.com now has more than 400 partners and is generating nearly two million pageviews per month, helping to lure users away from the woefully out-of-date browser. Can the end come soon enough, DS readers?

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 nears 4% share on Windows 7, IE6 extinction countdown picks up steam originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbrowsersieie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftwebwin7windowswindows 7windows7Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotmail adds IE9 desktop notification support in Windows 7]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/hotmail-adds-ie9-desktop-notification-support-in-windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/hotmail-adds-ie9-desktop-notification-support-in-windows-7/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/hotmail-adds-ie9-desktop-notification-support-in-windows-7/#comments Hotmail IE9 desktop notification
Microsoft has announced that people who use both Hotmail and Internet Explorer 9 are now able to see a desktop notification of how many messages have arrived since they last checked their Inbox. Unlike Chrome's desktop notifications, these won't be pop-up bubbles. In fact, the pinned Hotmail icon will simply change to display a number next to it -- that shows how many messages have arrived since you last did something in Hotmail. The count adjusts itself when you visit your Inbox or read a message.

To receive desktop notifications, you'll need to pin Hotmail to your Windows 7 taskbar. You can do that by going to Hotmail in IE9 and then dragging the tab it resides in onto your taskbar. If you pin Hotmail to the taskbar, you're also able to use IE9's jump list features (by right-clicking on the pinned icon) in order to quickly compose an email or go straight to your Calendar or Contacts.

Microsoft expects to finish the rollout of this feature today.

Download SquadHotmail adds IE9 desktop notification support in Windows 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdesktop notificationDesktopNotificationhotmailie9inboxinternet explorer 9InternetExplorer9Microsoftpinned sitesPinnedSitesproductivityunread message countUnreadMessageCountutilitieswindowswindows 7Windows7Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 wallpaper available to download, Jupiter and Twin UI spotted]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/download-windows-8-wallpaper/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/download-windows-8-wallpaper/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/download-windows-8-wallpaper/#comments windows 8 wallpaper With Windows 8 milestone 3 now up for grabs for select Microsoft Connect partners, it's inevitable that leaked bits and pieces will start popping up around the Web. In fact, the first "official" wallpaper image from the still-brewing OS is already making the rounds.

As you can see, it's got a similar feel to the good ol' Windows 7 default background, but features a more subdued smattering of cerulean hues. Those of you who want to use the Windows 8 wallpaper on your current desktop can download it from our file dump.

A few other details have been revealed, too. According to ZDNet's source, the Windows 8 Jupiter libraries and Twin UI are starting to take shape -- though all that's been located thus far are "[various files] scattered throughout the OS" and the aptly-named twinui.dll.

Download SquadWindows 8 wallpaper available to download, Jupiter and Twin UI spotted originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundjupiterleakleakedmicrosoftmilestone 3Milestone3twinuitwinui.dlluiwallpaperwin8windowswindows 8Windows8Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 now available to OEMs via Microsoft Connect]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/windows-8-now-available-to-oems-via-microsoft-connect/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/windows-8-now-available-to-oems-via-microsoft-connect/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/windows-8-now-available-to-oems-via-microsoft-connect/#commentsSelect Microsoft Connect partners -- major players like HP -- have been given their first taste of Windows 8. According to various sources, the build string currently sits at 7971.0.110324-1900, which is the third milestone build of the successor to Windows 7.

So far, there haven't been many details revealed about Windows 8. An actual System Restore -- which is being referred to as History Vault -- has been reported, and the feature will allow users and administrators to completely roll back a system to a previous state. A factory reset option is also said to be included.

We've also seen Windows Live integration taking shape on the desktop. It's believed that you'll be able to log in to Windows 8 using your Windows Live credentials, not just a traditional offline Windows username and password.

All that's left now is for a leaked Windows 8 build to show up on a torrent site. Feel free to tip us if you see that happen.

Download SquadWindows 8 now available to OEMs via Microsoft Connect originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connecthpmicrosoftmicrosoft connectMicrosoftConnectmilestone 3Milestone3oemosupdateswin8windowswindows 8Windows8Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/#commentsMicrosoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.

Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.

For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."

It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?

Download SquadMicrosoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-competitiveantitrustbingcompetition lawCompetitionLaweuropeeuropean commissionEuropeanCommissiongooglegoogle searchGoogleSearchmicrosoftsearchwebThu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[IE9 and Firefox 4 post top marks in Web browser power use comparison]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/ie9-and-firefox-4-post-top-marks-in-pc-power-use-comparison/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/ie9-and-firefox-4-post-top-marks-in-pc-power-use-comparison/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/ie9-and-firefox-4-post-top-marks-in-pc-power-use-comparison/#comments
Over on the Internet Explorer Blog, Microsoft has posted results from an extensive comparison of the top five Web browsers. The goal: to determine whether Internet Explorer 9, Firefox 4, Chrome 10, Safari 5, or Opera 11 is able to squeeze the most life out of your laptop's battery.

A baseline was determined with test systems sitting idle, and then browsers were pointed at about:blank, a news site, the HTML5 Galactic demo, and the IE9 fish tank demo. Perhaps unsurprisingly, IE9 came out on top -- though Firefox 4 was a very close second on nearly every test. As you can see, the other browsers didn't necessarily fare quite as well, with Google Chrome, Safari, and Opera all posting significantly worse scores. In Opera 11's case, a laptop battery would last over one hour more with Internet Explorer 9 installed.

But what we'd really like to know is where did Microsoft find the dilithium crystals required to run a Galactic Total Power Consumption test...

Download SquadIE9 and Firefox 4 post top marks in Web browser power use comparison originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbatterybrowserbrowsersefficiencyenergyfirefoxgreenie9internetinternet explorer 9InternetExplorer9laptopmicrosoftmozillapowerpower savingPowerSavingwebwindowsWed, 30 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox 4 rockets to 5% global usage share, IE9 wallows at 1.5%]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/firefox-4-rockets-to-5-global-usage-share-ie9-wallows-at-1-5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/firefox-4-rockets-to-5-global-usage-share-ie9-wallows-at-1-5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/firefox-4-rockets-to-5-global-usage-share-ie9-wallows-at-1-5/#comments Firefox 4 usage share graph Using some early numbers from both StatCounter and Net Applications, Mozilla's noisiest hominid, Asa Dotzler, has illustrated Firefox 4's meteoric rise to around 5% of Web browser global usage share. Internet Explorer 9, which launched two weeks ago, seems to be enjoying a much more casual stroll in the park with just 1.5% of the global Web usage share.

Interestingly, we can see IE9 dipping between March 20 and 21, just before the 'Important' Windows Update rolled out. It's hard to say whether IE9 is only growing because of the installed-by-default Windows Update, but that small dip definitely sticks out -- did excitement peter out? Did people download IE9, try it out, and summarily uninstall it? Perhaps, given their close proximity, the stats show an attention shift from Microsoft to Mozilla?

Numbers-wise, if the bottom left corner of the graph shows 2.3 million downloads for IE9, we can guesstimate that that it has now been downloaded 5 million times. Firefox is clocking in at 37 million downloads after five days of public availability.

We wonder whether Microsoft knew its release schedule would coincide so closely with Firefox 4. Internet Explorer 9 -- a great browser by almost every metric -- was never going to do well against anything emanating from the maws of Mozilla. The main thing, though, is that Microsoft has now shown that it's serious when it comes to the Open Web. If Internet Explorer 10 is good, and 11 and 12, then we might finally see it compete with the zealous Mozillan horde.

Download SquadFirefox 4 rockets to 5% global usage share, IE9 wallows at 1.5% originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbrowsersffff 4Ff4firefoxfirefox 4Firefox4ieinternet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9market shareMarketSharemicrosoftmozillausage shareUsageShareMon, 28 Mar 2011 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft buys 666,624 IPv4 addresses from Nortel for $7.5 million]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/microsoft-buys-666-624-ipv4-addresses-from-nortel-for-7-5-milli/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/microsoft-buys-666-624-ipv4-addresses-from-nortel-for-7-5-milli/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/microsoft-buys-666-624-ipv4-addresses-from-nortel-for-7-5-milli/#comments nortel microsoft ipv4 In times of a shortage, people tend to stockpile certain things. And with the looming exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, it's really no surprise that Microsoft jumped all over Nortel's stash of nearly 700,000 addresses when they became available for purchase. Nortel, of course, has been selling off what assets it can as the company battles through bankruptcy proceedings.

Microsoft ponied up $7.5 million for the Nortel pool, which works out to just over $11 per IP address. There were reportedly 13 other interested buyers, but only Microsoft and three others actually submitted bids.

With the last block of IPv4 addresses already issued, snatching up 2/3 of a million in one fell swoop is a smart move by Microsoft, and we're sure they have plans for the IPs. As far as what those plans actually are, we'll just have to wait and see -- though something cloud-based seems like a safe bet.

Download SquadMicrosoft buys 666,624 IPv4 addresses from Nortel for $7.5 million originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addressesarpageddoncloudexhaustioninternetipip addressIpAddressiPCSipv4ipv4 exhaustionIpv4Exhaustionipv6microsoftnetworkingnortelwebFri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing mobile search gets HTML5 enhancements for iOS and Android]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/bing-mobile-search-gets-html5-enhancements-for-ios-and-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/bing-mobile-search-gets-html5-enhancements-for-ios-and-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/bing-mobile-search-gets-html5-enhancements-for-ios-and-android/#commentsbing mobile html5The Bing team has just delivered a major update to its mobile search. m.bing.com now utilizes HTML5 tech to deliver better image and iOS app search, as well as realtime directions and transit info to Android and iOS users.

It gets better, too. If the update situation for Windows Phone 7 wasn't bad enough, the official blog post offers this sad-trombone style news for WP7 users: "If you have a Windows Phone 7 device, don't worry, Windows Phone 7 just announced that it will support HTML5 later this year so these updates will work great at that time."

For a look at how the new Bing mobile works on Android and iOS -- or how it might eventually work on your WP7 device -- take the jump and check out the video.

Continue reading Bing mobile search gets HTML5 enhancements for iOS and Android

Download SquadBing mobile search gets HTML5 enhancements for iOS and Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbinghtml5iosmicrosoftmobilesearchsearch enginesearch enginesSearchEngineSearchEngineswebThu, 24 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 "NoDo" update now available, adds copy/paste and more]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-now-available/#comments windows phone 7 nodo update The much-anticipated and repeatedly delayed Windows Phone 7 "NoDo" update has finally been released by Microsoft. A number of ROMs for various devices had already been leaked to the Internet, so it's thought that Microsoft may have stepped in to stem the tide of unofficial updating.

So what all does NoDo bring to WP7 phones? First and foremost, copy and paste functionality has been added -- but there are plenty of other welcome enhancements. Another big change is the improved Marketplace search, which now limits results based on the category you're currently browsing (like apps, games, or music).

Application startup times have been reduced, the Outlook app has received some minor tweaks, and switching camera mode from photo to video is now more trouble-free. Bluetooth headset audio has been improved, as has the process of syncing of Facebook account data.

Your WP7 phone should notify if the update is available, but you can also force a check in the Zune desktop app or the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac.

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 "NoDo" update now available, adds copy/paste and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilenodoupdateupdateswindowsphone7wp7zuneTue, 22 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 could see massive market share gains with auto-selected Windows Update tonight]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/internet-explorer-9-market-share-gain-important-windows-update/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/internet-explorer-9-market-share-gain-important-windows-update/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/internet-explorer-9-market-share-gain-important-windows-update/#commentsInternet Explorer 9 logoInternet Explorer 9 was officially released exactly one week ago. Even if the download numbers for its first 24 hours of existence weren't bad at 2.3 million, they were nowhere near Firefox 3's record-breaking 8 million. During the week that has passed since its launch, IE 9 has managed to secure about 1% of the browser market according to Clicky Web Analytics.

However, starting tonight, Microsoft is planning on rapidly accelerating IE9's market share by making it available as an Important update (and, thus, selected by default) in Windows Update. Since IE9 is available for both Windows 7 and Vista, a good guess would be that users of both versions of Microsoft's operating system will start receiving IE9 through Windows Update.

The rollout will be of the staggered variety, and as such will not reach every single Windows computer at the same time. Of course, if you've somehow become anxious to try IE9 while reading this post, you can manually download it yourself right now without waiting for Windows Update to deliver it to you.

As for how the pushing of IE9 via Windows Update will alter the new browser's market standing, we'll probably know in a day or two, so stay tuned.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 could see massive market share gains with auto-selected Windows Update tonight originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowser market shareBrowserMarketSharebrowsersie9internet explorer 9InternetExplorer9Microsoftwindowswindows updateWindowsUpdateMon, 21 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shuts down spam behemoth Rustock, reduces worldwide spam by 39%]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/microsoft-and-feds-shuts-down-spam-behemoth-rustock-reduces-worldwide-spam/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/microsoft-and-feds-shuts-down-spam-behemoth-rustock-reduces-worldwide-spam/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/microsoft-and-feds-shuts-down-spam-behemoth-rustock-reduces-worldwide-spam/#comments Rustock botnet dismantled Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, working with federal law enforcement agents, has brought down the world's largest spam network, Rustock.

Rustock, at its peak, was a botnet of around 2 million spam-sending zombies capable of sending out 30 billion spam email per day. Microsoft's wholesale slaughter of Rustock could reduce worldwide spam output by up to 39%.

Rustock was taken down, piece by piece, in a similar way to the Mega-D botnet. First the master controllers, the machines that send out commands to enslaved zombies, were identified. Microsoft quickly seized some of these machines located in the U.S. for further analysis, and worked with police in the Netherlands to disable some of the command structure outside of the U.S.

Continue reading Microsoft shuts down spam behemoth Rustock, reduces worldwide spam by 39%

Download SquadMicrosoft shuts down spam behemoth Rustock, reduces worldwide spam by 39% originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big pharmaBigPharmabotnetemailfireeyemalwaremicrosoftmicrosoft DCUmicrosoft digital crimes unitMicrosoftDcuMicrosoftDigitalCrimesUnitpfizerpharmaceuticalsrustockspamspammingwebFri, 18 Mar 2011 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft.com redesigned, brings WP7's Metro UI to the Web]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/microsoft-com-redesigned-brings-wp7-metro-ui-to-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/microsoft-com-redesigned-brings-wp7-metro-ui-to-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/microsoft-com-redesigned-brings-wp7-metro-ui-to-the-web/#comments Microsoft.com Metro redesign
A couple of months after Microsoft started testing it, the new Microsoft.com design is now live for everyone. You can see it simply by going to Microsoft.com, whereas until now you had to use a special URL to access it.

The new design is clearly inspired by the Metro UI, and as such makes the website look a lot like the Zune media player, Windows Media Center, and, perhaps most strikingly, Windows Phone 7. Especially reminiscent of Microsoft's newest mobile platform effort is the way you switch between the 'For Home' and 'For Work' parts of the site. When you reach the site, you see the former. To switch to the latter, you click on the arrow that's visible beneath 'For Work', and then the new page just slides into view from the right to the left. A link to 'For Home' then appears where the 'For Work' link used to be, and clicking it results in the same horizontal sliding action that's very rarely seen on the Web.

It certainly looks like, for the first time in many years, Microsoft is aiming to unify the design language across all of their products, services, and Web presences, and that's a very good thing regardless of how you feel about the Metro UI elements. And since Windows 8 is rumored to get some Metro-like UI elements, we're set to see more and more of this design from Microsoft in the coming years, so you'd better get used to it.

Download SquadMicrosoft.com redesigned, brings WP7's Metro UI to the Web originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designmetrometro uiMetroUiMicrosoftmicrosoft.comredesignWebwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox 4 to be released March 22, will it beat IE9?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/firefox-4-to-be-released-march-22-will-it-beat-ie9/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/firefox-4-to-be-released-march-22-will-it-beat-ie9/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/firefox-4-to-be-released-march-22-will-it-beat-ie9/#commentsFirefox 4 logoFirefox 4 RC1 has survived the rigors of public beta testing and, come March 22 -- just five days away! -- it will drop its Release Candidate tag and become Firefox 4 final.

This isn't to say that Firefox 4 RC is bug-free, but it does mean that there are no significant issues that would warrant an RC2. The only real issue that the Mozilla Dev mailing list has been dealing with is Vietnamese localization, which looks like it will be bumped back to Firefox 4.0.1.

In other news, all eyes are now on Mozilla to see if it can match Microsoft's opening-day salvo of 2.3 million IE9 downloads. The last major release of Firefox, version 3, recorded 8 million downloads in 24 hours, a world record that might be hard to beat.

It's worth noting, too, that Firefox 3 supported Windows XP and Vista, which accounted for something like 90% of the PC market at the time. IE9's 2.3 million downloads are pretty impressive when you figure in the fact that it only supports Windows 7 and Vista -- which together only represent about 34% of the PC market. Believe it or not, Windows XP still accounts for over 55% of PCs, and given Firefox 4's support for XP, it would be shocking if it manages less than 2.3 million downloads.

As for why Microsoft dropped support for XP is another question entirely. In a few months we'll be able to see whether it made the right decision or not.

Download SquadFirefox 4 to be released March 22, will it beat IE9? originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowsersff 4Ff4firefoxfirefox 4Firefox4ie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftmozillawebThu, 17 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 downloaded 2.3 million times in first day; Firefox 3 managed 8 million!]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/internet-explorer-9-downloaded-2-3-million-times-in-first-day-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/internet-explorer-9-downloaded-2-3-million-times-in-first-day-f/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/internet-explorer-9-downloaded-2-3-million-times-in-first-day-f/#commentsInternet Explorer 9, in its first 24 hours of availability, has racked up a grand total of 2.3 million downloads. An impressive number, until you compare it to the latest major releases from Mozilla: Firefox 3.5 was downloaded 5 million times in 24 hours -- and Firefox 3, back in 2008, holds the world record for any piece of software with over 8 million downloads in one day.

Of course it isn't an entirely fair comparison. The Internet is a different place today than it was back in 2008. For a start, Google Chrome burst onto the scene and has diluted IE's market share ever since. Then there's the fact that browsers are generally a lot better in 2011 than 2008. When Firefox 3 came out, the only other option was Internet Explorer 7! In contrast, Firefox 3.6, Internet Explorer 8 and Chrome are all good browsers -- in short, there's no compelling reason to upgrade to IE9.

More importantly, let's not forget that the Internet has grown massively in the last three years, gathering hundreds of millions of new users -- and all of those users need Web browsers! It's rather surprising, given the huge target audience, to see Internet Explorer 9 quite so far behind Firefox 3, and even Firefox 3.5. It's not like Microsoft hasn't spent an awful lot on marketing its new browser, and IE9 has received plenty of attention from the tech world, too.

Ultimately, I think, it comes down to the grass roots nature of the open source movement, and the zealous loyalty of Firefox users. Six years ago, millions of people celebrated the release of Firefox 1.0 with launch parties -- including me! -- but no matter how hard Microsoft encourages us to embrace the beauty of the web, I don't think any release of Internet Explorer will ever inspire people to gather in a bar and drink to the long and healthy life of the World Wide Web.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 downloaded 2.3 million times in first day; Firefox 3 managed 8 million! originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beauty of the webBeautyOfTheWebbrowsersdownloadsff 4Ff4firefoxie 9Ie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftmozillasoftwarewebWed, 16 Mar 2011 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 users get a free month of Hulu Plus]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-users-get-a-free-month-of-hulu-plus/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-users-get-a-free-month-of-hulu-plus/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-users-get-a-free-month-of-hulu-plus/#comments In a bit of Microsoft/Hulu cross-promotion, Hulu is offering a free month of its premium Hulu Plus streaming video service to users of Internet Explorer 9. To qualify, you just have to download IE9 and use the new taskbar pinning feature to pin Hulu.com to your Windows Taskbar.

If you pin Hulu, you'll see the free Hulu Plus offer appear in your IE9 jump list starting on March 28th. Hulu is currently only available in the U.S. (although there are unofficial workarounds), so there are no guarantees that international users will get any use out of the offer. Looks like a smart way for Microsoft to up the adoption rate of IE9 and Hulu to get users hooked on its Plus service.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 users get a free month of Hulu Plus originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freehuluhulu plusHuluPlusieie 9Ie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideovideovideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodwebTue, 15 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shares March Madness calendar for Outlook users]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-shares-march-madness-calendar-for-outlook-users/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-shares-march-madness-calendar-for-outlook-users/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-shares-march-madness-calendar-for-outlook-users/#comments march madness outlook March Madness pools have always been popular in the workplace. And since a lot of those workplaces are using Microsoft as the default email application, it makes sense for Microsoft to post a shared Outlook calendar which lists all the NCAA tournament action.

Just head over to the Office add-ons site and download the March Madness calendar for Outlook, click the Subscribe button, and click Yes when Outlook asks if you want to subscribe. At last, you can track your basketball obsession alongside those marginally important management meetings.

Download SquadMicrosoft shares March Madness calendar for Outlook users originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbasketballcalcalendarmarch madnessMarchMadnessmicrosoftncaaoutlooksportstournamentTue, 15 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 now available to download]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-now-available-to-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-now-available-to-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/internet-explorer-9-now-available-to-download/#comments Internet Explorer 9 final build released Moments ago, kicked off by a hipstertastic soiree at the SXSW convention, the final build of Internet Explorer 9 was made publicly available. You can now download it from the Beauty of the Web site.

There are no significant changes between the RC and the final build; it's more of a spit-and-polish than anything else. Microsoft tells us that performance has been improved on low-end machines (with low-end graphics cards), but we can't confirm that yet. There's also a handy link from the Tracking Protection UI to the ready-made Tracking Protection Lists.

If you already have the Release Candidate or Beta versions installed, the RTW (release to world) build will be offered via Windows Update (presumably tomorrow morning). If you don't have the RC or Beta builds installed, you'll have to grab it manually.

Download Internet Explorer 9 for Windows Vista and 7 -- then read our IE9 guide -- and top it off with some juicy IE9 keyboard shortcuts.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 now available to download originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beauty of the webBeautyOfTheWebbrowsersie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftsxswTue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google and Microsoft offer Japan tsunami and earthquake resources, Bing bungles it]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/google-and-microsoft-offer-japan-tsunami-and-earthquake-resource/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/google-and-microsoft-offer-japan-tsunami-and-earthquake-resource/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/google-and-microsoft-offer-japan-tsunami-and-earthquake-resource/#comments Japan tsunami before and after Over the weekend, large corporations have been scrambling to offer support to the devastated north east of Japan, where a tsunami destroyed towns and farmsteads and looks set to claim over 10,000 lives.

Google, as always, was the first to respond with a Google Person Finder for Japan. There is now a full Google Crisis Response page for the earthquake and tsunami, which is full of extensive resources for those in Japan, those trying to contact friends and family in Japan, or for people who want to help out by donating money to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Google has already updated its satellite imagery to show the to-scale effects of the disaster.

Apple was next on the scene, giving iTunes users the ability to donate money directly to the American Red Cross (which is different from the Japanese one!) There doesn't seem to be much else coming out of Cupertino, though, probably because of the impending worldwide release of iPad 2.

Microsoft published a similar 'crisis response' page on its Corporate Citizenship site. Microsoft is working on a "cloud-based disaster response communications portal, based on Windows Azure," which will hopefully help improve government and nonprofit communication with agencies and citizens. Microsoft says it's also giving out temporary licenses to "all impacted customers and partners as well as lead governments, nonprofit partners and institutions involved in disaster response efforts." All in all, though, Microsoft's page doesn't include a whole lot of useful data.

Finally, the Bing department at Microsoft got it a bit wrong by offering $1 for every @bing retweet of Microsoft's Corporate Citizenship site. It wasn't long before comedian Michael Ian Black accused Bing of cashing in on the Japanese tragedy. A few hours later, Bing apologized and said that $100,000 had been donated.

Download SquadGoogle and Microsoft offer Japan tsunami and earthquake resources, Bing bungles it originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crossAmericanRedCrossapplebingdisasterearthquakegooglejapanjapanese red crossJapaneseRedCrossmicrosoftred crossRedCrosstragedytsunamiwebMon, 14 Mar 2011 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 Marketplace breaks 10,000 app milestone]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/windows-phone-7-marketplace-breaks-10-000-app-milestone/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/windows-phone-7-marketplace-breaks-10-000-app-milestone/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/windows-phone-7-marketplace-breaks-10-000-app-milestone/#comments Windows Phone 7 Marketplace Microsoft's fledgling smartphone operating system, Windows Phone 7, has just hit an important milestone: over 10,000 apps are now available from the Marketplace. Microsoft has managed to reach this impressive target in just four and a half months, faster than both Apple's iOS App Store and Google's Android Market managed, adding about 1,000 apps a week to its armory since the New Year.

While WP7 is still waiting for Microsoft to get its act together on its 'NoDo' update, let's hope developers continue to pile in, and can produce another 10k apps in quick succession. No one can deny, Microsoft has done a few things right with WP7, and more competition in the space can only be a good thing.

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 Marketplace breaks 10,000 app milestone originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdeveloperMarketplaceMicrosoftWindows Phone 7WindowsPhone7WP7Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 'NoDo' update temporarily on hold]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-temporarily-on-hold/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-temporarily-on-hold/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-temporarily-on-hold/#comments windows phone 7 nodo update If there's anything Windows Phone 7 doesn't need, it's yet another botched update. And as much as the company would like to push the NoDo update, which will add copy and paste functionality to WP7 phones, it has been temporarily put on hold. In an official blog post, Microsoft's Eric Hautala explains that while the February pre-update was largely a success, the failures were a great source of concern.

Hautala resolutely states Microsoft's concern, too, saying "Let me be crystal clear: We're not satisfied when problems prevent you from enjoying the latest Windows Phone updates. When we find an issue, we study and fix it."

Microsoft can't really afford additional delays -- but a slight pause is certainly easier to deal with than any potential fallout from another misstep.

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 'NoDo' update temporarily on hold originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilenodoupdatewindows phone 7windowsphone7wp7Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Office Web Apps now available everywhere]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-office-web-apps-now-available-everywhere/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-office-web-apps-now-available-everywhere/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-office-web-apps-now-available-everywhere/#comments Microsoft Office Web Apps The number of countries where Microsoft's Office Web Apps are available has continually grown since the apps' first preview back in September of 2009. Recently, Office Web Apps have become available in 15 additional territories, and then in 150 more last month. That was also when Microsoft promised that its Web-based Office suite would finally achieve worldwide availability this month.

It has happened today. With the addition of 18 more countries from Central and South America, Office Web Apps are now available worldwide to anyone using Hotmail or SkyDrive. The countries that have received access today are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Office Web Apps are now available in more than 190 countries, and they've already been used by 30 million people. To join them, just head to Office.com/WebApps.

Download SquadMicrosoft Office Web Apps now available everywhere originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscloudExcelfreeMicrosoftmicrosoft officeMicrosoftOfficeofficeoffice web appsOfficeWebAppsproductivityWebwordWed, 09 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms March 14 release of Internet Explorer 9]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-confirms-march-14-release-of-internet-explorer-9/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-confirms-march-14-release-of-internet-explorer-9/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/microsoft-confirms-march-14-release-of-internet-explorer-9/#commentsPosting on the Internet Explorer blog, Microsoft's Senior Director for Internet Explorer has just confirmed a March 14 release of IE9. It will be released at 9pm Pacific Time to coincide with a Beauty of the Web party being held at SXSW.

It sounds like the party will be pretty wild, with live music from Yeasayer, the Head and the Heart, and Fences. We're told that over 1,500 people will be attending (but unfortunately Download Squad can't make it).

There's a fun video of Ryan Gavin and Dean Hachamovitch, the Corporate Vice President for Internet Explorer, discussing the browser's upcoming release after the break.

If you haven't read our IE9 guide yet, you now only have five days before the final build is released, so hurry up!

Continue reading Microsoft confirms March 14 release of Internet Explorer 9

Download SquadMicrosoft confirms March 14 release of Internet Explorer 9 originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowsersieie9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9sxswwebWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 'NoDo' update for HTC HD7 makes unofficial debut]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-for-htc-hd7-makes-unofficial-debut/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-for-htc-hd7-makes-unofficial-debut/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/windows-phone-7-nodo-update-for-htc-hd7-makes-unofficial-debut/#commentsGot an HTC HD7 and an adventurous streak? If so, you can grab a ROM and flash your way into the ranks of early adopters of the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update. This, of course, is the update people were actually waiting for, since it adds copy and paste functionality to WP7.

The ROM has been shared at XDA, and is intended for the European HTC HD7. Users in other regions aren't totally out of luck, but a bit of additional tinkering is required. We'd recommend waiting it out at this point, since the NoDo update is due in the very near future anyway.

If you're wondering, the name 'NoDo' comes from the fact that someone failed to bring donuts to a (seemingly important) Windows Phone 7 meeting.

Download SquadWindows Phone 7 'NoDo' update for HTC HD7 makes unofficial debut originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copy and pasteCopyAndPastehtc hd7HtcHd7microsoftmobilenodoromupdatewindows phone 7windowsphone7wp7Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 tips for power users from Microsoft itself]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/internet-explorer-9-tips-for-power-users-from-microsoft-itself/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/internet-explorer-9-tips-for-power-users-from-microsoft-itself/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/internet-explorer-9-tips-for-power-users-from-microsoft-itself/#commentsNot too long ago, we shared some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for Internet Explorer 9. Now, the folks at Microsoft have compiled a whole slew of tips for IE9 users, from novices to seasoned surfers.

There are four categories at the moment -- Faster ways to get to your websites, Top keyboard shortcuts, Change and manage search providers, and Manage add-ons -- and there's also a good resource of videos that can walk you (or a newbie friend) through IE9's core features.

Most of the 'power tips' are fairly light on details at the moment -- the keyboard shortcut page only has seven shortcuts! -- but we're sure, by the time the browser is released, that it will grow into a sizable and comprehensive resource, just like the Windows 7 pages.

In the meantime, you'll learn more from reading our IE9 guide.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 tips for power users from Microsoft itself originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowsershelpie9internet explorer 9InternetExplorer9microsoftpower tipspower usersPowerTipsPowerUserssupporttipswebTue, 08 Mar 2011 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Deals for iPhone and Android aggregates daily deals on m.bing.com]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/bing-deals-iphone-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/bing-deals-iphone-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/bing-deals-iphone-android/#commentsBing DealsBing has launched a new addition to its mobile portal for iOS and Android. Bing Deals gives you access to more than 200,000 unique offers in 14,000 cities and towns across the US. The data is aggregated from deals providers such as Groupon, Living Social, Restaurant.com, as well as many others.

Bing Deals is powered by The Dealmap, "a leading source for people to find and share the best local deals", according to Bing's own wording. Using Bing Deals you can discover, share, and search for the best deals in your vicinity.

To use Bing Deals, just head straight to m.bing.com on your iOS or Android device, and tap on Deals. This will immediately show you the very best offers in your metro area. These top deals, which Bing says are usually 30-50% off, reside under the Daily tab.

You can also quickly find businesses that offer deals near your location by tapping on the Nearby tab. This will make Bing Deals highlight deals within a few blocks of where you are. You can also browse deals by category or keyword, and once you find something you like you can save it for later, or share it with your friends via email. Of course, you can also immediately claim the deal directly from its provider.

When you search Bing from your smartphone, if you see a business listing within the results, and that business has a deal available, Bing Deals will highlight any available bargains.

You can also discover deals from your desktop, but, rather mindbogglingly, not from a Windows Phone 7 device. To find deals on your desktop, you must search for a business' name. If that business has a deal avaialble, a green deal icon will show up. However, to access the list of all available deals near you, you must use the Bing mobile portal. Confusingly awesome.

Download SquadBing Deals for iPhone and Android aggregates daily deals on m.bing.com originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBingBing dealsBing MobileBingDealsBingMobiledealsGrouponIOSLiving SocialLivingSocialMicrosoftrestaurant.comsearchthe dealmapTheDealmaputilitiesFri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead browser walking: Microsoft launches official IE6 extinction coutdown]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/dead-browser-walking-microsoft-launches-official-ie6-extinction/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/dead-browser-walking-microsoft-launches-official-ie6-extinction/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/dead-browser-walking-microsoft-launches-official-ie6-extinction/#comments Web developers and savvy computer users aren't the only people waiting for Internet Explorer 6 to curl up and die -- Microsoft is getting antsy, too. To help keep tabs on the aging browser's impending demise, the company has launched IE6 Countdown -- a global map which shows curent IE6 install levels.

Forward-thinking, progressive Scandinavia leads the way, with all its nations reporting less than 2% share for IE6. China and South Korea laughs at your pleas, reporting an amazingly high 34.5% and 24.6%, respectively.

The site even suggests some ways you can help accelerate the process -- such as helping your friends update and plastering banners on your own website. We're holding out for the "Uncle Steve wants YOU to upgrade!" posters.

Download SquadDead browser walking: Microsoft launches official IE6 extinction coutdown originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowsersdiefunie6internetinternet explorerinternet explorer 6InternetExplorerInternetExplorer6microsoftwebwwwFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 leaked screenshots show Windows Live integration, taskbar tweaks]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/windows-8-leaked-screenshots-show-windows-live-integration-task/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/windows-8-leaked-screenshots-show-windows-live-integration-task/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/windows-8-leaked-screenshots-show-windows-live-integration-task/#comments Tangible Windows 8 details are beginning to emerge with some screenshots of the OS making the rounds on the Internet. Not much is revealed, but we do get a glimpse at a couple interesting changes.

For starters, taskbar progress indicator support has been expanded to other built-in Windows functions, like hardware installation. Windows Live integration is evolving, too -- you'll be able to log in to Windows 8 using your Windows Live ID and have your avatar set to your local Windows profile picture. This also hints at further integration with the cloud.

There's also a lot of noise being made about an eight-minute Windows 8 install process, though if you've loaded Windows 7 from a bootable SATA hard drive onto a system you've already seen pretty similar speeds (and that's what the tester used, not a DVD). The post also refers to a factory restore function, which would roll back your Windows 8 installation back to its day-one glory in about two minutes.

It's also clear that excited Windows 8 leakers aren't paying any attention to Microsoft's not-so-subtle wallpaper. We're not entirely sad about that.

Download SquadWindows 8 leaked screenshots show Windows Live integration, taskbar tweaks originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMcloudimagesleakleakedmicrosoftscreenshotstablet pcTabletPcwin 8win8windowswindows 8Windows8Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[From Windows 1 to Windows 7, and everything in between, in just 10 minutes (video)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/from-windows-1-to-windows-7-and-everything-in-between-in-just/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/from-windows-1-to-windows-7-and-everything-in-between-in-just/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/from-windows-1-to-windows-7-and-everything-in-between-in-just/#comments Windows 1 to 7, the complete upgrade process If you've ever wanted to see, in 10 short minutes, the evolution of simple, glorious MS-DOS Shell and Windows 1, to the lofty, shiny, 3D peaks of Windows 7, with every version (except Windows Me) in between, now's your chance.

With the title 'Chain of Fools,' the video (embedded after the break) chronicles one man's attempt to upgrade Windows from one version to the next, from Windows 1 to Windows 7. The idea is to see how well Windows deals with the upgrade process -- whether settings and UI preferences are preserved -- and to see how well later versions of Windows deal with very old games (Doom 2 and The Secret of Monkey Island).

The complete upgrade process, if you're interested, is as follows:
MS-DOS 5 > Windows 1 > Windows 2 > Windows 3 > Windows 3.1 > Windows 95 > Windows 98 > Windows 98 SE > Windows 2000 (NT!!) > Windows XP SP2 > Windows Vista > Windows 7. Windows Me, may it forever burn in hell, isn't included as its upgrade is mutually exclusive with Windows 2000.

Even if you're not a fan of Windows, it's worth watching just to see footage of Windows 1 and 2, which are both quite rare. The results of the upgrade processes surprised us, too -- it's fantastic to see how many legacy applications from Windows 3 survived to Windows 7, and remained operational!

Continue reading From Windows 1 to Windows 7, and everything in between, in just 10 minutes (video)

Download SquadFrom Windows 1 to Windows 7, and everything in between, in just 10 minutes (video) originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>osupdatesupgradewindows 1.0windows 2000windows 3.1windows 7windows 95windows 98windows vistawindows xpWindows1.0Windows2000Windows3.1Windows7Windows95Windows98WindowsVistaWindowsXpThu, 03 Mar 2011 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft cloud bulges with Live Mesh data]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/microsoft-cloud-bulges-with-live-mesh-data/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/microsoft-cloud-bulges-with-live-mesh-data/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/microsoft-cloud-bulges-with-live-mesh-data/#comments live mesh Based on a post from the Windows Team blog, it appears as though users are indeed heading "to the cloud!" Live Mesh -- the company's cross-device synchronization and remoting platform -- now boasts more than 5 million connected devices.

From those devices, 3 million users have pushed more than 2.2 petabytes to the Windows Live cloud. That's a whole lotta data -- but we wonder how much higher that statistic would be if Microsoft let us use the full 25GB of SkyDrive space for syncing...

Download SquadMicrosoft cloud bulges with Live Mesh data originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscloudmeshmicrosoftmobileskydrivesyncwebwindowswindows liveWindowsLiveWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing is now the No.2 search engine worldwide]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/bing-is-now-the-no-2-search-engine-worldwide/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/bing-is-now-the-no-2-search-engine-worldwide/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/bing-is-now-the-no-2-search-engine-worldwide/#commentsBing logoAccording to Web analytics company StatCounter, Bing has overtaken Yahoo in January to become the No.2 search engine worldwide.

Once you see the numbers though, it's tough not to feel sorry for both Bing and Yahoo, since Google's global market share in February was 89.94% -- with Bing following at 4.37% and Yahoo at 3.93%. And while Google has fallen below 90% for the first time since August 2009, the gap between it and its competitors is still incredibly large. No matter how much money Microsoft continues to throw at this, the No.1 spot seems a certainty for Google for the forseeable future.

Also interesting is that Microsoft may not necessarily gain that much from Yahoo's loss, since Bing also powers Yahoo's search results in certain countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. In the US, Yahoo still retains a slight lead over Bing with 9.74% of the market compared to 9.03% (Google's share is 79.63%).

StatCounter's report is based on aggregate data collected on a sample of over 15 billion page views per month from across the Statcounter network of about 3 million sites. Therefore, conflicting reports may come out at some point, but one thing's for certain: Bing is on the rise, even if it's not growing fast enough to make Google nervous in any way.

Download SquadBing is now the No.2 search engine worldwide originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingmarket shareMarketShareMicrosoftsearchsearch market sharesearch statsSearchMarketShareSearchStatsstatsWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Embedded Compact 7 RTM now available for download]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/windows-embedded-compact-7-rtm-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/windows-embedded-compact-7-rtm-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/02/windows-embedded-compact-7-rtm-now-available-for-download/#commentsWindows Embedded Compact 7Windows Embedded Compact 7 has hit RTM and is now available for download. Win EC7 is Microsoft's version of Windows that's aimed at the embedded market, but the multi-touch OS has been heralded by some as Microsoft's other tablet platform.

The Win EC7 'Evaluation Edition' 180-day trial is available here, and comes packing 'everything you need to build a broad range of small footprint devices.' You'll need Visual Studio 2008 SP1 installed, along with .NET 3.5, but the portable operating system comes with:
  • support for ARM v7
  • SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) support for x86 as well as ARM and MIPS
  • Internet Explorer based on IE7 with 'performance updates' from IE8
  • Flash 10.1 support (requiring an Adobe OEM license)
  • Siverlight
  • Multimedia player with customizable UI
While Win EC7 was meant to be released to manufacturers before the end of 2010, it's better late than never. You might even see Win EC7 joining the plethora of mobile operating systems powering a few tablets in the near future. Let's just hope it's a little more optimized for the touchable small-screen than full-blown Windows 7.

Download SquadWindows Embedded Compact 7 RTM now available for download originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsMicrosoftproductivityutilitiesWin EC7WindowsWindows Embedded Compact 7windows+7windows+7+tabletwindows+embedded+compact+7+rtmwindows7windows7tabletWindowsEmbeddedCompact7windowsembeddedcompact7rtmWinEc7Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera enables hardware acceleration, matches IE9, beats Firefox and Chrome (video)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/opera-enables-hardware-acceleration-matches-ie9-beats-firefox/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/opera-enables-hardware-acceleration-matches-ie9-beats-firefox/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/opera-enables-hardware-acceleration-matches-ie9-beats-firefox/#comments HTML5 hardware acceleration browser deathmatch After the most pregnant of pauses -- like hot and lazy Spain, things moves slowly in the oil-rich barrens of Norway -- Opera has finally released a build of its 11.50 browser with hardware acceleration and WebGL support.

Like Chrome, Opera has opted to use OpenGL for hardware acceleration -- at least for now: DirectX, and presumably Direct2D, support is coming at a later date. The OpenGL backend means that Opera will be capable of hardware accelerating almost every platform -- including OS X, smartphones and Web-enabled TVs -- unlike IE9, which can only be used with Windows 7 and Vista.

WebGL support is also a nice touch, but with so few examples of it being used on the Web, it's hard to get excited about it. Google Body works just fine, however -- but the awesome Flight of the Navigator WebGL demo, which will blow you away in Firefox 4 and Chrome, doesn't seem to work in Opera.

Anyway, now it's time for the bit you've been waiting for: a side-by-side comparison of Opera, Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome. You will probably be surprised by the results. Watch the video after the break.

Continue reading Opera enables hardware acceleration, matches IE9, beats Firefox and Chrome (video)

Download SquadOpera enables hardware acceleration, matches IE9, beats Firefox and Chrome (video) originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserscanvascomparisondeathmatchdirect2ddirectxff4firefoxgooglehardware accelerationHardwareAccelerationhtml5ie9microsoftmozillaopengloperawebTue, 01 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 8 tablet demo scheduled for June?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/windows-8-tablet-demo-scheduled-for-june/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/windows-8-tablet-demo-scheduled-for-june/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/01/windows-8-tablet-demo-scheduled-for-june/#comments windows 8 tablet Citing a "source at Microsoft," Silicon Alley Insider is reporting that Microsoft plans on showing off Windows 8 in just a few short months. Insider's Matt Rosoff notes that Microsoft's fiscal year wraps up in June, so it just might make sense to demo the upcoming OS on a tablet to whet investor appetites for the coming year. As WinRumors points out, that's also right around the time of the All Things Digital conference, where Microsoft has historically made some big reveals -- like Bing and Surface.

The demo could include a look at a concept tablet interface for Windows 8 inspired by Windows Phone 7's tiled Metro UI. Microsoft certainly needs to show something more finger-friendly -- if you've used Windows 7 on a tablet or watch hands-on videos, you've probably noticed that its interface doesn't provide an amazing touchscreen experience.

Download SquadWindows 8 tablet demo scheduled for June? originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demointerfacemetromicrosoftslatetablettouchuiuxwin8windowswindows 8Windows8Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST