Awesome Microsoft

Microsoft introduces Photosynth to Bing Maps with its own version of street level view; we actually prefer it over Google, as it boasts higher quality images and feels much more 3D.

Making the jump from XP or Vista to Windows 7 with a clean slate? Ninite graciously provides gain without pain with a one-click install of an ever-expanding suite of must-have apps.

Now available: Vista is no more than a bad, forgotten party with Windows 7, which promises faster performance, better compatibility, multi-touch support and a revamped taskbar.

Microsoft’s Surface finds its true calling with this Dungeons & Dragons concept: it’s a dream come true for tabletop gamers with virtual playing fields, although we miss the physical dice.

The Giz has scored a first look at Microsoft’s Courier Concept; it’s basically two tablets (a booklet?) in one with dual 7″ multitouch/stylus screens, a 3 MP camera and single home button.

Using Microsoft’s Photosynth project (e.g., the Obama Inauguration), U. of Washington researchers are piecing together entire cities using Flickr images–but in hours instead of years.

Made for portability, Microsoft’s Mobile Keyboard 6000 is just a few mm thicker than an AAA battery at the rear, requires Bluetooth, and can be purchased with a separate number pad.

We actually like the Zune, but this Microsoft Fune does such a good job poking fun at “backwards” compatibility that we couldn’t help but laugh; AOL + Microsoft = please God, no.

Microsoft’s LifeCam Cinema is the first 720p/30fps webcam and lets you shoot HD video at 1280×720; it also features auto focus, 4x digital zoom and a noise-canceling microphone.

Microsoft’s Zune HD is available for preorder at multiple stores including Microsoft and Amazon; it launches on 9/16/09 with 16/32 GB flavors, a 3.3″ multi-touch OLED screen and Wi-Fi.

Microsoft finally answers Google Docs with a free, lightweight web-only version of Office 2010; it includes Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint and will work with FF, Safari and IE.

Office 2010 is expertly directed by Dennis Liu with spy/Matrix-elements, but making Microsoft cool is a Mission: Impossible task unto itself; how about two hours of Clippy death scenes?

Microsoft’s Bing “decision” engine has done fairly well, but Googling with Bing puts into perspective a certain 800 pound gorilla in Silicon Valley that is synonymous with search.

The jury’s still out on Microsoft’s Bing “decision engine,” but kudos to them for putting together “Cure for Search Overload Syndrome;” it’s a hilarious TV ad about bad search results.

Easily the most gamer-friendly talk show host, Jimmy Fallon demos Project Natal; the clip above is both fun and funny, but like Jimmy we’d love to have one to take home now.

We thought this was Wii parody, but Microsoft’s Project Natal is the (pseudo) real deal; hammy paid actors and fake games aside, we’re intrigued by the controller-less interface.

After months of speculation, Microsoft’s Zune HD is now official; specs are scarce until its reveal at E3, but we do know it’ll feature a 3.3″ 480×272 OLED touchscreen, HD radio and HD output.

Microsoft’s work-anywhere BlueTrack tech gets budget friendly with their Mouse 5000 and Mobile Mouse 6000; both are ambidextrous mice while the latter sports a 0.8cm nano receiver.

Microsoft’s Sidewinder X3 is gaming on a budget; it packs eight buttons, ambidextrous layout, and on-the-fly sensitivity switching with a laser sensor that ranges from 400 to 2,000 DPI.

Developers, journalists and gamers alike give Halo Wars a proper introduction with this Universe Expanded Trailer; Part One explores the Halo back story, Spartans and Harvest.

Microsoft gives us a peek into the future: dubbed “Office 2019,” everything from walls to newspapers will serve dynamic information. Personally, we can’t wait for our coffee mug to BSoD.

Windows Mobile 6.5 gets an improved touchscreen interface, user customizable widgets and My Phone web-based sync; Marketplace for Mobile will feature 20k+ apps.

Merry Christmas, Master Chief: Microsoft has dropped a grunt-astic amount of info on Halo Wars, with detailed UNSC and Covenant descriptions, artwork and in-game screenshots.