Tag Archives: microsoft

Gnucash accounts for a successful summer

Gnucash , a free accounting program for Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Macintosh OSX, had its second opportunity to mentor students in the Google Summer of Code program this summer. Two of our three students successfully completed their projects. Muslim Chochlov wrote unit tests for several critical modules of Gnucash’s core Query Object Framework. This is an important first step to some necessary refactoring of the framework so that Gnucash can move from an in-memory processing model to a transactional database model allowing simultaneous multiple user access. Nitish Dodagetta extended the experimental Qt GUI “Cutecash” (Gnucash’s primary GUI is Gtk+ ) by writing a unified accounting transaction entry window. The Gnucash development team is investigating Qt and C++ as a future direction for Gnucash, and this struck a chord for Google Summer of Code students: half of the proposals we received from the student applicants prior to the start of the program were for Cutecash projects. Overall we were pleased with the progress we made this summer; we found that the successful students leveraged the work of their mentors and moved forward some important aspects of the project. We’re continuing to work with the students this fall, integrating them into the regular development team. Mentoring up-and-coming programmers is very rewarding, and we enjoy encouraging them to use their skills for altruistic goals. By John Ralls, Gnucash.org

Stephen Elop promises first Nokia Windows Phone in Q4

Talk about biting off more than you can chew. Stephen Elop Nokia’s CEO is on record to promising the first Nokia Windows Phone to hit the market in Q4. In this interview in China (below), Stephen Elop talks about the roll-out of Windows Phone 7 handsets, saying “it will start in Q4 and progress from country to country, when it’s felt the timing is right.” Rumours are pointing to a late November launch , more specifically. Elop also confirmed Nokia will add navigation and entertainment features to their Windows Phones, which was partly confirmed with its recent announcement to release an HTML5 Nokia Maps app (aka Ovi Maps) to every mobile OS . He also mentioned that we’ll see some elements of the old Ovi store music platform transitioning to Windows Phone 7. When Nokia’s Windows Phone devices finally hit the market, I expect a few more Symbian influences, but that’s yet to be seen. It’s no secret that Nokia is putting all of its eggs in Microsoft’s basket, and for Elop to start making promises like this, he must be really confident in the platform. Check out the interview in its entirety below. [via wmpoweruser ] Stephen Elop promises first Nokia Windows Phone in Q4 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-14T17:19:23Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Motorola haggled an extra $3 billion out of Google bid

According to a securities filing, Google’s initial unsolicited bid for Motorola was actually closer to $9 billion – a solid $3 billion less than the final $12 billion figure . The filing says Google’s first offer sat at $30/share on August 1, and after a bit of back-and-forth, Motorola got them up to $40/share on August 9. Motorola didn’t open up bidding publicly, because they figured they wouldn’t be getting any better offers, and if they failed to sell, it would look particularly bad. Apparently Motorola’s main worry was fending off the deluge of intellectual property lawsuits that would result from the acquisition, which is fair enough considering Google’s primary interest was in patents . While that might mean Android has something to defend itself with, it might mean that Motorola can’t continue its ongoing litigation with Apple , and potentially that Google won’t be able to launch any legal attacks against iOS patents through Motorola. The acquisition is still a contentious one; there’s a lot of worry that Google will estrange its many manufacturing partners by playing favourites when it comes to Android. That said, it’s not surprising that  HTC is shopping around for a new OS , and Samsung is still investing in their smartphone operating system, Bada . Of course, it may be necessary to step on a few toes and shell out an extra $3 bil if Google wants to keep companies from nailing manufacturing partners with patent licensing fees, as Microsoft is apparently doing with HTC . [via WSJ ] Motorola haggled an extra $3 billion out of Google bid originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-14T15:39:41Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Live: BUILD keynote 2011 – Meet Windows 8

We’re live in Anaheim for Microsoft’s BUILD 2011 conference and we’re about to hear what the company has to say for its opening day keynote. We’re expecting a lot of details about Windows 8 and we can finally see if Microsoft is doing something to counter the iPad and the threat of tablets. Windows 8 is supposed to be a full version of Microsoft’s operating system which has a strong multitouch interface and we’re expecting many of the live tiles we’ve seen on Windows 7. The platform is expected to have the full capabilities of previous Windows platforms and it may finally deliver tablets which are fun and easy to use but also powerful. Of course, it’s going to be tough on that vision, as the iPad has been successful by bringing many elements from a mobile OS to the tablet space. Live from BUILD 2011: Microsoft shows off Windows 8 Live: BUILD keynote 2011 – Meet Windows 8 originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-13T15:05:24Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Photo: The new NVIDIA Tegra roadmap [Kal-El, Kal-El+, Wayne, and Grey]

What you’re looking at above is NVIDIA’s latest roadmap for their Tegra line of processors. The Tegra 2, which runs in many Android Honeycomb tablets and quite a few high end Android Gingerbread smartphones, is due to get an upgrade later this year to a quad core variant called Kal-El that’s supposed to be 5x more powerful. We’ve been hearing about Kal-El since February of this year and have been anxiously awaiting the first products that feature said processor, but what about the stuff after Kal-El? Last week NVIDIA held a meeting with the press to talk about the company, and we reported on their ambitions to grow their mobile chip business by a factor of 10x in just 4 short years, so how exactly are they going to deliver that? In mid 2012 Kal-El is going to get a spec bump, aptly called Kal-El+, and according to the roadmap it’s a processor that’s likely going to be used to power “clamshells”, which we’re going to translate as devices that look more like the laptops of today, likely running Microsoft’s next version of Windows. After Kal-El+, in 2013, Wayne is supposed to hit the scene. According to Wikipedia it’s supposed to use ARM’s new Cortex A15 architecture, have a faster GPU, and be built on a 28 nanometer process whereas Kal-El is built using a 40 nanometer process. That’s important for battery life. Rumors are flying around the internets saying Apple’s next processor, the A6, will be built using a 28 nanometer process . The difference between Wayne and the A6 however is the latter is expected to come out in spring 2012 with the iPad 3, whereas the former might make it inside Q4 2012 products, but more likely end up shipping in early 2013. Alongside Wayne is a new chip called Grey that brings an integrated cellular radio to the table. That’s going to be the make it or break it chip for NVIDIA since it has the potential to be the foundation for an entire generation of smartphones … if they manage to make it better than whatever Qualcomm is offering at the time. In short, we’re living in good times, and our mobile devices are going to get faster than any of us realize right now. Photo: The new NVIDIA Tegra roadmap [Kal-El, Kal-El+, Wayne, and Grey] originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-13T08:20:19Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

GameStop planning to launch its own Android gaming tablet

Gamers rejoice! GameStop just became the latest company to throw its hat in when using the Android operating system. The video game retailer is planning to release its own-brand gaming tablet, which will launch with a number of titles pre-installed, according to company president Tony Bartel in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz . Bartel says his company will be selling a “GameStop-certified gaming platform” in its stores. In the interview, he notes that the tablet was not developed by GameStop, but his company tested several slates before choosing one that it believes, is “worthy of its certification.” As far as the choice in hardware is concerned, Bartel assured the company were on track saying “we definitely have selected one,” adding “we’re in test phase right now.” The new slate will initially have a modest choice of mobile games, but GameStop intends to stream console games to the device and ship a dedicated controller for the experience — something users will surely enjoy. GameStop plans to compete against Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and Apple when its tablet hits stores next year. I feel like my brain is going to explode with all of this Android fragmentation going on; it seems everybody is trying to bend the OS to their own “unique” specifications. Recently, we all learned Amazon will launch its Kindle Tablet running a forked version of Android 2.1 or 2.2. I dread the fact that most users won’t get a true  Android experience when there are about 90 different versions floating around. That said, this GameStop tablet should be a pretty interesting device when it hits stores. [via gi ] GameStop planning to launch its own Android gaming tablet originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-12T18:20:45Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Watch Windows 8 boot up super quickly

During next week’s Microsoft Build event, we’re expecting to see Windows 8 on tablets and this should be Microsoft’s best attempt to derail the momentum of the iPad. One of the best features of the iPad is its instant-on ability, so how will Windows 8 stack up? Well, according to the official video below, Windows 8 should boot up super quickly. The Microsoft employee holds the laptop’s battery outside of the device so I’m assuming this is a straight up boot up, not just a resuming. If Microsoft can pull this off, it will be quite a feat because I use a Windows 7 computer to work most days and I generally boot it up and walk away to make coffee before it’s ready. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, as Windows 7 is much quicker than previous versions but nearly any boot up time seems like a long time in the world of tablets, especially if you’re going against the iPad . I know the iPad isn’t really booting up each time you unlock it but to most people, it’s instant on and that’s an amazing thing. As I mentioned earlier, Windows 8 is going to be Microsoft’s solution to the tablet market, so things like a multitouch interface and robust app ecosystem are going to be vitally important. The little things like boot-up time and battery life are also going to be major factors in how well-received it is in the tablet world. Watch the video below and let us know what you think. Watch Windows 8 boot up super quickly originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-09T16:32:51Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Samsung quad-core Windows 8 tablet could land next week at Build

Microsoft’s Build Conference is next week and we’ll see if Windows 8 on a tablet can give the iPad a run for its money. Now, rumors suggest that Samsung will have a quad-core tablet ready for the event and these will likely be given away to attendees. Lucky me. The report suggests that the quad-core processor will likely be the NVIDIA Kal-El we’ve lusted after for many months, as Windows 8 is definitely coming to ARM and Intel doesn’t have this type of chip ready yet. While Samsung is building the tablet itself, the rumblings suggest that Microsoft designed it, which keeps in line with rumors we’ve heard before . The Windows 8 tablet is supposed to be the next step in computing, as you should be able to dock it at home for a traditional computing experience but take it on the go for a multitouch-friendly tablet experience. This hardware will likely just be a developer tool and not a final product but you can be sure that we’ll see some version of this Samsung Windows 8 tablet land for mass-market consumption. The tablet effect is very real, just ask HP or Acer . This Samsung Windows 8 tablet will be an important step in understanding whether Microsoft is going to continue to be as big of a player in computing as it has been for the last 20 years. I will be at Build next week and we’ll be live-blogging the heck out of the keynotes and digging through any piece of hardware we stumble upon. Keep it locked on IntoMobile for the latest, friends. [Via Thisismynext ] Samsung quad-core Windows 8 tablet could land next week at Build originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-08T18:58:56Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j

Microsoft continuing to cash in on Android

Selling patent licenses and “protecting” smaller companies is nothing new for Microsoft. Earlier this summer, Microsoft made headlines several times for doing just that. Microsoft has been doing this for years now, so what’s made these latest licensing deals headline worthy? It’s because the patents haven’t gone out to cover Windows manufacturers. Instead, Android manufacturers have been signing up left and right to throw Microsoft royalties on every Google device sold. Several big name companies have already struck a deal, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to stop anytime soon. Microsoft has announced today that the company has reached a licensing agreement with both Acer and ViewSonic. According to Horacio Gutierrez, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing, Microsoft is “pleased that Acer is taking advantage of our industry-wide licensing program established to help companies address Android’s IP issues.” Under the agreement Acer, as well as ViewSonic, will pay royalties for any devices sold running Android or Chrome. At the beginning of August, it was revealed that Microsoft makes more money from Android than it does its own Windows Phone OS . Thanks to a deal with HTC, Microsoft made roughly $60 million from Android in the second quarter alone–a whopping $40 million more than from their own devices. Deals with HTC, Acer, ViewSonic, VelocityMicro, General Dynamics , Wistron and Onkyo (just to name a few) are going to help Microsoft close the second half of this year with a bang. Who do you think will be next to ink it out with M$?

Yahoo! may be up for sale – who should buy them?

Last night, Yahoo! CEO Carol Bartz announced in a company-wide e-mail that she had been fired by the chairman of the board of directors, which was quickly followed by rumours that Yahoo! would be willing to sell the company if the fit (and price) was right. Now, Yahoo! has a longstanding history in mobile; once upon a time, they were quite cozy with both AT&T and T-Mobile , and even now, they’re still active with Japanese service provider SoftBank . Yahoo! has also pushed some pretty compelling apps, like Livestand ,  IntoNow , and Sketch-a-Search . Even on the developer side, Yahoo! has this cool service called Fire Eagle that shares location data across multiple apps (mobile or otherwise) that use the same API. The obvious choice for an acquirer is Microsoft – Microsoft  already tried purchasing Yahoo! back in 2008  for $44.6 billion, and they still have a partnership in place so Bing powers Yahoo! search. Windows Live services could easily absorb various Yahoo! counterparts.  So, there’s already plenty of history between those two giants, but maybe Google would be interested in swooping in, if only to maintain the significant lead they still enjoy over Microsoft’s web efforts. A move from Google is a bit less likely, since they’ve actually been busy shutting down projects rather than starting new ones. Are there any mobile manufacturers that might want to get deeper into the web services game? Nokia switched over the bulk of their Ovi services to Yahoo!  last spring, but since then, they switched again to Microsoft .  Samsung is big enough to afford the acquisition, and has already shown an eagerness to operate independent of Google and Android through their continuing efforts with Bada . Google’s acquisition of Motorola may further alienate Android manufacturing partners, but HTC and LG haven’t shown any indications of straying from Google like Samsung has. RIM? Probably couldn’t afford it. Apple? They’d sooner make their own service from the ground up. And what about outside the mobile world? HP took a gamble on Palm, which ultimately didn’t pay off , but maybe a bit mobile player like Dell could see value in Yahoo! not only for what the company could do for their PC business, but also kick-start their smartphone business. What do you guys think? Are there any big players in wireless that are likely to make a bid for Yahoo! ? [via WSJ ] Yahoo! may be up for sale – who should buy them? originally appeared on IntoMobile.com on 2011-09-07T15:23:07Z. FV1gMYsz9b5j