News Week of January 3, 2010

Microsoft and H.P. To Reveal Slate PC Ahead of Apple

My sources, however, say that Mr. Ballmer will show the as yet unnamed H.P. device. The product will be touted as a multi-media whiz with e-reader and multi-touch functions.  (Source: ASHLEE VANCE, New York Times)
Posted Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.5 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments ()

10 Reasons Why Microsoft Products Will Outshine Apple iSlate, Nexus One in 2010

Nowadays, all the talk in the tech space is about Apple's possible release of the iSlate and Google's Android-based Nexus One smartphone. Many observers contend that the iSlate will be the most important product release of 2010. Others are saying the Nexus One could be the "iPhone killer" we've all been waiting for. But maybe it's time to shift that focus to Microsoft and why it could dominate the industry in 2010.

The last year was a tough one for Microsoft. Its Windows Mobile platform sank to around 9 percent market share. Google was the first to build hype on Web-based operating systems. And Windows Vista still kept consumers and the enterprise from fully believing in the value Windows 7 offers.

But 2010 is quickly shaping up to be a much different year. With Bing offering a service that can actually stand up to Google Search, Windows 7 carrying the Microsoft banner forward and the possibility of an improved Windows Mobile, 2010 might just be the year when Microsoft regains its spot as the dominant force in the tech industry.   (Source: Don Reisinger, eWeek)

Bsquare Renews OEM Distribution Agreement With Microsoft

BELLEVUE, WA--(Marketwire - January 4, 2010) - Bsquare Corporation (NASDAQ: BSQR), the leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, has renewed its OEM distribution agreement with Microsoft Corporation under which Bsquare sells Microsoft's complete line of software products for embedded systems to OEMs in North America. The new agreement is effective for a six-month period Jan. 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 -- at which time Microsoft anticipates introducing updated agreements for its distributors.

Under the agreement, Bsquare enables OEMs to quickly adopt Microsoft software products including Microsoft's innovative, new Windows 7-based technologies. Windows 7 for Embedded Systems and Windows Embedded Standard 2011 both enable touch and gesture input improving the end user experience for Bsquare customers building point-of-service, medical and industrial devices.

"The renewal of Bsquare's existing OEM agreement, along with our recently announced Windows Mobile distribution agreement, allow us to offer unparalleled support to OEMs building both mobile and embedded devices," said Scott Caldwell, Bsquare's director of licensing sales. "Bsquare's consultative approach to licensing sales ensures OEMs get the right product and pricing. We work closely with OEMs throughout their development cycle offering world-class engineering services, products and technical support to accelerate time to market."

As the only North American distributor that is nearly 100 percent focused on Windows Embedded products, Bsquare offers personalized account management and highly responsive technical support. Additionally, Bsquare offers products, engineering services and training to enable device OEMs to move from prototyping and development to testing and production faster with higher quality devices. (Source: Press Release)