Month: July 2013

Microsoft forced to rename "Skydrive" after loosing trademark case with broadcaster

Dan Uff July 31, 2013 1

A UK court recently ruled that Microsoft's SkyDrive name infringed on a trademark owned by British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSkyB), and the software maker has agreed to change the name of its cloud-based service worldwide as a result. In a settlement issued on Wednesday, BSkyB notes that Microsoft will not appeal the court ruling and that the company will allow Microsoft to continue using the brand "for a reasonable period of time to allow for an orderly transition to a new brand."

The agreement includes financial and other terms, but neither BSkyB or Microsoft will disclose the details as the agreement is confidential. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the name change to The Verge. "We're glad to have resolution of this naming dispute, and will continue to deliver the great service our hundreds of millions of customers expect, providing the best way to always have your files with you."

To read the rest of The Verge's article, click here.

Amazon.com

Amazon updates iOS app with new features

Dan Uff July 30, 2013 1

With the latest Kindle for iOS app, Amazon is for the first time offering in-app book searches and previews, the latter including a clever mechanism for purchasing an e-book without having to pay out a percentage to Apple.

 Apple, Inc.

Apple warning developers to expect delays with iOS/Mac app reviews

Dan Uff July 30, 2013 1

Apple is issuing notices to developers, warning them that it may take time to review their apps for the App Store, reports say. "We are currently reviewing an app that you submitted for inclusion on the App Store, and want to let you know that the review process will require additional time, " one such message reads. "We apologize for the delay and will provide you with an update on the status of your app as soon as possible."

Via: MacNN.com

MS CEO Ballmer Admits: "Surface RT tablet a huge mistake"

Dan Uff July 30, 2013 1

“Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has finally admitted that its Surface RT Tablet was a huge mistake,” News.com.au reports.

“The tech giant last week revealed that it had lost more than $900 million on the tablet which has experienced poor sales since it launched in October 2012,” News.com.au reports. “‘We built more devices than we could sell,’ Balmer admitted during an internal ‘town hall’ event last week, The Verge reported.

News.com.au reports, “Microsoft recently cut the price of the tablet by 30 per cent globally after admitting during an internal meeting that massive price cuts were necessary for getting the device to sell. If you divide the $900 million losses by the per-unit price cuts of $150, that means that Microsoft has about 6 million unsold Surface Tablets that it needs to move, technology website PC World calculated. Balmer also admitted that the company is not selling nearly as many Windows devices as it would like, referring to its phones, tablets and computers.

Read more in the full article here.

Editor's Note: Just give it up, Steve. Microsoft cannot win as long as you're CEO.