Another bumpy day for Windows Azure
Windows Azure storage suffered a disruption across regions which affected some Xbox Live and other services Thursday afternoon.
Microsoft has “hundreds of ideas” for Xbox-exclusive TV shows
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-18/microsoft-to-develop-more-tv-programs-as-it-readies-xbox-one.html
Microsoft (S MSFT) wants to make a lot more exclusive programming for Xbox Live: The company’s Los Angeles-based production team is busy incubating “hundreds of ideas” for new TV shows, Microsoft Studios VP Phil Spencer told Bloomberg. Microsoft is currently producing a live-action Halo show, and plans to make announcements about additional shows in the coming months.
Redbox Instant app arrives on Xbox Live
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is getting yet another video service with the launch of a Redbox Instant app. This marks the first time Redbox Instant is available on a game console.
Microsoft plans to launch its own interactive TV shows before the end of the year
Microsoft’s Los Angeles studios is working on interactive TV content for the Xbox Live platform. First shows are set to launch before the end of the year.
Why many are unlikely to switch to Windows Phone or BlackBerry 10
Current Windows Phone 8 and upcoming BlackBerry 10 handsets look great, but will people switch? Not likely, and even first-time smartphone owners may balk. It’s a perfect example of old phrase, “timing is everything” as most smartphone innovation has already taken place.
Consumers ignore new Microsoft policy, sue company over Xbox Live
Microsoft (s msft) this year joined a growing number of companies that forbid users from filing class action lawsuits. The new policy, however, has failed to stop at least one disgruntled Xbox user.
Microsoft turns iPhones into Xbox remotes, adds Android client
Microsoft released an an updated iOS version of My Xbox Live that turns the iPhone into a remote control for an Xbox 360, while Android owners get their first version of Microsoft’s app. Microsoft ‘s new Smart Glass service will be on non-Microsoft platforms too.
Does it matter that Windows Phone has 100k apps now?
Microsoft unlocked an new achievement this month, surpassing 100,000 apps for its Windows Phone mobile platform. But there are several reasons why this number isn’t equating into sales of Windows Phones. There’s a still a key question Microsoft hasn’t answered about its mobile platform.
Verizon’s live iPad streaming, LG TV app coming later this year?
Verizon is working to increase the number of connected devices that can be used to access its live and on-demand streaming channels, with plans to finally bring its live iPad app — and possibly an app for LG TVs — to market later in 2012.
How Samsung plans to out-Kinect Microsoft
Samsung is putting some effort behind its smart TV lineup, with plans to add new functionality for consumers to interact with their TV screens. Its next-gen smart TVs will include voice, gesture and facial recognition features that will enable even smarter TV applications.