Microsoft is using the wisdom of crowds theory to run a prediction service. It may use the technology to turn its Siri-alternative into an opinion pollster. After some previous trials, Microsoft has now launched the Microsoft Prediction Lab. It’s similar to an opinion poll or survey but rather than ask people what they want to […]
You’d think pouring a bucket of ice over your head to raise money and awareness for charity would be a simple task, in logistical terms at least. When you’re Bill Gates, though, there’s no situation that doesn’t lend itself to a bit of engineering. For those who’ve somehow missed it, the challenge is to raise […]
Microsoft has unleashed a stream of announcements about the Xbox One, following hot on the heels of revelations that the console has lost $400 million to date. Among the key points: Rise of The Tomb Raider (the first reboot sequel) will be exclusive to the console — no word yet on whether that will be permanent […]
Microsoft has demonstrated the results of an algorithm its developed to produce hyperlapse video: first-person time-lapse videos without the shakiness. The idea is to solve two related problems: first-person videos from activities such as extreme bike riding can be a bit dull viewed in full in real time; but speeding them up to a timelapse […]
Microsoft is ditching Android from its smartphone range. It’s part of a strategy on streamlining its phone operations, which will be a key part of the company’s biggest ever round of job cuts. When Microsoft took over Nokia’s handset division, it certainly appeared that continuing to produce both Windows Phone and Android handsets was an […]
If you walked into your living room to find Aaron Paul had switched on your Xbox, you’d be confused. But that’s just what the Breaking Bad star — or at least his voice — has been doing according to users. Paul’s voice appears in a television commercial for the Xbox One in which he demonstrates […]
The first day of the E3 games event was dominated by the major players and it seems they’ll be playing it safe, with announcements of a host of sequels and re-releases for the new generation of consoles. Microsoft’s big Xbox One announcement of the day was Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It’s a single $60 package […]
Microsoft has demonstrated Skype carrying out voice translation almost instantaneously. It plans to roll out the feature to the public starting later this year. Voice translation has been around for several years, with varying degrees of success. In 2010, Google unveiled a voice feature in Google Translate that — in theory at least — allowed […]
Microsoft is to release a cheaper version of the Xbox One without the Kinect. It will cost $399, making it more competitive with the PS4. The new version will be available from June 9 and is already available for pre-order at several retailers. The Kinect system itself will be available as a standalone purchase (price […]
Microsoft has changed its mind and decided it will issue a fix for a serious Internet Explorer bug for Windows XP users, despite officially ending support for the system last month. It was the first real test of Microsoft’s resolve to abandon XP, though it seemed inevitable it would face such a dilemma. At first […]