Microsoft’s MSN Direct service to shut down in 2012
October 28, 2009
Well, it’s quite the day for any GPS-related announcement, but Microsoft has nonetheless made a fairly big one of its own, with it dropping word via a simple service announcement that it’s killing off its MSN Direct live information service for navigation units (among other devices — even the odd coffeemaker). Those relying on the FM-based service won’t be left in the lurch just yet, however, as the shutdown won’t occur until January 1st, 2012. Anyone looking to move on with their lives before that can also cancel their service at any point prior to the shutdown date and receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of their service, and you can of course rest assured that all MSN Direct-equipped GPS devices will continue to function as basic nav units after the shutdown. Hit up the link below for the complete FAQ.
[Via Electronista, thanks Eric]
Filed under: GPS
Microsoft’s MSN Direct service to shut down in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Windows Live Messenger Upgrade
August 28, 2009
Starting 25th August, Windows Live Messenger has begun an upgrade process, prompting users with version 8.1, 8.5 and 14.0 to upgrade to the newest version of Windows Live Messenger. This process will take several weeks to complete.
If you’re using version 8.1 or 8.5, then your upgrade will lead you to many new features and a whole new look. If you’re using version 14.0, then your upgrade will go without any visible changes and you will only receive a code fix.
To find out what version of Windows Live Messenger you have, go to the Help Menu and select About Messenger. You can either wait to be prompted to upgrade to the newer version or you can download it here. If you have anything lower than version 14.0.8089 then you will need an upgrade. Users are encouraged to upgrade now or when prompted because they will be unable to sign in from an older version once the upgrade process has completed.
Microsoft to launch music streaming service "imminently," could tie-in with Xbox / Zune
July 14, 2009
While even bigwigs can fudge release numbers from time to time, the word “imminently” just carries a certain aura. Speaking with The Telegraph, executive producer of MSN Peter Bale confessed that Microsoft was “looking at launching a music streaming service imminently.” As in, maybe before the dawn of August. Bale added that it would be “a similar principle to Spotify,” but the outfit is still examining exactly how the business model would work. It’s expected that the service would let users stream tunes for free so long as they listen to ads every half hour or so, but for those with too little time and too many jams, there could be a paid option that strips the plugs. What’s unclear now, however, is exactly how this initiative will tie-in with the company’s Xbox 360 and Zune. There’s no doubt that Microsoft is aiming to make the former an all-encompassing multimedia box, but we’re sure it’d rather not convolute things with Zune Pass all the same.
[Via Joystiq]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio
Microsoft to launch music streaming service “imminently,” could tie-in with Xbox / Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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