Microsoft Unveils Windows Phone 7, Blows Your Mind

Old Stevie (Ballmer) got on stage this morning to announce Microsoft's next mobile foray. The new version of windows mobile is now slated to hit devices by the end of the year. The company also decided to drop the name "Windows Mobile " for a snazzier "Windows Phone Series". Maybe people were not realizing the machinery could make phone calls? New devices will be running Windows Phone 7 Series.

Perhaps the biggest change is the user interface. There were some enticing rumors of a Zune UI port before Ballmer's unveiling. The Zune, Microsoft's media player, sports a very impressive interface in its current form. Critics raved about the newest Zune when it was released. And Microsoft has taken many cues from the device to incorporate into WinPho 7.

The new Windows Phone 7 Series OS sports a slew of worthwhile changes, including:

• Xbox LIVE integration
• "Hubs", for easy navigation
• A minimalistic UI
• Responsive controls
• Capacitive touchscreen support

Ballmer tells us that the first Windows Phone 7 Series devices will be available late this year. This might be ages behind other mobile players, like Apple, Palm and Google, but at least it will happen. You check out the new WinPho 7 in action below.

[Via Windows Techa]

Google Releases Google Buzz, Forgets to Make It Interesting

Google announced a new service today, dubbed Google Buzz. The service is a social network one-stop-shop of sorts integrated into Gmail. Now you can track your Twitter feed, Picasa shots, and Flickr photos while in your favorite email app. Too bad Google Buzz feels more like a buzz kill...

After the mediocre release of Google Wave and it's mediocre reception, it looks like Google is still trying to cash in on the popularity of social networking. If you haven't heard of Google Wave (and if you have, it's likely you still haven't used it), it was supposed to be a "Facebook-killer" of a new web app. Turns out, it was more of a time-killer for Google's devs, and a confusing, purple-font filled oddity for users. Google Buzz continues with the failing trend of Google services, adding a boring tab to Gmail.

What? I need another place to see what I can see on Twitter/Facebook (oh wait no Facebook integration?)/iGoogle. That's it! Google is now competing with Twitter and iGoogle (their own service) for your Twitter feed needs.

Don't get me wrong, I love Google. I use Gmail, Google Reader, Blogger (owned by Google), Youtube (owned by Google), Picasa, Google Voice, Chromium OS, Android, Chrome, etc. I could even be considered a Google fanboy. I want to work for Google. But, I also know when the search giant is overreaching its effectiveness boundaries. And if Google Buzz doesn't change, it's going to be another Google Wave, and we'll see it turn into a Google Splash in the bucket of social networking.

Top Four Features that Can Turn Google Buzz Around

1. Something new (you're treading on well-beaten paths right now, Google)
2. More users (maybe time will be kind to this new little Google Buzz)
3. Facebook integration
4. More hype

Dockers Super Bowl FAIL

So, Dockers decides to offer free pants to the viewers of the Super Bowl:

"George, you think our two web servers and around 40 pairs of free Dockers will suffice for that Super Bowl ad?"

"Sure, Bill, go for it!"

Needless to say, Bill and George will need to be be demoted from heads of advertising.

And it turns out that Dockers got their server explosion for tricking people into thinking they would get free pants. It was actually an offer to enter for a chance to "win a pair of Dockers".

@eric_ras said it right with:
"seriously, if you're going to run a $3M ad and tell people to go to your website YOU BETTER BE READY FOR IT"

Turbine concept to light your highway

Word comes from Engadget about a new lighting concept powered by cars. The street light, pictured above, has a turbine on it that is rotated by the wind created by passing vehicles. The turbine then powers the light. Pretty snazzy if you ask me. And if the production unit comes out actually looking like the concept, then this is a real win. To the concept creators: don't let those dinosaur electricity companies bully you into not building these. Better yet, partner with one and show them how lucrative renewable energy can be.

Top 4 Reasons This Turbine Light Concept Should Be Built

1. It looks awesome
2. We're always wondering what to do with our car-created wind
3. There's a few streets in around here that need a light (I'm pretty sure there was a zombie hobo down on 7th last night.)
4. We could use excess electricity created to power our Tesla Roadsters (until 2011...)