Microsoft to Announce New Slates Targeting the iPad

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/microsoft-to-announce-new-slates-targeting-ipad/?ref=technology


Posted by: Gurpreet Janjua

Summary

This article talks about Microsoft. Microsoft is engaged in developing, manufacturing, licensing and supporting a range of software products and services for different types of computing devices. Its software products and services include operating systems for personal computers, servers and intelligent devices. It operates in five segments: Windows & Windows Live Division (Windows Division), Server and Tools, Online Services Division, Microsoft Business Division, and Entertainment and Devices Division. It also designs and sells hardware, including the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console and accessories, the Zune digital music and entertainment device and accessories, and Microsoft personal computer (PC) hardware products.

Microsoft have recently came up with an idea to design a tablet handheld PC similar to iPad and make computing a lot more easily for the people today. Microsoft is now planning to compete with Apple. Microsoft has announced the launch of the product in late January. Microsoft’s tablet PC would be similar to Samsung in Size and similar to Apple in terms of the shape. They said the tablet would be running Windows 7 which has been a huge introduction by Microsoft in terms of making the computers faster. The Applications for the Tablet would not be available like Apple App store, rather Microsoft would encourage the software partners to host the applications on their own websites.

Interesting Facts

1.       Microsoft’s tablet would be having a hidden keyboard unlike the Apple’s Touch screen keyboard.

2.       Microsoft’s tablet would be held in portrait mode.

3.       Microsoft thinks that MS EXCEL, WORD, and POWERPOINT would be a lot fun with their tablet PC.

4.       Microsoft is also in plan to launch Microsoft Windows 8 operating system.

Amazon Extends Holiday Free Shipping Deadline

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/amazon-extends-holiday-free-shipping-deadline/?ref=technology

Posted by: Daljit Gill



Summary:

This article talks about Amazon.com. Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon.com) offers services to consumers, sellers, and developers through its retail Websites. It also manufactures and sells the Kindle e-reader. The Company offers programs that enable sellers to sell their products on its Websites and their own branded Websites. Amazon.com serves developers through Amazon Web Services, which provides access to technology infrastructure that developers can use to enable any type of business. In addition, the Company generates revenue through co-branded credit card agreements and other marketing and promotional services, such as online advertising. Amazon.com has organized its operations into two principal segments: North America and International.

Amazon being the biggest in the online shopping industry is now arranging to take up huge order line this year. Amazon guarantees the delivery on time this Christmas. They are also putting on many promotions like; orders above $25 will not be charged any shipping costs till the December 22^nd . Amazon is now planning to compete with the fresh in the industry named Wal-Mart. They want to compete against their online order prices and products. Unlike Amazon, Wal-Mart has no minimum to free shipping on those online orders and their cut off dates is till December 24^th.

Interesting Facts:

1.       Free shipping is becoming profitable for companies like Amazon and Wal-Mart to do business.

2.       Wal-Mart has started to give free online shipping to their customers that order online which is becoming a threat for companies like Amazon.

3.       Amazon guarantees the product delivery this Christmas.