Google aims at Microsoft with new Web browser

SAN FRANCISCO – Google Inc. is releasing its own Web browser in a long-anticipated move aimed at countering the dominance of Microsoft Corp.’s Internet Explorer and ensuring easy access to its market-leading search engine.
The Mountain View, California-based company took the unusual step of announcing its latest product on the Labor Day holiday after it prematurely [...]

Microsoft slashes prices of XBox 360 in Japan

TOKYO – Microsoft on Monday slashed the prices for the Xbox 360 video game consoles in Japan, an intensely competitive market where the US software company has long been struggling against formidable rivals Nintendo and Sony.
The cheapest of three models, Xbox 360 Arcade, will cost 19,800 yen ($180) as of September 11, down nearly [...]

Microsoft to buy German Web shopping sites

SEATTLE – Microsoft Corp. is buying a Munich, Germany-based Web comparison shopping site and its parent company for about $486 million in cash.
The Redmond, Wash.-based software maker says the acquisition of Greenfield Online Inc., which owns Ciao, a collection of European price-comparison, shopping and consumer reviews sites in seven countries and languages, will boost its [...]

Microsoft lets people surf without leaving a trace

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) — The next version of Microsoft Corp.’s Web browser makes it easier for people to surf the Internet without leaving a trace.
Companies that sell advertisements online, including Microsoft, can electronically gather tidbits about Web surfers’ habits and then use that information to help decide what kinds of ads to show.
However, in the [...]

Microsoft launches open source lab in RP

MANILA, Philippines – Software giant Microsoft will establish an open source interoperability laboratory in the Philippines, considered as the first in the region.
In a press briefing on Thursday, officials of Microsoft Philippines and the government’s Commission on Information and Communication Technology said the laboratory will spur the development of open source technologies.
The laboratory will be [...]

Google supports Yahoo! in tiff with Microsoft

SUN VALLEY, Idaho – Google Inc. backs Yahoo in its effort to stave off an unsolicited takeover by Microsoft Corp. because an independent Yahoo will increase competition in the Internet search and advertising markets, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said Thursday.
“We absolutely support the decision that Yahoo made” in rejecting the Microsoft overture, Schmidt said [...]

Microsoft will renew Yahoo negotiations if shareholders oust board

SAN FRANCISCO – Microsoft Corp. threw its weight behind investor Carl Icahn’s effort to oust Yahoo Inc.’s board next month, saying Monday that a successful rebellion would encourage the software maker to renew its takeover bid for Yahoo or negotiate another deal.
The development gives Icahn a carrot to dangle before Yahoo shareholders as he wages [...]

Icahn urges Yahoo to elect new board; says Microsoft still interested

NEW YORK – Microsoft and billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn say the software maker is willing to discuss a transaction with Yahoo if shareholders of the online search company elect a new board.
In a letter sent to Yahoo Inc. shareholders Monday, Icahn said he has little doubt that a new board would immediately start negotiations [...]

Internet cafe chain partners with Microsoft for e-learning program

MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine company running an internet café chain has partnered with Microsoft, boosting efforts to transform itself into an education-centered workplace.
Intending to change its image as a gaming hub, PLDT-owned Netopia partnered with the software giant for an e-learning initiative called Angat Ka! , a program where participants can be certified online [...]

Microsoft may refresh Yahoo bid

Microsoft is trying to recruit media partners to form a joint bid that would slice Yahoo into pieces, a report says.

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) – Unable to strike a deal on its own, Microsoft Corp. reportedly is hoping to snap up Yahoo’s online search operations with the help of News Corp. and Time Warner Inc.
The [...]