Microsoft shows first Windows Phone 7 Teaser

So it begins. At an event in London, Microsoft showed this teaser for Windows Phone 7, claiming that "the revolution is coming." Don't read too much into the phone that was shown, it looks like an unbranded generic phone, Microsoft is clearly focusing on the OS here. Check out the full video below.

[Engadget]

New Microsoft logos?

Engadget is reporting that Microsoft may be introducing new logos for it's core products, namely Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox, Bing, and Office. Microsoft has kept the same basic look for most of these products for years, so a little updating probably couldn't hurt. Check out the pictures and a video on Engadget's site.

[Engadget]

Microsoft announces new Xbox 360 and Kinect pricing

Microsoft finally officially announced the pricing of it's Kinect sensor and also a replacement for the Xbox 360 Arcade. As many outlets have already stated, Kinect by itself will cost $149.99 and will come with the game "Kinect Adventures." As for the new Xbox, it will have the same form factor as the new Xbox 360, but will have 4GB built in storage, a matte finish, and built in Wi-Fi. The new Xbox by itself will keep the Xbox 360 Arcade pricing at  $199.99, and will be shipping Aug. 3. Microsoft also announced a new Kinect bundle, which includes the 4GB 360, plus the Kinect sensor and "Kinect Adventures" for $299. Microsoft also stated that 15 games would be available at launch on Nov. 4  for Kinect, and that they would be priced at $49.99 instead of the $59 price Walmart currently has.

[Microsoft]

1 vs 100 on Xbox Live shutting down

Via a press release, Microsoft announced that 1 vs 100, a game show playable over Xbox Live, will not be returning for a third season. Having played the game when it was on, I can say it was a unique experience, one that none of the other consoles have at the moment. Microsoft did give hope that we'll see something similar in the future, they said the 1 vs 100 team is applying the technology used for 1 vs 100 to new projects that will be unveiled in the future. Here's hoping they create something similar that takes advantage of their new toy, Kinect.

[Microsoft]

Windows Phone 7 getting cloud-based backup similar to MobileMe

Hot on the heels of Blackberry announcing a cloud-based backup solution, Microsoft announced with Windows Phone 7 they will have a similar service that will back up contacts, calendars, OneNote files, and photos, which will all be available to view at the Windows Phone Live companion site, much like the now deceased Kin. In addition, users will have 25GB of SkyDrive storage space, and access to a new Find My Phone service, that will find, lock, or remote wipe the phone, just like what Apple currently offers with MobileMe. The best part of the announcement is that everything is completely free with the purchase of a Windows 7 phone. Let the Apple making MobileMe free rumors commence.

[Windows Phone Blog]