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Bye Bye Bill
After 33 years on the job, Bill Gates' tenure as a full-time Microsoft employee ended last June. Before he left, we asked—and answered—10 questions on whether he should stay or go. Here's our top 10.
 Reasons Gates should go:
1. He'll save money on gas.
2. No more European Union-induced migraines.
3. No more US government-induced migraines.
4. It's time for a new Microsoft icon.
5. Steve Ballmer wants to fly solo.
6. People might forget about the mug shot (his 1997 arrest for a traffic violation).
7. No more Microsoft Bob jokes.
8. Windows 7 might bomb more than Vista.
9. Windows Vista's Sasquatch-like footprint.
10. He's already shown he can change the world.
Reasons he should stay:
1. Gates' departure could rock the boat.
2. Gates could right the Windows ship.
3. Windows 7 could be a game-changer.
4. Gates learns from his mistakes.
5. To kick Cisco's butt in unified communications.
6. Gates loves fielding tough questions.
7. To get better at ‘Guitar Hero’ (from his CES 2008 keynote, where he lost the challenge).
8. To lead Microsoft into the cloud.
9. To finally overtake Google in search.
10. To remain close to Microsoft's art collection.
For your ears only, ladies
On ladies’ request, Apple has localized the Japanese model of Iphone. According to the website called Cult of Mac, the new 3G Iphone launched in Japan comes with an added feature that disables the turning off of its camera’s shutter sound. Even while in silent mode, the camera on Iphone makes the familiar shutter sound of a mechanical camera.
The website reasons that this has been done specifically for the Japanese market based on feedback received from the Iphone’s women fan club there. The feature prevents perverts sneaking pictures up the skirts of young ladies, which eventually find their way on websites.
Intel, it’s your turn!
After Microsoft, its Intel’s turn for anti-trust motions in EU. Reportedly, European regulators are preparing to file new anti-trust charges against Intel, expanding its probe into the company’s marketing and sales practices.
The new charges, which could be brought soon, allege Intel of giving major European retailers inducements not to sell computers that use chips from AMD.
The regulators last year filed charges against Intel alleging that it used all sorts of underhand practices including rebates, marketing payments and even selling below cost to channels in order to hurt AMD. Intel, however, maintains that incentives offered to large retailers and OEMs are inline with company’s policies and for the benefit of customers. |