You better watch out

From USA Today:

Microsoft quickly shut down Santa Claus' Web privileges after it found out the automated elf it created for kids to instant message with was talking naughty, not nice.

Hanukkah Harry wouldn't be caught doing that stuff. He's too busy stuffing his face with latkes. BTW, happy 2nd night of Hanukkah.

No surprise to learn that the Nintendo Wii is the most searched-for product in November, according to a survey of British online shoppers. I'd bet if you asked American shoppers, Australians, Canadians and Japanese they would tell you the same. The Wii is harder to find than a Cabbage Patch Kid in 1982. If you find them on a store shelf, buy them all.

Many PC users still are afraid to upgrade to Vista until SP1 is released. It's getting closer. Microsoft said it has reached the "release candidate" with the first service pack for Windows Vista, with plans to make the test software available publicly next week.

Cell phone customers of AT&T can now use any device and software app they want including email and music downloading. And you don't have to sign a contract. How it works: If you want to use AT&T's network but don’t want to sign a contract, you’ll have to buy your own device and pay full price. Customers can purchase devices in AT&T phone stores or any retailer that sells GSM phones that are compatible with AT&T’s network.

To activate service, you'll also have to buy a $25 "SIM" card from AT&T, enabling the phone to connect to the carrier’s network. Some users may also have to pay an activation fee, which costs $18-$36, depending on the rate plan.

This follows Verizon Wireless' announcement last week to open up their networks to other devices. That move is not expected to happen until late next year. I smell a big change in the entire wireless industry.

Living In A Vista World

We know what was on your mind today. The radio phone lines were jammed with Vista questions today. Mostly asking if their machines had the minimum specs to add the new OS.

Thanks to Jennifer Heard, Microsoft's Southwest Region GM based in Houston, for calling in. I asked her if the public was going to grab copies like hotcakes or if the anticipation was a bit tempered. Now there's compelling radio!

I received several calls and emails from people who "camped out" at stores Monday night. Here's an excerpt from frequent listener Marc Nathan:

Last night was really was ridiculous and there were more staffers there than customers. At 9:20 - less than 40 minutes before the opening
there were 8people in line - and two were self-proclaimed Mac Guys.
Microsoft and HP represented strongly and there was one guy from Sony. The
event company was playing Kenny G (I swear) while we were waiting in line. There
was no demo's or giveaways for the two hours up to the midnight sale but Mario
Williams was a good sport about taking photos with the fans.

When it came time for the grand prize laptop drawing at 12:15- there was no
build up, just an announcement and then everyone left. That came from the
regional VP of marketing from Microsoft, who really needs to get his team in
check. I saw a lot of people milling around in the Mac section in the back
of the store and they still had XP and Office 2003 boxes on the shelf - along
with Linux OS's right next to the 2007 boxes.

I've been to tons of product launches, and this ranked in the lower third
of them. Also, no good deals. The same Jabra Bluetooth headset I bought for $30
with a $30 rebate two weeks ago, was $60 with a $60 rebate last night. I
did get a $20 gift card and a 256mb USB key - so at least the schwag was worth
the time.

Seems like this was the norm across the country.

More Vista talk and questions sure to come this week. Waiting to receive a shipment of Vista cases and then we'll start giving them away. But just because you may win one doesn't mean you should use it yourself. Check your machine specs first.

The Vista Has Been Reached

I won't even try to write the millionth story and review on Vista. There are too many out there. Here is one recap I found that sums everthing up nicely.

Tuesday morning I will have Jennifer Heard from Microsoft's Houston office on my radio show to talk about the product launch. She'll talk about a local launch being held at the GRB on February 13.

And even though you may not need Vista (or want it) I will have many copies to give away. They should arrive later this week so keep tuned in or logged in here.

Pssst, Wanna Copy of Vista?

Have you heard that Microsoft is releasing a new OS? Yeah, me neither.

January 30 is the date and Vista will be available to download along with the traditional retail distribution model. Pricing for the many different versions is almost as confusing as airline fares so start figuring out which one you need.

Ah, screw pricing. About the only place to get Vista cheaper than a black market copy in China is to tune in to my radio show. We're not calling ourselves the official Houston Vista station but the boys and girls in Redmond are shipping us copies to give away.

No exact details yet but I would tune in daily if you're interested. If you have nothing else to do between 9a-10a while at your desk, feel free to stream the show and log on to watch the in-studio proceedings. If you've got a webcam, you may want to have a Vista logo at the ready. Hold it up to the webcam when I tell you and you may be able to win a copy.