Microsoft News Tracker

Nate Mook at BetaNews reports that besides today’s Virtual Earth API announcement Microsoft will be revealing MSN Search and Start.com API’s at next week’s Professional Developer Conference (PDC). And related, Nate also reports that Microsoft will also release the first beta of the “Atlas” tooling for developing AJAX (or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) web applications.

Nate Mook at BetaNews observes that Microsoft Expands OneCare Beta Test. It’s now open to the general public:

Initially OneCare will include antivirus and firewall protection, an automated PC tune-up, and backup and restore functionality.
…
Those interested can apply for the beta program by visiting Windows Beta with the guest ID: OneCare. [case sensitive - ed.]

Some initial impressions of the beta, pro and con.

Today at IBC2005, the International Broadcasters Convention in Amsterdam, Microsoft made a variety of announcements:

Microsoft Corp. announced further partner support for its IPTV software platform with a host of new set-top-box offerings and a new class of system-on-chip (SOC) that will enable the production of low-cost, high-definition (HD) set-top boxes.

Microsoft and Sigma Designs announced the availability of a new class of system-on-chip (SOC) that will enable the production of low-cost, high-definition-capable devices optimized for the Microsoft® TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform.

Avid Technology, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced a collaborative development initiative that enables Avid to build on its existing investment in Windows® technologies by delivering cutting-edge, professional video and audio postproduction solutions that support VC-1, the proposed SMPTE standard based on Microsoft® Windows Media® Video 9.

Microsoft Corp. and Siemens Business Services announced that they are working together to develop integrated solutions, including supporting a collaborative- environment architecture, for the media industry. Built on proven Microsoft® Office and conferencing products, the new platform will enable media companies to transform the way they communicate and collaborate.

Microsoft Corp. announced it is extending the unique capabilities of Microsoft® Connected Services Framework for the broadcast and film industries to integrate with business processes, such as scheduling and rights management systems, and dynamically interact with production processes. Along with industry-leading business application providers RightsLine, ScheduALL and Xytech Systems, Microsoft will demonstrate an enhanced workflow at IBC2005, showcasing an end-to-end content management scenario with business management applications collaborating with content creation processes.

Nagravision and Microsoft Announce Agreement to Deliver Innovative Solutions for Digital Pay-TV to Windows Media Center PCs.

It was just yesterday that CNET reported that Microsoft was going to open up API’s at some of its public web sites in a move to get into the Web 2.0 game. Today, Chando Thota reveals that Virtual Earth APIs available for commercial use (and they are FREE!):

Here is the good news folks: We are now offering the MSN Virtual Earth API for commercial applications free of charge to developers. This APIs include the JavaScript map control and local search service (exposed via the What/Where search boxes on Virtual Earth site today).

Hit the link for various (not particularly onerous) T’s and C’s and:

There you have it - now you have what you are waiting for: the opportunity to integrate maps into your applications at free of cost (as long as you use the What/Where search boxes). I will be writing more about how to integrate maps and the What/Where search boxes into your web applications on this blog in my future posts. In the mean time, don’t forget to check out ViaVirtualEarth to learn how to build applications using Virtual Earth Map control (and to win $1000!)