Microsoft News Tracker

Dare Obasanjo has the details:

That’s right, during the PDC we’ll be announcing developer programs for four MSN properties; MSN Virtual Earth, MSN Messenger, Start.com and MSN Search. Unfortunately, MSN Spaces isn’t on that list but this is mainly due to logistics reasons and not because we won’t be opening it up to as a platform for developers.

He also points to the Chando Thota post on Virtual Earth mentioned here previously and one from Leah Pearlmann on the MSN Messenger Activity API:

After September 12th, no more complaining. MSN Messenger is opening up.

The new Activity API* will enable developers to create these types of Activities. This is great news for developers and users alike:

- Developers who follow the guidelines will see their Activities made available to MSN users on a supported site.

-MSN users will have a wealth of new Games and Activities to chose from.

The release of the API will be announced at the upcoming Microsoft PDC next week in LA. Along with this announcement will be another for a contest…

From Thurrott’s WinInfo:

Two days before the start of Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2005, I’ve received exclusive insider information about the product editions, or SKUs, which Microsoft intends to create for Windows Vista (codenamed Longhorn). While the exact breakdown of the Windows Vista editions has been the subject of much speculation, this list closely matches the editions list I first published on the SuperSite for Windows last year.

There will be two general categories of Windows Vista editions, which map closely to the two that exist today for XP (”Home,” which comprises Starter, Home, and Media Center Editions, Pro, which includes Professional, Professional x64, and Tablet PC Editions). In Windows Vista, the two categories are Home and Business. In the Home category, Microsoft will create four product editions: Windows Vista Starter Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition (previously known as “Uber” Edition). In the Business category, there will are three editions: Windows Vista Small Business Edition, Windows Vista Professional Edition, and Windows Vista Enterprise Edition. In all, there are 7 product editions planned for Windows Vista.

Hit the link for all the details.

Update: Robert McLaws disagrees.