Microsoft News Tracker

Actually the wow starts January 29 and the wow in question is the consumer launch event for Windows Vista and Office 2007 as Paul Thurrott reveals:

Microsoft will officially launch Windows Vista and Office 2007 for consumers at a special event in Times Square in New York City on January 29 called “Wow Starts Now.” At the event, Microsoft and its partners will promote Vista, Office 2007, and related products.

“On January 29th, Microsoft will celebrate the launch of two amazing products that represent the culmination of a tremendous team effort,” an email message from Microsoft reads.

Yadda, yadda by following the link, but the interesting thing is that the 29th is one day before the general availability date of January 30.

Microsoft dropped off a holiday gift for occasional partner Alcatel yesterday - Microsoft Sues Alcatel-Lucent over Future Messaging (via Bink.nu):

Microsoft filed suit against Alcatel-Lucent in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming the French company is infringing on 10 of its patents involving future methods for transmitting combined voice and data messages.
…
Microsoft is seeking triple damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys fees and a full injunction against Alcatel-Lucent.

There are more details on the technology by following the link, but presumably this is a counter suit in response to Alcatel’s suit against Microsoft from late November.