Windows Weekly 89

Macworld and iTunes tax, Ballmer at CES, Windows 7 and Windows Live, and more.

Macworld 2009

• Well, at least they focused on the Mac for a change.
• iTunes goes DRM-free.
• But what about the iTunes tax? All or nothing to convert existing songs.
• Also, Microsoft raises Apple Tax issues.

CES

• Ballmer keynote
• Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 public beta
• Windows Live Essentials is finalized
• Windows Mobile? No discussion of version 7, Zune Mobile
• No discussion of Vista numbers (Why: SEC; earnings announce soon)
• No discussion of Windows 7 schedule, SKUs (Why: Still working on it)
• Schedule: WinLive Wave 3 first, then IE 8, then Windows 7
• Confirmed: Only one Beta release for Windows 7
• No discussion of Windows Home Server? Weird. I've had one of the new HPs for awhile … excellent
• There are new home server partners — new versions of the OS are coming this year too
• Xbox 360: 28 million sold so far

Software of the week: Windows 7 Beta available starting Friday

Tip of the week: Use Windows 7 Play To … to send content around the house.

Audible pick of the week: American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, Unabridged, By Jon Meacham, Narrated by Richard McGondale. For a free credit toward the audiobook of your choice, visit Audible.com/windows.

Check out Paul's blog at the SuperSite for Windows for more information.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show. The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Derek K. Miller.