After the release of the much anticipated PS3 Slim, some industry analysts are considering the possibility of Microsoft releasing a redesigned Xbox 360 in response. Some have stated that a revamped Xbox 360 console is definitely a possibility and that it could happen in 2010.

Analysts have stated that there is a good chance that a revamped Xbox 360 may be released with Project Natal in 2010. Ben Schachter of Broadpoint AmTech stated “Yes, I think they will release a new look for the hardware in conjunction with the motion sensor next year.”

For some time now there has been speculation that Project Natal would be released as the new Xbox console but that has recently been dismissed by Microsoft. Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Microsoft stated that new console release for Project Natal was “nonsense.”

Whether a slim version of Xbox is in the works or not is only rumor at this point, Microsoft has not confirmed any speculation.

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Microsoft is warning users of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 of a security hole in Internet Explorer - a serious vulnerability that allows attackers to gain the same user rights as the local user.

The hole is reportedly caused by the interaction of IE and Microsoft Video ActiveX Control. This vulnerability can allow hackers to remotely take control of victims’ machines. User need to do nothing more visit a Web site that has been hacked to get infected. According to security experts, criminals have been attacking the security hole in IE for nearly a week, installing viruses on users who click certain links in spam emails.

Microsoft assures users that its IT professionals are working diligently to develop a security update. Until the company is able to provide a a patch for the security breach, the software giant has suggested that users disable the video software, ActiveX. Instructions for deactivating ActiveX Video Control are available here.

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CNET has a source claiming that Microsoft may decide to make life easier for Netbook users anxious to upgrade to Windows 7.

Since debuting its new operating system last fall, Microsoft has often advertised Win 7 on Netbooks. But for owners of machines that are missing CD/DVD drives, installing the operating system is no small feat.

The solution?

Windows 7 operating system loaded and sold on a flash drive, allowing usually disadvantaged Netbook users to easily upgrade their machines.

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Yesterday, Microsoft announced that it would be tossing yet another product into its growing bin of underperforming software. Like Encarta, Flight Simulator, and Windows Live OneCare before it, Microsoft Money has been scrapped. And just as Wikipedia defeated Microsoft’s Encarta reference software, Money could not survive against Intuit’s financial software package, Quicken. On the Money website, the company states, “With banks, brokerage firms and Web sites now providing a range of options for managing personal finances, the consumer need for Microsoft Money Plus has changed.”

In August 2008, Microsoft ended updates to Money and pulled the software from retail shelves. By October of that year, the company began scaling back on the development on at least 13 products, which can be found here.

Microsoft Money will be available for purchase until June 30, 2009. Online services will be available until January 31, 2011. Microsoft assures the product will continue to work after that point, but users will no longer have access to automated data feeds from banks, credit card companies, and other financial service providers.

For those who currently own, or plan to purchase the software before the end of June, be sure to activate the program before January 31, 2011. And, for users who are concerned about exporting information from Money to another financial management application (Quicken, anyone?), Microsoft provides a support document on its corporate website, available here: Exporting Account Information.

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After being rumored for some time now, the Zune HD has at long last been confirmed by Microsoft.  The rumors about a touch screen Zune began over a month ago. Microsoft has kept quiet despite the growing amount of rumors, until now.

The new Zune HD will have a 3.3″ 480×272 OLED touch screen with up to 720p, but only through an HDMI AV dock. The new Zune will also feature HD radio, Internet browser (obviously), and Wi-Fi for instant streaming from the Zune store.

The surprising thing from Microsoft is the Xbox live capabilities the new Zune will have. There will be some type of integration between the Zune HD and live, but it is unclear at this point exactly what it will be.

A price has not been revealed yet, but we do know that the Zune HD will be release in the fall of 09. Microsoft will be showing off the new Zune , and its Xbox live capabilities at E3 09. I am looking forward to it.

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