Microsoft continues to play nice

Microsoft announced that they will merge their IM network with Yahoo. Supposedly MSN Messenger users will be able to chat with Yahoo Messenger users. This move comes just as Google enters IM with Google Talk. The combined Yahoo, MSN Messenger network should rival AOL IM in size.

On a side note, if you want to be able to log on to MSN, AOL, Yahoo and ICQ all at the same time with one program, I would recommend trying out Trillian. The latest version works pretty smoothly.

Can't we all just get along?

Microsoft has finally settled with RealNetworks for about $750 million to end the antitrust lawsuit RealNetworks filed against. This is after settlements with IBM, Sun and AOL totaling over $3 billion. As part of the agreement Microsoft has agreed to work with RealNetworks to promote music and games and collaborate on technology.

Forget the laptop, carry a flash drive

Flash drives are finally starting to develop to their full potential. Besides the normal storage tasks, they now contain the ability to allow the drive when plugged into any computer to function as a personal computer with your applications, your desktop and your files.

Paradigm change in UI design

In his latest Alertbox Jakob Nielsen reports a paradigm shift in user interface (UI) design from our current WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) tool bars and menus design to a "results-oriented" UI. Leading the charge in the shift is Microsoft redesigning the interface in Office 12. Normally, one company can't jumpstart an interface design revolution, but the universal use of office, just might be able to. I've discussed many times how users expect an interface to work like office and now everyone will have to change to make their interface work like office.