By David Ponce

So yeah, I know, this concerns a paid campaign by Microsoft. But, you guys should know I was not specifically asked to talk about it here at all. It’s not part of the deal. It just happens that this campaign is a little different, and really sort of interesting. If you visit the I’m Talkathon page, you’ll notice the blog is getting some traction, with some articles getting over 70 comments. The reason (IMHO), is that it actually has some solid production values. The videos the guys are making are really funny, and the entire thing is playing out like some sort of bloggy soap.

It turns out that the business behind it is as follows: if you IM with Windows Live Messenger (“IM”… “I’M”… get it?) or Windows Live Hotmail in a specific fashion (more here [link to video]), Microsoft will be giving to the charities we mentioned in our previous article. The more you use them, the more they give. What with Bill Gates leaving the company today and seemingly moving into full time philanthropy… this campaign sort of makes sense. Sure, in the end they’re trying to get you to use Microsoft products, but at least they’re giving back in the process.

Next up, I’m going to try and hunt down that Parker’s hair stylist. That ‘do is rockin…

[ I'm Talkathon Page ]

By David Ponce

Well this is fun. Just want to let y’all know I’ll be doing a series of posts from the road, as Microsoft is promoting the idea of creating content while mobile. The pic you see above? That’s the little corner of a coffee table on which I sometimes work, when I’m at a friends’ place. (Yes, I do work, even though you don’t see my articles much these days). It’s taken by my trusty cellphone. And yup, that’s my “office” on that map right there.

I’ll try to keep these short, interesting and hopefully on topic.

by Shane McGlaun

It’s been a long time since Microsoft made any Sidewinder gaming peripherals, or any gaming peripherals in house at all. The Microsoft Habu Mouse and the Microsoft Reclusa keyboard were both designed by Razer.

Today Microsoft is rolling out their latest mouse, and the first gaming peripheral designed from the ground up at Microsoft. The SideWinder gaming mouse is being shown off today at the Games Convention in Leipzig.

Microsoft says the SideWinder mouse was designed for meeting a gamers needs, and they packed it with some interesting and useful features. A hot key allows one-touch browsing of Windows Vista Game Explorer and Quick Turn, which is a macro that allows gamers to check their perimeter from wherever they are in the game.

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