Microsoft has released a new theme for Windows 7 users, featuring beautiful beach sunsets from California and Hawaii.

I read this article at WinExtra this morning, and I’m glad I’m not the only one that this happened to. When I wanted to upgrade to a Windows Phone 7 through Verizon, I was first given a speech to buy the iPhone instead. Nope, I want the Windows Phone 7. I was two weeks away from an upgrade, so I waited. Two weeks later, I called again. Yet again, Verizon tried to convince me to go with a different phone: Thunderbolt, powered by Android. No, I still want the Windows Phone 7. After some pushiness on my side, I finally got it through his head that I wouldn’t accept anything less than the WP7. He thoroughly tried to convince me to NOT get a WP7 powered device. I don’t know if they have a lower profit margin or what, but I’ve never seen salespeople try and get someone to NOT buy a product. I’ve never had to argue with a salesperson to buy a product that I wanted that they had for sale. 

I hope Microsoft can get this under control. There are a lot of consumers out there that are being tricked and forced into buying a non-Windows Phone 7 device by the carriers that are supposed to be promoting the devices.  The carriers are forcing the Windows Phone 7 platform to failure, not the OS or the devices.

However it seems that, from everything I have read and seen personally, the carriers couldn’t care less about Windows Phone. Oh sure, head office might spin on and on about how much they like the phone and how they believe in the phone as part of their offerings to consumers; but when it comes down to the consumer in the store, Windows Phone might as well not even exist.

I’ve also seen a lack of advertising from Microsoft about their new phones. I’ve yet to see a commercial, much less a banner ad, from the phone operating system developers. If Microsoft plans on taking some market share from Apple and Google, it’s going to need to step up their game a bit and actively push this thing. I know Steve Ballmer can sell anything, I think he sold me a car once.

Google has always gotten a lot of flak from their advertising techniques. From snooping in email to checking out your browsing history, its all fair game from the “Anti-evil” company. While it may not mean much to some, it does show your lack of privacy while using Gmail. Microsoft has come up with a satirical video showcasing the Gmail Man and his snooping. “Ewwww!”

At a charity basketball game in Seattle, Martell Webster of the Minnesota Timberwolves, checks out Steve Ballmer’s guns. Not sure how in shape Mr. Ballmer is, but he’s built pretty stocky, and has the attitude to boot. I wonder if he could pull off a three pointer?

^{(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)}

As far as the lack of updates lately, I apologize. I’ve been cramming for a Cisco examination coming up very soon! Got the home lab set up and have been hitting the books pretty hard to beat this thing!

McDonalds (Australia) has a heck of a way to get connected to their wi-fi if using Windows. Mac users get the quick and easy instructions. For us Windows users, they go through a huge amount of information that really isn’t needed.

For most users, their PC’s are already setup for DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol – automatically gets an IP address from the server) and DNS.

When I visit McDonalds, I connect to the wireless internet the same way as usual. It pops up on the available networks list, just as simple as the Mac. So, is McDonalds very Mac biased, or do they not understand Windows networking?

Sorry, McDonalds, you need someone else to write your wi-fi setup instructions. Someone that actually knows how Windows works and how to use it. The writer was obviously used to a Mac and didn’t know how using Windows!

My favorite search engine should be dropped according to the New York Times. Bing is a great search engine, but it’s cash flow is really horrible. Bleeding $2.6 billion dollars last fiscal year, it hasn’t been Microsoft’s golden child. But, if Bing were to go to the wayside, Microsoft would lose a big online “billboard” of advertising. Personally, I prefer Bing to Google, and it’s results are getting quite a bit better. When searching Google, I find myself visiting more irrelevant links than when using Bing.

Of course, the NYT mentions Apple may be a better owner for Bing. How’s that going to work? Bing is a type of cherry, not Apple.

Microsoft needs to concentrate on a different kind of search: finding a buyer for Bing, its online search business. Bing is the industry’s distant No. 2 after Google. It has become a distraction for the software giant — one that costs shareholders dearly. The division that houses Bing lost $2.6 billion in the latest fiscal year. Facebook, or even Apple, might make a better home for Bing. A sale would be a boon for Microsoft’s investors.

Ex-Microsoft manager Bob Muglia is moving to network giant Juniper to be the executive vice president of it’s software solutions division. He joins another ex-Microsoft employee: Kevin Johnson, former president of platforms and services division.

"We are excited to have a leader of Bob’s caliber coming on board to lead Juniper’s software initiatives, and I’m confident that his vision, management savvy and technical expertise will bring tremendous value to our organization," said Johnson in a statement. "As we continue to execute on our growth strategy centered on systems and software, we look forward to Bob playing a central role in extending our leadership position in network-powered software solutions."

The new Xbox 360 design has been announced, and it coincides with the release of the Star Wars Kinect game. Appearing like a familiar droid, R2D2 with a controller similar to C3PO. It also has the sounds of the little speechless droid when powering on and opening the tray. Of course, these aren’t the droids we’re looking for. Move along.

Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle

This first ever custom Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle includes an R2-D2 blue-and-white themed console, a custom Xbox 360 Wireless Controller inspired by C-3PO and the first ever white Kinect sensor. The bundle is set to debut alongside Kinect Star Wars this holiday, but is available now for pre-order through participating retailers. Priced at $449.99, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle will include:

• Kinect Star Wars game
• Custom R2-D2-themed Xbox 360 Console with custom sounds (Hear them (MP3)  – >  Power on and Tray eject)
• White Kinect Sensor
• Custom C-3PO-themed Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
• 320 GB Hard Drive
• Xbox 360 Wired Headset
• Kinect Adventures game
• Exclusive downloadable content

I am working on a new site design, made to be easier on the eyes and easier to navigate. Not to mention it will be a bit faster. Now, I’m looking for suggestions that readers would like to see included in the design. I am still leery about adding forums, as most, if not all, of my sites have tried to avoid the “Not Another Tech Site With Forums” syndrome that so many others have. There are other sites out there with very great forums with knowledgeable people helping others – I visit them at least a few times a week myself.

So, send me your comments, suggestions, wish lists, etc. on what should be included in the new site design!

For you Harry Potter fans out there, today marks the release of the newest, and final, Harry Potter film. Microsoft has also released a new theme for your desktop.