Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday that Windows 7, the next version of its computer operating software, will go on sale Oct. 22, in time to possibly give the slumping PC industry a lift in the holiday season. Windows 7, which will replace the much-complained-about Windows Vista, will be available then on new PCs. Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, will also sell versions that people can install on existing PCs. PC makers and resellers will offer free upgrades to Windows 7 for people who buy a new computer running the Home Premium, Business or Ultimate version of Windows Vista shortly before Windows 7 arrives. However, Microsoft did not say whether the upgrade program will begin in time for back-to-school shopping, a crucial period for the PC industry.
More layoffs at John Deere in Iowa
Deere &Co. said Tuesday it will temporarily lay off most production workers at an Iowa plant as the global economic crisis weakens demand for its products. The world’s largest maker of farm machinery said 494 workers at its John Deere Ottumwa Works will be laid off indefinitely starting June 29. The factory’s remaining 195 workers will be laid off periodically over the next several months, Deere said. The Moline, Ill.-based company has coped with diminishing demand in recent months as the sagging world economy and lower commodity prices undermine demand for its products. In May, Deere reported a 38 percent decline in quarterly profit as farmers and other customers cut spending on tractors, mowers and construction equipment. It also slashed its profit forecast.
Sony offers a new wandlike controller
Sony has conjured a new controller at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. The Play- Station maker unveiled a prototype wand-shaped motion controller at its splashy E3 presentation Tuesday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The unnamed PlayStation 3 controller has a light-emitting sphere on the end that can be recognized by the PlayStation Eye camera. The unnamed apparatus was demonstrated with prototype software that transformed the device on screen into such objects as a sword, mace, flashlight and gun with one-to-one motion control. It will be available this spring.
Nintendo gadget checks your pulse
Nintendo wants to check your pulse. The game maker on Tuesday debuted the Wii Vitality Sensor, a gadget that wraps around a player’s index finger. No games were announced that would use the new gizmo, but Nintendo president Satoru Iwata suggested it could be used to “let people unwind or maybe even make it easier to fall asleep.” Iwata discussed the apparatus and showed an image of the sensor Tuesday at Nintendo’s Electronic Entertainment Expo presentation at Club Nokia.
From Herald news services
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