A new Live SearchPerks program announced today will reward users who install a small desktop counter to their PCs that calculates how many times they use Live Search. Running through April, the program awards users “tickets” for joining the program and for each search conducted per day (up to 25), putting them in the running to win such prizes as free music downloads, air miles, and video games.
Previous rewards programs Microsoft has run to boost their search numbers include Live Search Club, a somewhat maligned program that rewarded users for playing games using Live Search and the “cashback” feature introduced in May that rewarded users for using Live Search by offering rebates for products bought online.
The reward offer is not likely to be a game changer in the search market, but it seems to be having short term benefits for Microsoft’s search business. [24×7]
Seattle’s Hotel 1000 Delves Beneath the MS Surface
Hotel 1000, downtown Seattle’s premier luxury hotel destination and a leader in hospitality IT, will feature one of the first customized versions of the latest Microsoft Surface applications for a truly state-of-the-art guest experience. Beginning the evening of Friday, October 3, 2008 guests will be able to engage in this completely unique interface by visiting Studio 1000 adjacent to the hotel lobby.
Microsoft Surface simultaneously recognizes dozens of movements such as touch, gestures and actual unique objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. Guests of Hotel 1000 will be able to intuitively engage with various entertaining experiences by the touch of their fingers.
A new virtual concierge will offer hotel guests 100 points of interest for the downtown Seattle area, including restaurants, museums, parks, landmarks and other must-see attractions near Hotel 1000. The Microsoft Surface is connected to a networked printer for easy production of directions, maps and other visitor information.
[24×7]
