As a long-time Microsoft fan (my first computers were all PCs), and with all my excitement about Windows 8, I was very excited about the Microsoft Surface. In fact, I was so excited that despite Press not getting complimentary Surface tablets (or even trial ones) at Microsoft's recent Windows Build conference, I went out and bought my own. With all the hype Microsoft was giving it - run all your Windows apps across every Microsoft device, in a beautiful, comfortable environment - I was anxious to try it out! Microsoft Office tends to lag. The Pros. MORE >>

Scheduled for release in 2014, Project Glass holds so much promise Apple and Microsoft have competing projects. Geekery Apple augmented reality google media Microsoft project glassI will be speaking at xPotomac this February 25. Co-organizer Patrick Ashmalla and I are presenting together on Google Project Glass and augmented reality. Here’s a sneak preview of our session. Google Project Glass promises to take ubiquitous mobile Internet access and layer unprecedented information into our day-to-day existence. We can pull our heads out of our mobile phones. MORE >>

For years, tech influencers and bloggers have been accused of being blindly in love with Apple. These men and women live to gush about Apple products and bash Microsoft and others in the process. So it was remarkable to observe the tech influencers this week in their near unanimous approval of Microsoft’s new operating system. This headline on msnbc.com stopped me cold: Windows 8 Does What Apple Doesn’t. new interface that Microsoft says embodies simplicity and gives you control. There is even a name these devotees: fanboys. Talk about an about-face. MORE >>

Today Apple did one of the most powerful things they have done since the launch of the iPod. Today Apple launched, quite simply , a “Social Network for Music&#. Apple realizes the Social Graph is just a complement to something bigger. Instead, Apple focused on one of the biggest strengths they have – their music, and made it social. I think this is powerful, and here’s why: I think Dave Winer got it right earlier today – this is only the beginning for Apple. Apple is only building the Social Graph right now. My Mom uses iTunes. MORE >>

Some will make the argument that Apple is loosing a little bit of its luster. While I am an Apple consumer (and a fairly recent one), I'm hopeful that you won't misconstrued this blog post as someone who is a biased and loyal customer trying to defend a brand (Apple Fanboi!). What makes Apple such a fascinating brand, from my perspective, is how the brand is managed. The Microsoft store. have no issue or bone to pick with Microsoft. When I first came across a Microsoft store, I literally, looked at my watch to see if it was April Fool's Day. MORE >>