Barney's Blog

Blog archive

Microsoft Research's Annual Brag-Fest

Critics have long charged that Microsoft gets little for the billions it spends on research. I've covered this area and am convinced that Microsoft is right in not looking at it in terms of pure dollars and cents. Microsoft researchers aim instead to push the frontiers.

At this year's TechFest, researchers showed off a way to make custom sticky notes, a way to convert a handwritten sticky note into voice mail, a new approach to WiFi advertising and a video game that introduces kids to the fundamentals of programming.

In homage to Jim Gray, a brilliant researcher who is still missing after an apparent sailing mishap, TechFest featured a way for PC users to tap into massive high-powered telescopes. This work was one of Gray's many achievements! Learn more about Jim here.

Posted by Doug Barney on March 08, 2007


Featured