Culture

Microsoft works on problems, products and partnerships

Days after a judge's order to break up the company, life at the software giant appears to be business as usual.

CNET News staff

Jan. 2, 2002 4:43 p.m. PT

roundup

Days after a judge's order to break up the company, life at the software giant appears to be business as usual, as it addresses Hotmail problems, issues a second release candidate for Microsoft Me, and collaborates on an interactive TV set-top box and service.

Hotmail maintenance locks out members
Some Microsoft Hotmail users have been unable to access their accounts for days because of what the company calls "routine maintenance."

Microsoft partners on interactive TV project
Microsoft, Thomson and DirecTV announce they are teaming to launch an all-in-one interactive TV set-top box and service.

Windows Me approaches official release
Microsoft issues the second release candidate of Windows Me, the company confirmed, a milestone that may have been eclipsed by the proposed breakup of the software company.

Microsoft tweaks pricing for e-commerce software
Microsoft announces a new pricing strategy for its e-commerce software to try to attract more Internet-based customers and to better compete against rivals Oracle and IBM.