xBox

Microsoft nabs CBS exec to work up Xbox entertainment

Microsoft has hired Nancy Tellem, the former head of CBS's Television Entertainment Group, to come up with original entertainment for the Xbox.

Tellem, who joined CBS in 1997, was a senior advisor to company CEO Leslie Moonves. She was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2006 for her contributions to the electronic arts.

According to Microsoft, Tellem will be charged to helping "to develop unique, compelling storytelling experiences for the Xbox brand." As Microsoft's Entertainment & Digital Media president, Tellem will report to Phil Spencer, who runs Microsoft Studios. Her most immediate … Read more

As Microsoft retools, Ballmer has chance to rewrite his CEO legacy

A year ago, the influential hedge fund manager David Einhorn was calling for Steve Ballmer's head.

It was time to give someone else a chance, Einhorn, the president of Greenlight Capital, told an investor conference. "His [Ballmer's] continued presence is the biggest overhang on Microsoft's stock."

Microsoft had long been milking its installed base and enterprise business for profits -- Windows still accounts for more than 90 percent of the desktop market -- while rivals swept into tech's hot growth areas. The stock was going nowhere, at the time trading just above $24 per … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1476: The Oprah Browser (Podcast)

On today's show, Apple responds to the Mac Defender concerns with a support forum and a promised OS X update, Google may announce mobile payments via NFC as early as tomorrow (Thursday), and Facebook might launch a music service with Spotify (but no, not in the U.S. -- yet). Also, TiVo makes tons of money from suing people and Brian Tong bids a teary farewell to Oprah. --Molly

Buzz Out Loud 694: Know your zombies

It's zombie-preparedness day, and may we suggest you also prepare yourself for a barrage of rumors of the eBay and Blu-ray variety. Also, today, Amazon reaches right inside Molly's brain and launches shopping via text-message (hello, impulse purchase heaven!), and one listener defends the sacred honor of the Chevy Nova. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 694

Voicemail - Dark Zombie Preparedness Day!

Judge to RIAA: You can’t sue over songs ‘made available’ via P2P http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9908353-38.html

eBay’s power sell: Skype to Google? http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9908959-36.html

Amazon launches … Read more