Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of ZenZui, an independent company focusing on the ways people engage, consume and interact with Web content through mobile user experiences. ZenZui’s Zooming User Interface, a patented Microsoft technology, was initially developed by the Microsoft Redmond Research lab. Microsoft IP Ventures helps startups and growing companies speed their time to market. ZenZui worked with IP Ventures to acquire the technology and prodide assistance in securing venture capital funding to help launch their company.
“ZenZui is an exciting proposition for us and demonstrates how Microsoft is turning intellectual property into valuable business opportunities,” said Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft, in the press release. “Our IP Ventures program opens the door for entrepreneurs to have access to the work of world-class research teams. Ultimately, this access allows them to rapidly bring new products to market based on those technologies.”
ZenZui’s core technology brings information visualization techniques out of the research lab and onto mobile phones and into the hands of mobile device operators, marketers and consumers. ZenZui’s zooming user interface employs up to 36 individual “Tiles” that are selected and customized by the user. This modular tile interface lets users sync, surf, and share digital content.
“This innovative technology developed with the help of Microsoft Research has provided a strong foundation from which ZenZui has developed a unique user experience,” said Eric Hertz, chief executive officer of ZenZui, in the press release. “ZenZui’s compelling platform is already creating excitement among carriers, content providers, interactive agencies and major marketers.”
Companies onboard for the initial trial include Kayak.com, OTOlabs, Avenue A | Razorfish and Traffic.com Inc.
ZenZui demo video:
CBS News looks at Apple’s iPhone:
More information on ZenZui is available at http://www.ZenZui.com
Microsoft redefines derivative sucking yet again.
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looks slow and bloated
But wait. I thought Ballmer said that no one would consider the iPhone because it didn’t have a keyboard…
MDN Magic Word “better” as in, “Oh, but this is better.”
LOL, they arent even holding the phones, its on a stick. shows you how easy that UI is
There is nothing Zen about Microsoft.
No multitouch, no fun.
ZenZui = Iz Zune!
‘Dan’l Lewin’
?
Haven’t heard that name since Dan’l Boone.
So when is Creative going to sue Mafiasoft for trademark violations on the Zen name?
At least the interface is better than Windows Mobile (and the Palm OS)… If it wasn’t Microsoft, you wouldn’t think it was all that terrible.
But it ain’t no iPhone.
Cynic821: you’re right, the phones are on a stick. thanks for pointing that out. i went back and rewatched the video and it makes it obvious. how crappy is the phone if you gotta hold it up like that just for user input.
wow. how counter-intuitive.
iphone is gonna bury this thing.
Can you just imagine how personally upset the mobile carriers (except cingular), handset makers are.
Just imagine the onslaught of board meetings aka disaster recovery.
Apple pushes the envelope everyone else follows
Gasp, Microsoft is behaving in a matter just waiting for Apples next move so they can copy it.
They are just desperate for innovation since there is none in their world. All they can do is quickly copy.
This product is clumsy, ugly, and pure ***t
ZenZui? Zune? ZZZzzzzzz. Makes me sleepy.
wow…..what it take them 2 weeks to come out with this iPhone KILLER!!!
poor poor microsoft, they just don’t know what to do with themselves lately
Why was some of the navigation done by touching the screen and some of it by touching keys? Oh yeah, ‘cos the thing is crap.
Is there no limit to their tackiness?
Do they have no dignity?
God, morale must be really low among MS employees.
“This innovative technology developed with the help of Microsoft Research…” I love how they keep throwing the word “innovative” around whenever they release something. Remember, sane people don’t run around telling people that they’re sane. It should just show. Innovation is the same way. Show consumers and we’ll tell you if it’s innovative or not. It looks a lot of expose and spaces to me.
Remember, you’re ‘sane’ Microsoft.
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You have to be kidding – just watch at how sluggish the UI is, not that I’m surprised given the OS running on it.
Laughable.
HAB
Hmmmm, I am so confused!! “ZenZui’s Zooming User Interface, a patented Microsoft technology, was initially developed by the Microsoft Redmond Research lab. …. ZenZui worked with IP Ventures to acquire the technology …
So, ZenZui was developed by MS labs but ZenZui acquired the technology????? So, did MS buy it or develop it?? Maybe the found a company, bought it, stuck a MS LAB sticker on the door, and then suddenly developed a —— wait for it——- touch screen. I saw it scrool once and only once, no pinch and zoom so is this just a regular touch screen??????
OH MS Innovation, the humanity of it all!! LOL
PS. so is MS coming out with a product, selling the technology to someone else, helping someone else develop technology then stealing it — er acquiring it, or are they just producing more FUD to try and slow down the Apple steam roller??
Wait, I have it, — A ZUNE with a touch screen that freezes evertime you touch it cause it things you are not you!!! LOL
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ne
ZenZui?
WTF? – Who the hell comes up with these farked-up names? Kinda reminds me of – oh, I dunno, Titty Twister?
Watch it bud, I’m gonna lay a serious ZenZuion you! Sounds like some kind of pro wrestling move.
LOL!
Here Microsoft, come here. *Hug* feel better now? We know you are trying. Really. Steve is just out of your league. He has been, and always will be.
This a joke right?
For their next trick– the ClenClunky. A user interface made of popsicle sticks.
Looks clunky. Typical MS.
BTW, what’s up with all these ZZZ names? ZenZui? Zune? Next up: Microzoft?
MW: ‘freedom’ as in ‘fries’.
Touchscreen does not an iPhone make.
Plus, their phones still had buttons. How 20th century!