This beta version expires on July 1, 2009, and as far as I know, it seems to be  very stable, performs much better than previous build like 6801. The memory usage has been improved, together with some previously hidden features – like the iconized task bar – being activated.

Would like to get a copy? Click the link below:

Download: Microsoft Windows 7 Beta 1 (Build 7000)

Visa is introducing a revolutionary new credit card allowing users to use their PIN for online card transactions.

Aimed at savvy internet users, the Visa PIN card features an alpha-numeric display and a 12-button keypad built into the back of a conventional credit, debit or prepaid card. The card, developed using technology from Australia-based Emue technologies, promises a three-year battery life, and much improved protection from online fraudsters.

Customers enter their PIN code onto the keypad and this generates one-time password. The one-time password is then used to authenticate online purchases.

MBNA, a Bank of America company in the UK, Cornèr Bank in Switzerland, Cal in Israel and IW Bank in Italy will each begin limited pilot trials of the new card shortly.

After getting out of a deal with its rival Google for sharing ad space, Yahoo’s CEO Jerry Yang wanted to go back to the bargaining table with Microsoft and renegotiate a deal that was turned down by Yahoo a few months back.

This time, the tables have turned and Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer has stated that it would not be interested in going back to the table causing Yahoo’s share price to drop over 15% in today’s trading. Microsoft has stated that it is not going to look back to the past and will continue forward with its own strategy.

News source: BusinessWeek

The company announced revenue of $15.06 billion a 9% increase over the same period of the prior year.

“Our customers are asking how they can save money and do more with less,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft. “Microsoft is uniquely positioned to help our customers save money through supplier consolidation, increased productivity, and a low total cost of ownership through the depth and breadth of our product portfolio and solutions.”

The earnings certainly didn’t disappoint investors and reassured the industry that global IT spending hasn’t halted as many have feared.

Chris Liddell, chief financial officer of Microsoft noted that “we feel extremely good about our relative competitive position and our ability to continue outgrowing IT spend. We believe our exceptionally strong cash flow, product pipeline and financial strength will allow us to weather economic conditions well.”

In a report on the earnings the company detailed some “forward-looking statements”. These are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. One of the statements was “delays in product development and related product release schedules”, we all hope there won’t be any delays hitting Windows 7 as the company starts to unveil its plans for the next generation Windows OS next week.

Microsoft announced the earnings at 5:30pm ET yesterday, an hour and a half after the NASDAQ closed for market hours. After-market trading has the stock price down just over 6% at the time of writing.