REDMOND, Wash. — Feb.  14, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. and Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) on Friday announced an agreement to work together on video ad experiences across Microsoft’s portfolio of digital advertising assets. The agreement provides SMG and its clients unprecedented access across the video opportunities afforded by Microsoft properties such as Xbox, Skype and Ads in Apps on Windows 8, as well as MSN and the Microsoft Video Ad Network, to deliver seamless innovative experiences that marketers can execute, buy and measure as they do with linear TV media. When combined, Microsoft’s video portfolio network reaches more than 78 percent of the U.S. Internet audience.

According to executives of both companies, the agreement aligns with Microsoft’s “one video” vision and SMG’s vision for delivering integrated video ad experiences across multiple screens. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Through our suite of devices and services, we can deliver a true cross-screen, premium video advertising experience at-scale that will unlock new opportunities to truly enhance brand connections with consumers,” said Stephen Kim, vice president for Global Agencies for Microsoft Advertising. ”We see this agreement as being the proverbial ‘key’ that will unlock opportunities for SMG’s clients who want to extend and complement their broadcast ads with unique experiences across more of our screens than ever before. It is also validation of the power Microsoft’s digital screen assets can bring to marketers.”

“People consume video across all kinds of screens all times of the day, so it’s essential we create solutions for advertisers to help find people wherever they may be and determine how to scale creative ads across devices,” said Ritu Trivedi, managing director, Digital Marketplace at MediaVest. “This agreement will help us deliver on this need by leveraging the scale and breadth Microsoft can offer.”

SMG represents 20 of the top 100 advertisers in the United States. SMG clients will have access to premium video inventory across all Microsoft platforms, and they will be given an early look at unique video capabilities on Microsoft platforms.

Microsoft and SMG will work with established third-party measurement companies to help drive future measurement across video experiences in multiple screen environments. In addition, the agreement will allow SMG access to exclusive consumer insights through Microsoft’s Research and Insights team.

About Starcom MediaVest Group
Starcom MediaVest Group is the Human Experience Company. We believe experiences matter. They enhance lives and build brands. We bring brand experiences to life through SMG's three global award winning agency brands: MediaVest, Starcom and Spark. Ranked the number one global media network in billings in the world by RECMA, SMG (www.smvgroup.com) encompasses an integrated network of human experience strategists, investment specialists, content creators and digital & technology experts. With over 7,800 employees in 110 offices worldwide, SMG partners with the world's leading companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods, P&G, Samsung, Walmart, among others. In 2013, SMG was named Festival of Media Global Network of the Year. SMG is part of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40], one of the world’s leading communications groups.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

New Release Adds OpenACC 2.0 Features for NVIDIA and AMD GPU Accelerators, Delivers Multi-core x64 Performance Gains

SANTA CLARA, CA - PGI, a leading suite of high-performance parallelizing compilers and development tools, now features support for the latest version of the OpenACC programming standard on accelerator platforms.

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 13, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. and Voxx Electronics Corp. (formerly Audiovox Electronics Corp.) announced on Thursday a worldwide patent licensing agreement providing Voxx Electronics with broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for devices running the Android OS, including rear-seat entertainment devices, tablets and other consumer devices. While the contents of the agreement are confidential, the parties indicate that Microsoft will receive royalties from Voxx Electronics under the agreement.

“Microsoft and Voxx Electronics have a history of collaboration, and this agreement further demonstrates the value both companies place on responsible intellectual property licensing,” said Nick Psyhogeos, associate general counsel, IP licensing of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “Licensing agreements are an effective way to share technology and accelerate innovation.”

“Our customers depend on Voxx Electronics to deliver cutting-edge mobile and consumer electronics, and the licensing deal with Microsoft enables us to better deliver those technologies in mobile devices and the ‘connected cars’ of today and tomorrow,” said Tom Malone, president of Voxx Electronics.

Microsoft’s commitment to licensing intellectual property

The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that open Microsoft’s IP portfolio for customers, partners and competitors. The program was developed to provide access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio. Microsoft’s specific patent licensing program for Android device-makers has resulted in signed license agreements with numerous companies including Samsung, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

GPU Business Delivers Across Gaming, Workstation, High-Performance Computing

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 12, 2014 — Preorders for the new Nokia Lumia Icon will be offered at all Microsoft retail store locations, Microsoft Corp. announced Wednesday. The Lumia Icon is available for preorder immediately at Microsoft retail store locations and will hit store shelves and the Microsoft online store Feb. 20. Customers who purchase a Lumia Icon before March 16, 2014, at Microsoft retail store locations and the Microsoft online store will receive a free Nokia Wireless Charging accessory valued between $49 and $69.*

Nokia Lumia Icon February 11, 2014 The Nokia Lumia Icon is fast, sleek and powerful.

Downloads: Web

“The Microsoft retail stores are excited to offer our customers the new Nokia Lumia Icon for purchase,” said Kelly Soligon, senior director, Marketing and Experiences for Microsoft retail stores. “Microsoft retail store customers not only get access to this great new Windows Phone from Nokia, they also have a chance to customize it from top to bottom and receive a complimentary, personalized setup session with a Microsoft retail store associate.”

The Nokia Lumia Icon offers a 5-inch, HD, reduced-glare display and a 20-megapixel camera sensor that features Nokia PureView technology and ZEISS optics. With four high-performance mics and Nokia Rich Recording, the Lumia Icon captures HD video while reducing background noise. Powered by the latest version of Windows Phone 8, the Nokia Lumia Icon comes with Live Tiles, which let you pin your favorite people, apps and more to your Start Screen for updates you care about and a phone that is uniquely yours. Windows Phone 8 also offers more than 220,000 apps with about 500 new apps added daily. For a more dynamic experience, the Lumia Icon phone pairs great with the Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet, also available at Microsoft retail stores. More information on the Icon is available on the Windows Phone blog.

The Icon will be available for $199 for new Verizon customers or for existing customers who are eligible for an upgrade with a new two-year agreement.

The Microsoft retail store offers a range of best-in-class choices to fit anyone’s needs and budgets, with a mission to help customers get the most choice, value and service with their technology investments. The stores offer a curated assortment of selected products, including Windows 8.1 PCs, tablets, Windows Phones, Xbox One, Microsoft Office 365 and more.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

* Qualifying customers at retail stores may receive a free Nokia Wireless Charging Plate or a free Nokia Wireless Charging Stand. Qualifying online customers will receive a free Nokia Wireless Charging Plate. Offers are not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be combined with other offers, transferred, or otherwise redeemed for cash or gift cards. Taxes may apply. Microsoft reserves the right to cancel, change or suspend offers at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb . 1 2 , 201 4 — Microsoft Corp. announced three new global partnerships Wednesday with the Organization of American States, Europol and FIS to increase cooperation between international law enforcement and the private sector in combatting cybercrime and helping build a safer Internet.

Microsoft officials signed memorandums of understanding with representatives of the three organizations during the company’s first annual Cybercrime Enforcement Summit, which brought together more than 60 leaders and experts from law enforcement, academia and the private sector to share legal and technical solutions to confront the global spread of cybercrime. The conference follows the opening last fall of the Microsoft Cybercrime Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to advance the global fight against cybercrime.

The agreements establish a framework for cooperation and are intended to spur collaboration and help Microsoft work with each of the three organizations to pursue criminal enterprises engaged in cybercrime. Microsoft, the OAS, Europol and FIS anticipate that the collaboration will enable them to strengthen their forensic and technical analysis of malware and botnets; assessment and investigation of emerging malware threats; enforcement actions against cybercriminals; and the ultimate dismantling of these criminal organizations.

“Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated in preying on consumers, including children and senior citizens,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft executive vice president and general counsel. “These agreements will help the private and public sectors fight cybercrime more effectively, while protecting our customers’ privacy.”

Microsoft is excited to mark its first collaboration with the Organization of American States. The OAS was established in part to strengthen collaboration among its member states, which currently includes all 34 independent states of the Americas. OAS is committed to developing a culture of cybersecurity by taking effective, preventative measures to anticipate, address and respond to cyberattacks.

“There are no borders when it comes to cybercrime, and the criminals are located worldwide, making it impossible for any one organization to fight cybercrime alone,” said OAS Ambassador Adam Blackwell. “We must harness the power of partnerships to have a greater impact against these criminals and keep the Internet safer for everyone.”

Microsoft often collaborates with law enforcement organizations. One example is the recent partnership with Europol to successfully disrupt the dangerous ZeroAccess botnet, which infected up to 2 million computers and stole millions of dollars from online advertisers. Europol, which boasts its own European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) based at Europol headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, has supported numerous major cybercrime operations involving malicious software and online child exploitation. Today’s agreement solidifies Europol’s commitment to continue providing targeted and effective approaches to combat cybercrime in Europe.

“The ZeroAccess botnet disruption demonstrated the power of our combined efforts as our coordinated approach forced the cybercriminals in this case to walk away from their criminal enterprise,” said Europol’s Assistant Director Troels Oerting, who is in charge of EC3. “This kind of collaboration is the new model needed to attack cybercrime, and that is why we’re committed to working with Microsoft so we can take more aggressive action in the future.”

Financial crimes in particular pose a serious cybersecurity threat. As the world’s largest provider of financial technology, FIS™ is on the front lines of the fight to maintain cybersecurity of payments and financial transactions worldwide. By signing this MOU, FIS is taking another step on behalf of its financial institution clients to help protect them against cybercrime.

“This partnership with Microsoft will help FIS to better protect its clients from cybercrime and make global financial transactions safer for our clients and their customers,” said Greg Montana, EVP and chief risk officer, FIS. “We’re pleased to partner with companies like Microsoft, which are taking aggressive action to address cybercrime at every opportunity. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Microsoft.”

More information about Microsoft’s efforts to fight cybercrime and the new Microsoft Cybercrime Center can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/news/presskits/dcu. About the Organization of American States

The Organization of American states is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, the OAS brings together all 34 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 67 states, as well as to the European Union (EU).

About Europol

Europol is the European Union’s law enforcement agency whose main goal is to help achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of all EU citizens. It does this by assisting the European Union’s Member States in their fight against serious international crime and terrorism.

About FIS

FIS (NYSE: FIS) is the world’s largest global provider dedicated to banking and payments technologies. With a long history deeply rooted in the financial services sector, FIS serves more than 14,000 institutions in over 110 countries. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., FIS employs more than 39,000 people worldwide and holds leadership positions in payment processing and banking solutions, providing software, services and outsourcing of the technology that drives financial institutions. First in financial technology, FIS tops the annual FinTech 100 list, is 434 on the Fortune 500 and is a member of Standard & Poor’s 500® Index. For more information about FIS, visit www.fisglobal.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 10 , 201 4 — In support of international Safer Internet Day (SID) and following the release of the latest results of the third annual Microsoft Computing Safety Index (MCSI), Microsoft Corp. is asking consumers to “Do 1 Thing” to stay safer online and commit to doing so on a new, interactive website, http://www.microsoft.com/saferonline.

The new site allows Internet users around the world to share how they plan to avoid online risks, learn what other people are doing to help protect themselves and receive instant tips to enhance their digital lifestyle.

“The Internet touches our lives every day; we email to stay connected, share photos and videos, pay bills, and shop,” said Jacqueline Beauchere, chief online safety officer, Microsoft. “Sometimes, though, the very experiences that we love about the Internet put us at risk.”

According to the MCSI survey, the annual worldwide impact of phishing and various forms of identity theft could be as high as $5 billion, with the cost of repairing damage to peoples’ online reputation higher yet at nearly $6 billion, or an estimated average of $632 per loss. This means that education and guidance about how to avoid online risks remain key and is why Microsoft is asking people to “Do 1 Thing” today and make it part of their daily digital routine.

Of the more than 10,000 consumers surveyed:

• 15 percent said they were victims of a phishing attack, losing on average $158.

• 13 percent said their professional reputation had been compromised, costing on average $535 to repair.

• 9 percent said they had suffered identity theft at an average cost of $218.

Yet despite such losses, only 36 percent said they limit what strangers see on social networks and the amount of personal information online, while 33 percent said they adjust their social network privacy settings. And, only 33 percent use a PIN (personal identification number) or password to lock their mobile device.

“There are many things you can do to stay safer online. If we all do just one thing, imagine how much safer we all will be, together,” Beauchere said. “Go to our website to share your one thing. Tell the world that you’re committed to helping keep the Internet safer and more secure. And once you do, you’ll be part of that positive change.”

Internet users can make more informed decisions and help better protect their online activities by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/saferonline, which provides a range of hints, tips and guidance including the following:

• Help guard your devices and online accounts. Use a unique four-digit PIN for mobile devices and strong passwords for online accounts.

• Perform sensitive transactions over secured networks. This includes paying bills, banking or shopping. Don’t share personal account information over “borrowed” or public Wi-Fi connections.

• Take charge of your online reputation. Discover what information about you is on the Internet, periodically re-evaluate it, and remove unwanted or inaccurate content to cultivate an accurate, positive reputation.

• Help protect your social circles. Use privacy settings to manage the information you share and with whom you share it. Be selective about what you post and accepting friends.

About the Microso f t Computing Safety Index survey

Now it its third year, the MCSI survey measures the online safety behavior of almost 10,500 consumers in 20 countries. The survey was conducted March through May 2013 and asked consumers to share their online experiences for the 12 months prior. Countries in the survey include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors : For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.