■SOFTWARE
Millions try Windows 7
Microsoft said more than 3 million customers are currently trying out its Windows 7 operating system software. Customers who downloaded the pre-release version of the operating system or installed it from a compact disc have provided a list of 175 points for the company to review, Eddie Wu (吳勝雄), general manager for Microsoft’s Original Equipment Manufacturing division in Asia, said yesterday in Taipei. Microsoft said on May 11 it would release Windows 7, its newest operating system, before the year-end holidays. Sales in its Windows division may get a boost from the new platform after revenue suffered as consumers delayed updating to Windows Vista which was released to consumers in 2007. Taiwan’s Acer Inc (宏碁), the world’s third-largest computer supplier, and Asustek Computer Inc (華碩), maker of the Eee PC low-cost notebook, are among vendors who’ve backed Windows 7 and say they’ll release products supporting the new platform.
■RETAIL
Times Square gets revamp
Visitors to New York’s Times Square will no longer have to dodge taxis if they want to stop in the middle of the street to stare at its iconic neon lights. On Sunday, authorities blocked of the notorious traffic clogged intersection that will become a pedestrian zone, with only walkers, cyclists and skaters allowed on Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets. The move is designed to free up space for street artists, cafes and vendors and improve the area for New Yorkers and tourists alike. A second pedestrian zones opened on Herald Square in front of Macy’s department store, the center stage of the US’ most famous Thanksgiving holiday parade.
■AVIATION
Qantas cuts first-class seats
Australian airline Qantas said yesterday it is cutting first-class services on some international flights because of fall in demand caused by the global financial crisis. “Qantas, like many other international airlines has experienced reduced demand in premium cabins,” spokesman Rob Gurney said in a statement. “We have temporarily taken our first-class offering off our San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Melbourne-Hong Kong-London route and will now be servicing these routes with business, premium economy and economy classes only.” Some customers would now get a first-class seat at business-class prices, a Qantas spokeswoman said.
■CUBA
Havana revises forecast
Cuba is revising its economic growth forecast to 2.4 percent, down from its original projection of 6 percent for the year. Economy Minister Marino Alberto Murrillo says the world financial meltdown has hurt tourism and prices for nickel, a key export. The announcement comes as the government calls for workers to be more productive and to save resources in the face of economic risis. Cuba also is still recovering from the effects of three hurricanes last year. Murrillo was quoted on Sunday by Juventud Rebelde newspaper.
■ELECTRONICS
Philips to buy Saeco
Royal Philips Electronics NV agreed to buy Saeco International Group SpA, an Italian maker of espresso machines that’s controlled by PAI Partners. The transaction is subject to Philips reaching a final agreement with banks with which Saeco has outstanding credit obligations, Philips said yesterday in an e-mailed statement. No financial details were disclosed.
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