SanDisk has partnered with four major music labels, EMI Music, SONY BMG, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group to rid us of CD’s.  The new micro SD memory cards, dubbed "Slot Music" are pre-loaded with DRM free MP3′s and will be available at retail stores including Best Buy and Wal-Mart, with Europe to follow.  

The cards can be used in your mp3 players or cell phones that accept MicroSD cards.  The real question is, how much will these be and will people want to buy "Slot Music" cards instead of just buying their music on iTunes, Amazon or other stores?

[SanDisk]

  The one thing that we can say Microsoft has been consistently good at over the years is their keyboards and mice.  The new set of mic use Microsoft’s "BlueTrack" Technology.  The light is now a blue hue which Microsoft claims that it can better pickup the frequency of blue light and by using this, you can use the mouse on almost any surface all while maintaining the accuracy of current laser mice.  The advantage of course is that the blue light is an LED which allows for longer battery light and extended life.  

There are currently only 2 models using this technology, the Explorer Mouse and the Explorer Mini Mouse.  No mention of price yet as they are currently only at best buy.  

[Microsoft]

  Microsoft is finally attempting to combat Apple with some of its own ads as we saw yesterday with Seinfeld.  Today we have news that Microsoft is gathering its own Geniuses to try and up the level of service they can provide.  While there is still nothing about a Microsoft Store, Microsoft is trying to provide in store services in Best Buy and Circuit City as Apple does.  The employees will not repair your PC, but they will answer questions and demonstrate features much like the Geniuses at the Genius Bar.

The new staff will be called Microsoft Gurus and 155 "Gurus" are said to be available at major stores by the end of the end of the year.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery and Microsoft this time is moving in the right direction with its realization that it cannot dominate simply because it is Microsoft anymore.

[via Apple Insider]