Brand: MacNews

“And now for something completely different.” Microsoft has announced that the official sale date for their much touted new operating system — Windows XP — is scheduled for October 25. In a statement, Bill Gates said that this was the “most important release since Windows 95.” More information is available from an AP story.

A report on AdWeek.com today reports that Earthlink Networks has moved from BBDO West to TBWAChiatDay for their advertising needs — an account worth an estimated $50 million. Sources in the story claim that this is as a result of Earthlink’s “alliance” with Apple — announced earlier this year.

Apple has improved on the services offered to OS X customers who use iTool’s Mac.com email, according to a report on MacUser UK this morning. If you use OS X you will now be able to take advantage of Apple’s IMAP server, as well as send emails from your own ISP’s mail server.

Macworld UK is reporting that the first anti-trust case against Microsoft is still months away — this according to Mario Monti, the European Commissioner for competition issues. Further details are available from the Macworld UK Web site.

VersionTracker notes the release of Excite Messenger 2.0, a free instant messanging/chat client, today. Features offered include Instant Messaging, Buddy Cards, Personalized Content (news headlines, stock quotes, weather, etc.) and email notification.