Live for NCAA basketball? Who doesn’t! MSN for Windows 8, with its totally re-imaged interface, is the perfect resource for fans to stay up-to-date with the latest scores and schedules throughout the tournament season, without having to click through multiple websites.

If you haven’t tried MSN for Windows 8, take a break from March Madness and head to the Microsoft store in Westfield Century City, where a retail store associate will guide you through the new interface including its interactive touch features and design elements. Visit a store before March 24 and you’ll receive a voucher for $25 off a purchase of $75 or more and have the chance to win a trip to the basketball championships in Atlanta this April. Not able to make it into the store? You can still enter for a chance to win here.

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, check out the new MSN to get the latest on the topics that interest you the most, including news, entertainment, money, sports, health, living and more. For more information on the new MSN for Windows 8 experience, visit http://allnew.msn.com.

This is the ‘golden era’ of insight. The world holds twice as many bytes of data as there are liters in the ocean, and with the right technology tools, we are now able to replace hunches with insight and action.

Think comparing utility costs with meteorological data to spot trends and inefficiencies. Or compare ambulance GPS information with hospital records on patient outcomes to determine the correlation between response time and survival. This is all currently possible.

Big data isn’t new. But in the past, high costs and technology limitations have constrained access to data storage infrastructure and the tools needed to handle a large amount of data. This is finally starting to change, and with sensors, GPS devices, mobile phones, and social media data, we have a steady stream of data just waiting to be examined and used to help improve our lives.

The availability of tools to help organizations use information in new ways is expanding, and Microsoft is helping people harvest the enormous benefits of big data. This is where the potential for true innovation lies.

Learn more about the big data explosion and how it’s changing the world around us here. 

Have you checked out the Surface Pro yet? Now’s a great time to do so, with reporters and tech elites giving it high praise.  In fact, check out why Salvador Rodriguez of Los Angeles Times thinks Surface Pro can be used as a laptop or desktop.

In a nutshell, Surface Pro is a beautiful, powerful device that is simplifying how we do things. With this device, there’s no need to choose between a tablet and a PC.

Test out the Surface Pro for yourself! Visit your local Microsoft store in LA for a demo or click here to learn more about the features and benefits.

Do you ever wonder how companies use the personal information you share online? Do you feel like you have control over your personal information on the Internet? If you said, “I don’t know,” you’re not alone. In recognition of Data Privacy Day, Microsoft just released new research for consumers interested in learning more about keeping their sensitive personal information safe on the web.  

According to the new research, gathered from 1,000 U.S. adults, many people are not sure how their data is being collected by companies. Highlights of the research include :

• Forty-five percent said they feel they have little or no control over the personal information companies gather about them while they are browsing the Web or using online services, such as photo-sharing, travel or gaming.

• Only four in 10 said they totally or mostly understand how to protect their online privacy.

• An equal number of people (39 percent) said they turn to friends and family, as well as company privacy statements, as their top source for privacy information.

• Only a third of those surveyed (32 percent) said they pay attention to companies’ privacy reputations, track records and policies when choosing which websites to visit or services to use.

Don’t let the stats scare you. Learn how to keep your personal information safe by taking a few minutes to watch a new video series created by Microsoft called “Privacy in Action.”  The videos, as well as guidance and information about privacy options in Microsoft products and services, are available at http://www.microsoft.com/yourprivacy.  

When disaster strikes, what’s your first move? Many of us are focused on reaching out to those that are most important to us. To help connect people during these times, Microsoft partnered with FEMA and the American Red Cross to launch HelpBridge, a free mobile app that helps people connect with their loved ones as well as donate to those in need during a disaster.

The app, built by Microsoft, aims to connect users with the people and non-profits important to them through the most popular social media channels and communication vehicles.

The app allows users to:

• Instantly Connect – In the event of a disaster you can send contacts an email or Facebook message with one touch of a button, letting them know you’re ok or that you need help. 
• Donate – HelpBridge allows you to make donations directly to relief agencies who support disasters – about 10 agencies are preprogrammed into the app. The app also pulls live data on relevant goods needed for those in disaster situations so you can donate appropriate items. 
• Volunteer – Want to get involved personally? Users can receive alerts of volunteer opportunities in their local area through the app.

HelpBridge also provides geographical information, so in the event that you need help, your mobile device can act as a beacon for rescue workers. HelpBridge is U.S.-based and compatible with Windows Phone, iOS and Android platforms.

Give help. Get help. Connect with loved ones. Download the HelpBridge app here.