High-tech vehicles and dealerships are the key to reaching the next generation of consumers, a Microsoft-commissioned survey shows.

The familiarity of Microsoft SharePoint and Office 2010 combined with simple accessibility to data in Microsoft Dynamics drives collaboration and helps customers strategically leverage IT investments to become more productive.

With new tools and information, homeowners can easily compare their household’s energy use with other homes nationwide – and see how much they could be saving.

Andy Lees and Don Mattrick have played central roles in building Xbox and Xbox LIVE and in re-shaping Microsoft’s mobile strategy and product pipeline. Below is background information about their roles and vision for the future.

Steve Holcomb powered the U.S. to its first bobsledding gold medal in 62 years at the Vancouver Games. The Olympian is a PC through and through. He trains using an Xbox and is a Microsoft Certified Professional, now setting his sights on getting his Windows 7 certification.

Upgraded power grid could help consumers reduce energy use and give utilities ability to better manage power generation and demand.

Microsoft Research plays design role in sensor-network project on Brazil’s Atlantic Coast that will help scientists understand rainforest climate.

Want to send a project status update without overwhelming people with details? Program Manager Heather O’Cull describes a feature in Microsoft Project 2010 that lets users create colorful, simplified timelines of their plans that can be easily shared using Outlook or PowerPoint.