Microsoft Corporation(NASDAQ:MSFT) sure is heating up the "catch-up" world with some significant new product releases like Xbox Live with TV and movie downloads and a newly revitalized Microsoft Virtual Earth, which gives users a 3D representation of what they are looking at on a global scale, much like rival Google Earth. But, from what I have seen, Microsoft's new Virtual Earth mapping service is quite a different -- and better -- experience than Google Earth due to the ability of the program to let the user fly all around in what really feels like a 3D gaming experience rather than a satellite mapping program.

Yet, a problem still exists -- to download the actual application, you are required to use Internet Explorer -- an immediate turn-off. I long abandoned Internet Explorer for the custom features of Mozilla's Firefox browser and it still continues to baffle me why Microsoft requires its browser to access some features it wants to get mass adoption on.

Sure, Internet Explorer is the largest browser in terms of market share out there, but we are trying to live in an open world where the web is accessible on any browser for anything. Someone please tell Microsoft this...several times.

While I downloaded and started using Microsoft's new 3D Maps service, I was still required to use Internet Explorer for all accesses. This application will be little more than a novelty unless ole' Softie opens it up beyond its venerable but dysfunctional web browser.

[Disclosure: I own MSFT shares as of 11-7-06]