MS plans glitzy retail stores

Microsoft has been keeping rather mum on what to expect from its new retail stores, but sources tell CNET News to expect lots of flashy monitors, fancy PCs, surface table-tops, as well as a giant display.

The outlets, which will be called simply the 'Microsoft Store,' closely resemble the mock-ups that leaked earlier this year, according to one source. They also borrow some of their design cues from Apple's retail outlets, including an 'answer bar' that seems to closely mimic Apple's Genius Bar.

The stores will sell PCs from some of the leading brands, showcasing what Microsoft sees as some of the best models Windows has to offer, with mostly high-end models such as Dell's Adamo.

AeroMechanical Services and GuestLogix have agreed to jointly sell their airline technology solutions to enable customers to process real-time credit and debit card transactions during flights, reports Travel Daily News.

The joint sales agreement lays the foundation for the future integration of GuestLogix' onboard retail transaction platform with AMA's real-time global connectivity solutions for airlines.

With integration complete, customers will be able to validate and process credit and debit card transactions in real-time, while in flight. This will enable airlines to sell higher valued products and services onboard while reducing credit card fraud risk and offering more merchandising variety to enhance the passenger experience.

US-based retail company The NPD Group has enhanced its retail insight service to enable consumer technology clients to view point-of-sale information and 'casual' sales data side-by-side, says Daily Research News.

This new view of the consumer technology landscape offers the ability to see brand assortment at key retailers, as well as track competitive promotional and assortment strategies.

The firm says this allows manufacturers to assess quantitatively how assortment, promotion, and pricing affect market share.