From the Dark Side -- Microsoft Scores "Wins" Yesterday

- As expected by everyone except maybe the CNet reporter, the DC Court of Appeals rejected the Government's arguments to withhold ruling on Microsoft's stay request to more easily allow the Supreme Court to hear the appeal directly.

- A Nevada judge dismissed a class action suit against Microsoft for predatory pricing of Windows 98.

- As rumored for weeks, Microsoft affirmed yesterday that it bought Bungie, the innovative Mac-Centric game developer (Marathon, Myth, Oni, Halo), according to numerous web sites. Bungie demoed the fabulous "Halo" at last year's Macworld Expo NYC. According to news reports Microsoft has been looking to buy game developers for its upcoming X-Box, its Sony Playstation 2 killer. Despite indications to the contrary from Bungie, this may kill or delay further Mac game development from Bungie which retains Halo (Myth and Oni are retained by Take2, a 20 per cent owner). Halo is months behind the schedule announced at Macworld Expo NYC. And, really, when was the last time you saw a Mac game from Microsoft? [Chris Adamson]

- Windows Me, the update to Windows 98, will be out September 14 according to this CNet article. But is it really just a $109 W98 bug fix? [Dana Baggett]