Microsoft

Wed
08
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 'Metro' Interface Unavoidable: Report

Microsoft has made a change to the final edition of its new Windows 8 operating system (OS). According to a new report, the change forces users who prefer Windows' traditional desktop layout to use the system's new interface (formerly known as ... 'Metro') every time the new OS boots up. This requirement could represent a major irritant for many Windows users. The most significant change in Windows 8 is the new user interface. It's a much different design featuring very large icons known as 'tiles,' and has already become fairly popular among users of Windows-based smartphones. Microsoft ... (view more)

Tue
07
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Microsoft's Next Xbox May Be Based On Windows 8

For some time, gaming experts have been speculating about the release date, hardware specifications, and software capabilities associated with the next version of the Xbox video game console from Microsoft. Now, a slip up by a Microsoft ... representative may have revealed that the device will be heavily integrated with the Redmond, Washington-based company's soon-to-be-released operating system (OS): Windows 8. In a podcast with the hosts of the show Vergecast, Windows Live general manager Brian Hall listed the "new Xbox" along with a number of other products that will use or closely ... (view more)

Mon
06
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8: Microsoft Ditches Term 'Metro'

Microsoft is reportedly scrambling to come up with a replacement name for its new user interface in Windows 8. According to reports, the Redmond, Washington-based company has decided to completely drop the name 'Metro' after a threat of legal action ... arose over possible trademark violations. Microsoft has reportedly told its staff they should not use the term in any applications or documents. Microsoft has been calling its new interface 'Metro' for some time. In the past it was meant to describe an overall design style, including both a typeface and a system incorporating very large icons. ... (view more)

Fri
03
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Microsoft Surface Tablet Gets New Mouse, Keyboard

Microsoft says its new 'Surface' tablet computer will be more like a traditional computer than other ultra-portable devices, such as Apple's segment-leading iPad. To help attract PC users the company is launching a range of new keyboards and mice ... specially designed to work with the Surface. The company is also adding the ability to interpret touch gestures to an existing high-tech mouse. Microsoft recently confirmed that the earlier, cheaper versions of Surface will be available on October 26, 2012, when Windows 8 is released. More expensive versions of the device, aimed at higher-end ... (view more)

Thu
02
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 Released to Manufacturers: Microsoft

Microsoft is finished with Windows 8, and has officially released the new operating system to manufacturers (a milestone called "RTM"). Hardware makers like Dell, Asus, Acer, and Hewlett-Packard will now begin the process of installing the new ... operating system (OS) on their computers slated for sale on or after the OS's launch date, October, 2012. By releasing Windows 8 to manufacturers, Microsoft is acknowledging that it has completed development and testing of the new OS. Obviously, work on the OS will continue so that updates and additions can be offered in the future. Windows 8 ... (view more)

Wed
01
Aug
Dennis Faas's picture

Microsoft Outlook: Hotmail Gets New Look, Name

Microsoft has introduced a brand new email service called Outlook.com. It features a look and feel very similar to that seen in the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS). Although it introduces a number of new ideas and features, Outlook.com will ... likely be a comfortable fit for experienced users of Microsoft's Hotmail service. After all, mail folders are clearly displayed along the left side of the screen, while individual email messages are positioned in the middle. Advertisements show up on the right. Touch, Social Networking the New Focus Like Windows 8, Outlook.com is optimized for ... (view more)

Mon
30
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 a 'Catastrophe': Valve Co-Founder

One of the gaming industry's biggest names has offered a disparaging view of the upcoming Microsoft operating system (OS). Gabe Newell, co-founder and managing director at Valve, the video game development company responsible for massive hits like ... Half-Life, Portal, and Left 4 Dead, suggests that Windows 8 is, in his opinion, a threat to open platforms. Newell and Valve are also responsible for the Steam platform, an online distribution service for video games. Windows 8 a "Catastrophe" for PC Gaming Newell recently sat down for an interview with Casual Connect at a video game ... (view more)

Fri
27
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Microsoft Admits Surface Tablet Could Hurt Business

Microsoft has acknowledged that its decision to build its very own tablet computer, Surface, could upset the companies that produce Windows PCs. The firm has also admitted that the rise of tablet devices could dramatically impact the traditional PC ... market. Both comments come in Microsoft's latest Form 10-K, which publicly traded companies must submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an annual report on the company's activity. The form contains a section where companies must detail any potential risks to their business. This helps existing and would-be stockholders to make more ... (view more)

Thu
26
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 Renders Images, Video, Text Much Faster

There's no doubt that Microsoft's biggest hurdle in convincing people to buy Windows 8 is showing them why the new operating system (OS) is better than Windows 7. The software giant has been working hard for many months to accomplish this task. Now ... the firm has identified an important way Windows 8, which is officially due in retail stores on October 26, 2012, stands apart from its critically-acclaimed predecessor: better graphics performance. In a recent post on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft graphics group program manager Rob Copeland carefully outlined the performance benefits ... (view more)

Wed
25
Jul
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 8 'Bad' on a Desktop PC: Analyst

Microsoft last week finally revealed the official release date for its upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS): Friday, October 26, 2012. Unfortunately, few technology insiders or consumers appear excited about the product's launch. Now, one of the ... industry's most prominent analyst firms has referred to the desktop version of Windows 8 with one, ugly word: "Bad". Gartner Research Director Gunnar Berger recently tested Windows 8 and produced a five-part review. Windows 8 Great on Touchscreens Berger's findings: when used on touchscreen devices like smartphones, tablet computers, and all- ... (view more)

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