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Microsoft News: Windows and Beyond
News and reviews about Microsoft latest products and developments, including information about Windows, Office, Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 and Windows Live online services.
Microsoft Surface RT drops to $199... for schools and colleges
- Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet hasn’t exactly been a smashing retail hit but the tablet is about to get a much needed shot in the arm thanks to a limited-time offer for schools and colleges. Under the program, which will run…
Skype launches video-messaging service on Android, Blackberry and iOS devices
- With the popularity of mobile chat services such as WhatsApp for text and Snapchat for pictures, Skype has wisely cornered the video-messaging market. Following an extensive beta testing phase that kicked off in February, the company has now officially launched…
Microsoft releases Office Mobile for iOS, available to 365 subscribers only
- Following many months of speculation and even a few leaked screens, Microsoft has finally launched a version of Office for iOS. The suite will be offered as a free download, though before you get too excited there are a couple…
Microsoft to open 600 Windows stores inside Best Buy this summer
- Best Buy and Microsoft have come to an agreement that will see the retailer install mini Windows stores in more than 500 locations in the US and 100 across Canada starting this summer. Dubbed the Windows Store, the areas will…
Asus shares new details on its mini PC, leaves door open to customization
- Back at Computex, Asus announced a new ViVoPC mini, but details of the company's tiny Windows 8 computer were pretty scarce. At that point, we knew it featured some built-in SonicMaster speakers, 802.11ac wireless support, and a metallic metal design. But…
Microsoft Points will be converted to real money later this year
- Last month it was reported that Microsoft would be shutting down their points system used to purchase virtual goods and arcade-style games over Xbox Live. It was a long time in the making as there likely aren’t many people that…
Apple moves Google out, makes Bing default search engine for Siri
- While most web users think of Google as the go to search engine, Apple is putting its ball in Bing's court, at least as far as Siri is concerned. During Apple's keynote at WWDC, plenty of new iOS 7 features…
Windows 8.1 to ship on 8/1, according to Paul Thurrott
- Long-time industry insider Paul Thurrott has indicated the shipment date for Windows 8.1 (formerly Windows Blue) will be August 1 -- or more cleverly put: 8/1. Thurrots date defies previous rumors of a later launch thought to possibly be sometime in October.
Microsoft announces Xbox One on sale November for $499
- Today at E3, Microsoft revealed that the new Xbox One console will launch with a price tag of $499 in November of this year. This price is higher than Microsoft’s previous consoles’ launch price, but is in line with expectations…
Xbox One will force gamers to stay online after all
- For a console that has yet to be released, the Xbox One is garnering a lot of negative press from the media and its once loyal fans. To make matters worse, Microsoft described a few new features slated for the…
Microsoft and FBI take down Citadel botnet responsible for stealing $500 million
- Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the FBI and authorities from 80 different countries, has successfully taken down one of the world’s largest and most nefarious botnets.
Microsoft offers a first look at Windows 8.1 in YouTube video
- It’s hard to believe that Windows 8, a product that has sold over 100 million copies over its short 7-month lifespan, can be considered a disappointment. However, for a company that has literally hundreds of millions of computers and tablets…
'Halo: Spartan Assault' heading to all Windows 8 devices next month
- Microsoft on Tuesday announced plans to bring the Halo franchise to all Windows 8 devices next month. The new game is called Halo: Spartan Assault and is said to take place between Halo 3 and Halo 4 with top-down style…
Microsoft plans corporate restructuring with focus on "devices and services" division
- Reports suggest that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is planning to realign the company, positioning some of his major executives in unfamiliar roles. The restructuring effort appears to be fuelled by the Redmond’s newfound interest in “devices and services”, a strategic…
Surface RT shipping with free keyboard cover ($129 value) for limited time
- Starting today, U.S. and Canadian customers who purchase a Surface RT from either Microsoft or an authorized reseller will receive a free keyboard cover (a $120 value). The deal is for a "limited time only", although details regarding its official…
Windows 8.1 offers plenty of Metro enhancements, but mostly forgets about the desktop
- Formerly known as Windows Blue, Windows 8.1 is shaping up to be a sizeable update for Windows 8. However, if Microsoft's blog post is any indication, the service pack-like upgrade remains ostensibly focused on touchscreen users with nearly all of…
Office 365 blows past one million subscribers, latest Office 'best-selling' yet
- In spite of the uproar caused by Microsoft moving in a cloud-based direction for Office, it appears as though the subscription model is actually quite successful for the company. In a blog post, Microsoft just announced that it has moved…
Surface Pro heads to Japan with new 256GB model, built-in Office 2013
- Microsoft’s Surface Pro will be making its way to new markets in the coming weeks, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as several European and Asian countries. But aside from the wider availability Liveside.net has spotted an interesting tidbit…
Microsoft customer satisfaction drops to almost Vista-era lows
- Windows 8 has received its fair share of criticism for deviating from the classic desktop experience and instead push a touch-focused UI across all devices -- even non-touch ones. Despite racking up respectable sales, a new report suggest it’s not…
Microsoft unveils two new mice for Windows 8 users
- Microsoft is attempting to cater to Windows 8 users that don’t have a touchscreen with the announcement of two new pointing devices, the Sculpt Comfort Mouse and the Sculpt Mobile Mouse. Redmond is taking a unique approach by placing a…
Study suggests majority of Windows 8 users ignore Metro apps
- Data collected by software-maker Soluto reveals that a majority of Windows 8 users mostly ignore Metro apps -- those self-contained, Modern UI-sporting, one-touch install applications found both in the Windows Store and come bundled with the OS. The Israeli-founded firm…
Xbox One: Entertainment hub first, gaming console second - but can it disrupt TV?
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Tech companies have been trying for years to get broadcast behemoths to change their ways and there’s been a good bit of progress. But it’s not enough. Technology is simply outpacing the traditional broadcast model. Something’s gotta give. Could the Xbox One be the catalyst for change that we’ve all been hoping for?
The Xbox One is now poised to become a huge mainstream success if Microsoft plays their cards right and even more so if they can get broadcast executives on board with their vision.
Microsoft officially announces Xbox One: here's what we know so far
- Microsoft live streamed their hour-long Xbox reveal earlier this morning and we've compiled all the important bits that were covered at the event. Here's what we know so far.
Bill Gates is once again the richest person in the world
- Bill Gates is once again the richest man in the world thanks to the recent success of the company he helped create. The 57-year-old Microsoft co-founder surpassed Mexican investor Carlos Slim yesterday to reclaim the title according to the Blooomberg…
Microsoft to replace Points system with real currency, gift cards
- Microsoft is doing away with the points system used to purchase virtual goods on the Xbox gaming console. In its place, Redmond will adopt a gift card system according to sources familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox plans as first reported by…
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