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…
Posted May 15, 2013, 9:30 AM by Shawn Knight | Filed in Microsoft
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…
Users of Microsoft's latest Windows 8.1 beta (build 9385) have reported that Windows Store apps now silently update themselves without need for user intervention. If you value up-to-dateness but couldn't care less about developer release notes, then this upcoming change…
Microsoft says a crack which allows hackers to download paid-for Windows Store apps without spending a dime is the fault of insecure app code and not a Windows Store issue. Redmond is essentially placing the onus of protecting apps against…
Microsoft SkyDrive program manager Dan Somrack has informed blog readers that SkyDrive will be making an appearance on Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft is slated to begin pushing the app to consumers after 10:00 AM PST on Tuesday, so by the time…
Posted December 11, 2012, 12:00 PM by Jose Vilches | Filed in Software, Microsoft
A Nokia engineer working on Windows Phone 8 has posted details on how Microsoft's Windows Store approach to security can be bypassed to avoid paying for games and in-app purchases. The process involves things like injecting code into the purchase…
Posted December 3, 2012, 5:00 PM by Rick Burgess | Filed in Software, Microsoft
The contents of Microsoft's Windows Store are now accessible via web browser thanks to the efforts of @vlkodotnet, the developer responsible for MetroStore Scanner. The project is purportedly open source and allows users without Windows 8 to slalom through thousands of…
Tired of using the same operating system for years? Microsoft certainly hopes so. The Redmond-based software maker is hoping "Windows Blue" will change how consumers perceive Windows by introducing frequent, periodic upgrades (e.g. annual releases), akin to Apple's aggressive Mac…
A tool of questionable ethical value has surfaced, allowing Windows 8 users to transform trial apps into their full-fledged, paid-for counterparts. Wsservice_crk has actually been available for at least a month -- most notably at the MyDigitalLife forums -- but only…
The always very excitable Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled Windows Phone 8 today, outlining a number of new features and improvements over WP7x. Microsoft, of course, hopes WP8 will be the key to increasing the software giant's smartphone market penetration…
Posted October 26, 2012, 12:30 PM by Shawn Knight | Filed in Microsoft
Microsoft created quite a stir earlier this month when it was revealed that the Windows 8 Store would block titles that received a PEGI 18 rating in Europe. Games with an ESRB rating of Adults Only (AO) were also banned…
According to Microsoft's published Windows 8 certification requirements, any app rated above PEGI 16 (European standard), ESRB Mature or otherwise contains content to warrant such a rating, will be prohibited from sale on the Windows Store. It's important to note this only affects…
Posted June 4, 2012, 8:30 AM by Shawn Knight | Filed in Microsoft, Software
Microsoft made Windows 8 Release Preview available for download last week, taking the opportunity to update the Windows Store at the same time. Redmond listened to user feedback from the Consumer Preview and implemented several changes as a result.
Microsoft hosted a special event in San Francisco yesterday to discuss details about its upcoming application store for Windows. The company shared details on everything from registration fees to the approval process, revenue model, as well as advertisements and in-app…
Posted December 5, 2011, 12:30 PM by Shawn Knight | Filed in Software, Microsoft
Microsoft is planning to release more details about the upcoming Windows Store at an event in San Francisco tomorrow. The Windows Store will become the central hub for developers on the new platform to sell their software to desktop, tablet…
Posted September 20, 2011, 6:00 PM by Jose Vilches | Filed in Microsoft, Software
Microsoft has all but confirmed that the Windows Store will be the only place to get Metro-style apps for Windows 8. The company says a centralized distribution will allow better discoverability, easier enforcement of software trials, and the facilitation of…
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