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Tag: microsoft

  • Microsoft Surface Touch Cover Detailed In New Video

    Microsoft Surface Touch Cover Detailed In New Video

     Microsoft Surface

    With all the hullaballoo surrounding the new iPad Mini, it’s worth remembering that some actual Windows-flavored competition is ready to roll, the Microsoft Surface. We learned last week that Microsoft spent quite some time in a studio, carefully crafting the clicky, compact Windows 8 tablet. And one of its most special, and most important, features is the Touch Cover, which doubles as a tablet cover and a keyboard all in one 3mm package. Combined with the Surface’s built-in kickstand, it allows the tablet to be used as one would a laptop.

    Microsoft also showed off the Type Cover, which is essentially a 6mm cover with a scissor key keyboard. It has all the same “smart” functionality as the Touch Cover, but with a bit more familiarity when typing.

    However, an engineer in the video explains that, with the Touch Cover, “there isn’t a huge learning curve with respect to muscle memory of where your fingers are striking the keys.” We’ll have to wait until full reviews are released to find out.

    Microsoft Surface RT is already available for pre-order and becomes available on October 26. What do you think of the Surface and its Touch Cover keyboard? Is it more desirable than the new iPad, which was updated yesterday with a faster processor and new Apple’s Lightning connector?

  • Microsoft Surface Windows RT Tablet To Cost $499 For 32GB Model, Without Keyboard Attachment

    Microsoft Surface Windows RT Tablet To Cost $499 For 32GB Model, Without Keyboard Attachment

     Microsoft Surface

    Microsoft accidentally listed the selling prices of its Windows RT Surface tablets this morning, and the prices are surprisingly high: $499 for the cheapest model and up to $699 for a fully loaded one. At those prices, Surface tablets likely won’t make a dent into the iPad’s dominance.

    The Microsoft Surface tablet with RT is 680 grams, 9.3 millimeters thick and has a 10.6-inch screen. It will come with 32GB and 64GB storage, and a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, which is based on an ARM processor.

    The 32GB model comes in at $499 without a Touch Cover, which on its own sells for $119.99. For an extra $100 you get the 32GB model with a Touch Cover, and for $699 you get the 64GB model with a Touch Cover.

    Microsoft is also selling the Type Cover, which is a thicker physical-key keyboard cover for $129.99. The Touch Covers look to come in a variety of colours, including white, orange, blue, pink and the default black. There’s no indication whether the Surface tablet itself will come in any other colours but black.

    The Microsoft Surface is the company’s first Windows computing device, and expectations are high. Microsoft has made its own hardware in the past, succeeding with the Xbox game console but failing with the Zune multimedia players and Kin smartphones, which have both been discontinued. Microsoft has tried to differentiate from rival RT tablets with some interesting design tweaks like a kickstand and the Touch Cover accessory. Windows RT and 8 are Microsoft’s first tablet OSes, and the company hopes to bring its package of home-grown software, services and hardware to rival Apple, which has a commanding lead in the fast growing tablet market.

  • Microsoft “Surface Phone” To Be Out Next Summer?

    Microsoft “Surface Phone” To Be Out Next Summer?

    The latest rumours have Microsoft heading deeper into the hardware space and developing a phone. According to the sources over at the China Times, Microsoft has been working on the “Surface Phone” for several months and plans to release it sometime during the first half of 2013.

    The alliance with Nokia as a manufacturing arm didn’t pan out as Microsoft intended, as the first Lumia phones couldn’t quite gain traction against the dual-core, high-res offerings of Android and iOS. Microsoft has certainly itself to blame since it took it quite a long time to introduce support for modern hardware in its mobile OS, and Nokia showed it can deliver innovative handsets when the platform allows it, with the Lumia 920.

    Of course, this is all rumours and nothing is confirmed, but it’s not too far of a stretch to believe as Microsoft is preparing to release their own Windows 8 “Surface” tablet later this month – a product they successfully managed to keep under wraps until they unveiled it and has somewhat ruffled the feathers of WP partners.

    No word on specs of the said “Surface Phone,” but in the meantime we’ll see welcome the Lumia 820, Lumia 920, Samsung ATIV S and HTC’s 8X and 8S.

  • Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer Security Bugfix

    Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer Security Bugfix

    Microsoft has released a temporary software fix for a bug in its Internet Explorer web browser. Cybercriminals used the flaw to install the Poison Ivy trojan on users’ computers. This piece of malware can steal data or take remote control of a PC.

    [quote]”Earlier this week, an issue impacting Internet Explorer affected a small number of customers. The potential exists, however, that more customers could be affected… On September 21, we will release a cumulative update for Internet Explorer through Windows Update and our other standard distribution channels,” Trustworthy Computing Director Yunsun Wee said on the Microsoft Security Response Centre website. [/quote]

    The solution will be automatically installed on PCs running on Microsoft’s Windows operating system if the machine is set up to receive important updates, Wee added. 

    Microsoft had began offering a temporary patch for the problem on September 19. 

    “We have released a Fix it (on September 19) that is available to address that issue. This is an easy, one-click solution that will help protect your computer right away. It will not affect your ability to browse the web, and it does not require a reboot of your computer,” Wee said. 

  • HTC Launches Windows Phone 8X 4.3-inch 720p display, LTE, dual-core S4 (PR)

    HTC Launches Windows Phone 8X 4.3-inch 720p display, LTE, dual-core S4 (PR)

    HTC has launched their new flagship phone, this time for Windows Phone 8, its called ironically the Windows Phone 8X. Remember the One X ? well this takes the same unibody shell and slaps it with a lot of colour,  adds 4.3-inch 1280 x 720 Super LCD 2 display with Gorilla Glass 2 coating, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor buffered by 1GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, WiFi a/b/g/n, NFC and an integrated 1,800mAh Li-ion battery. There’s also quadband radio support for GSM/GPRS/EDGE, HSPA/WCDMA (850, 900, 1900, 2100MHz) and, LTE for  the US Version.

    HTC sets itself apart from the crowd of Windows Phone 8 devices with HTC-specific features including Beats Audio with a built-in amplifier, and dedicated ImageChip for continuous shooting (100 shots). A  2.1-megapixel front camera with 88-degree ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel rear module with an f/2.0 lens complete the Camera benefits. 

    The phone will be available in November  in four distinct colors – California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow.

     

    [toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

    HTC AND MICROSOFT UNVEIL FIRST SIGNATURE WINDOWS PHONES

     

    New Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC to be available through
    more than 150 mobile operators globally

     

    NEW YORK, 19th September, 2012 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Microsoft today unveiled the first signature Windows Phones, the stunning Windows® Phone 8X and 8S by HTC®. The smartphones feature the new Windows Phone 8 operating system and boast iconic design, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™ and incredible camera capabilities.

     

    “Pairing HTC’s beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our brand is a big milestone for both companies,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “Together we are offering customers a clear choice and a truly unique experience. I’m thrilled to take our longstanding partnership to the next level.”

     

    “We’ve been inspired by Windows Phone 8 to create new smartphones that give the platform the iconic design and personality it deserves,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “Windows Phone has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile ecosystems and is competitive against any other smartphone platform in the world.”

     

    Iconic Design
    The only phone with Live Tiles, Windows Phone has a clear, differentiated vision and the consumer experience has been widely recognized as being groundbreaking, innovative and fresh. HTC created the Windows Phone 8X and 8S to blend the virtual and the physical utilizing a three dimensional, pure uni-body design based on the Windows Phone Live Tiles. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are perfectly sculpted with a dramatic taper making them feel magically thin in your hand.

     

    Because color is such an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, HTC is bringing bold, sophisticated and adventurous colors in a premium matte finish to these devices. The Windows Phone 8X will come in a variety of colors including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC will be available in Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Gray.

     

    Capture and share your world
    For the first time, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows up to four people and more to be captured at once. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8mp CMOS sensor with backside-illumination (BSI) for improved low-light performance, along with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens and a dedicated imaging chip. A physical shutter button makes it quick and easy to capture spontaneous action, even if the phone is locked.

     

    Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio
    Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC featuring Beats Audio also offers a unique audio amplifier powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for even better sound no matter if you’re listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.

     

    Brilliant Display
    The Windows Phone 8X by HTC features a beautiful, 4.3″ HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla® Glass 2, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare, ensuring you see every detail. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC boasts a bright super LCD 4″ screen with Gorilla® Glass, allowing users to see the Windows Phone Live Tiles, and every message and photo, with crystal clarity and sparkling color.

     

    Entertainment
    With the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC people can carry their favorite music, movies and photos with them wherever they go. With the Windows Phone Store and Xbox Live, it is easier than ever to enjoy the latest video, music and games on the move.

     

    Availability
    The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC will be available beginning in November. Available through more than 150 carriers in 50+ countries, the Windows Phone 8X or 8S by HTC will be available from the world’s top carriers including: United States: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Europe: Orange, O2 Telefonica, MTS, Three UK, T-Mobile, and Vodafone Asia-Pacific: Chunghwa Telecom, Optus, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel), Smartone, Telstra and Vodafone Australia.

    [/toggle_box]

     

  • Nokia Says Lumia Marketing was “Poor Judgement”

    Nokia Says Lumia Marketing was “Poor Judgement”

    Nokia found itself in a mess after they unveiled their new flagship Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920 a couple weeks back. The reason being was from a video they approved that promoted the OIS (optical image stabilization) features in the 920. If you remember, the video showed a girl riding a bike and the pleasant moments were all captured on camera by a friend, who was led to believe to be using the 920. However, the reflection in a window proved otherwise and revealed that the video was actually shot with a DSLR, not “the latest innovation from PureView technology.”

    In a written statement, a Nokia spokeswoman said the findings from the internal investigation “confirmed that poor judgment was exercised in the use of the [marketing] materials.” She added that Nokia has taken “appropriate action” as a result of the findings, but declined to elaborate on the steps it has taken.

    Nokia has yet to detail when the phones will become available, where to buy them or what they will cost.

  • NIIT partners Microsoft to offer new programs in Cloud and emerging technologies

    NIIT partners Microsoft to offer new programs in Cloud and emerging technologies

    Technology trainer NIIT inked a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation to develop cloud-ready professionals, to take on assignments in the global IT industry. Under this alliance NIIT will offer new programs in cloud and emerging technologies in association with Microsoft.

    This initiative will allow students to look at the next generation opportunities in the field of cloud computing, cloud services, and apps development. Further, the benefit of Microsoft Certification integrated with NIIT programs will be made available to students both in the retail and academic space, by NIIT.

    [ET]

  • Skype updates Sound Codec to “opus” Promises CD like Audio Henceforth!

    Skype updates Sound Codec to “opus” Promises CD like Audio Henceforth!

    The new sound coded for Skype was actually supposed to be implemented in 2009 , but due to limitations and slow internet connections Skype dropped the idea. The new codec is the re-engineered version of the one designed in 2009 to provide  “CD quality” audio (fullband stereo sound) over Skype, regardless of internet connection. No details on when the codec will be implemented, but Skype and engineers promise silent – Crystal clear entry into the world.

    Whats more the codec will be implemented over all platforms regardless desktop or Mobile!

  • Windows Store Reaches 1000 Apps Milestone

    Windows Store Reaches 1000 Apps Milestone

    We have seen a large rise in the number of Windows 8 apps that users of the RTM version can see from the Windows Store. Today, a third party site that has been tracking the numbers of those apps stated that it has now passed the 1,000 milestone.

    McAtkins Online says that in its latest app count shows there are now 1,004 apps that are visable for Windows Store users. This number includes both desktop apps (which cannot be directly downloaded from the Windows Store) and the “Modern” Windows 8 apps. Just a few days ago, the same website said there were 839 apps available on the Windows Store.

    Apparently, the rate at which new applications are being pushed to the Store has increased, and chances are that Microsoft will go near the 3,000 apps mark or beyond it by the time the platform reaches general availability. 

    It seems that more and more developers are flocking to Windows 8, which suggests that more new software will appear in the Store soon, thus making the platform even more appealing than before.

    It’s also possible that Microsoft could be holding back until just a few days before October 26th before it decides to open the flood gates for new Windows 8 apps to be released.

     

  • The Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 are here!

    The Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 are here!

    Nokia revealed its first smartphones to run the next version of Windows, a big step for a company that has bet its future on an alliance with Microsoft.

    The Nokia Lumia 920 is the company’s new flagship smartphone and has a touchscreen with all- new PureMotion HD+ technology and is powered by a 1.5 GHz Dual Core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB of RAM. It also has 32GB of inbuilt storage with 7GB of SkyDrive storage available.

    It features an 8 megapixel (MP) rear camera with PureView technology that can capture HD videos. The lenses on its camera shift to compensate for shaky hands, resulting in sharper images in low light and smoother video capture, Nokia said. Other features of the Lumia 920 include a 2,000mAh battery as well as wireless charging capabilities. However, you have to buy the charger, called Fatboy, separately.

    With better than HD resolution, overdrive technology for keeping moving images pixel-perfect and sunlight enhancements for easy viewing even in the brightest sunlight, the 4.5 inch display of the Lumia 920 produces a totally amazing experience. 

    The WXGA (1,280 x 768 pixels) display is also super sensitive–it will be usable even with gloves or fingernails.  PureMotion displays are super-sensitive with any touch interaction, enabled by the ClearPad Series 3 technology.

    The other device, Lumia 820, comes with a 4.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and it runs on a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4  processor coupled with 1GB RAM. The other features include a 8 megapixel (MP) camera with dual-LED flash, wireless charging and a 1650mAh battery and all exclusive apps that Lumia 920 has. The 8GB model comes with changeable back covers in  Red, Yellow, Grey, Cyan, Purple, White & Black.

    Both handsets feature near-field communication (NFC)–Nokia has been a fervent supporter of the technology, and the handsets will come with the usual Nokia Drive and Maps apps. In fact, Maps is now the default for Windows Phone 8, a result of the close partnership between the Finnish company and Microsoft.

    The price and availability date of the new phone weren’t immediately available.

    Could this be Nokia’s comeback to the pinnacle of the smartphone segment? Let’s wait and see! Expect a hands-on soon!  

    Lumia 820 Specs List

    Lumia 920 Specs List

  • HTC also announces press event a week from Apple – Sept 19th

    HTC also announces press event a week from Apple – Sept 19th

    We already know of Nokia’s and Apple’s press events in Spetember, apart from the Moto-Intel launch in the UK, now HTC has announced a press event on the 19th, possibly launching Windows 8 phones that were leaked weeks ago. Looks like this time around it may not be Apple’s month at all.

  • Nokia’s New Lumia Phones Leaked

    Nokia’s New Lumia Phones Leaked

    Days ahead of the launch of Nokia’s new Lumia phones, the 920 and the 820, in New York this Wednesday, someone using the Twitter account @evleaks has released images purporting to be of those very phones.

    The pictures show the handsets, which look similar to Nokia’s earlier Lumia models, in a range of colours, including yellow and red. 

    According to the Telegraph, the larger of the two, the Lumia 920, has a 4.5-inch display and the smaller Lumia 820 has a 4.3-inch display but comes in more colours. It is also rumoured that the 920 will come with PureView, which, if true, could be a major selling point. The Nokia 808 PureView phone came with a whopping 41-megapixel camera, and it would have been an awesome little phone if not for the fact it also came with the Symbian operating system. But then again, this could all be a hoax!

    It all comes down to Wednesday! Also, we might just get our hands on these devices pretty soon! So stay tuned!

  • Microsoft Debuts New Logo Before Windows 8

    Microsoft Debuts New Logo Before Windows 8

    In advance of the Windows 8 launch on Oct. 26, Microsoft today unveiled a new logo that’s 25 years in the making.

    The world’s largest software company is introducing a dash of color in its first logo redesign since 1987, using a new multi-colored square next to a plain rendering of its name, replacing its well-worn italic style logo.

    Microsoft is rolling out its new Windows 8 operating system along with new Office and phone software this autumn, and is hoping the new logo unifies customers’ experience of the company, much like rival Apple Inc’s distinctive logo has for its consumers.

    The logo uses the so-called Segoe font, which is used in Microsoft products and marketing materials, and four colored squares that are “intended to express the company’s diverse portfolio of products,” the Redmond, Washington-based company said on its blog.

    “It’s been 25 years since we’ve updated the Microsoft logo and now is the perfect time for a change,” said Jeff Hansen, general manager of Microsoft’s brand strategy, in a blog on Microsoft’s website. “This wave of new releases is not only a reimagining of our most popular products, but also represents a new era for Microsoft, so our logo should evolve to visually accentuate this new beginning.”

    The new design, which resembles the existing logo for Windows, its most important product, is already in use on Microsoft’s website and is being unveiled at its latest store opening in Boston on Thursday.

  • Nokia to stick with Windows

    Nokia to stick with Windows

    Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop promised to unveil a new smartphone using Microsoft’s latest Windows 8 software soon, raising the prospect it will be launched in early September before rival Apple promotes its new iPhone.

    The Finnish company, which is fighting for survival after losing out to rivals in the lucrative smartphone business, is due to hold a trade show in Helsinki on September 5-6, just before an Apple event on September 12 where the U.S. competitor could announce a redesigned iPhone.

    Nokia, the world’s second-largest cellphone maker, has not commented on what it will announce at the Nokia World event, but business magazines have said it will unveil the new Windows 8 smartphones. 

    Elop, in Oslo for a meeting with Telenor Chief Executive Jon Fredrik Baksaas, did not deny a September launch but would only say Windows 8 smartphones would be released “relatively near term.”

  • Microsoft to drop ‘Metro’ name for Windows 8

    Microsoft to drop ‘Metro’ name for Windows 8

    A potential trademark dispute has forced Microsoft to drop the Metro name for Windows 8’s blocky, tile-based interface.

    Talks with an “important European partner” have brought about the change according to internal memos seen by tech news site The Verge.

    The partner is believed to be German retail giant Metro AG.

    Microsoft is currently working out what to call the interface and said the new name would be announced soon.

    The tiled interface is used on both Windows 8 and Windows Phone and has been called “Metro” ever since Microsoft started showing off its designs for the software.

    Elements of it have also been used on older products such as the Zune media player.

    In documents sent out to developers and media months ago, Microsoft said Metro was the “code name for our design language”.

    It added that Metro was picked because the name was “modern and clean. It’s fast and in motion”.

    Now documents sent out to developers are warning coders to avoid using the word when referring to the distinctive interface.

    The warning is believed to follow on from an internal memo sent by Microsoft’s Legal and Corporate Affairs department which said the company had been threatened with legal action over its use of the name.

    The threat is believed to have been made by German retailer Metro AG, which owns trademarks on the word. Metro AG declined to comment on the claim.

    Instead of Metro, Microsoft has told developers to simply refer to the blocky display as a “Windows 8 style UI” for the time being.

     

    [quote]

    In a statement, Microsoft said: “We have used Metro style as a code name during the product development cycle across many of our product lines.

     

    “As we get closer to launch and transition from industry dialogue to a broad consumer dialogue we will use our commercial names,” it said.

    [/quote]

    Source : BBC

     

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