Windows 8

Microsoft Announces New Mice with Dedicated Start Buttons

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:09:00 +0000

New mice in the Microsoft Sculpt series

Microsoft on Thursday announced a new generation of Sculpt mice that will include, for the first time, a dedicated Start button. Presumably, this addition is aimed at ensuring that every Windows user has a hardware Start button of some kind.

Third Generation Kinect Coming to Windows in 2014

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:39:00 +0000

But where are the apps?

The third generation Kinect sensor that Microsoft will ship with Xbox One in November is coming to Windows users in 2014, Microsoft said today. But it’s still not clear whether (or when) Microsoft intends to target end users with the device.

In New Ad, Microsoft Finally Takes on the iPad

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:54:00 +0000

Sometimes, the truth hurts

Well, it only took three years, but Microsoft has finally taken on the iPad in the place that needs the most work: Public perception. A new ad, designed to mimic the sickly sweet iPad ads of late, pits Apple’s tablet against a Windows 8 tablet. And it is awesome.

Microsoft Offers a Free User Guide for Windows 8

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:31:00 +0000

Or at least a brochure

Microsoft has issued a free user guide for Windows 8, offering to help users “learn how to get around, navigate, manage apps, and personalize” the controversial new OS. Does the existence of such a document prove that Windows 8 is inscrutable? Or is this just the right thing to do?

Vote for the Next Book

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:06:00 +0000

Getting a bit ahead of myself, but what the heck

With the end finally in sight for Windows Phone Book, I’ve started thinking a bit about what comes next. Sure, I’ve got a lot of work to do on the current book, on both the writing and publishing sides, but I want to keep moving forward. And since I’m hoping to charge for the next book, I’m curious which topics are of the most interest to actual readers.

Lenovo Takes on MacBook Air with ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:16:00 +0000

Lenovo out-airs the Air

The only reason I’m not using a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is that I’ve gotten too used to the 15-inch form factor of my current Ultrabook. But browsing around the ThinkPad web site this morning, I came across a nice infographic comparison of the X1 Carbon (and Touch) with Apple’s MacBook Air. And they do a nice job of differentiating.

Surface Pro Comes to Europe

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:26:00 +0000

Surface Pro will ship in numerous European countries this month

Microsoft announced today that the Windows 8-based Surface Pro tablet would ship in numerous European countries this month, with the first country getting the device starting tomorrow. Additionally, Microsoft revealed a special deal for new Surface RT customers in Europe.

Microsoft Surface Firmware Updates for May 2013

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:27:00 +0000

Again, regular updates are just one of many reasons to choose Surface

Each month since the release of the first Surface tablet, Microsoft has issued firmware updates that improve the devices. And May is no different: Today, the firm is releasing firmware updates for Surface RT and Surface Pro. It’s the 7th straight month they’ve done so.

It’s Official: Windows 8.1 “Blue” will be Free

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:11:00 +0000

No surprises but a nice public confirmation

Microsoft’s Tami Reller appeared publicly today and reveal that Windows 8.1 “Blue” would indeed be made available for free to existing Windows 8 and Windows RT customers when it ships later this year. And as expected, a public preview release of the OS update will be made available in late June, when Microsoft holds its BUILD developer conference.

New Coke?

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:52:00 +0000

Calling out critics only makes sense when those critics are wrong

Microsoft’s communications chief has a tough job these days, and with Windows 8 is under attack from all sides he’s bravely called for a return to the center and a less partisan conversation about the new OS. There’s just one problem: The periodicals he’s called out for engaging in “sensationalism and hyperbole” are in fact right about Microsoft’s strategy. And ignoring that is the real problem.