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"You shouldn't expect an iTunes [Metro] app on Windows 8 any time soon," Microsoft CFO Tami Reller tells CNN Money. "iTunes is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It's not for lack of trying." The quote may suggest that Microsoft has been talking with Apple about adding Metro support for iTunes, but without any progress.
Former Windows Mobile maker i-mate has apparently sparked back into life after looking as though it was all over just a few years ago. The troubled company is planning on returning to the market with a new 4.7-inch smartphone running the full Windows 8 desktop and tablet operating system – not to be confused with Windows Phone 8, which runs on Nokia, HTC and Samsung handsets. The company, now based in Redmond Washington, is developing the Intelegent smartphone to work in combination with a dock and a wireless tablet display to create comprehensive workstation with full mobile capabilities.
Acer Chairman J.T. Wang has said that Microsoft is starting to listen more closely to its OEM partners following the troubled launch of Windows 8, reports the Wall Street Journal. Wang indicated that he thought that that Microsoft has had its head in the clouds until recently, “But now the go down to earth and they start to learn how people living on earth think.” Acer President Jim Wong also added that Microsoft is becoming more “considerate” to its partners and has been baking in their suggestions into Windows Blue, the first major update to Windows 8 due later this year.
Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer Tami Reller has revealed that Windows 8 licenses sold has now passed the 100 million mark, six months after its launch. This is said to include installations on new PCs and tablets, as well as upgrades to Windows 8. Reller didn’t reveal the breakdown of Windows 8 licenses, which includes Windows RT sales, but did say that there are now 2,400 devices certified to run its controversial new operating system.
Asus managed to sell 3 million tablets in the first quarter, offsetting a drop in sales of notebooks and computer parts, according to the company's latest quarterly results. Overall, the company managed to earn $3.5 billion in revenues for the quarter, with its $202 million quarterly profit an improvement compared to both year-on-year and the previous quarter by 5.8-percent.
Acer is preparing to release an eight-inch Windows 8 tablet in the near future, according to a leak. A page listing the Acer W3-810 tablet on Amazon appeared far earlier than planned, revealing images of the mobile device as well as its internal specifications, shortly after the company presented a number of new notebooks and a 7.9-inch Android tablet to the media.
Aside from unveiling the Aspire R7 with the "Ezel" hinge, Acer also revealed a number of other mobile computing options at its media event. The Aspire P3 is billed as a slate computer that can convert to a notebook with its keyboard case, while the Aspire V5 and V7 notebooks are said to bring thinner and lighter designs to the company's notebook ranges.
Google+ users can now remotely control a desktop in Hangouts, something suggested by the company to help in long-distance technical support. The feature uses the same background tech from Chrome Remote Desktop, according to Google staffer Daniel Caiafa in a Google+ update. When enabled from the Apps section, Hangouts Remote Desktop will ask permission to allow the other user to control the computer, while still allowing both sides to talk and see each other throughout the control session.
A Windows 8 tablet aimed at business professionals has been unveiled by Toshiba, shortly after the company presented its high-resolution Kirabook. The WT310 tablet houses a 11.6-inch 1080p anti-glare display with gesture-enabled touchscreen controls, and an accompanying DigitizerPen as an additional input option.
iOS 7 is codenamed "Innsbruck," and will use a "very, very flat" design, sources for 9to5Mac claim. The OS is reportedly jettisoning any signs of gloss or skeuomorphism, making it flat on a level nearing the look of the Metro interface used in Windows Phone and Windows 8. Apple has sometimes been criticized for using unnecessary real-world analogies in the look of iOS and OS X, for instance by making its Calendar apps resemble leather daybooks.
New figures compiled by Strategy Analytics shows that Windows 8 OEM’s shipped a combined total of 3 million Windows tablets in calendar Q1 for 2013. The tablet market reached an all-time high of 40.6 million branded tablet shipments for the quarter, a 117 percent increase from the 18.7 million sold for the same period in 2012. Apple retained a dominant 48 percent share of the branded market with 19.5 million tablets sold, singlehandedly shipping more than the total number of branded tablets that shipped globally in Q1 2012.
Taiwanese manufacturer Inhon has revealed a tablet that shares aspects of its design with the Microsoft Surface. The Carbon Tablet, following on from the 10.7mm-thick Blade 13 Carbon notebook shown yesterday, is able to vary its processing power depending on if it is held closed like a tablet, or opened up for desk-based use.
Touch-based devices running Windows 8 and using the upcoming Bay Trail processor could cost as little as $200 each, according to Intel 's CEO, Paul Otellini. The upcoming Atom Micro architecture due to be released by the end of 2013 will help bring device prices lower, as well as allowing for improved device designs and features.
Toshiba has introduced a new premium notebook brand, labeled Kira, that brings one the first Windows 8 portables to rival the Retina MacBook Pro's pixel density. The Kirabook features a 13.3-inch display with 2560x1440 resolution, equating to 221 pixels per inch but falling just short of the 1560x1600 spread on Apple's 13-inch Retina notebook, as noted by The Next Web.
Code uncovered in Windows 8.1 hints that Microsoft may allow users to boot directly into the desktop mode. Currently, when users boot into Windows 8, users are taken to Microsoft’s controversial, but touch friendly, Modern UI Startscreen. Users who traditionally work in the desktop mode must view this screen first and then select the desktop mode, which has raised many complaints from long-time Windows users.
Asus has put its combined all-in-one desktop PC and tablet on sale in the United States. The Transformer AiO runs Windows 8 while docked, for use as a computer, which then switches to an Android-powered slate. This in theory would allow users to just use one device for two completely different purposes.
Following reports published by Gartner and IDC showing the worst declines in PC sales on record, both Microsoft and HP shares have taken a beating, reports the Wall Street Journal. At the end of trading on Thursday, Microsoft shares shed 4.44 percent down to 28.94, while HP shares fared worse down 6.5 percent to $20.88 after it was revealed its PC shipments fell 24 percent. With the decline in PC sales directly attributed to the rise of the iPad and other tablet devices, the relatively weak performance of Microsoft and HP in the mobile devices segments has negatively affected investor sentiment in both companies.
Microsoft is developing a 7-inch Windows 8 tablet, reports the Wall Street Journal. Citing “people familiar with the company’s plans,” the Journal contends that it will be launched as part of a second-generation range of Surface tablets later this year. Microsoft’s current Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets center on a 10.6-inch display, however data from IDC shows that half of all tablets sold last quarter were under 8-inches.
Promised iOS and Android versions of Office won't launch until the fall of 2014, according to a leaked roadmap obtained by CNet. The document describes a project called "Gemini," said to be Microsoft's plan to incorporate the Metro user interface into Office. The first "wave" in Gemini is expected to be an October 2013 update of the core apps -- Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote -- that will run on mobile versions of Windows 8 and Windows RT. The software will allegedly supplement the desktop Windows suite, instead of replacing it.
Facebook is introducing the option to add emotions to status updates. The new addition adds a drop-down box with a list of emotions to choose from, such as "Happy," "Sad," or "Tired," which can be added to the post, writes TechCrunch. Options to add content being consumed in various ways are also available, with items being added to the user's About page automatically. The system is currently being rolled out to Facebook users based in the US.
Say what you will about Windows 8, but it has succeeded in yielding the most interesting crop of PC hardware that we have yet to see on the market. The Asus VivoTab Smart is a shining example of an innovative design that has been directly spawned to take advantage of the dual user interface in Windows 8. It is also one of the best value full Windows 8 tablet propositions out there, powered by a dual-core Intel Atom (Z2760) clocked at 1.8Ghz and all for as little as $450.
Nokia has released its first Windows 8 and Windows RT app, one that originally launched on the manufacturer's Windows Phone line of devices. Nokia Music brings the same streaming radio subscription service as its phone-based counterpart, but in an app scaled up to work on a full-sized desktop computer screen, or Windows RT tablet.
Microsoft has taken the knife to the price of several Windows 8 hybrid devices available through its Microsoft Store. While it is hard to pinpoint the reason for the price cuts, it is could reflect the reluctance of mainstream consumers to buy into Microsoft’s new dual UI, PC paradigm. Devices that have received a substantial price reductions include the Toshiba Satellite Convertible Ultrabook (down to $799 from $1,149), the HP Envy x2 (down to $599 from $849) and the Samsung ATIV Smart PC (down to $999 from $1199).
Microsoft may name its upcoming operating system refresh Windows 8.1, if a leaked image is proven correct. A screenshot posted on WinForum.eu and confirmed by sources of ZDNet shows the leaked Windows Blue build adding a suffix to the Windows 8 name instead of using Windows 9. The RT edition will be known as Windows RT 8.1. Though unlikely, it is still possible for Microsoft to give the OS update a different name, as a firm release date has yet to be set.
(Updated with sell-out status) Microsoft is offering Mac developers a special QuickStart kit that includes copies of Windows 8 Pro and Parallels Desktop 8, according to an official blog post by Sandeep Singhal, the company's group program manager for Internet Explorer. The kit comes on a USB stick, and is heavily discounted, requiring only a $25 donation to a charity of the developer's choice. Singhal says that a "limited supply" of the kit is available.
Windows 8 users running Skype will now have the option to exert greater control over who can contact them, thanks to a new software update. Version 1.6 of Skype, tipped by the company in a blog post on Friday, brings the ability to block contacts. The update also includes a number of performance enhancements for the audio and video chatting software.
Microsoft has altered the specification requirements for Windows 8 tablets clearing a path for OEMs to launch smaller 7- and 8-inch form factor devices, reports ZDNet. Until now, Windows 8-certified devices were required to have a minimum resolution of 1366x768, while the new minimum has been reduced to 1024x768. HTC is among those rumored to be prepping devices on the new form factor, with reports that its 7-inch Windows RT device would also be able to make phone calls.
Microsoft has started rolling out promised updates to core ‘modern’ apps in Windows 8 and Windows RT. In line for an update are the maligned Mail and Calendar apps as well as the People and Messaging apps. However, in addition to bringing long-awaited functionality, Microsoft has also disabled sync support via Google’s Exchange ActiveSync.
This week, JR.com has reduced the price of the Toshiba 23-inch all-in-one desktop PC from $1,150 down to $1,000, a savings of $150. That discount makes this the lowest price we have seen on this computer by $30. Free shipping is available, and sales tax applies for residents of New York. The Toshiba desktop PC features a 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. A pre-paired Bluetooth mouse and keyboard are included, along with Windows 8, Microsoft Office Trial, a 30-day subscription to Norton Internet Security 2013, and a one-year limited warranty from Toshiba.
Twitter has announced the release of its long-awaited official app for Windows 8 and Windows RT through the company blog. First mentioned in October, the app combines the Home, Connect, Discover, and Me tabs seen in other versions of the app with the new Windows UI. The minimized snap view bears more than a passing resemblance to the Windows Phone version, though the full screen view appears to mix between vertical and horizontal navigational flow, depending on the tab used. The Twitter app is free through the Windows Store.
Dell has introduced its most interesting and innovative Windows 8 device to date. The new XPS 18 all-in-one is both a desktop PC as well as a large Windows 8 tablet that includes a built-in 69Whr battery good for up to 5 hours use. It is also a relatively manageable 4.87 pounds, which Dell says helps to ‘redefine the desktop.’
Asus has added two new 15-inch Windows 8 touchscreen notebooks to its VivoBook line up. The new VivoBook S500 and S550 adopt a relatively thin .85-inch profile, but still weigh 4.6-pounds each. However, each builds on its ultrabook looks by incorporating hybrid storage options with combinations including a 24GB flash memory for quick booting and a 500GB spinning hard drive for expanded storage.
A senior executive in Samsung has declared that Windows 8 has failed to "bolster demand for PCs." Jun Dong-soo, president of Samsung's memory chip division, told reporters that, while Windows 8 has made little headway, he also believes the personal computer industry will not be rebounding anytime soon.
The MacNN forums have been fairly quiet so far this week, with very few new threads started -- however the war wages on in the thread titled "Windows 8 vs. Mountain Lion" where forum-goers debate the differences between the two operating systems. A recent discussion about how to copy a piece of text to Notes without copying the original style can be found in this thread.
Microsoft has effectively confirmed it will be offering a yearly refresh to Windows 8, through a pair of job postings. The scheme, dubbed Windows Blue and Windows Phone Blue for the mobile version, was directly named in notices on the Microsoft Careers site, with the scheme itself revolving around paid periodical updates to Windows 8.
Microsoft today revealed quarterly revenue of $21.46 billion for the quarter that ended December 31 and which encompassed the entire holiday buying season, the release of Windows 8, and the Surface tablet debut. Operating income came in at $7.77 billion, net income was reported at $6.38 billion and earnings per share computed to $0.76 per share. The numbers show a three percent increase in revenue, with a three percent drop in both operating income and income per share from the same quarter a year ago.
As promised, Microsoft has finally announced a launch date for its Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet. The new offering, which follows the Tegra-based Surface RT variant, is set to arrive on February 9 at a range of US retailers and select outlets in Canada.
Microsoft will be changing the price of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade at the end of January, and has also detailed the cost of other Windows 8 upgrade options. The operating system maker will be putting the price of the online and retail upgrades of Windows 8 Pro up to $200 in February, once the current promotional pricing offer runs out.
Enhancing the software lineup for Windows 8 -- and supporting the promise to bring back Windows gaming with the release of the new operating system -- Microsoft has announced a "Play for Windows 8" initiative with the availability of 15 titles, some migrated from the Xbox Live Arcade marketplace. The move is not expected to draw in the "hardcore gamer" crowd, but is a welcome addition to the nascent Surface tablet line's software library.
Microsoft’s long awaited Surface with Windows 8 Pro is rolling off the production line and will be on sale soon. Redmond’s Panos Panay, the general manager of Microsoft’s Surface hardware has tweeted the news and said that it will be “arriving in the coming weeks.” The Surface Pro is expected to shake up the Windows 8 ultrabook market when it launches, undercutting many competing products, while offering better flexibility.
Razer has been showing off the Razer Edge, a new gaming tablet powered by Intel and Nvida technology, at CES so Electronista took the time to stop by and check it out. Based on the Project Fiona platform announced at CES 2012, the Edge is a Windows 8 tablet that has been designed to offer a full PC gaming experience in a portable form factor. The base configuration ail sport an Intel Core i5 processor as well as an Nvidia GeForce GT 640M graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. The display is a 10.1-inch capacitive touch screen that runs at a resolution of 1366 x 768 and offers wide viewing angles thanks to an IPS panel.
Earlier this week Sony announced the evolution of its VAIO T lineup with the addition of an updated 14-inch model and a brand new 15-inch model. Sony was stringent in providing any actually specs or pricing for the new models and have only given "spring 2013" as a vague release date. However, both the T14 and T15 were present on the show floor so Electronista stopped by the booth to take a look.
Dell has created a budget version of its Latitude 10 Windows 8 tablet for more price-conscious customers. The new essentials level offers a configuration that drops some aspects of the original, such as being able to remove the battery or have support for a Wacom active stylus, in order to put the slate's price down to as low as $500.
Gigabyte has revealed a pair of tablets at CES, both running Windows 8 instead of Windows RT. The S1185 is an 11.6-inch slate with a Full HD resolution IPS display, while the 10.1-inch S1082 tablet is aimed more at the business market rather than consumers, with its focus on energy efficiency and higher-capacities of storage.
Electronista took the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the show floor and try out Targus' new Touch Pen for Windows 8. The product is a combination of a small receiver that attaches to the side of any display and a stylus designed for safe use on all screen types. Setting up the device is as simple as attaching the sensor to any screen up to 17 inches in size, and using the pen to tap all four corners of the screen. After calibration the sensor can then be removed and replaced without needing to recalibrate. The pen itself is similar in size and weight to a traditional fountain pen, but features a soft bristle tip like that of a paintbrush.
Samsung brought several of its latest computers to CES, where Electronista took a closer look at the latest devices. The 15.6-inch Series 7 Chronos and 13.3-inch Series 7 Ultra offer the full Windows 8 experience in a portable package, pairing touchscreens with Intel's i7- and i5-series processors.
Gaming peripheral manufacturer Razer has finalized the crowd-sourced design and specifications list of the Project Fiona gaming tablet. Rebranded the Razer Edge, the Windows 8 tablet PC has been put up for pre-order for a first-quarter release, though the optional extra side controller mount will be made available later in the year, as opposed to being included from the start.
Vizio has shown off its updated line of computers at CES, including a number of tablets and a pair of Android phones destined for China. All of the new PCs, pre-installed with Windows 8, are equipped with a ten-point capacitive touchscreen on every model, while a 10-inch tablet from the company includes Nvidia's Tegra 4 chipset.
Electronista is on the ground in Las Vegas for the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, and we got to spend a little bit of time handling two new notebook offerings from Chinese computer giant Lenovo. We got our hands on Lenovo's IdeaTab Lynx, a Windows 8 tablet that docks into a keyboard, and the Lenovo Yoga 11S, which packs the same bendy form factor as Lenovo's other Yoga model but in an 11-inch frame. Read on for initial impressions and the takeaway.
For a period between November 18th and December 22nd, MacBook sales came in 6 percent lower year-over-year, according to new NPD Group data. It's not clear why MacBook sales suffered, although there are several potential reasons. The major driver may be that Apple released only one updated MacBook in late 2012, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro; every other MacBook was updated earlier in the year. In late 2011, the entire MacBook Pro lineup was refreshed.
