61683971
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
One of Microsoft's main goals with Windows 9, the next major version of Windows, is to win over Windows 7 hold outs. The operating system will look and work differently based on hardware type. Microsoft is looking to showcase the desktop for desktop and laptop users, while two-in-one devices like the Surface Pro or Lenovo Yoga will support switching between the Metro interface and the classic desktop interface. The new desktop will allow Modern UI apps to run in windowed mode, and have Modern UI apps pinned to the Start Menu instead of a Start Screen. There will also be a mini-start menu. Microsoft is looking to undo the usability mistakes it made with Windows 8 for those who are not on a touch device. WIndows 9 is expected around spring of 2015.
61465673
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
The storage wars are in full force. Microsoft revealed today that they will be offering 15GB of free OneDrive storage, up from 7GB. Office 365 users will now get 1TB of storage, up from 20GB. This announcement comes after Amazon revealed unlimited photo storage for those who buy the new Fire phone. Dropbox, a competitor to OneDrive, currently has 2GB for free but offers more space if you refer people to the service. Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage, while Amazon Cloud Drive offers 5GB. This storage space increase can only mean good things for us, as competition between the companies will heat up.
61247373
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Microsoft is looking to create a more open dialog between the Internet Explorer team and the Web development community by announcing Internet Explorer Developer Channel. IE Dev Channel allows you to preview the next version of Internet Explorer (IE12) alongside and independently of IE11. Web developers can download and test drive the latest IE platform features, something developers were already able to do with Firefox and Chrome. This preview release even offers support of the emerging Gamepad API, allowing you to use your Xbox controller to play games in IE!
60755301
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Microsoft recently announced plans to reintroduce the Start Menu to Windows in an upcoming version of the operating system. While the plan was to roll out an update to Windows 8.1 and offer the Start menu later this year, it seems like this is no longer the case. Now Microsoft is reportedly looking to release the Start Menu with Windows 9, which is expected in April of 2015. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 have faced a boat load of criticism and hatred, partly due to the removal of the Start button and Start menu. The restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar was one of the key features of the Windows 8.1 update, released back in October of 2013.
60636063
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has purchased the LA Clippers for a whopping $2 billion, also setting a new record price for an NBA team. This deal is apparently tentative until Donald Sterling gives his blessing. Twenty-nine other NBA owners need to offer their approval as well, but that shouldn't be a problem as long as Ballmer reaffirms his commitment of keeping the Clippers in Los Angeles. Interestingly, Donald Sterling had purchased the team back in June of 1981 for $12.5 million.
60508187
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
A registry workaround, which tricks Windows Update into thinking you are running Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, allows you to get free security updates until 2019. All you need is a simple 32bit or 64bit registry entry in order to make this work. POSReady 2009 is slated to receive security updates for another five years. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP on April 8th of 2014.
60008079
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Microsoft has unbundled the Kinect from the Xbox One to improve sales, in the company's ongoing battle with Sony's PlayStation 4. Now available for $399, the Xbox One matches its rival PlayStation 4 in terms of price. Microsoft is touting "your feedback" as the culprit for this move. Any Xbox One functionality that relies on voice, video, gestures, etc, will not work without a Kinect. But, if you change your mind, you can purchase a standalone Kinect later this year.
59962351
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
According to a survey by Netcraft, which received responses from 975,262,468 sites, Microsoft's IIS and Azure are both threatening Apache's market lead. In fact, Microsoft is now 4.1 percent behind Apache. The survey also revealed that nearly seven million of the month's new websites are now using Microsoft IIS. Roughly eleven thousand of these new sites are hosted on Microsoft Azure, giving Microsoft the distinct title of being the largest Windows hosting company.
59962241
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
During TechEd North American 2014, Microsoft announced new services, products, and partnerships to help IT professionals, developers, and technology users embrace the cloud. Microsoft has introduced radically simplified cloud storage, enterprise-grade performance and networking, enhanced disaster recovery, encryption technologies, data loss prevention, and much more. Microsoft is now the second-largest cloud service provider behind Amazon.
59755891
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Is Microsoft working on a dedicated handheld gaming device to go against the Sony PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS? The head of Xbox responded to a question from an eager beaver on Twitter who asked whether there were any plans for a "handheld Xbox-One-like gaming device." The answer is no. Microsoft is focused on Windows Phone, tablets, and perhaps both with controller support someday.
59505185
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Revealed from a 10-Q filed by Microsoft with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Microsoft has been losing $300 million and counting for the Surface in the last nine months. Data from Strategy Analytics has also revealed that Microsoft's Windows-powered tablets now own a 6% global tablet share, in Q1 of 2014. Android, on the other hand, remains at the top with a 66% global share. Apple's iOS fell to 28%.
59504249
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
CNBC has released their ranked list of the 25 people who have had the most profound impact on business and finance since 1989. Despite having left the helm of Microsoft some time ago, Bill Gates still ranks very highly, although he is beaten into second place by none other than Steve Jobs.
59478407
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
The US Supreme Court ended a lawsuit that involved Novell accusing Microsoft of illegally protecting its Windows 95 operating system from competition 20 years ago by undercutting Novell's WordPerfect software. Development of WordPerfect was slowed down due to the issue and cost the company time and market share. Eventually, Novell had to sell WordPerfect for a $1.2 billion dollar loss.
58929943
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Microsoft has launched Office 365 Personal, a lower-priced subscription option for users who want to use Office on only one PC. You can even use it on the iPad or a tablet. Office 365 Personal is priced at $6.99 a month, or $69.99 for a year. Previously, the company offered a package that costed $10 a month or $100 a year for five PCs.
58822385
submission
DroidJason1 writes:
Microsoft has released the highly-anticipated Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers. Microsoft's mobile offering now has a Siri-competitor with Cortana, along with new features such as an Action Center, lock screen customization, Start Screen wallpapers, and much more. You can read a full review of the update, or learn how to download it right now! This update marks Microsoft’s biggest effort yet to bring its mobile platform closer in line with iOS and Android.
