Microsoft finally released its long-awaited update to the Windows 8.1 operating system on Tuesday, and while the original Windows 8 build was very much focused around the touch-based future of the OS, Windows 8.1 Update 1 has brought quite a few optimizations for those on the traditional desktop. As has been discussed quite a lot during the past couple of days, Windows 8.1 Update 1 makes it much easer for keyboard and mouse users to navigate their way around, and to help ease consumers into the new software, Microsoft has released a series of walkthrough videos.
After well over a decade of service, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows XP, meaning that no further updates will be released from here on in.
Yesterday at BUILD, Microsoft unveiled several new updates to its software range, and as well as finally taking the wraps off Windows Phone 8.1, the software giant also dropped Windows 8.1 Update 1, with a clear emphasis on improving the experience for desktop users. Today it has emerged that folks tethered to the MSDN developer program can download the ISO image of the new build right now, ahead of the official, Windows Store end-user release scheduled for next Tuesday.
Plenty of Windows Phone users had been waiting on the announcement of Windows Phone 8.1 at BUILD 2014, and finally got their wish today as Microsoft reeled off an extensive list of new features soon headed to current Windows Phone 8 devices in the form of a gleaming new update. As well as the likes of Action Center and significant improvements to the lock screen and home screen, one of the key new features of Windows Phone 8.1 is Cortana, the voice assistant that will serve as the software giant’s very own take on Siri, and given the cult status of Apple's digital slave, Microsoft seized upon the opportunity to release a series of clips explaining why Cortana will be better.
As well as taking the wraps off Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft today took to the stage at BUILD 2014 to announce the Windows 8.1 Update 1. Although not as feature-packed an update as the mobile edition, it still offers plenty of handsome improvements, and we've got all of the details right here.
Microsoft has just taken the wraps off the eagerly-awaited Windows Phone 8.1 update, and as expected, it packs a host of new and exciting features that should help bring Microsoft's fledgling mobile OS up to scratch with the likes of Android and iOS. All of the details you need to know can be found after the break!
Not before time, Microsoft has taken the wraps off Office for iPad, comprising of three apps: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The Redmond's famed productivity suite has taken its time to trickle out for Apple's iOS device range, with the company having played hard-ball in order to sway users into purchasing Windows 8 / RT tablets. Details, as always, can be found right after the leap.
In a move to inspire a new generation of coders and young software engineering enthusiasts, Microsoft has joined forces with the Computer History Museum to release the source code for the iconic MS-DOS, as well as Word for Windows. Full details of this deal, as well as what it could potentially mean for the technologists of tomorrow, can be found found after the fold.
With Microsoft officially ceasing support for the antiquated Windows XP early next month, the company has been making some last-ditch attempts to get customers running the software to switch to something a bit more contemporary, pushing a series of very attractive trade-in programs. In the latest, those on Windows XP machines looking to upgrade to Windows 8.1 will, in return for lugging their old rig to their local Microsoft Store, be the recipient of a $100 savings voucher against a purchase of a computer over the $599 mark, and if you've been meaning to grab yourself a new computer and still find yourself languishing on XP, now's the best time to take the plunge.
Earlier on this month, Microsoft revealed that it would be taking the wraps off DirectX 12 at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco this week, and true to its word, the software maker has delivered the goods. The landmark release, which offers several improvements to the graphics and gaming API, supports a plethora of the software maker’s major platforms, including the Xbox One, mobile, and of course, PC. Catch the full details right after the leap!
