While we don't officially know what Microsoft will be introducing to the major Windows Phone 8 Apollo update that the company plans to drop later this year, people are as usual making mockups of what the future OS could look like. Now normally, I dismiss concepts as they are usually either impractical, ridiculous, or both, but this one is actually a pretty simple idea that can help boost the consistency between Microsoft's desktop and mobile OSes.
Although we're closing in on the end of Q2 already this year, there's still plenty for us tech enthusiasts to look forward to. Microsoft's release of the Windows 8 operating system is one of them, and according to a number of reports, the Release Preview (formerly referred to as the Release Candidate), has been built, which means the end-user release of Windows 8 is now in sight.
When purchasing a PC from one of the main manufacturers, the "unboxing" experience is swiftly marred by the barrage of unnecessary programs pre-loaded onto the computer. Known as "bloatware", it can be anything from free trials of various internet security suites, to vendor-specific programs - none of which the consumer has asked for.
More legal shenanigans today, with the news that Motorola is on the receiving end of some bad news with regards to an existing spat with Microsoft over the use of technology inside Android tablets and smartphones.
With Windows 8 set for launch later this year, the debate is still raging on about the relatively radical design changes implemented by Microsoft in the OS. Now, before I go on, I want to note that I'm not the type that's resistant to change. Improvement and progress is welcome, and I really don't mind adjusting to changes of any sort. But, the issue isn't with people like me; it's with users that struggled to understand Windows as it was before these radical changes.
Anyone who is familiar with the comings and goings of the consumer technology industry will be more than au fait with Microsoft's Kinect sensor and its associated attachments. What started out as a motion sensing accessory for Xbox 360 gamers has grown to be so much more, with people adapting the technology to be used in a number of different innovative and exciting situations.
As if students needed any more reasons to procrastinate and waste time gaming instead of studying, Microsoft is set to re-introduce its "buy a PC, get an Xbox 360 free" deal - another great offer in the Redmond-based Windows maker's push to get as many of the consoles in living rooms as humanly possible.
Nokia was once the untouchably dominant force within the mobile industry, but its Symbian OS was gradually eclipsed by iOS and Android, leaving the Finnish outfit with no choice but to hop on the back of Redmond-based Microsoft and its fledgling Windows Phone OS. In all fairness to Nokia, it has gone pretty gung-ho hitherto, putting much effort into the flagship Lumia series which has in turn yielded an army of fans – most notably Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak.
In order to reassure buyers that they aren't purchasing a PC in vain - with Windows 8 on the horizon and all - Microsoft will be conducting a special promotion (as Mary-Jo Foley revealed last week) during which they will provide Windows 8 Pro to buyers of Windows 7-based PCs (on or after June 2) for a low cost. But how low? Today, Paul Thurrott reported that he's hearing word from his sources that this promotional offer will be priced at $14.99.
If you are a fan of cricket and happen to own a Windows Phone device, then you are in luck today, for a new app has been released that promises to be right up your street.
