As any software developer specializing in UI elements will vouch, the journey from early concept stage to final design can be as time-consuming as it is frustrating. As with any creation, the initial idea sees many changes as caveats and design constraints mean an idea or concept doesn't work, doesn't look write, or isn't workable. In getting to the final Metro design of Windows 8, Microsoft - the world's foremost software outfit - had to go through this stage of trial, error and deliberation to get to the final look, and Jensen Harris, a member of the Windows design team, has given a glimpse of some of the company's earlier Windows 8 concepts in a presentation for UX Week.
With Windows 8 having just been released to the public, Microsoft now has the test of selling not only to consumers, but to businesses worldwide. Emirates, a renowned high-end airline, has already adopted the platform as a means to improve the inflight experience to its customers, and while staff are better able to communicate thanks to "knowledge-driven" inflight service app by the name of KIS, but those flying with Emirates are also enjoying a slicker experience.
The problem with running on old software is, you're always likely to be left behind. In order to coerce consumers into updating or upgrading, the newest software is developed first, and anybody left behind is, well, simply left behind. While those on Windows 8 can already enjoy Internet Explorer 10, anybody still straggling on Windows 7 will still be waiting for the new version, and although it's not quite ready for end-user release, a preview version has now been dropped by Microsoft.
Wow. That was unexpected. In an interesting development today, Microsoft today announced that President of Windows and Windows Live division Steven Sinofsky is leaving the company with immediate effect. Julie Larson-Green is said to be taking over his place at Microsoft.
The Windows 8 conundrum is perhaps far from over, even if subdued, and whether you love it or hate it (or are completely indifferent, for that matter), it remains a fact that Apple has a really healthy competition in the tablet battlefield for the first time. Windows 8 / RT shows promise in all the right places, and brings an element of ecosystem familiarity that has gained the Cupertino giant its massive numbers quarter over quarter. Things seem to be headed in the right direction, for now.
Getting apps onto an Android device just got a little easier, with a free Windows app being released that makes installing APKs as easy as dragging and dropping them.
Back in August, Parallels Desktop 8 was released, and many vented their frustration at the company's decision to only offer support the Retina display to those who'd bought the previous version of Parallels after Apple released Mountain Lion OS X. Today, Parallel's 8 has been updated once again, and steering clear of controversy, actually brings a bunch of useful new features.
Now we know what you're thinking! You can't compare a desktop operating system to that of smartphones and the odd tablet! You just can't, it's utter madness and you should be mocked for even suggesting such a thing! Well, read on!
Angry Birds is already preparing to take over the world thanks to its many iterations and multi-platform support, but the upcoming Star Wars version of the game is set to take things to a whole new level.
Microsoft's Surface RT tablet has not been on the market long, and reviews of the machine have been somewhat hit and miss to say the least, but the current product is only part of the overall equation. There's the Surface Pro, for example, and that's arguably the one most will want to pick up.
