Windows 8's lock screen is easy on the eye, but - as with many of the features within the Consumer Preview - just doesn't really work on a desktop or notebook.
Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE’s Director of Programming, better known to gaming fans as Major Nelson, has showcased a limited edition range of Chrome Series wireless controllers set to launch in the middle of next month.
Considering consumers pay such a high price in the stores for their gizmos and gadgets, they would be forgiven for thinking that the manufacturers of these high-end pieces of technology are doing all they can to ensure any data that passes through the product and associated services is as secure as it possibly can be. However, if recent research into the subject is anything to go by, then it would appear that this isn't always the case, with sensitive data such as credit card details being easily accessible on Xbox 360 consoles through the use of widely available tools.
While Windows 8 has received plenty of mixed criticism regarding its user interface and the desktop, there's a more unanimous agreement that it is a pretty damn good tablet OS. But, is Microsoft's unique approach to tablets going to be enough to even get a foot in the door of the tablet market? After all, it isn't even so much a tablet market as an iPad market; Apple created this market, and are doing a great job at maintaining a firm grip on it. But, while nothing will kill the iPad anytime soon, it is possible for a product to gain decent share in an Apple-dominated market. Just look at Android.
One of the more significant additions to Windows 8 (on the latest Consumer Preview build) - which is critical for the platform to succeed in the tablet space - is the Windows Store, essentially an app store where you can purchase applications for Windows, particularly Metro-style ones. Thus, in terms of functionality, it's pretty much like a combination of the iOS and Mac App Stores. But, in usability and design, it does have its differences.
With the Windows 8 Consumer Preview having released amid rave reviews on last month's leap year day, the rumor mill is already touting the Release Candidate to make an appearance as early as late May.
We're currently at that helpless stage with regards to the next Xbox release, whereby rumors and speculation are continually being recycled, and with little official word offered by Microsoft, we're forced to try and dredge some truth from the many conflicting rumors.
An internal email that found its way out of the company and into the hands of Microsoft blogger Mary-Jo Foley reveals that Microsoft will be putting a new policy in place which will prevent employees of the company's Sales, Marketing, Services, IT, and Operations Group (SMSG) from purchasing Apple products - they specified Macs and iPads within the email - with company funds. The email was sent out by Alain Crozier, the CFO of the SMSG division, which encompasses around 46,000 employees worldwide.
It came as a little bit of shock when Nokia and Microsoft announced a partnership in 2011 that would see the ailing Finnish mobile device maker implement the Windows Phone OS in its next-generation of smartphone releases. The plan was for Nokia to see out their commitment to the Symbian software before ultimately designing and rolling out a range of smartphones powered completely by the Microsoft mobile OS.
Once upon a time when discussing operating systems, Windows would have been at the top of every person’s list and while it is still the world’s most recognizable OS, it has suffered a fall from greatness in recent years. With the whirlwind resurgence of Apple over the last decade, the company’s products and software have become some of the most talked about in the technology world, with Mac OS X benefitting from a rise in popularity, stealing the thunder from Microsoft.
