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Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
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Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Microsoft, Software,
Microsoft has given relief to Android business users as a native Outlook.com app made its way to the Google Play Store. The Exchange ActiveSync protocol is standard for business and Enterprise professionals. Unfortunately, the functionality is lacking in many older Android handsets. So, the initial user reviews of the app seem mixed but it's better than nothing. Check out the features after the quick jump.
Click to continue reading Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Read More | Google Play Store
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Microsoft developing smaller Xbox set-top box
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Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Microsoft, Rumors, Xbox,
Microsoft is developing a set-top box as an alterntative to a fully-fledged next generation gaming device. The set-top will run on core components of Windows 8, offering casual gaming titles (most likely through Xbox Live) instead of the big productions you'll find on the next-generation of Xbox consoles.
Furthering the casual theme of the set-top box, Microsoft is planning on incorporating a chipset enabling the device to boot up practically instantaenously for quick and simple access to TV, games and other entertainment services.
The set-top box is but one step in Microsoft's plan to bring the core architecture of the next-generation across several devices, such as a phone capable of handling a complete Xbox Live experience.
Click to continue reading Microsoft developing smaller Xbox set-top box
Microsoft Store Cyber Monday deals focus on PC, tablets, Xbox 360
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Video Games,
The Microsoft Store has a bunch of great Cyber Monday deals today, and we figured we'd help highlight some of the best. If you're looking for a Windows 8 tablet, PC, or cheap Xbox 360 and PC games for you or a loved one, check these deals out:
- Save $100 on Acer Iconia
- Save $200 on Asus Vivobook S400
- Save $250 on Vizio 14" ultrabook
- Save over $100 on Xbox 360 250GB Kinect Sports Joy Ride bundle
- Xbox 360 and PC games discounted to $9.99
Read More | Microsoft Store Cyber Monday Deals
Microsoft Surface review
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Features, Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews,
The release of the Microsoft Surface is a much bigger deal that the average consumer might perceive it to be. You see, Surface marks Microsoft's entry into the PC market. That might sound odd, but it's true--Microsoft may be the maker of Windows, but it's always been Microsoft partners who build the PCs. I'm talking about companies like Samsung, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, and others. Now, Microsoft is competing directly with its partners, hoping that consumers will flock to its Surface in a major way.
Similar to Apple's approach, Surface is the marriage of first-party software with first-party hardware. Microsoft controls the whole platform. If devices like the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Microsoft's own Xbox 360 have shown us anything, it's that when you have the ability to control the whole device as it pertains to software and hardware functionality, you can generally make a better product than you could using third-party ingredients. It's never a guarantee, but we think it puts you in a better spot to shine. That is the hope that Surface brings. Does Surface succeed in carving out its own niche, and filling a need that consumers are willing to pay to remedy? That's what we are here to discuss, so following along with us for our Microsoft Surface RT review.
Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface review
Unboxing Live 101: Microsoft Surface Touch Cover, Type Cover, accessories
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Handhelds, Microsoft, PC, Videocasts,
In this episode we give you a look at the Microsoft Surface Touch Cover, Type Cover, and a few other accessories you can buy for your Surface tablet. If you're curious about the size of the Touch Cover as compared to the thicker Type Cover, or want details on the other accessories that Microsoft is selling alongside its tablet, we bring you all that, plus more in this quick Unboxing Live episode. Be sure to check out our Microsoft Surface unboxing video as well for a look at Microsoft's Windows 8 RT tablet!
Big thank you to GoToMeeting for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! GoToMeeting with HDFaces provides rich, super-simple collaborative virtual meetings.
Skype patches recovery password vulnerability
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Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Software,
Microsoft, the parent company of Skype, has patched a password recovery tool bug that Russian hackers utilized to exploit and gain access to user's accounts with nothing more than their account name and email. According to The Next of Web, they independently verified the five step process and confirmed that it works. Skype made this announcement on its website blog:
Early this morning we were notified of user concerns surrounding the security of the password reset feature on our website. This issue affected some users where multiple Skype accounts were registered to the same email address. We suspended the password reset feature temporarily this morning as a precaution and have made updates to the password reset process today so that it is now working properly. We are reaching out to a small number of users who may have been impacted to assist as necessary. Skype is committed to providing a safe and secure communications experience to our users and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Read More | Skype
Xbox 360 gets custom design marking 10 years of Xbox Live
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Hardware, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,
Microsoft has put together another custom-designed Xbox 360 console, this one celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Xbox Live. As you can see in the image above, it's a dark gray console with green and orange accents, and an "X" design papered all over the hardware. It's a great looking device to our eyes. It was announced on Twitter by Major Nelson, who confirmed that the company is giving these out to a number of Xbox Live members who've stuck around since the beginning.
I can confirm we’re surprising some of the #Xbox LIVE members that have been with us the longest with one of these mjr.mn/THwudE
— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) November 13, 2012
Click to continue reading Xbox 360 gets custom design marking 10 years of Xbox Live
Nokia Lumia 920 $99.99, Lumia 820 $49.99, both launch Friday
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft,
After a ridiculously long wait, it's finally been announced that AT&T will be selling launching the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 Windows Phones this Friday, November 9th, with pre-orders starting tomorrow. Pricing has also been revealed, and things are looking good there as well, with the flagship 920 costing $99.99 with two-year contract, and including a wireless charging dock. If you'd prefer the 820, that one will sell for $49.99 on contract. Now that the pricing is public, anyone planning on picking up one of the new Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices?
Microsoft Xbox SmartGlass app now available for iOS
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Games, App Updates, Free Apps,
Microsoft's My Xbox Live companion app for iOS has just been updated with new functionality and a new name: Xbox SmartGlass. What does it do? Well, you can now use your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch as remote controls and keypads for the Xbox 360. This includes dual-screen experiences as well. The app is available now, and is not yet compatible with the new 4-inch Retina display. Xbox SmartGlass for iOS is free.
Read More | Xbox SmartGlass
Microsoft working on Xbox Surface, a 7-inch gaming tablet
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Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, Rumors, Video Games,
Among the smaller tablets of the world like the iPad mini, Kindle Fire HD, and Nexus 7, Microsoft's platform is nowhere to be found. Sure, the company just launched Surface a couple of weeks ago, it's first first-party tablet device, and it has the Surface Pro on the way too…but what about the smaller form factor? Well, it turns out that Microsoft is working on it's very own 7-inch tablet, the previously-uncovered Xbox Surface.
Click to continue reading Microsoft working on Xbox Surface, a 7-inch gaming tablet
Read More | The Verge