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Consumer Report Picks Windows 7 over Windows 8
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews, Software,
Consumer Reports thinks that, for the time being, you're better off sticking with Windows 7 and waiting on Windows 8. The consumer ratings publication provides pros and (mostly) cons of Windows operating systems, and ultimately comes to the conclusion that updating to Windows 8 is not worth the upgrade at its current state. Windows 8 has received mostly lackluster reviews from technology internet sites. Most of them being flummoxed as to what went into the decision-making at Microsoft. Still, according to Microsoft, Windows 8 is selling faster than when Windows 7 launched; but there's a question as to where these numbers came from. Here's an excerpt:
"A quick look at our newest computer Ratings tells an interesting story: Despite the release of the new Windows 8 OS, many Windows 7 computers are still available from a variety of retailers, and several top our Ratings. If you're shopping for a new computer right now, there are some good reasons to opt for Windows 7." - Consumer Reports
Read More 
| Consumer Reports
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Microsoft releases 2012 highlight reel video
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Software, Video Games, Videos,
Microsoft is not shy about patting itself on the back. Here's the 2012 highlight reel that it put together, showcasing company milestones like Halo 4, Kinect, and their re-imagining Surface tablet.
There’s no question that it’s been a momentous year at Microsoft. The company introduced the world to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, announced its family of Surface PCs, showcased a new version of Microsoft Office and released “Halo 4,” keeping up a steady rhythm of advancements across its most popular products for individuals and businesses throughout the year. - Microsoft
Click to continue reading Microsoft releases 2012 highlight reel video
Read More | Microsoft
Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro drops in January for $899
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,
If the Surface with Windows RT isnt sporting the power and flexibility you need (check our Microsoft Surface review,) then the Surface with Windows 8 Pro would be more your jam, and Microsoft has finally announced pricing for the beefed up slate. Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in early 2013 (read: at least 3 months later than it should have been release) in two configurations: a 64GB standalone version priced at $899 and a 128 GB standalone version priced at $999. Both models will include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology.
What do you think? Have you been holding out for the Surface Pro? How does that price range hit you?
Read More | Microsoft Blog
Microsoft has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,
Microsoft has announced that it has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses since the release of the operating system on October 26th. Although reviews of the operating system suggest it has not been well received, it seems that consumers are excited about Microsoft's new hotness. Also, sales figures revealed by Microsoft state it sold just 4 million copies in the first week of launch, so it's obviously ramped up a bit.
Click to continue reading Microsoft has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses
Read More | ZDnet
Microsoft Surface review
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
Live from Microsoft’s Build 2012 keynote!
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Features, Microsoft, Software,
We are live, front and center, in one of the largest tents ever contructed getting ready for Microsoft to kick off Build 2012, it's annual developer conference. It's been a big week for Microsoft, what with the launch of Windows Phone 8, its Surface tablet, and of course, Windows 8. The last piece of the puzzle is making sure developers are on board with all the new stuff, and Build is where Microsoft will push that message. Things get kicked off in just a bit, so keep it locked here on Gear Live for live coverage of the Day One Keynote!
Click to continue reading Live from Microsoft’s Build 2012 keynote!
Unboxing Live 099: Microsoft Surface tablet
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Handhelds, Laptop, Microsoft, PC, Videocasts,
Microsoft's Windows 8 has arrived, and alongside it, the Microsoft Surface tablet with Windows RT has been released! Surface is Microsoft's first first-party tablet PC device that it has ever released, and we were able to get our hands on it a little early to give you a look at what you'll find in the box. While we prepare our full Surface review, check out our unboxing video above where we give you a look at the tablet, the Touch Cover, and the setup process!
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.
Why there is no 16GB Microsoft Surface option
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, Storage,
When Microsoft announced Surface pre-orders, many consumers were puzzled by the lack of a 16GB option for the tablet. We got a lot of emails from readers wondering what was up, and it looks like we've got our answer. The Surface starts at 32GB of storage, and as it turns out, the user is left with 20GB of usable storage space on that model. That means that Windows RT and the pre-installed Office RT apps use up 12GB of space. In other words, if there were a 16GB model, the user would be left with just 4GB of space for their own documents, apps, and anything else. That would just make for a bad user experience, so Microsoft decided to start with 32GB of storage so that Surface users would still have a substantial amount of free space to use as they see fit. By comparison, a 32GB iPad leaves the user with about 31GB of free space, since iOS and built-in apps take up just 1GB of storage.
Have you pre-ordered a Surface tablet? Let us know in the comments!
Read More | Reddit
Surface tablet shipping times slip to 3 weeks without Touch Cover
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,
Looks like the Surface with Windows RT has slipped to a 3 week shipping time for those who want to order one without one of the black Touch Cover accessories. The 32 GB tablet will now be delivered by November 8 for those who took their time to decide if they really wanted one or not. Pre-orders for the 32 GB and 64 GB models with black Touch Cover are still on track to be delivered on October 26th. If you were hoping to get a Microsoft Surface tablet on launch day without a Touch Cover, then it looks like you're gonna have to head to your local Microsoft Store or Best Buy.
Microsoft Surface RT starts at $499, Touch Cover sold separately
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Handhelds, Microsoft,
Microsoft's Surface RT tablet is set to go on sale in just 10 days, and the company is finally ready to reveal price details and tech specs. It's official: Surface RT will sell for $499 for the 32 GB model, $599 for 32 GB with black Touch Cover, and $699 for 64 GB with black touch cover. Pre-orders begin today at 9:00am PT.
What about all those colorful Touch Covers that the company showed off at the Surface unveiling? Those will be sold separately for $120 each. If you prefer the Type Cover, which features mechanical keys, you're looking at $130. Many were speculating that Microsoft would bring Surface to market at an incredibly low $199, but obviously, that extremem measure of cost-cutting just isn't possible. Wanna pre-order one now? Head on over to the Surface page to do so.
Read More | Microsoft
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