Microsoft

Since its launch in late October, 2012, the Surface tablet computer has been available for purchase only through Microsoft stores and websites. However, that exclusivity seems to be over, and the Surface will soon begin appearing in third-party ... retail stores. A new report suggests the Surface will go on sale in Best Buy, Staples, and other major retail outlets as early as January 2013. That is the same time frame in which Microsoft will begin selling its Surface Pro tablet computer. (Source: cnet.com ) Surface Range Not Yet Complete Right now the only Surface available to consumers runs a ... (view more)

On paper, Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro tablet computer is a whole lot more enticing than the version of the Surface currently available in stores: it boasts more processing power, memory, and storage. It also runs the full version of Windows 8, ... whereas the current Surface uses only the less-impressive Windows RT operating system (OS). Up until recently, the only problem with the Surface Pro appeared to be its price: $899 and up. The current Surface sells for $499 and up. Twice the Price, Half the Battery Life But now there's another reason to worry about the Surface Pro's viability in the ... (view more)

Facing slower than anticipated sales of its new Surface tablet, Microsoft is reportedly slashing orders from its Asian manufacturers of the device. According to a new report, the cutbacks are drastic, with orders being reduced from four million ... units to just two million units. Microsoft says the report isn't true and that it's pleased with Surface sales thus far. The same report indicates that disappointing sales of Microsoft's current version of the Surface -- which is equipped with an ARM-based processor supporting a slimmed-down version of Windows 8 called Windows RT -- have prompted the ... (view more)

PC manufacturer Hewlett-Packard (HP) is advising its customers not to downgrade its computers delivered with the new Windows 8 operating system (OS) already installed. The company says that if customers install Windows 7 on HP computers originally ... equipped with Windows 8, HP will not provide them with support, drivers, or applications. Downgrading was a relatively common practice after the release of the unpopular Windows Vista in 2007, and some say it's being practiced again now that Windows 8 has received more than its fair share of criticism . Downgrading a new computer is especially ... (view more)

Last week Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) claimed that her firm has already sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses. If so, then Windows 8 is proving to be just as popular as its predecessor, Windows 7. But some critics don't buy that claim. ... Microsoft CFO Tami Reller made the 40 million Windows 8 licenses claim on November 27, 2012. Microsoft CFO, CEO: 40 Million Licenses Sold Reller, who will soon take over duties once assigned to departed Windows chief Steven Sinofsky , told guests at the Credit Suisse Annual Technology Conference that "I am pleased to announce today that we have sold ... (view more)

According to a new report, an updated version of Microsoft's Windows operating system (OS) will now ship each and every year. Some observers suggest that Microsoft's idea may be to release gradual upgrades every year rather than wait for a complete ... overhaul to the operating system every few years. Various reports claim Microsoft is using the codename "Windows Blue" for its development work on a new OS, one that may possibly be made available to users as early as 2013. A New Plan for Microsoft? Some insiders believe Windows Blue is both a codename and the actual release name for the next ... (view more)

Microsoft has officially set the price for its upcoming Surface Pro tablet computer. When it goes on sale early next year, the device will retail for $899 and up. Microsoft's Surface tablet officially launched on October 26, 2012 (along with Windows ... 8), but observers made clear that was just one of the versions of the Surface that Microsoft has been developing. The Surface released in October runs Windows RT, a slimmer version of Windows 8 designed for portable devices with more limited hardware specifications. The new Surface Pro is capable enough to run a full-fledged version of Windows 8. ... (view more)

Microsoft has chosen an unusual way of dealing with critics of its newest version of Internet Explorer (IE). In a new TV commercial, the company openly mocks a stereotypical critique of the new Internet browsing software. The ad involves a fictional ... character named "Eugene Finlon." The TV spot shows Finlon -- who is young, wears a cut-off shirt, and lives in a dark, dank apartment -- visiting sites that praise Internet Explorer. Finlon responds to the praise by leaving comments boldly attacking the browser's quality. (Source: youtube.com ) IE: Only Good for Downloading Other Browsers? For ... (view more)

Microsoft now promises it will support its new Windows RT operating system (OS) with security patches and updates for at least four-and-a-half years. While that may seem like a long time, it's only half as long as Microsoft generally provides ... support for many of its other software products. Windows RT is designed to power a number of portable devices, including Microsoft's own Surface tablet computer . RT is a trimmed-down version of Windows 8 that requires fewer, cheaper resources from a portable device. "Mainstream" Support Phase to Last Until April 2017 Microsoft says it will ... (view more)

A new 'cracking' tool reportedly allows users to take trial version applications they have downloaded from Microsoft's Windows Store and turn them into fully functional versions, and do it free of charge. According to reports, the tool is called ... 'Wsservice_crk' and has been available through several online forums -- including MyDigitalLife.info -- for more than a month. However, only recently has this tool caught the attention of the media. (Source: techspot.com ) Cracking Tool Brings Risks Using 'Wsservice_crk' entails several significant risks. For one thing, it's necessary to provide one's ... (view more)