Microsoft

Microsoft has unveiled new software capable of syncing its Xbox 360 video game console with popular portable devices, like the Apple iPhone or iPad, as well as with Android- and Windows-based handhelds. "Your devices aren't so smart because they ... aren't working together," said Marc Whitten of Xbox Live online entertainment service, at the press event that began the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game gathering in Los Angeles on June 5, 2012. Microsoft's idea is to tie together all of these popular devices, even those produced by rivals like Apple and Google. (Source: com.lb ) Console ... (view more)

According to a new report, Microsoft will not allow HTC, a major hardware company, to use the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) on its newest tablet devices. Apparently, Microsoft has some concerns about the quality of HTC hardware. Back in ... April, reports suggested that Microsoft was working closely with several manufacturing firms to ensure that their new hardware met certain quality and usability standards set by the Redmond-based software giant. The idea was that Microsoft wanted to make sure its new operating system would make a positive impression on consumers from the very start ... (view more)

Microsoft has launched a website and mobile application service that allows users to program smartphone functions based on their locations and schedules. Microsoft has designed the product to run exclusively on the Android smartphone. This is not ... the first time Microsoft has designed a product that does not run on its very own Windows Phone mobile platform. Photosynth (a digital photograph analyzing software application), for example, ran only on the iPhone. This new service is called "on{X}". It's intended to offer a futuristic glimpse of smartphone use by allowing users to program ... (view more)

According to a new report, Windows 8 will provide the fastest boot time ever posted by any operating system (OS): about seven seconds. However, some observers appear unhappy about such a speedy load time. Generally speaking, older operating systems ... take far longer than seven seconds to start up. This is not necessarily a bad thing because the extended wait time provides users with opportunities to access a computer's boot menu, so they can attempt to repair any problems with their system. Windows 8 Boot Time Under One Second With Windows 8's new speedy loading routine, the amount of time ... (view more)

Microsoft has made significant changes to its Bing search engine, incorporating certain aspects of Facebook and Twitter to make its product a better social search platform. The company promises several improvements to the site layout, including ... features that offer users the ability to exchange ideas and share opinions. Microsoft likens this concept to bouncing ideas off a trusted friend. Facebook to Help Validate, Speed-Up Search According to the Bing community search blog, a recently conducted internal poll found that 75 per cent of respondents spend more time searching online for ... (view more)

Cyber-crooks have reportedly used fake Microsoft credentials to spread the new Flame malware. In response, Microsoft has issued an 'emergency security advisory', along with a guide telling people how to protect their computer systems and networks. ... The Flame virus is a bit unusual, in that it is designed to steal data rather than corrupt or take down computer systems. Described by researchers at Kaspersky Lab as a "complete attack toolkit," the Flame virus is considered by many to be an even bigger security threat than the massive Stuxnet worm, which it closely resembles. Flame Masquerades as ... (view more)

Two weeks ago Twitter made headlines by announcing a new "Do Not Track" feature that prevented the service from collecting information about the online behavior of its many users. Now, Microsoft has unveiled a similar plan for the next edition of ... its popular web browser, Internet Explorer. According to a blog entry written by Microsoft Chief Privacy Officer Brendon Lynch, Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) -- which is expected to launch alongside Windows 8 later this year -- will by default be set to avoid collecting data about the online activity of its users. Microsoft Says Privacy Setting Is ... (view more)

Microsoft has just announced that the Release Preview edition of its upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) is now available for download. This is generally considered the last build of the OS prior to its official launch, expected this fall. But ... don't confuse this version of the new OS with the Consumer Preview, which Microsoft released back in February, 2012. The Release Preview is generally considered much closer to the final product that will actually hit store shelves. Performance Improved, Apps Added There have been a few additions and improvements to the new OS since the Consumer ... (view more)

Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer probably has a lot of tech toys that fans would love to get their hands on. But one of the most enviable must be his 80-inch tablet computer. According to a new report, devices similar to the 80-inch ... tablet PC which Ballmer has in his office will eventually be available to high-end business users who can afford it. If the giant-screen tablet proves popular enough, the device could make its way into the wider marketplace. Ballmer Does Email On Giant Tablet In an interview with Wired.co.uk, Microsoft vice president Frank Shaw had a startling ... (view more)

Right now there are a lot of people wondering whether an upgrade from Windows 7 to the soon-to-be-released Windows 8 operating system (OS) is worth the hassle. You may be one of them. To combat this apprehension, Microsoft has been trying to build ... consumer interest in and desire for the new OS by highlighting its various new tools, features, and improvements. As part of this campaign, Microsoft is making much of another Windows 8 improvement: better support for using multiple monitors. Microsoft: 1 in 7 Desktop Users Employ Multiple Screens With the price of PC monitors dipping in recent ... (view more)