The Curator: Why Microsoft is forcing us on to Modern UI apps
I've been struggling for a good year now with Microsoft's decision to push users as hard as it is pushing them to use the new, modern user interface, what was once code-named Metro. Even in Windows 8.1 (formerly known as Windows Blue), it is the primary UI. Why is Microsoft forcing us to use it?
"Forcing" is perhaps too strong of a word I suppose (although it's a good one for a headline). You can continue to run conventional Windows programs -- hell, even text-mode console software -- and keep using a traditional computer with a keyboard and mouse, but they're all legacy now, at least for Modern UI apps.
Second batch of Windows 8.1 updates improve application compatibility
Microsoft released a public preview of the upcoming Windows 8.1 exactly a week ago. The anticipated Windows 8.1 update introduces several changes to the operating system including the ability to boot to Desktop and more efficient Start screen app management.
The first batch of updates was released just two days after the public availability of the preview on June 28. Updates addressed performance issues of the Search charm, SkyDrive video playback, and ironed out two Windows Store kinks in the process.
Microsoft announces new Dynamics CRM to deliver improved customer experience
Microsoft has announced that it is releasing an updated version of its Dynamics CRM package in the fall of 2013. The new package is designed to help enterprises engage with their customers and will be available as both cloud and installed systems.
The refreshed version is designed to deliver a fast and fluid user experience, enabling people to access information that’s relevant to their jobs and have deeper insight into customer requirements. It also offers improved social collaboration features as well as the ability to access information on a variety of devices including Windows 8 tablets and iPads. Android, iPhone and Windows Phone 8 versions will be available shortly after the package's release.
Touchy subject -- How do you use Windows 8? [Poll]
Although Microsoft created Windows 8 with touch devices in mind, there weren’t actually all that many Windows friendly touch screen PCs and tablets available at launch.
Since then of course, every manufacturer -- including Microsoft -- has rolled out devices designed to take advantage of the touch features built into the OS. We’ve seen regular PCs with touch screens, tablets, hybrids, and all manner of weird and wonderful variations.
Bing introduces Usage Rights to image search
Looking for a cool image to add to your blog? Need that perfect picture for your new business presentation? It sounds simple enough, but in many cases you could be breaking the law, as many images on the internet are simply not free to use and rights must be checked. Bing now wants to help you with that.
The search engine introduces a new option to its web service -- Usage Rights. "We are excited to offer the 'Search by License' feature for Bing image search. At Bing, we love helping creative artists whether you’re a blogger, teacher, student or even a small business owner looking to market your latest creation", says Bing Images Program Manager Rizwan Ansary.
Windows Store now offers 100,000 apps, but quality concerns remain
Every Friday, my colleague Martin Brinkmann details the best Windows 8 apps that surface in Store during the week. I have closely followed the series mostly to check new arrivals (since I use Windows 8) but also to get a feel of the quality and value that developers bring to the new ecosystem.
As some of you have mentioned in the comments, the highlighted apps are not exactly up to par with offerings available on Apple App Store or Google Play. The most noteworthy ones are few and far between, something that is immediately noticeable after browsing through the available selection on Windows Store. The most resounding apps come, for instance, from Microsoft, Nokia, Shazam, Twitter and a couple other major players. There is more to it, of course, but the quality and value are still inadequate these days.
Microsoft waves bye-bye to TechNet customers
On the heels of the death of Google Reader, Microsoft chooses to make cuts of its own, though which will weigh heavier on customers remains to be seen. Microsoft operates a pair of subscription services designed to help out developers and system administrators, but today announces one will be joining its version of the Google Graveyard.
Today, emails began rolling out to TechNet subscribers announcing the death of the service. The message informs users of impending doom arriving on August 31 of this year.
Skype for Android hits 100 million users, celebrates with version 4.0
Microsoft purchased Skype back in October 2011 and took a bit of time to figure out where to go with it, but the company has its communications legs under it now and is off and running with deeper integration into Office and Windows. Now the company celebrates 100 million Android customers by rolling out version 4.0 of the mobile app.
"We’ve completely redesigned Skype for Android to be faster and easier – especially when you’re trying to fire off a quick message. Everything is at your fingertips", says Microsoft's Derek Snyder.
Microsoft releases overhauled Facebook Windows Phone 8 app
On Monday, Microsoft released an update for its homebrew Facebook Windows Phone 8 app which introduces new features and a redesigned user interface, finally bringing the latest iteration in line with the Android and iOS counterparts.
In terms of design, the app is similar to the beta version that arrived in late-April. Facebook for Windows Phone 8 drops the infinite horizontal scrolling and instead adopts a simpler layout which is comprised of three tabs. The main one displays the news feed. The other two can be accessed by swiping to the left and to the right, just like on the Facebook-developed Android and iOS apps.
Microsoft now offers 256GB Surface Pro outside of Japan, but can you buy it? [update]
Microsoft released the 256 GB Surface Pro in Japan almost a month ago and, since then, it left potential buyers puzzled as to when the new model arrives outside of the land of the rising sun. Well, the date is today, as Microsoft just expanded the availability of the latest Surface Pro version to include new major markets. There's a catch though.
Microsoft tells me that "there will be limited availability of a 256GB version of Surface Pro in the U.S. exclusively through the commercial channel and the authorized Surface resellers". This model runs for $1,199, making it $200 more expensive than the 128 GB Surface Pro which goes for $999. And, at least at the moment, the former cannot be purchased from Microsoft Store or any retail shop.
Microsoft hunts stronger Surface sales through authorized resellers
In an effort to boost the adoption and sales of its two Windows slates, on Monday, Microsoft introduced a new channel program (simply called Microsoft Devices Program), which allows authorized resellers to commercialize Surface Pro and RT devices.
"Today, we’re announcing the first phase of our expansion into the business channel that allows customers to purchase Surface and commercial services through authorized resellers", says Microsoft. "In addition to offering Microsoft's extended warranty and accidental damage, resellers bring a variety of additional value-added services to the Surface family, such as asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, onsite service and support, device recycling and data protection".
Microsoft brings Xbox Music to a web browser near you
From the ashes of Zune arose a phoenix named Xbox Music, Microsoft's answer to iTunes and other major competitors. The market remained a bit niche upon launch but now, after an extended wait, Microsoft finally opens things up by bringing the music service to the web.
Without fanfare, today, the company quietly rolls out the web equivalent of its service. Xbox Music allows for a 30-day free trial in an effort to snag new users. It contains the basic interface with options for search, collection, now playing and playlist down on the left side and the main window that displays current music.
Let's work together -- viruses collaborate to survive
Microsoft research has uncovered a pair of viruses that work together to make them harder to remove from infected computers. Malware researcher Hyun Choi revealed the news in a TechNet blogpost.
The Vobfus virus spreads through infected website links or via removable or mapped network drives. Once installed on a system it downloads the Beebone virus which enrols the machine in a botnet. After this the two pieces of malware work together to download the latest versions of each, making them harder to detect and remove and allowing them to maintain a presence on infected systems.
Steve Ballmer's hits and misses from Build 2013 keynote
Perpetual release cycles. Windows 8.1. The unified Windows ecosystem. If there are any key takeaways to remember from Microsoft's cornerstone keynote at the Build 2013 conference, these three items would sum it up quite well. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer reminded thousands of developers on stage last week that the company isn't getting left in the dust and it has a solid plan going forward.
While most of the tech world was keenly focused solely on Build 2013 as the gateway to the first official peek at Windows 8.1, Ballmer's keynote had a few other important messages to deliver. The Windows update, formerly known as "Blue", may have stole the show but Microsoft had a grander agenda to piggyback at the developer conference.
Want to know what’s new in Windows 8.1? Microsoft releases a 52 page guide
On 26 June, Microsoft rolled out the highly anticipated Windows 8.1 Preview, making it firstly available through the Windows Store, and then as ISOs a day later. The Windows refresh has a lot of new features, besides the new Start button, and to help sell the product Microsoft has created a PDF guide.
Called "Windows 8.1 Preview Product Guide", the PDF starts with an overview before going through the features on offer.
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