Tag Archives: Although Microsoft

Tune in or tune out: How does Windows 8 stack up on a home theater PC?

It’s no stretch to say that PC power users aren’t united in their praise of Windows 8. The operating system’s modern-style Start screen and its focus on touch-friendly apps has ruffled quite a few feathers among users who just want their old desktops back.

But if you own a home-theater PC, you might want to put the hate on hold. Although Microsoft clearly had tablets and touchscreens in mind when it designed Windows 8, the new look and new apps actually translate well to television screens. Windows 8’s modern side provides an almost console-like experience, offering quick access to video apps and a look that’s a lot prettier than an icon-laden desktop.

I’ve been using Windows 8 on my three year-old HTPC, a Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150, for about six months. The update has breathed new life into the machine, especially for streaming video and music. Although I still lean on the desktop for certain things, the modern side of Windows 8 has turned out to be a useful supplement.

Let’s take a peek at where Windows 8 shines and where it struggles on home theater PCs.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at PCWorld

Is Windows 8 Microsoft's Biggest Failure Ever?

By Andrew Tonner, The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Is Microsoft a good tech investment? In this video, Andrew Tonner gives a few reasons he’d steer clear:

  • The PC market is shrinking, and Microsoft hasn’t adapted well to mobile technology.
  • Windows 8 is a dud.
  • The company had to write off $6 billion for an acquisition that went bad, the latest in a string of failed acquisitions.

Although Microsoft pays a nice dividend for a tech company, Andrew argues that it hasn’t returned much else to investors for the past 10 years, and it doesn’t appear poised to adapt to a changing future. 

Check out the video for more details.

It’s been a frustrating path for Microsoft investors, who’ve watched the company fail to capitalize on the incredible growth in mobile over the past decade. However, with the release of its own tablet, along with the widely anticipated Windows 8 operating system, the company is looking to make a splash in this booming market. In this brand-new premium report on Microsoft, our analyst explains that while the opportunity is huge, the challenges are many. He’s also providing regular updates as key events occur, so make sure to claim a copy of this report now by clicking here.

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From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/14/is-windows-8-microsofts-biggest-failure-ever/

Deep inside Windows Blue: 10 coolest features in Microsoft's leaked OS

After an abundance of rumors, whispers, and slip-ups in job postings, we now have more concrete evidence of Microsoft’s secretive Windows Blue operating system: An honest-to-goodness leak of an early build of the OS.

The leak of “Windows Build 9364″ appeared on torrent and file sharing sites Sunday morning in the form of a 2.6GB ISO file, and news of the leak blazed across the Net like wildfire after an initial appearance on Windows 9 Beta. Although Microsoft hasn’t issued a formal statement about the leak, it’s been dissected hands-on by WinSuperSite and numerous forum-goers, and Build 9364 appears to a 100 percent legitimate (and 100 percent unauthorized) look at the future of Windows.

Without further ado, here are the 10 coolest features (and hints of new features) buried deep inside this (presumably Alpha) build of Windows Blue.

1. Half-screen app snapping

Windows 8’s ability to “Snap” an app to the side of the screen while another runs beside it gives the OS multitasking chops that Android and iOS just can’t match—buuuuut the only snapping option available in Windows 8 slaps one app across 75 percent of the screen, while the second app is relegated to a miserly 25 percent of the display. That particular design decision was, in a word, bone-headed.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at PCWorld

Microsoft Launches Online Store in China

By Kevin Chen, The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Microsoft  has launched a flagship shopping store on Alibaba’s Tmall.com, one of China’s most popular B2C e-commerce sites.

Through MicrosoftStore.Tmall.com, Chinese consumers can now buy over 50 products ranging from Microsoft’s Surface and Office Software to hardware and accessories. The site will also sell third-party OEM Windows phones and PCs.

Although Microsoft has had a “complementary extension” site at Microsoft.Tmall.com, the original Tmall.com site seems to focus on computer accessories such as keyboards and mice through Microsoft resellers. The new site will feature online chat and a free service called “Up & Running” to help Surface buyers navigate their machines. 

Since Oct. 2012, Microsoft has also had its own Chinese e-commerce website at MicrosoftStore.com.cn. Nonetheless, a dedicated China team will manage product assortment, offers, and promotions tailored to local consumer preferences on the new Tmall store. 

In Alibaba’s press release, Kevin Eagan, vice president of e-commerce for Microsoft Retail Stores,  said: “Microsoft sees great potential in China’s e-commerce market, to offer customers across the country choice, value and service through our online store.”

The article Microsoft Launches Online Store in China originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Kevin Chen has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance