World News: Windows

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Monday, June 30, 2014

Microsoft hints that Windows Phone will soon let you put apps in folders

BYJon Fingas @jonfingas11 hours ago

Windows Phone already lets you store apps in Start screen folders, but it's a bit of a hack -- you have to use Nokia App Folder to get the feature in the first place, and you're really just opening one app to launch another. Microsoft might be near fixing that discrepancy, though. The company has posted instructions (since pulled) hinting that a future revision of Windows Phone 8.1 will include native folder support. Much like iOS and some flavors of Android, you'll only have to drag tiles on top of each other to make folders and tidy up your home page.

The document suggests that you'll need "Windows Phone 8.1 Update" to see this new trick, although it's not clear whether this is a reference to the finished 8.1 release (expected to arrive this summer) or a patch that would appear sometime later. We've asked Microsoft whether or not it can shed more light on the subject, but it's already safe to say that the company hasn't shown all its upgrade cards just yet. 0 Comments

Via: The Verge

Source: Windows Phone (cached)

Tags: folders, microsoft, mobilepostcross, smartphone, windowsphone, windowsphone8.1 Next: Facebook explains why it briefly toyed with users' emotions Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1

Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 Key specs Reviews • 4 Prices Discussions Type Mobile / embedded OS Source model Closed Released 2014-04-14 see all specs → 9average user rating Ease of use 10 Speed 10 Configurability 9.5 Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) 7.5 Openness 8

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Roku's remote control app comes to Windows Phones and tablets

BYSharif Sakr @shotsheriff6 hours ago

Roku remote control app for Windows Phone and Windows 8

This is not a great day for developers of the various third-party Roku apps available at the Windows Store. It's an excellent day, however, for those who've been waiting on a free remote control app direct from the company itself. The app is compatible with Windows Phones as well touchscreen Windows 8 and RT tablets, but it's not designed for mouse n' keyboard setups. Just like the iOS and Android versions, it'll scan your network and (hopefully) find all your players and channels, at which point it'll act just like a regular remote, although it does appear to be missing the new enhanced search function found elsewhere. One other thing you might find lacking is the ability to stream your own choice of web files (.mov, .mp3 etc.) to your Roku box -- you'll still need an unofficial app for wild stuff like that.

0 Comments

Via: WPCentral, WinBeta

Source: Windows Phone Store, Windows Store

Tags: app, microsoft, mobilepostcross, official, roku, streaming, windows, windows 8, windows phone Next: Meet Adidas' new smartband: the miCoach Fit Smart Microsoft Windows 8.1

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Key specs Reviews • 3 Prices Discussions Type Computer OS Source model Closed Architecture 64-bit, 32-bit Released 2014-04-08 see all specs → 9average user rating Ease of use 8 Speed 9.3 Configurability 10 Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) 8.7 Openness 8

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Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise Pro Buy from $84 Key specs Reviews • 245 Prices Discussions Type Computer OS Source model Closed Architecture 64-bit, 32-bit Released 2012-10-26 see all specs → 7.7average user rating Ease of use 7.6 Speed 9 Configurability 7.5 Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) 7.4 Openness 7

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Windows 7 + cooler "Front Row"? 6

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The last gasp of laptop Linux?

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Sunday, May 25, 2014

China bans the installation of Windows 8 on government computers

China believes that Windows 8 poses enough of a future security risk that it's banning government agencies from installing the operating system on any of its new computers. In a statement issued last week and picked up by China's official news agency today, the Central Government Procurement Center has dealt Microsoft a massive blow by stating that all desktops, laptops and tablets must now run an OS other than Windows 8. Consumers aren't affected, as it'll only focus on computers used by government offices. It's a curious decision, given the fact a reported 70 percent of Chinese computers run Microsoft's 13-year-old Windows XP platform, but it's believed officials are trying to stop agencies from being left in the cold should the company pull official Windows 8 support in the future. The government will now focus its efforts on its own Linux-based OS, which is an idea it's been flirting with for a while already, firstly by promoting its use in an official capacity and then by attempting to persuade consumers in China to switch too.

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Via: Reuters

Source: Xinhua, Central Government Procurement Center (Chinese)

Tags: ban, china, linux, microsoft, support, windows, windows 8, windows xp Next: Meet the electric motorcycle that's now the fastest production bike in the world
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Monday, May 19, 2014

Spotify finally adds Android and iOS staples to its Windows Phone app

Windows Phone users sometimes get left behind when it comes to new apps and freshly updated software. Unfortunately, Spotify is no exception. Today, the music streaming service finally added three core features to the WP offering that have long been key pieces for Android and iOS -- ones that it promised back in February, in fact. Browse, Discover and Radio sections are now included in version 3.0, allowing you to hunt for tracks by mood, easily access new releases, create Pandora-like stations and more, all from the comfort of your handset's touchscreen. In addition to the add-ons, a tweaked interface is the app's first since it launched back in 2011, but it's still a far cry from the new coat of paint that's been applied elsewhere. Let's hope this bit of attention paid to Windows Phone is a sign of things to come, especially in terms of adding the service's new features as they arrive.

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Source: Spotify, Windows Phone Store

Tags: app, mobilepostcross, software, spotify, update, windowsphone Next: Flower Power review: Can technology give you a green thumb?
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Windows Store now helps you find apps faster, even if they're for your phone

Although Windows 8.1's store has a healthy stock of apps, actually finding those apps has been a pain at times. Much of the store's interface has been hidden, and it hasn't always been clear where to go if you're just getting started. Starting today, it's considerably easier to get around: Microsoft is pushing out a Windows Store update that puts more content front and center. The navigation bar is now a permanent fixture on the screen, and points you to popular areas like the categories and top app charts. You'll also see themed collections (such as music apps) and multiple featured selections right on the first store page.

The improved shop takes better advantage of Windows' increasing cross-platform app support, too. Developers can link their desktop software to its Windows Phone equivalent, making it clear that you'll get both titles -- handy if you didn't realize that there was a pocket-sized version of a hot new release. The store tweaks are rolling out gradually to Windows users, so don't be dismayed if you don't see the new portal right away. However, the wait might be worth it if it helps you discover a hidden gem or two. 0 Comments Share

Via: WPCentral

Source: Windows Experience Blog

Tags: app, apps, microsoft, software, store, update, windows, windows8.1, windowsstore Next: Spotify finally adds Android and iOS staples to its Windows Phone app
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Windows 8 users can now pilot their AR.Drone 2.0 with official AR.FreeFlight app

Drones. If they're going to become the true public nuisance that we're lead to believe they will, then we're gonna need more ways to get 'em airborne, right? If you're UAV of choice is Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0, and you're also a Windows 8 user, then you need to be all over AR.FreeFlight -- an official app for the aforementioned drone. Dig out your Surface tablet, and you can pilot your quadcopter, and record video/take pictures just as owners of Android and iOS devices have been enjoying already. Think a phone makes more sense for this? Don't worry, Parrot's reportedly got an app for the smaller devices in the works too (and developers can sneak a look here). Get your wings down at the source link.

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Via: WPCentral

Source: Microsoft

Tags: ArDrone, drone, parrot, windows8 Next: Huawei makes an investment in its international image
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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Windows Phone's music app now lets you start playlists using your voice

When the Windows Phone 8.1 preview rolled out, its music app was underwhelming; you couldn't use Cortana voice commands for everything, and it was fairly buggy. Both of those gripes are gone now that Microsoft has updated the music client with its latest mobile OS in mind. You can now use voice to do most anything, including starting playlists by name; you no longer have to go hunting for that collection of hot summer jams. Problems with unexpected black screens should also be gone, and interface transitions should be smoother across the board.

This is just a hint of what's to come, too. Microsoft is promising a series of updates that bring Live Tile support, initial background syncing and more intuitive playback controls. You should see the next upgrade sometime within two weeks, as of this writing. If there's something you don't like now, there's a chance that Redmond will fix it in short order. 0 Comments Share

Via: Xbox Music Team

Source: Windows Phone Store

Tags: app, cortana, microsoft, mobilepostcross, music, smartphone, VoiceControl, VoiceRecognition, windowsphone, windowsphone8.1, xboxmusic Next: Open data gives rise to a virtual Denmark in Minecraft
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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

IRS test their own medicine, it will pay Microsoft a million people for the support of Windows XP

Generally, the internal revenue service is payable at this time of year, but Uncle Sam is going to be the pockets of someone more this season because of his attachment to Windows XP. In the case where you've not heard, support for XP formally arrested April 8, meaning that Microsoft already will not provide support or security updates for the venerable operating system. However, government computers may not be vulnerable, so the IRS will pay Microsoft millions of dollars for custom help to keep their machines safe and functional. Currently, more than half the Agency still XP despite Microsoft tell the world which would cease support for the operating system to PC six years ago in 2014. The plan is to have all machines of the IRS in Windows 7 at the end of the year - and at that time the watch begins marking the transition to Windows 8. No emergency, however, Microsoft is committed to support Windows 7 until 2020. Government delays begin!

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Monday, April 14, 2014

Microsoft offers early download of Windows Phone 8.1

We get it. You want to download Windows Phone 8.1 as soon as possible just to see if Cortana is really as cool on a mobile device as she is in the Halo series. Or, perhaps it's the new Action Center and swipe keyboard that strike your fancy. Whatever reason you have for wanting to play with the latest version of Windows Phone ASAP, now's your chance. Microsoft has just announced that a developer preview of the new update is finally available for download, but as the name of the build implies, this is meant for third-party developers so they can get a good head start in prepping their apps ahead of widespread release. That said, you can still get in on the action, even if you've never written a line of code in your life -- there's just a few risks involved.

First of all, according to Microsoft's site, you'll need to register as a developer with App Studio for free. Technically, this tool allows you to create apps that you can run on your own Windows Phone (if you want to publish them to the Store, that'll cost you $20), but it's also a workaround that enables you to install the latest and greatest previews on your phone at your leisure. Heck, you'll still be able to upgrade to the final build as soon as it's available on whichever device you have -- you just can't revert back to the previous version.

There's a few other things you must know before you start clicking buttons. Most importantly, performing the early upgrade will likely void your warranty in the process, so keep that in mind; additionally, these builds only consist of the Microsoft-sanctioned part of the update -- in other words, any manufacturer or carrier customizations (and drivers) will only be available when that phone's official release comes out. If the privilege of playing with new firmware before everyone else is too much of an opportunity for you to pass up, head here to get started.

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Source: Microsoft

Tags: microsoft, mobilepostcross, uk-feature, Windows Phone 8.1 Next: Amazon brings BBC's Sherlock, Dr. Who and more to Prime Instant Video
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Windows Phone 8.1 review: Microsoft's mobile OS finally feels whole

Android, iOS, Windows Phone. Each of these mobile platforms had to start somewhere, and none were anywhere near perfect on the first try. Fortunately, each OS gets better with each iteration until, at some point, it all just clicks. Arguably, Windows Phone just came of age with its latest update, version 8.1.

Even before today, Windows Phone only had a few big holes remaining and indeed, 8.1 appears to fill those gaps. In particular, the OS now has a fancy notification center in addition to those signature Live Tiles; the keyboard now allows for swipe gestures; and last but not least, it now has Cortana, a virtual assistant to take on Siri, Google Now and Samsung's S-Voice. The 8.1 update is a fairly significant one, and I got the opportunity to take it for a spin ahead of the official developer preview's launch. It may not be perfect yet, but it's clear Windows Phone has finally grown up.

Cortana

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Sunday, April 6, 2014

Windows Phone 8.11 and Croats officially revealed at Build 2014

As predicted, Microsoft is using its Build developer conference to launch Windows Phone 8.1, the latest and (we hope) greatest version of its mobile OS. The companies feed us a bunch of information about the update already, and a vast number of leaks have covered nearly all remaining features. Still, it's about time for us to get the skinny on everything the new upgrade entails, so let's break down exactly what you can expect from Windows Phone going forward.

Microsoft Joe Belfiore took the stage and talked up (among other things), new hardware partners like Prestigio and Micromax that should help the company penetrate those valuable developing markets. As multiple leaks have pointed out ahead of time, 8.1 indeed comes with a notification center (called the Action Center) that users can invoke by swiping down from the top of the screen--from there you can view and dismiss your email and social notifications as well as toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Pretty standard fare, if you ask us. What is a little less standard are WP8.1 's customizable lock screens: developers can tweak them in some pretty stunning ways, though Microsoft hasn't yet said when ethyl actually get access. Throw in the ability to set your own images as the background for your Live Tiles and you've got yourself a level of personality thats been sorely lacking from Windows Phone to date.

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