Windows Threshold | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 14 May 2015 11:47:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.11 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Windows Threshold | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Asus: Intel ‘Skylake’ and Microsoft Windows 10 to debut in Q3 https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asus-intel-skylake-and-microsoft-windows-10-to-debut-in-q3/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asus-intel-skylake-and-microsoft-windows-10-to-debut-in-q3/#comments Thu, 14 May 2015 11:32:37 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=249389 Chief executive officer of Asustek Computer has revealed that Intel Corp.’s code-named “Skylake” microprocessors as well as Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will both debut in the third quarter of the year. He also disclosed that his company’s products with new chips inside will use the next-generation operating system as well. Quarterly sales of …

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Chief executive officer of Asustek Computer has revealed that Intel Corp.’s code-named “Skylake” microprocessors as well as Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will both debut in the third quarter of the year. He also disclosed that his company’s products with new chips inside will use the next-generation operating system as well.

Quarterly sales of Asus’ notebooks are only slightly behind shipments of Apple’s MacBooks. In the first quarter of 2015 the company sold 4.8 million laptops, which is a lot. Mobile PCs represent a tangible part of Asustek’s business and the company will do its best to stay ahead of competitors in terms of innovations and performance. In the second half of the year Asus will aggressively roll-out new models featuring the latest microprocessors from Intel as well as the new OS from Microsoft.

“With Skylake and Windows 10 scheduled to be launched in the third quarter, we are focusing on a couple of models in our mainstream product lines, for example, one from ZenBook, the other from gaming products,” said Jerry Shen, chief executive officer of Asustek Computer, at the company’s quarterly conference call with investors and financial analysts, according to a transcript published by SeekingAlpha. “We are going to launch ahead of our competitors.”

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Neither Intel, nor Microsoft, have disclosed exact launch dates for their upcoming products. AMD expects the software giant to release its Windows 10 in July, but analysts are not sure that actual PCs with the new OS will hit the market before September or October. Asustek expects Windows 10 to arrive in July and Intel “Skylake” for notebooks to debut in August. Asustek Computer hopes to start selling its laptops featuring Intel Core M and Core i “Skylake” microprocessors and Microsoft Windows 10 in the third quarter, which means September, at the latest. However, there will be Windows 10-based hardware with previous-gen chips as well.

“In July, we will see the official transition to Windows 10,” said Mr. Shen. “In August, Skylake will come into the market, so there are two different transitions, one in July, the other in August. Windows 10 in July and Skylake in August and only in September we will see a more comprehensive transition.”

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The head of Asus pins a lot of hopes on the company’s next-generation laptops based on Intel’s new chips. Apart from Windows 10, the new notebooks will feature USB 3.1 and reversible USB 3.1 type-C ports, select models will support Rezence wireless charging and there are more innovations that will be announced later.

Intel traditionally debuts microprocessors for laptops ahead of chips for desktops. Therefore, desktop flavours of Intel Core i7 and Core i5 “Skylake-S” processors are still on track to debut in September or even October.

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Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: As expected, PC makers are trying to align transitions to Intel “Skylake” and Microsoft Windows 10. This is a good thing in general since both technologies are expected to improve user experience and their collaborative debut may finally convince a lot of people to upgrade.

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Microsoft: Windows 10 is the last version of Windows https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-is-the-last-version-of-windows/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-is-the-last-version-of-windows/#comments Sat, 09 May 2015 01:35:30 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=248723 Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will be the last version of Windows as we know it, a developer evangelist from the company said this week. This does not mean that Microsoft is killing off its operating system. In the future Microsoft will bring innovations and updates in an ongoing manner and there will be …

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Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will be the last version of Windows as we know it, a developer evangelist from the company said this week. This does not mean that Microsoft is killing off its operating system. In the future Microsoft will bring innovations and updates in an ongoing manner and there will be no more huge releases of the platform. At least, Microsoft says so.

“Right now we are releasing Windows 10, and because Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, we’re all still working on Windows 10,” said Jerry Nixon, a developer evangelist at Microsoft, speaking at the company's Ignite conference this week, reports The Verge.

Mr. Nixon indicated that the future is “Windows as a service”, which means an entirely new usage models for end-users and a new business model for Microsoft. The world’s largest software developer has been thinking about making major changes to Windows for years now and Windows 10 will include a number of radically new things.

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Microsoft has altered the way it develops and delivers Windows with its next OS. The upcoming Windows 10 will be fully modular and Microsoft will be able to update every single component independently to the core OS. This also allows building versions of the operating systems for different kinds of devices.

While the idea of a fully modular OS means that Microsoft will theoretically be able to add new features to Windows 10 forever, there will probably be hardware limitations, which will prevent certain functions from working on every single device. The concept of modularity also means that we will either not see any new major releases of Windows going forward, or Microsoft will introduce them once in many years (e.g., once in a decade). Keeping in mind all the uncertainities, the software does not want to talk about Windows 11 name, for example.

“Recent comments at Ignite about Windows 10 are reflective of the way Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner, with continuous value for our consumer and business customers,” said a Microsoft spokesperson when asked to clarify the future of Windows. “We aren’t speaking to future branding at this time, but customers can be confident Windows 10 will remain up-to-date and power a variety of devices from PCs to phones to Surface Hub to HoloLens and Xbox. We look forward to a long future of Windows innovations.”

microsoft_windows_10_Start-Menu

A couple of years ago a rumour revealed Microsoft’s plans to introduce an operating system that would heavily rely on cloud technologies. No details were unveiled at that time, but one thing that is clear at the moment is that modularity is definitely not the final step in the evolution of Windows.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Modular OS with upgradeable components is definitely a cool feature that will in many ways revolutionize user experience and Microsoft’s business. But with great power, comes great responsibility. What if an end-user does not want a certain upgrade? What if Microsoft wants to radically change graphics user interface of its OS? What if an upgrade ruins user experience on outdated machines? What if an update is not compatible with certain third-party apps? There are a lot of questions that Microsoft will need to answer in the coming months.

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Windows 10 PCs may not hit the market in time for back-to-school season https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/windows-10-pcs-may-not-hit-the-market-in-time-for-back-to-school-season/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/windows-10-pcs-may-not-hit-the-market-in-time-for-back-to-school-season/#respond Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:48:28 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=247173 Although Microsoft Corp. plans to make its Windows 10 operating system available to PC makers this summer, actual systems featuring the new OS will not hit the market ahead of the important back-to-school season, market analysts believe. Recently Lisa Su, chief executive officer of Advanced Micro Devices, said that Microsoft would launch its Windows 10 …

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Although Microsoft Corp. plans to make its Windows 10 operating system available to PC makers this summer, actual systems featuring the new OS will not hit the market ahead of the important back-to-school season, market analysts believe.

Recently Lisa Su, chief executive officer of Advanced Micro Devices, said that Microsoft would launch its Windows 10 at the end of July. Ms. Su implied that the launch of Windows 10 would be important for sales of personal computers this year during the BTS and holiday seasons. Microsoft did not confirm plans to release its Windows 10 in July and many analysts now believe that while the company will make the OS available to PC makers, it will not be available to general consumers this summer.

“I would be really surprised if channel product was on the shelf with Windows 10 in July,” said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, in an interview with ComputerWorld. “I was in OEM for 10 years and was the one who signed off on images [to be installed on PCs]. OEMs get a master [from Microsoft], but then build their images on top of that. Even the fastest OEMs might take one to two months, for some three to four months. I just don't know where they'll find the time to make back-to-school.”

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Back-to-school season starts in late July and runs for about seven weeks. During the time it is pretty hard to substitute all of Windows 8.1-based products that are already available with new systems running Windows 10. As a result, it is highly likely that PC makers will have to wait for better timing.

“The challenge of a new OS is that they [PC makers] would want to do a general wholesale sweep, leaving one or two SKUs [stock keeping units] that are older and replacing everything else,” said Stephen Baker, an analyst with the NPD Group. “That is a real tough period of time trying to make a switch. Why spend money to disrupt the supply chain”

It hardly makes a lot of sense for Microsoft and PC makers to rush Windows 10-based systems to market as soon as possible. Windows 10 can run on current-generation hardware perfectly and Microsoft will upgrade all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 systems to Windows 10 free of charge. Therefore, it hardly matters for customers what PC to buy this summer as they will have a chance to upgrade.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While it makes perfect sense for Microsoft and partners to ensure that Windows 10 is stable and robust before releasing it to market, it should be kept in mind that the new OS is also a catalyst for new PC purchases. Therefore, it is still important to release the OS rather sooner than later.

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Microsoft already working on Windows 10.1 ‘Redstone’ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-already-working-on-windows-10-1-redstone/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-already-working-on-windows-10-1-redstone/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:51:29 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=243905 Even though Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system is still months away, the software giant is already working on and updated version of the operating system code-named “Redstone”. The improved OS is expected to emerge in 2016 and will be aimed to strengthen Microsoft Windows ecosystem in general. Microsoft plans to roll out two major updates for …

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Even though Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system is still months away, the software giant is already working on and updated version of the operating system code-named “Redstone”. The improved OS is expected to emerge in 2016 and will be aimed to strengthen Microsoft Windows ecosystem in general.

Microsoft plans to roll out two major updates for its Windows 10 operating system next year: one in summer and one in fall, according to a report from The Verge. The whole package of 2016 updates to Windows 10 is code-named “Redstone” and is reportedly designed primarily for new hardware and devices that run Windows, hence, the updates will be targeted at the Xbox, Surface Hub, smartphones, HoloLens, Microsoft Band, Office, and other products that rely on the core of Windows.

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At present it is unknown what exactly Microsoft wants to bring to the market with its Windows 10.1 “Redstone”, but keeping in mind that the software giant wants its next-gen OS to run on billions of devices, it is likely that the company is working to improve cross-device experience.

Relatively frequent major updates for its operating systems are common for Microsoft these days as the company wants to make Windows the most comfortable OS to use. Still, if the “Redstone” is designed primarily for new devices, usage of traditional PCs and tablets will see a limited amount of changes.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It will be interesting to know why Microsoft needs an update to add better support for new devices in Windows 10. Perhaps, initially Windows 10 will only land on a limited set of devices and “Redstone” will expand the whole eco-system by supporting new hardware. Alternatively, “Redstone” could enable better interaction of different Windows-powered products between themselves.

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Microsoft Windows 10 to support 8K display resolution https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-to-support-8k-display-resolution/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-to-support-8k-display-resolution/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2015 04:04:29 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=241672 Microsoft Corp.’s next generation Windows 10 operating system will support screen resolutions that will not be available on commercial displays for years to come. For example, Windows 10 will support 8K (7680*4320) resolution for monitors, which will unlikely show up on the market this year or next. At the WinHEC conference last week Microsoft revealed …

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Microsoft Corp.’s next generation Windows 10 operating system will support screen resolutions that will not be available on commercial displays for years to come. For example, Windows 10 will support 8K (7680*4320) resolution for monitors, which will unlikely show up on the market this year or next.

At the WinHEC conference last week Microsoft revealed minimum and maximum resolutions supported by its upcoming Windows 10, reports PC World. The new operating system will support 6”+ phone and tablet screens with up to 4K (3840*2160) resolution, 8”+ PC displays with up to 4K resolution and 27”+ monitors with 8K (7680*4320) resolution.

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Researchers from NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai, Japan Broadcasting Corp.) believe that 8K ultra-high-definition television format is the final 2D format as the 7680*4320 resolution (and similar resolution) is the highest 2D resolution that the human eye can process. As a result, 8K and similar resolutions will stay around for a long time and it makes sense to add their support to hardware and software.

NHK is already testing broadcasting in 8K ultra-high-definition resolutions, VESA has ratified DisplayPort and embedded DisplayPort standards to connect monitors with up to 8K resolution to graphics adapters and a number of upcoming games will be equipped for textures for 8K UHD displays.

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Actual monitors that support 8K (7680*4320) resolution will not be around for some time because display makers will have to produce new types of panels for them. Nonetheless, it looks like Microsoft wants to be ready for the advanced UHD monitors well before they hit the market. Many have criticized Microsoft for poor support of 4K UHD resolutions in Windows 8.

Microsoft Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries on 111 languages.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is nice to see that Microsoft wants to make Windows 10 considerably more advanced than Windows 8.1 and it is great that the world’s largest software maker is preparing for the future.

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Microsoft will not grant pirates Windows 10 license and support https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-will-not-grant-pirates-windows-10-license-and-support/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-will-not-grant-pirates-windows-10-license-and-support/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2015 23:59:28 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=241043 Even though Microsoft Corp. will let owners of PCs running pirated versions of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 to upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge, it will not grant them a free license. As a result, users of such operating systems will not get support and will face other limitations. “With Windows 10, although …

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Even though Microsoft Corp. will let owners of PCs running pirated versions of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 to upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge, it will not grant them a free license. As a result, users of such operating systems will not get support and will face other limitations.

“With Windows 10, although non-genuine PCs may be able to upgrade to Windows 10, the upgrade will not change the genuine state of the license,” said a spokesperson for Microsoft in an interview with VentureBeat. “Non-genuine Windows is not published by Microsoft. It is not properly licensed or supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.”

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Earlier this week it was announced that Microsoft will provide an opportunity to update all computers based on all current versions of Windows to Windows 10 absolutely free regardless of the presence or absence of a license in the first year of Windows 10 availability. As a result, users of pirated versions of operating systems will have a unique opportunity to get a new OS absolutely free and without any need to crack it. At present, it is not clear what constraints will the owners of unlicensed Windows 10 face, but it is likely that they will not be able to obtain certain updates for the OS, which will limit their experience.

“We will provide a mechanism for non-genuine Windows 10 PC devices to ‘get genuine’ via the new Windows Store, whether they are upgraded versions of Windows or purchased,” the representative for Microsoft said. “We will have details on this as we get closer to launch.”

Microsoft has already said that it will distribute Windows 10 among device makers for free and will monetize its operating system by selling subscriptions, programs, games and services. Therefore, it is in Microsoft’s best interests to maximize the number of active Windows 10 ecosystem users.

While PC makers will not have to pay for Windows, many other types of customers, including individual end-users (who assemble PCs themselves, want to install Windows 10 on an older PC running Windows XP or on an Apple Mac) and enterprises will have to. The software giant has not announced prices of its new OS for such types of users.

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Microsoft Windows 10 will run on personal computers, tablets, smartphones, Xbox game consoles as well as on various types of devices belonging to the “Internet-of-Things” world, such as wearable electronics. The operating system will address billions of devices, according to the software giant.

Microsoft Windows 10 will be available this summer in 190 countries on 111 languages.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Sometimes Microsoft is a company that is hard to understand. Providing Windows 10 free of charge to current users of the Microsoft operating system is fully consistent with the interests of the world's largest software developer. If Microsoft plans to monetize the OS by selling additional services, programs, content and other things, then it does not need to punish people, who once installed pirated copies of Windows. Nonetheless, Microsoft plans to charge those users for the OS, which will be provided free to others. Hopefully, the charge will not be high.

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Microsoft may speed up release of Windows 10 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-may-speed-up-release-of-windows-10/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-may-speed-up-release-of-windows-10/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2015 02:46:31 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=235067 Microsoft Corp. will try to make sure that its next-generation Windows 10 operating system is available for systems that will ship during the back-to-school (BTS) season, according to a media report. If the information is correct, then it is completely logical for the software giant to roll-out its new OS earlier than it promised several …

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Microsoft Corp. will try to make sure that its next-generation Windows 10 operating system is available for systems that will ship during the back-to-school (BTS) season, according to a media report. If the information is correct, then it is completely logical for the software giant to roll-out its new OS earlier than it promised several months ago.

Microsoft plans to release its next-gen OS to manufacturing (RTM) in June, not in August or September, as previously expected, reports Neowin. RTM in August means that systems featuring the new operating system will only be ready in October, which means that they will miss important back-to-school season.

Microsoft and PC makers need to sell more software and hardware to boost their revenues, therefore, speeding up release of Windows 10 makers perfect sense for the whole industry.

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Since the software giant has been pretty aggressive with the release windows for the consumer preview of its new operating system, it is highly likely that Microsoft will manage to RTM its new OS in June.

The Redmond, Washington-based software developer is expected to reveal more details about its Windows 10 as well as its release schedule at the upcoming Build conference at the end of April.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While Microsoft could finalize Windows 10 operating system for personal computers and tablets by June, the version of the OS for smartphones, wearables and other possible devices could make it to the market only later this year.

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Microsoft trademarks ‘Windows 365’ brand-name https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-trademarks-windows-365-brand-name/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-trademarks-windows-365-brand-name/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2015 07:09:59 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=234844 When Microsoft releases its Windows 10 operating system later this year, the company will offer a software-as-a-service version of the OS. Last month the company filed an application with the U.S. patent and trademark office for the “Windows 365” brand name, which potentially confirms plan to introduce a subscription-based model of monetization of its operating …

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When Microsoft releases its Windows 10 operating system later this year, the company will offer a software-as-a-service version of the OS. Last month the company filed an application with the U.S. patent and trademark office for the “Windows 365” brand name, which potentially confirms plan to introduce a subscription-based model of monetization of its operating system.

Microsoft already offers Office 365 software-as-a-service suite that offers productivity applications for all Internet-connected computing platforms, including PCs, tablets and smartphones. On January 29, 2015, Microsoft filed an application for Windows 365, which indicates that the company will offer a subscription model for its OS, reports Neowin.

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Earlier this year Microsoft confirmed plans to offer Windows as a service.

“We think of Windows as a Service – in fact, one could reasonably think of Windows in the next couple of years as one of the largest Internet services on the planet,” said Terry Myerson, vice president of operating systems at Microsoft. “Just like any Internet service, the idea of asking ‘What version are you on?’ will cease to make sense – which is great news for our Windows developers. With universal Windows apps that work across the entire device family, developers can build one app that targets the broadest range of devices – including the PC, tablet, phone, Xbox, the Internet of Things, and more.”

As reported, Microsoft Windows 10 will work on billions of devices, including PCs, tablets, smartphones, wearable computing devices and other. It makes a lot of sense for Microsoft to offer its next OS with a subscription since it is not easy to monetize Windows on various Internet-of-Things devices.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It will be very interesting to see the difference between Windows 365 service as well as Windows 10 operating system that will be pre-installed on new PCs and other devices.

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Microsoft confirms cancellation of Lumia 2520 tablet https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-confirms-cancellation-of-lumia-2520-tablet/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-confirms-cancellation-of-lumia-2520-tablet/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2015 05:55:49 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=233606 Microsoft Corp. has confirmed that its Nokia Lumia 2520 media tablet is no longer in production. Essentially, it means that there are no more devices powered by the company’s Windows RT operating system that are manufactured in high-volume quantities. Last week Microsoft halted production of its own Surface 2 slate featuring Windows RT operating system. …

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Microsoft Corp. has confirmed that its Nokia Lumia 2520 media tablet is no longer in production. Essentially, it means that there are no more devices powered by the company’s Windows RT operating system that are manufactured in high-volume quantities.

Last week Microsoft halted production of its own Surface 2 slate featuring Windows RT operating system. This week the company revealed to PCMWeb that it had also stopped production of the Nokia Lumia 2520 media tablet. The Surface 2 and the Lumia 2520 were the last Windows RT-based tablets that remained on the market.

Microsoft Windows RT operating system has failed to gain popularity among end-users and hardware makers because it cannot run traditional applications designed for x86 microprocessors. As a result, the ARM-powered tablets from Microsoft and Nokia have also failed on the market.

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At present both Surface 2 and Lumia 2520 media tablet are sold in select stores in various countries. However, since they are no longer in production, soon the stock will be depleted and the devices will cease to be available completely.

Microsoft’s next-generation Windows 10 operating system will support both x86 and ARM processors. As a result, it is possible that the company will introduce new ARM-based slates in the future.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Keeping in mind tremendously low popularity of Windows RT-based gadgets, the Lumia 2520 will hardly be missed…

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Microsoft ceases production of its Windows RT-based Surface tablets https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-ceases-production-of-its-windows-rt-based-tablets/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-ceases-production-of-its-windows-rt-based-tablets/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2015 04:39:50 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=232847 Microsoft Corp. has announced that it had ceased production of its Surface 2 media tablet. The Surface 2 is generally one of the two devices based on Microsoft Windows RT operating system that is available commercially. This week Microsoft sold out the remaining stock of the Surface 2 products and will not produce any more …

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Microsoft Corp. has announced that it had ceased production of its Surface 2 media tablet. The Surface 2 is generally one of the two devices based on Microsoft Windows RT operating system that is available commercially. This week Microsoft sold out the remaining stock of the Surface 2 products and will not produce any more of such devices.

Both Microsoft Windows RT and Microsoft Surface tablets were failures for the software giant. Customers and hardware makers were reluctant to use the platform because it was not compatible with legacy programs (due to the fact that Win RT relied on ARM processors, not on x86), whereas software developers were not quick enough with modern products that were compatible with Windows RT. Hardware makers did not widely support the OS, even Microsoft’s Nokia division did not promote its Lumia 2520 tablet last year. Although it is unknown whether the Lumia 2520 is still in production, it is obvious that its days are counted.

While Microsoft Surface 2 and Nokia Lumia 2520 are still available at BestBuy and Verizon in the U.S., Microsoft will no longer produce additional devices, reports PCWorld web-site. Microsoft will continue to support existing Surface RT customers with updates and patches, but, as reported, it will not update its Surface and Surface 2 tablets with Windows 10 operating system.

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Even though it is obvious that Windows RT is dead, Microsoft’s next OS – Windows 10 – will also support ARM architecture and therefore hardware makers will be able to build consumer devices featuring system-on-chips from companies like Nvidia, Qualcomm and others.

“ARM devices will continue to be a crucial part of the range of devices Windows 10 supports, with an optimized experience for ARM-based phones, phablets and small tablets up to 8-inches,” said a spokesman for Microsoft. “Windows 10 is a single OS that spans multiple device form-factors, including tablets. We believe users will be delighted with how the OS will optimize based on the device they are on, whether that is a phone, tablet, PC or beyond.”

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft is currently reconsidering its hardware strategy. Satya Nadella does not seem to be a big fan of Microsoft-branded hardware, which is why it is unlikely that going forward the software giant will offer its customers anything except top-of-the-range halo products.

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Microsoft Surface will not be updated to Windows 10 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-surface-rt-wont-get-windows-10-only-some-of-its-functionality/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-surface-rt-wont-get-windows-10-only-some-of-its-functionality/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2015 04:05:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=232097 Microsoft Corp.’s troubled Surface RT media tablets will not be updated with Windows 10 operating system, even though the new OS is compatible with ARM-based system-on-chips. While devices running Windows RT will get some of functionality of Windows 10, they will never get all of the advantage of the new platform. Microsoft unveiled Surface RT …

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Microsoft Corp.’s troubled Surface RT media tablets will not be updated with Windows 10 operating system, even though the new OS is compatible with ARM-based system-on-chips. While devices running Windows RT will get some of functionality of Windows 10, they will never get all of the advantage of the new platform.

Microsoft unveiled Surface RT media tablets as well as Windows RT operating system in late 2012 along with massively re-designed Windows 8 OS. None of Windows RT-based devices, including the company’s own Surface RT, has ever become popular and the vast majority of hardware manufacturers simply ignored the platform. Windows RT was Microsoft’s first “big” Windows that was developed for ARM system-on-chips, therefore it was not compatible with traditional Windows software (designed for x86 microprocessors). In the future Microsoft plans to unify all of its operating systems for PCs, tablets and smartphones, which is why Windows RT is no longer needed.

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While Microsoft will continue to offer its Surface Pro slates for professionals, it looks like the company plans to abandon its ARM-based media tablets. While Windows 7- and 8-based PCs, select tablets and Windows Phone 8-powered smartphones will be upgraded to Windows 10 operating system for free, Windows RT-powered devices will only get an update of their functionality, but will not get the new OS, reports Cnet News.

“Surface Pro 3 (and the entire Surface Pro lineup) will update to Windows 10,” a statement by Microsoft reads. “We are working on an update for [the Windows RT version of] Surface, which will have some of the functionality of Windows 10. More information to come.”

Microsoft has to officially confirm the phasing out of Windows RT and Surface RT tablets, but given that Microsoft has not really updated the lineup of slates for over a year and Windows 10 will support ARM processors, which are traditionally used for mobile devices, there is no need in Windows RT going forward.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is not completely clear why Microsoft decided not to upgrade Windows RT-powered devices to Windows 10. If ARM hardware is supported by Windows 10, then it should be no problems to install Windows 10 on Surface RT, Nokia Lumia 2520 and on some other Windows RT-based tablets…

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Microsoft Windows 10 to be as popular as Windows 7 – analyst https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-to-be-as-popular-as-windows-7-analyst/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-to-be-as-popular-as-windows-7-analyst/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:04:18 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=226639 The adoption of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system has been generally slow because it looks and feels unfamiliar to most users. Windows 10 operating system promises to become more popular because Microsoft will attempt to make it more familiar to users of classic Windows operating systems. A financial analyst said that Windows 10 could …

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The adoption of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system has been generally slow because it looks and feels unfamiliar to most users. Windows 10 operating system promises to become more popular because Microsoft will attempt to make it more familiar to users of classic Windows operating systems. A financial analyst said that Windows 10 could be as popular as Windows 7.

Intel Corp. has suggested that as many as 600 million personal computers could be replaced with PCs powered by Windows 10 operating system in the foreseeable future. Microsoft itself said that Windows 10 will be used on billions of devices. While it is unknown precisely how Microsoft plans to monetize its next-generation operating system, Brendan Barnicle, an analyst with Pacific Crest, believes that Microsoft’s licensing revenues will be significantly higher in the coming years.

“Microsoft saw relatively weak adoption of Windows 8, but early reviews are encouraging for Windows 10,” said Mr. Barnicle in a note to clients, reports Tech Trader Daily. “The Windows 10 upgrade cycle could be like Windows 7. While we believe it will not be as strong an upgrade cycle as the XP expiration cycle, Windows 10 could provide upside to our F2016 D&C licensing revenue estimates, which are currently modeled to be flat.”

microsoft_windows_10_Start-Menu

Since Windows 10 operating system will work on personal computers, tablets, smartphones and even wearables, the OS will be sold at different price-points. It is likely that average revenue per copy will be lower than average revenue a Windows license brings to Microsoft today. As a result, to benefit from Windows 10, Microsoft will just have to sell higher amount of copies than it did with Windows 8.

There are multiple ways for Microsoft to monetize its operating systems. The main challenge for Windows 10 will be to persuade makers of smartphones, tablets and wearables to use the platform in general. So far, Microsoft has not been very successful on the market of mobile devices and has consistently lost market share to Google Android. It is not guaranteed that Microsoft manages to capture share from Android and Android Wear in the future.

Microsoft will release Windows 10 operating system next fall.

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Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is noteworthy that financial analysts these days do not try to assess success of Windows 10 outside the personal computer world. Given that PC makers need Windows for their systems, it is nearly certain that Windows 10 will remain rather popular on the market of desktops and notebooks. But the key to success of Windows 10 ecosystem lies outside the PC world. Microsoft needs to install Windows on mobile and ultra-mobile devices, not only on PCs, to remain relevant.

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Microsoft announces date of Windows 10 consumer preview https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-reveal-consumer-features-of-windows-10-on-january-21-2015/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-reveal-consumer-features-of-windows-10-on-january-21-2015/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2014 03:49:36 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=226014 Microsoft Corp. on Thursday announced that it will hold a special event in Redmond, Washington on the 21st of January, 2015, where it will reveal more details regarding Windows 10 operating system in general and its capabilities aimed at consumers in particular. The event will be webcast live, so everyone will be able to hear …

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Microsoft Corp. on Thursday announced that it will hold a special event in Redmond, Washington on the 21st of January, 2015, where it will reveal more details regarding Windows 10 operating system in general and its capabilities aimed at consumers in particular. The event will be webcast live, so everyone will be able to hear what Microsoft plans to disclose.

Senior leaders of Microsoft, including Satya Nadella, Terry Myerson, Joe Belfiore and Phil Spencer, will talk at the event about the Windows 10 consumer experience. The lineup of executives suggests that Microsoft will not only reveal additional information about its upcoming operating system, but also gaming- and Xbox-related aspects of the forthcoming platform.

The software giant did not reveal topics it wants to cover during the event, but given the presence of Joe Belfiore, it is likely that Microsoft will reveal versions of Windows aimed at various consumer devices. Based on unofficial information, the software developer intends to show Windows 10 for mobile devices, which will work on smartphones as well as tablets powered by ARM or Intel microprocessors. It is also likely that the software giant will demonstrate its new code-named “Continuum” touch-based user interface at the event among other things.

microsoft_Windows-10-Invite

Keeping in mind the presence of Phil Spencer, expect Microsoft to talk about its video game ecosystem in general, DirectX 12 application programming interface, Windows 10 graphics user interface for the company’s latest game console and so on. Microsoft should also talk about the place of Xbox One as a gaming platform within its ecosystem and reveal how it will position the Xbox and the PC (when it comes to gaming) going forward. Unfortunately, it is unknown whether Microsoft will actually cover this topic.

Microsoft Windows 10 will work on billions of devices and will power virtually all types of computing products that exist today, including desktop and notebook PCs, hybrid 2-in-1 systems, tablets, smartphones, embedded applications and ever wearables. The OS is projected to smartly tweak its user interface for every device type, which should please users of classic Windows as well as new devices. Windows 10 will be launched in late summer or in autumn of 2015.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is likely that Microsoft will not release all the Windows 10 consumer experience-related information at its event in January. But, perhaps, it will at least partly uncover its strategic vision regarding its new platform and devices it will power along with some flagship features that should define difference with today’s Windows.

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Microsoft: Windows 10 will run on billions of devices https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-will-run-on-billions-of-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-will-run-on-billions-of-devices/#comments Sat, 06 Dec 2014 02:34:37 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=225138 Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will eventually power billion of devices, the company revealed this week. Apparently, the new OS will target not only PCs, tablets and smartphones, but also various devices that belong to the Internet-of-Things (IoT) world. While Microsoft did not explicitly confirm it, it looks like Windows 10 will also be …

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Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 operating system will eventually power billion of devices, the company revealed this week. Apparently, the new OS will target not only PCs, tablets and smartphones, but also various devices that belong to the Internet-of-Things (IoT) world. While Microsoft did not explicitly confirm it, it looks like Windows 10 will also be aimed at various wearable computing devices, smart home appliances, special-purpose equipment, automobiles and more.

“Our goal is to have Windows 10 run across billions of devices,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer of Microsoft at the Credit Suisse 18th Annual Technology Conference. “Being able to tap into that entire ecosystem from Internet-of-Things all the way up, as I said, to the TV, is an important element and an important opportunity for us.”

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Microsoft needs to expand the Windows ecosystem beyond personal computers so to earn not only by selling software for PCs, but by selling programs, services and content across loads of various devices. Therefore, Windows 10 was designed from the ground up to support all imaginable types of computing hardware.

From Microsoft's point of view, it took four operating systems (for PCs, smartphones/tablets, embedded/IoT equipment and Xbox One) and fused them into one that supports the broadest amount of devices possible.

“The thing that I want to tell you about Windows 10 is that it is very unique from any operating system we have ever built and any operating system that exists today,” said Mr. Turner. “We have actually taken those four OSes […] and built that single kernel across all of those entities.”

Earlier this year Tami Reller, back then executive vice president of marketing at Microsoft, already implied that Microsoft was working on Windows for ultra-small gadgets, such as wearables. From technology standpoint, since Windows 10’s kernel supports both x86 and ARM processors as well as a broad set of various hardware, it can power almost anything, including smartwatches, car infotainment systems, special-purpose equipment and so on. What is not completely clear is whether all programs (including legacy applications) will run on all types of hardware.

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The software giant noted that while Windows 10 will run differently on various devices and its user interface will be tailored for particular products, the overall user experience should be similar across the Microsoft eco-system.

“One experience on every device for everything in your life is the promise that we are delivering on Windows 10,” said the COO of Microsoft. “It is going to be a very good opportunity for us to reinvigorate the entire Windows ecosystem around that.”

Microsoft emphasized that applications developed for Windows 10 will run on all devices based on the platform, which is something that has never been possible.

“Now you can write that application, have it actually run across [IoT devices], have it run across your mobile devices, have it run across your laptop and your desktops and your TV with Xbox One, and you have a common kernel within that,” explained Mr. Turner. “We have one developer API now. We have one interface to silicon with Windows 10. That gives us the capability of having one store, which also gives us the capability of having one experience tailored to every device.”

While it is definitely impressive to see an operating system that works on everything from smartwatch to tablet to PC, it remains to be seen how well it will work on all these devices and how good the user experience “tailored for every device” will be.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft’s Windows 10 seems to be a very broad initiative designed for long-term future, when Microsoft will need to absorb loads of device types into its ecosystem to stay relevant. Microsoft’s approach seems to be very progressive, but it is completely unclear how the company wants to ensure quality user experience on all devices. Apple’s Mac OS X and iOS platforms share a lot of code derived from the NextStep OS, but they are still different operating systems and cannot run the same applications because there are different usage patters on different hardware and apps should be tailored for particular platforms to provide great user experience. Microsoft, however, is proud that one app can run on everything. While this sounds good, running Excel on a smartwatch makes no sense.

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Microsoft delays Windows 10 launch to ‘late summer – early fall’ of 2015 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-delays-windows-10-launch-to-late-summer-early-fall-of-2015/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-delays-windows-10-launch-to-late-summer-early-fall-of-2015/#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2014 23:28:46 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=225116 Microsoft Corp. this week revealed that the launch timeframe of its next-generation Windows 10 operating system had been delayed to “late summer – early fall” of 2015. Previously it was believed that the OS was due in the first half of next year, but due to some reasons the software giant decided to push the …

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Microsoft Corp. this week revealed that the launch timeframe of its next-generation Windows 10 operating system had been delayed to “late summer – early fall” of 2015. Previously it was believed that the OS was due in the first half of next year, but due to some reasons the software giant decided to push the release back. The company is still on-track to show off consumer features of Windows early in 2015.

“The thing I want to tell you about on Windows 10 is in the Windows 10 timeframe, which we plan to talk about the end-user consumer experiences in the early spring, we'll have a developer preview and be able to talk to that in depth in the early summer timeframe,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer of Microsoft at the Credit Suisse 18th Annual Technology Conference. “Then by next late summer and early fall we'll be able to bring out this particular OS. That's the current plan of record.”

The first rumours about Microsoft’s operating system code-named “Threshold” emerged in late 2013. In early 2014 it transpired that the world’s largest software designer was hard at work to release the new OS as early as in late 2014 in a bid to boost sales of PCs hampered by low popularity of Windows 8. Eventually different sources pointed to the first half of 2015 as the ship target for the next Windows, but it turns out that Microsoft’s new OS will only hit the market in late summer or early fall of 2015, roughly three years after Windows 8.

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Based on unofficial information, Microsoft will publicly preview consumer features of Windows 10 at a special event in late January. According to a report by Mary J. Foley, a well-known Microsoft watcher, the software giant will unveil capabilities of Windows 10 for mobile devices, which will work on smartphones as well as tablets powered by ARM or Intel microprocessors. It is expected that Microsoft will show its new code-named “Continuum” touch-based user interface at the event.

Microsoft Windows 10 will power virtually all types of devices that exist today, including desktop and notebook PCs, hybrid 2-in-1 systems, tablets, smartphones and even certain embedded applications. The OS will intelligently tweak its user interface for every device type. Many of “classic” Windows elements are expected to return to Windows 10 versions for desktops and notebooks. The next Microsoft operating system will ship with cross-platform DirectX 12 application programming interface.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft Windows 10 is highly anticipated by PC makers and hardware components manufacturers because they hope that its release will improve their sales. Unfortunately for them, the new OS will not be available for quite some time from now, which means that spring refresh and even back-to-school PCs will have to ship with Windows 8.1.

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Microsoft to discuss consumer features of Windows 10 in January https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-discuss-consumer-features-of-windows-10-in-january/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-discuss-consumer-features-of-windows-10-in-january/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:50:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=223959 Microsoft Corp. plans to hold a special event for mass media where it will discuss consumer features of Windows 10 operating system in detail. The press event is rumoured to be held in late January. The world’s largest software maker formally announced its next Windows 10 operating system in late September and released technical preview …

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Microsoft Corp. plans to hold a special event for mass media where it will discuss consumer features of Windows 10 operating system in detail. The press event is rumoured to be held in late January.

The world’s largest software maker formally announced its next Windows 10 operating system in late September and released technical preview of the platform in early October primarily aiming at enterprise and enthusiast users to collect their feedback. While a lot of features of Windows 10 exist in the version currently tested by the members of Microsoft Insider program, a lot of capabilities and the all-new touch interface are still not there.

At the event in late January the software developer intends to discuss currently unknown features of Windows 10 as well as reveal its new touch interface dubbed Continuum, reports The Verge.

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Since Windows 10 is designed to run on different kinds of devices providing “the right experience on the right device at the right time,” it is logical to expect Microsoft to show off how the operating system works on smartphones, tablets, 2-in-1s and different personal computers.

Microsoft is expected to formally announce the event already this year.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is interesting to note that Microsoft decided not to impress general public with Windows 10 devices at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, but plans a separate media-only event at a later date. Perhaps, Windows 10 is not really around the corner and it makes no sense to show it to the public just now. If the software giant plans to release Windows 10 sometimes in September or October, 2015, it clearly does not want to slow sales of Windows 8.1-based PCs in the first half of the year by showing off Windows 10 at CES. Still, since the late January event is expected to be public, all the details will be available for everyone. Just not in the mainstream media…

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Microsoft to sell ‘non-modern’ apps, content in Windows Store https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-sell-non-modern-apps-content-in-windows-store/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-sell-non-modern-apps-content-in-windows-store/#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:36:54 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=215447 At present Microsoft Corp. only sells applications with Metro-style “modern” interface in its Windows Store, possibly to ensure that all the apps it sells are optimized for both PCs and tablets. However, starting next year the company will change alter its policy and will start sales of apps that do not feature modern user interface. …

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At present Microsoft Corp. only sells applications with Metro-style “modern” interface in its Windows Store, possibly to ensure that all the apps it sells are optimized for both PCs and tablets. However, starting next year the company will change alter its policy and will start sales of apps that do not feature modern user interface.

“The Windows Store will also support more than just modern apps,” said Oliver Niehus, a software developer at Microsoft in a blog post that has been removed, reports Neowin. “It will add desktop apps, as well as other types of digital content. We will provide many different ways to pay for apps. And we'll provide an organization store within the public Windows Store, where an org can place their own curated list of public apps as well as specific line-of-business apps that their employees need.”

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The move will make Microsoft’s Windows Store a considerably better place to get various kinds of software. Moreover, Microsoft likely plans to add music, videos and other content to its store, which will make it comparable to Apple’s iTunes and Google’s Play stores.

It is expected that the new Windows Store will be launched along with the Windows 10 operating system in the first half of 2015.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It looks like Microsoft wants to be considerably more flexible with its Windows 10 that it was with its Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Such flexibility – along with return of Start Menu and other improvements in Windows 10 – should help the new OS to get more popular than Windows 8, which has been criticized for the lack of Start Menu, Metro interface and a number of other things.

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Microsoft Windows 10 will ship with DirectX 12 API https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-will-ship-with-directx-12-api/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-10-will-ship-with-directx-12-api/#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:23:09 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=215066 Microsoft Corp. has announced that its next-generation Windows 10 operating system will ship with DirectX 12 application programming interface (API). Keeping in mind that the OS is designed for all types of devices and DX12 is a corner stone for Microsoft’s ecosystem-related strategy, the news is hardly surprising. This week Microsoft made available Windows 10 technical …

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Microsoft Corp. has announced that its next-generation Windows 10 operating system will ship with DirectX 12 application programming interface (API). Keeping in mind that the OS is designed for all types of devices and DX12 is a corner stone for Microsoft’s ecosystem-related strategy, the news is hardly surprising.

This week Microsoft made available Windows 10 technical preview that gives a glimpse of what is coming in terms of user interface and general capabilities. What the technical preview, regrettably, lacks is DirectX 12 application programming interface, possibly, because it has to be supported by independent hardware vendors and far not all IHVs are ready with appropriate drivers today. Still, Microsoft made it clear that the DX12 is an integral part of Windows 10.

“The final version of Windows 10 will ship with DirectX 12, and we think it's going to be awesome,” said Bryan Langley, a spokesman for Microsoft, in a blog post.

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A screenshot from UE4.4’s Landscape Mountains demo taken on a PC powered by Intel Core i-series “Haswell” microprocessor.

DirectX 12 will target not only traditional personal computers, but also mobile devices like smartphones and tablets as well as Xbox One. The DX12 will allow game developers to access hardware resources of graphics processing units on a “close-to-metal” level, which will result in higher efficiency and increased performance; in addition, the new API will allow games to significantly increase multithread scaling and CPU utilisation.

At present DirectX 12 is only available to game developers as well as hardware manufacturers. Game developers who are part of Microsoft’s DirectX 12 Early Access program will receive updated runtime, API headers, drivers, documentation, and samples, all of which will work with the Windows 10 Technical Preview. In addition, those, who are subscribed to Unreal Engine 4, can receive source access to the DX12 port of UE4.4.

It is unknown when Microsoft rolls-out a version of Windows 10 with DirectX 12 and whether it plans to do so before shipping the final version of the operating system. Previously the company did allow enthusiasts to try-out its new DirectX APIs before official releases.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What will be interesting to see is whether DirectX 12 will bring any all-new graphics capabilities and when graphics chip designers plan to release hardware that support these innovations.

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Microsoft Windows 9 could cost $30 to owners of Windows 7 – rumour https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-could-cost-30-to-owners-of-windows-7-rumour/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-could-cost-30-to-owners-of-windows-7-rumour/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2014 02:16:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=214163 Microsoft Corp. is expected to provide free Windows 9 upgrade to those who use Windows 8.1 today. Moreover, the company will reportedly offer Windows 9 with a huge discount to owners of Windows 7, the most popular version of Windows today. In a bid to make Windows 9 more popular among end-users Microsoft will sell …

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Microsoft Corp. is expected to provide free Windows 9 upgrade to those who use Windows 8.1 today. Moreover, the company will reportedly offer Windows 9 with a huge discount to owners of Windows 7, the most popular version of Windows today.

In a bid to make Windows 9 more popular among end-users Microsoft will sell it to owners of Windows 7 for sub-$30, reports Wzor, a well-known source of Microsoft-related information. It is expected that the software developer will offer ESD distributives of Windows 9 in its store. The move makes a great sense since Windows 7 is more popular than Windows 8 among end-users and therefore Microsoft could sell a lot of Windows 9 licenses to people who still use the outdated OS.

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Keeping in mind that Windows 9 is expected to be friendlier to users of desktop and laptop personal computers than Windows 8/8.1, it is logical to offer it to those, who still prefer Windows 7.

Microsoft is expected to formally announce Windows 9 “Threshold” on the 30th of September. The new OS is expected to be released commercially in the first half of 2015.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If Microsoft proceeds with the plan to offer Windows 9 with huge discount to owners of Windows 7, this will mark the first time when the software giant will provide a discount to users of its outdated operating system that is more than five years old. Perhaps, the company will even reconsider its pricing policy in general with its next Windows.

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Microsoft Windows 9 to support 8K UHD resolution, improved scaling https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-to-support-8k-uhd-resolution-improved-scaling/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-to-support-8k-uhd-resolution-improved-scaling/#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:34:53 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=213000 One of the things that Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system is criticized for is poor scaling. As a result, it is sometimes inconvenient to work on Windows 8-based PCs with high-resolution/high-DPI displays. According to a new media report, the next Windows operating system will address such issues. PCPortal web-site has revealed that the latest builds …

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One of the things that Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system is criticized for is poor scaling. As a result, it is sometimes inconvenient to work on Windows 8-based PCs with high-resolution/high-DPI displays. According to a new media report, the next Windows operating system will address such issues.

PCPortal web-site has revealed that the latest builds of Windows 9 “Threshold” OS support new 768*768 pixel icons, which will be needed when users work in ultra-high resolutions. It is also claimed that maximum resolution for a single display supported by the new operating system is 8K (7680*4320). Besides, it is reported that Microsoft has greatly improved its graphics scaling technology in order to better display classic applications on monitors with high pixel density.

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The results of the changes are hard to overestimate since they will enable PC makers to build Windows-based machines with retina-class screens. While there are many notebooks with high-res displays today, they are not always comfortable to use since icons and other elements get very small on them.

Microsoft Windows 9 will be formally introduced later this month. It is expected that the new operating system will be released commercially in the first half of 2015.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is clearly nice to see that the upcoming Windows will get better support for ultra-high-definition resolutions. Perhaps, this will make UHD displays as well as laptops with high-DPI screens more widespread on the market.

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Microsoft confirms Windows 9 launch date: 30th of September https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-confirms-windows-9-launch-date-30th-of-september/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-confirms-windows-9-launch-date-30th-of-september/#respond Tue, 16 Sep 2014 04:26:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=211771 Microsoft Corp. on Monday began to send invitations to the event where it plans to formally introduce its next-generation Windows 9 operating system. The event will take place in San Francisco, California, on the 30th of September, 2014. The Verge reports that the event, which will focus on enterprise and power users of Windows, will …

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Microsoft Corp. on Monday began to send invitations to the event where it plans to formally introduce its next-generation Windows 9 operating system. The event will take place in San Francisco, California, on the 30th of September, 2014.

The Verge reports that the event, which will focus on enterprise and power users of Windows, will be hosted by Joe Belfiore and Terry Myerson. It is also expected that Microsoft will deliver public technical preview of its Windows Next shortly after the event.

As previously reported, the Windows 9 “Threshold” is designed for all three major types of devices, such as personal computers, tablets and smartphones. The new operating system will also be Microsoft's first OS which will be released under the new chief executive officer, Satya Nadella.

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It is projected that the Windows 9 OS will include changes designed to improve usability by users who are familiar with Windows XP, Vista and 7. Among other things, Microsoft plans to return the fully-fledged desktop, “Start” menu as well as run apps designed with Metro (Modern) interface in mind in windows. In addition, Windows 9 “Threshold” will support virtual desktops, which will allow users to easily switch between groups of apps and therefore organize their PCs and workflow better. Yet another user interface change with Threshold is elimination of the charms bar, an overlay that currently provides access to search, sharing, the Start screen, hardware devices and settings.

It is expected that Microsoft will launch its Windows 9 commercially in the first half of 2015.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is hard to expect Windows 9 to be a revolutionary operating system, even though it will power various types of devices. In general, the new OS is expected to fix all the issues introduced by the Windows 8, but not to become a breakthrough. Still, it is possible that the software giant will make a surprise and roll-out something we have never seen before…

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Windows 9 screenshots: Microsoft to return fully-fledged desktop https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/windows-9-screenshots-leaked-microsoft-to-return-fully-fledged-desktop/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/windows-9-screenshots-leaked-microsoft-to-return-fully-fledged-desktop/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:19:22 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=211416 The first screenshots of Windows 9 technical preview have hit the Internet. The new pictures confirm that Microsoft Corp.’s next-generation operating system code-named “Threshold” will resemble Windows 7 in many ways and will return familiar elements. Unfortunately, the whole user interface will remain “Metro”-like. The screenshots of Windows 6.4 Build 9834 published by ComputerBase.de and …

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The first screenshots of Windows 9 technical preview have hit the Internet. The new pictures confirm that Microsoft Corp.’s next-generation operating system code-named “Threshold” will resemble Windows 7 in many ways and will return familiar elements. Unfortunately, the whole user interface will remain “Metro”-like.

The screenshots of Windows 6.4 Build 9834 published by ComputerBase.de and WinFuture.de reaffirm that Microsoft will return the fully-fledged desktop experience to Windows 9, at least in a version of Windows 9 aimed at desktops and notebooks. It will be possible to run all programs, including those with Metro UI, in windows, just like screenshots confirm.

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The upcoming operating system will allow to control windows just like in Windows 7 and older OSes, using minimize, maximize and close buttons in the upper right corner. Context menus will also resemble those from older Windows. Many elements of the OS (e.g., icons, logotypes, etc.) resemble those from previous Windows operating systems.

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Since the screenshots were taken in a very early version of Windows 9, a lot of things may change in the final version of the OS.

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Microsoft plans to release public preview of Windows 9 later this month or in early October. The software giant intends to launch its next OS commercially in the first half of 2015.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The screenshots do not reveal a lot of things about Windows 9, but confirm that Microsoft decided to wed Metro UI with experience from the older Windows. While in general this seems to be the right decision, the Metro interface is just not really beautiful, which means that many users will not like Windows 9 just like they disliked Windows 8.

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Microsoft may roll-out Windows 9 ‘Threshold’ preview in September https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-may-roll-out-windows-9-threshold-preview-in-september/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-may-roll-out-windows-9-threshold-preview-in-september/#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2014 03:24:49 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=207845 Microsoft Corp. plans to unveil public preview of its next-generation Windows operating system in late September or early October, a media report claims. The commercial version of the OS code-named “Threshold” is expected to debut in spring, 2015. ZDNet reports that those who install the public tech preview of the Windows 9 “Threshold” will need …

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Microsoft Corp. plans to unveil public preview of its next-generation Windows operating system in late September or early October, a media report claims. The commercial version of the OS code-named “Threshold” is expected to debut in spring, 2015.

ZDNet reports that those who install the public tech preview of the Windows 9 “Threshold” will need to agree to have subsequent monthly updates to it pushed to them automatically. When Microsoft was working on the currently available Windows 8 operating system, it delivered three external “milestones” before launching the OS commercially in October, 2012. The first developer preview was released about a year ahead of the launch, whereas the first consumer preview was delivered eight months before the official debut. If Microsoft follows similar plan (and will speed up its execution a little), it could release the next Windows next spring.

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As previously reported, the Windows 9 “Threshold” is designed for all three major types of devices, such as personal computers, tablets and smartphones. It is projected that the Windows 9 OS will include changes designed to improve usability by users who are familiar with Windows XP, Vista and 7. Among other things, Microsoft plans to return the fully-fledged (or “Start” menu as well as run apps designed with Metro (Modern) interface in mind in windows. In addition, Windows 9 “Threshold” will support virtual desktops, which will allow users to easily switch between groups of apps and therefore organize their PCs and workflow better. Yet another user interface change with Threshold is elimination of the charms bar, an overlay that currently provides access to search, sharing, the Start screen, hardware devices and settings.

Keeping in mind that all the information about Windows Next comes from unofficial sources, it is unclear which features or capabilities will be supported by the commercial version of the operating system.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While it is unlikely that Windows 9 will be dramatically different compared to Windows 8, it will have one major advantage: DirectX 12 application programming interface designed to speed up graphics processing and reduce power consumption of hardware. Theoretically, the advantages of DX12 will likely be uncovered already next month, or in October.

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Microsoft Windows 9 “Threshold” will add virtual desktops, drop charms https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-threshold-will-add-virtual-desktops-drop-charms/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-windows-9-threshold-will-add-virtual-desktops-drop-charms/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2014 11:17:36 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=206491 As the launch date of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 9 code-named “Threshold” approaches, more information about its peculiarities emerge. According to the latest reports, the next-gen Windows will not only return the “Start” menu to PC users, but it will also add support for virtual desktops and will drop the charms bar. As previously reported, the …

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As the launch date of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 9 code-named “Threshold” approaches, more information about its peculiarities emerge. According to the latest reports, the next-gen Windows will not only return the “Start” menu to PC users, but it will also add support for virtual desktops and will drop the charms bar.

As previously reported, the Windows 9 “Threshold” is designed for all three major types of devices, such as personal computers, tablets and smartphones. At the same time, it is expected that the Windows 9 OS will contain significant changes designed to improve usability by users who are familiar with Windows XP, Vista and 7. In particular, Microsoft plans to return the fully-fledged (or nearly fully-fledged?) “Start” menu as well as run apps designed with Metro (Modern) interface in mind in windows.

Another advantage that the Windows 9 “Threshold” will have is support for virtual desktops, something that Apple’s Mac OS X and Ubuntu operating systems already feature, reports ZDNet. Virtual desktops will allow users to easily switch between groups of apps and therefore organize their PCs and workflow better. At present it is unknown whether support for virtual desktops will be mandatory for all devices. Since proper virtualization requires hardware support, compulsory support for this technology will boost hardware requirements for mobile devices.

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Another user interface change with Threshold is elimination of the charms bar, an overlay that currently provides access to search, sharing, the Start screen, hardware devices and settings. Some believe that the charms bar will remain for tablets, some assume that the overlay will be removed completely. According to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, “modern” Windows 8 apps will get title bars that include menus that have the charms components listed.

Microsoft is rumoured to deliver a public preview of its Windows “Threshold” in the fall of 2014. The commercial version of the product is set to be released next year.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The biggest issue with Windows 9 “Threshold” is that it will correct some drawbacks of the Windows 8/8.1 operating system and will therefore feature many other downsides. To make the things even more uncertain, the Windows 9 will have to work on smartphones, tablets and PCs, support loads of software and provide consistent user experience on all platforms.

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Microsoft set to unify all three client operating systems https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-set-to-unify-all-three-client-operating-systems/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/anton-shilov/microsoft-set-to-unify-all-three-client-operating-systems/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:25:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=204215 Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday confirmed rumours that it plans to unify all of its operating systems for client personal computers. The move will help the company to cut its costs and offer similar user experience on different types of devices, including personal computers, tablets and smartphones. “We will streamline the next version of Windows from …

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Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday confirmed rumours that it plans to unify all of its operating systems for client personal computers. The move will help the company to cut its costs and offer similar user experience on different types of devices, including personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

“We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft, during a conference call with financial analysts and investors.

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At present Microsoft offers Windows 8.1 for personal computers, Windows RT for media tablets and PCs running ARM microprocessors as well as Windows Phone for smartphones. Unification of all operating systems will allow Microsoft to run similar programs on all types of devices, but necessity to support different types of hardware will likely make the OSes bulkier (in terms of required storage space). Earlier this year Microsoft unveiled its next-generation DirectX 12 application programming interface that twill support all three major form-factors of devices as well as Microsoft’s Xbox One video game console.

“We will unify our stores, commerce and developer platforms to drive a more coherent user experience and a broader developer opportunity,” said Mr. Nadella. “We look forward to sharing more about our next major wave of Windows enhancements in the coming months.”

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Earlier it was reported that Microsoft was working on three versions of next-generation Windows “Threshold” OS: one designed for traditional PCs, another aimed at enterprise-class machines and yet another one tailored for tablets and smartphones. Apparently, now Microsoft wants to adopt “one size fits all” strategy.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While the unification will help Microsoft to make its eco-system more competitive, it will have to ensure that its operating system will be comfortable to use on all types of devices, which may not be an easy thing to do…

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