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Latest Gear Live Videos
Facebook 4.1 for Windows Phone 8 brings speed improvements
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft, Software,
A new update for Windows Phone 8's Facebook app doesn't bring new features, but does make the app a lot faster and more responsive. Similar to the recent Facebook app updates on Android and iOS, this one focuses on the general performance of the app, and eliminates the lag from the older version.
Windows Phone 7 devices, however, aren't capable of running the new update. UK users will assuredly find the Facebook version 4.1 update in the UK Windows Phone Marketplace, but its not quite available in all markets yet.
Read More 
| Windows Phone
Gallery: Facebook 4.1 for Windows Phone 8 brings speed improvements
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Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro drops in January for $899
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,
If the Surface with Windows RT isnt sporting the power and flexibility you need (check our Microsoft Surface review,) then the Surface with Windows 8 Pro would be more your jam, and Microsoft has finally announced pricing for the beefed up slate. Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in early 2013 (read: at least 3 months later than it should have been release) in two configurations: a 64GB standalone version priced at $899 and a 128 GB standalone version priced at $999. Both models will include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology.
What do you think? Have you been holding out for the Surface Pro? How does that price range hit you?
Read More | Microsoft Blog
Gallery: Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro drops in January for $899
Microsoft readying OTA update remedy for Windows Phone 8 reboot epidemic
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft, Software,
Microsoft has gotten to the bottom of the random Windows Phone 8 reboots, and is issuing an OTA update by December. The company, however, won't reveal the problem.
Here's what Microsoft had to say: “We’re continuing to investigate some reports of phones rebooting and have identified a cause with our partners. We are working to get an over-the-air update out in December.”
If you're currently one of the people with affected phones, let us know in the comments what model you have, as Microsoft hasn't detailed the types of phones affected or whether it's all Windows 8 devices.
Read More | AllThingsD
Gallery: Microsoft readying OTA update remedy for Windows Phone 8 reboot epidemic
Microsoft has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,
Microsoft has announced that it has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses since the release of the operating system on October 26th. Although reviews of the operating system suggest it has not been well received, it seems that consumers are excited about Microsoft's new hotness. Also, sales figures revealed by Microsoft state it sold just 4 million copies in the first week of launch, so it's obviously ramped up a bit.
Click to continue reading Microsoft has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses
Read More | ZDnet
Gallery: Microsoft has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses
Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Microsoft, Software,
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Microsoft has given relief to Android business users as a native Outlook.com app made its way to the Google Play Store. The Exchange ActiveSync protocol is standard for business and Enterprise professionals. Unfortunately, the functionality is lacking in many older Android handsets. So, the initial user reviews of the app seem mixed but it's better than nothing. Check out the features after the quick jump.
Click to continue reading Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Read More | Google Play Store
Gallery: Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android
Microsoft Store Cyber Monday deals focus on PC, tablets, Xbox 360
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Video Games,
The Microsoft Store has a bunch of great Cyber Monday deals today, and we figured we'd help highlight some of the best. If you're looking for a Windows 8 tablet, PC, or cheap Xbox 360 and PC games for you or a loved one, check these deals out:
- Save $100 on Acer Iconia
- Save $200 on Asus Vivobook S400
- Save $250 on Vizio 14" ultrabook
- Save over $100 on Xbox 360 250GB Kinect Sports Joy Ride bundle
- Xbox 360 and PC games discounted to $9.99
Read More | Microsoft Store Cyber Monday Deals
Gallery: Microsoft Store Cyber Monday deals focus on PC, tablets, Xbox 360
Microsoft Surface review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Features, Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews,
The release of the Microsoft Surface is a much bigger deal that the average consumer might perceive it to be. You see, Surface marks Microsoft's entry into the PC market. That might sound odd, but it's true--Microsoft may be the maker of Windows, but it's always been Microsoft partners who build the PCs. I'm talking about companies like Samsung, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, and others. Now, Microsoft is competing directly with its partners, hoping that consumers will flock to its Surface in a major way.
Similar to Apple's approach, Surface is the marriage of first-party software with first-party hardware. Microsoft controls the whole platform. If devices like the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Microsoft's own Xbox 360 have shown us anything, it's that when you have the ability to control the whole device as it pertains to software and hardware functionality, you can generally make a better product than you could using third-party ingredients. It's never a guarantee, but we think it puts you in a better spot to shine. That is the hope that Surface brings. Does Surface succeed in carving out its own niche, and filling a need that consumers are willing to pay to remedy? That's what we are here to discuss, so following along with us for our Microsoft Surface RT review.
Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface review
Gallery: Microsoft Surface review
2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Kinect Sesame Street TV
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Home Entertainment, Microsoft, Video Games, Family, Kids, Under $100, Under $250, Under $50, Under $500,
Next up in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide is Kinect Sesame Street TV, an educational title for the Xbox 360 geared towards young children. In the game kids are invited to experience the world of Sesame Street alongside their favorite characters, such as Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster and Elmo, like never before. With Kinect players to share in the experience through visual and physical interactions with characters of Sesame Street, placing them right in the Sesame Street experience.
Children can interact with their favorite Sesame Street characters on screen to help them with tasks, play in their world, and learn together. Full-body gestures and voice recognition are used to move from experience to experience, and go from passive watching to active participation, and the game even includes hundreds of clips from the Sesame Street archive. You can pick up Kinect Sesame Street TV for about $30 on Amazon.
Read More | Kinect Sesame Street TV
Gallery: 2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Kinect Sesame Street TV
Skype patches recovery password vulnerability
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Software,
Microsoft, the parent company of Skype, has patched a password recovery tool bug that Russian hackers utilized to exploit and gain access to user's accounts with nothing more than their account name and email. According to The Next of Web, they independently verified the five step process and confirmed that it works. Skype made this announcement on its website blog:
Early this morning we were notified of user concerns surrounding the security of the password reset feature on our website. This issue affected some users where multiple Skype accounts were registered to the same email address. We suspended the password reset feature temporarily this morning as a precaution and have made updates to the password reset process today so that it is now working properly. We are reaching out to a small number of users who may have been impacted to assist as necessary. Skype is committed to providing a safe and secure communications experience to our users and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Read More | Skype
Gallery: Skype patches recovery password vulnerability
Nokia Lumia 920 $99.99, Lumia 820 $49.99, both launch Friday
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft,
After a ridiculously long wait, it's finally been announced that AT&T will be selling launching the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 Windows Phones this Friday, November 9th, with pre-orders starting tomorrow. Pricing has also been revealed, and things are looking good there as well, with the flagship 920 costing $99.99 with two-year contract, and including a wireless charging dock. If you'd prefer the 820, that one will sell for $49.99 on contract. Now that the pricing is public, anyone planning on picking up one of the new Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices?
