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

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Apple iPad mini

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Handhelds, Women, Men, Techies, Teens, Under $500,

Next up in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide is the Apple iPad mini. We're sure many of you expected to see this one here, but we weren't so sure until we got our hands on one, and realized after a couple of weeks that our full-sized iPad with Retina display was collecting dust. The iPad mini lives up the the hype that it has generated for years, and it is beautifully designed, what with its anogized aluminum shell. Battery life seem to be better than any iPad before it, and the display, while not Retina quality, is not that bad at all. You get the 7.9-inch 1024 x 768 display powered by a dual-core A5 processor and 512MB RAM in a package that weighs just 0.68 pounds. Prices start at $329, and you can get one now from Apple.

Read More | iPad mini product page

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

Unboxing Live 102: Wii U Deluxe Set

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Video Games, Videocasts,

In this episode we open up the brand new Nintendo Wii U console. Nintendo is first out of the gate with next-generation home console hardware, and the Wii U with its GamePad is the star of the show. We open up the Wii U Deluxe Set, giving you a look at the black console that's inside, as well as the GamePad, NintendoLand, and all the other included accessories in this edition of Unboxing Live!

If you're interested, you can pick up a Wii U Basic Set or Deluxe Set from Best Buy.

Big thank you to GoToMeeting for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! GoToMeeting with HDFaces provides rich, super-simple collaborative virtual meetings.

Microsoft releases native Outook app for Android

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Microsoft, Software,

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

OS X 10.8.3 beta reveals support for ATI 7000 Graphics, new Mac Pro imminent?

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Rumors,

It is being reported that OS X 10.8.3 beta has ATI Tahiti 7000 drivers support and can be found in the system profiler. This could very well mean that Mountain Lion is ready for an imminent Mac Pro refresh. In addition, the new iMacs are said to have Nvidia graphics, so this support isn't mean for those--no current Macs has these graphic chips, so it's good news for those hardcore users that need extra muscle and have been holding out.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.8.3 beta reveals support for ATI 7000 Graphics, new Mac Pro imminent?

Read More | Netkas

Nintendo Wii Mini is a $100 Canada exclusive

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Corporate News, Hardware, Nintendo, Wii,

If you're looking for a budget friendly gaming console and you happen to live in Canada, then look no further than the Wii Mini for $100. The popular gaming console is in fact exclusive to Canada, eh! Sadly, the console breaks backwards compatibility with GameCube and lacks Internet access [Editor's note: Nintendo really dropped the ball here by removing Internet access. A $100 Wii Mini with Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube access would be a fantastic set-top box.] It goes on sale on December 7th, and will be a cool Christmas stocking stuffer. Full press after the jump.

Click to continue reading Nintendo Wii Mini is a $100 Canada exclusive

Read More | Wii Mini

Max Payne 3 gets “Painful Memories” DLC, revisits older games

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Action, Downloadable Content, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360,

New DLC is coming for Max Payne 3, well, sort of. The "Painful Memories" map pack releasing December 4th will bring four new maps inspired from past Max Payne games. These maps include Roscoe Street Subway, Marty's Bar, Shoot First and Canal De Panama.

Painful Memories also comes with two new assault rifles, the IMG 5.56 and the UAR-21.  A new ability, Hangover Burst, allows you to force enemies to respawn with impaired vision, as well as reduced stamina and health. There's also a few new avatars and items as well.

The Painful Memories DLC will release for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on December 4th for 800 Microsoft Points, or $9.99.

Read More | Rockstar

Apple profits conceptualized

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, PC / Laptop,

Here's a clear example of The Street missing the woods for the trees when it comes to valuing Apple stock while giving companies like Amazon high volume and low profit yield a free pass.

Notable Highlights between Oct 2011 - Sept 2012:

• Apple record breaking profit of 41.7 billion.
• Apple revenue is 156.5 billion.
• Combined profit of Facebook, Google Microsoft, Yahoo! and Amazon is 34 million.
• Combined profit of the PC industry of HP, Lenovo, Acer, IBM ASUS, Dell, and Intel is 19.3 billion.

One could extrapolate that the major Android OEMS combined makes less profit than Apple makes from the iPhone alone.

Read More | Statista

Microsoft developing smaller Xbox set-top box

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Microsoft, Rumors, Xbox,

Microsoft is developing a set-top box as an alterntative to a fully-fledged next generation gaming device. The set-top will run on core components of Windows 8, offering casual gaming titles (most likely through Xbox Live) instead of the big productions you'll find on the next-generation of Xbox consoles.

Furthering the casual theme of the set-top box, Microsoft is planning on incorporating a chipset enabling the device to boot up practically instantaenously for quick and simple access to TV, games and other entertainment services.

The set-top box is but one step in Microsoft's plan to bring the core architecture of the next-generation across several devices, such as a phone capable of handling a complete Xbox Live experience.

Click to continue reading Microsoft developing smaller Xbox set-top box