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Microsoft unveiled Xbox One

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 22 May 2013
Microsoft has just unveiled its newest gaming console, the Xbox One. Its predecessor, the Xbox 360 was released almost eight years ago, on Nov. 22, 2005. It was a blockbuster for Microsoft, selling more than 70 million units in the past seven years, and it’s gone through several iterations since its release.

Hardware

The machine resembles a shiny black set-top box with a slot-loading Blu-ray drive, and it only works in horizontal orientation. Microsoft and AMD partnered to make the custom 40-nanometer chip with an 8-core CPU and GPU that powers the One. It has 8GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, USB 3.0, and 802.11n Wi-Fi.

The system features an HDMI pass-through so the console can sit between your cable or satellite operator’s set-top box and your TV. You can tune channels with your voice, use a TV guide directly from the Xbox, and multitask between gaming, TV, Skype, Internet Explorer, and more.
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Microsoft Surface RT is launching in Malaysia today, priced from RM1549

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 25 April 2013
The Microsoft Surface RT will be launching in Malaysia today at Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas. The pricing of the tablet has been revealed ahead of the event at the Microsoft Surface Malaysian website. The stand-alone Microsoft Surface RT tablet with 32GB internal storage is priced at RM1549, while the 64GB variant is priced at RM1849.

The Surface RT measures 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inch and weighs 1.5lbs. It boasts a 10.6″ Clear Type HD display with 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. It is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tera 3 processor, 2GB memory and comes preloaded with Windows RT comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview.
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Microsoft announced Surface with Windows 8 Pro

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 3 December 2012
After a month the Surface with Windows RT hit the market, Microsoft announced the availability and pricing of Surface with Windows 8 Pro.

In January, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions and pricing will start at $899:

· 64GB standalone version at $899

· 128GB standalone version at $999

Both versions will both include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology and include the ability to use a Touch Cover or Type Cover (sold separately). Surface with Windows 8 Pro uses the same familiar elegant design principles as Surface with Windows RT including the Dark Titanium VaporMg casing, dual 2×2 MIMO antennas designed specifically for Surface and of course the kickstand.

Specifications of Surface Pro:
New Features of Surface Pro:

Surface with Windows 8 Pro will come with Intel’s third generation Core i5 processor. This chip will give Surface with Windows 8 Pro a graphics boost for its 10.6” 16:9 ClearType display that runs at a 1920×1080 full HD resolution. Surface with Windows 8 Pro also includes a full-size USB 3.0 port. Its Mini DisplayPort can drive an external display up to 2560X1440 resolution.

In addition, the device will support Pen input which allows for a great inking experience alongside a great touch experience when needed. It features an expanded capacitive and digitizing technology known as Palm lock which prevents your handwriting from getting interrupted if you accidentally place your palm on the screen as you write.

Source: The Official Microsoft Blog
Microsoft is likely working on a 7-inch Xbox Surface tablet

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 10 November 2012
Microsoft is reportedly working on a 7-inch Xbox Surface tablet.

The Xbox Surface will likely include a custom ARM processor and high-bandwidth RAM designed specifically for gaming tasks. These specifications could be altered to accommodate an unannounced Intel SoC and that the Xbox Surface is being developed independent of specific hardware architecture. Microsoft’s Xbox Surface was said to run a custom Windows kernel instead of a full version of Windows, with main focus on gaming.

Microsoft has developed a secret hardware production process for its Surface tablets that is separated from partners that traditionally manufacturer the company’s Xbox console. It will likely be manufactured in the same factory, but that any future “Xbox 720″ console will be manufactured in mass quantities by companies like Pegatron or Foxconn.

Part of the Xbox Surface is being developed at Microsoft’s offices in Silicon Valley, where security has been boosted and employee access limited into various Xbox buildings, it has been claimed.

Source: The Verge
Microsoft Office for iOS and Android will arrive in early 2013

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 8 November 2012
Microsoft’s Office for iPad, iPhone, and Android has been rumored for some time and now it seems to be a reality. The Verge has learned through several sources close to Microsoft’s plans that the company will release Office versions for Android and iOS in early 2013.

Office Mobile will debut in the form of free apps and both the Android and iOS users are allowed to view Microsoft office documents while on the go. In order to enable the basic viewing functionality in the apps, a Microsoft account will be required. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents will all be supported, and edit functionality can be enabled with an Office 365 subscription.

Microsoft will allow iOS users to purchase an Office 365 subscription within the app, or let organizations distribute codes to enable Office Mobile editing for users. The apps will allow for basic editing, but we’re told this won’t go very far in attempting to replace regular full use of a desktop Office version.

A recent Microsoft press release from the company’s Czech Republic subsidiary revealed that Office Mobile apps for Android and iOS would be made available from March 2013. The Office Mobile for iOS will arrive first in late February or early March, with an Android version due in May.

Reference:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/7/3612422/microsoft-office-mobile-ipad-iphone-android-screenshots
Microsoft will shut down Windows Live Messenger and migrate users to Skype

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 7 November 2012
Microsoft has announced to shut down Windows Live Messenger (WLM) and migrate almost all of its users to Skype.

An internet analysis from Comscore revealed that WLM still had more than double the number of Skype’s instant messenger facility at the start of this year and was second only in popularity to Yahoo Messenger. But the report suggested WLM’s US audience had fallen to 8.3 million unique users, representing a 48% drop year-on-year. By contrast, the number of people using Skype to instant message each other grew over the period.

Tony Bates, President of the Microsoft’s Skype division, wrote in the blog:

We’ve got good news to share! Skype and Messenger are coming together. Millions of Messenger users will be able to reach their Messenger friends on Skype. By updating to Skype, Messenger users can instant message and video call their Messenger friends.
This effort started with the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows a few weeks ago, which allows you to sign into Skype using a Microsoft account. Now Messenger users just need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account, and their Messenger contacts will be there.

Our goal remains to deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere. We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience. We will retire Messenger in all countries worldwide in the first quarter of 2013 (with the exception of mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available).

How to talk to your Messenger contacts on Skype?
Messenger users, have a quick look here:

On the sign in screen, select the option to sign in with your Microsoft account. You will be asked if you are already using Skype or are a new user.

If you use Skype and Messenger already, you can merge your Skype and Messenger account into your Microsoft account.

When you complete the installation process you will be welcomed into Skype with your buddy list already synced into your Skype contact list.

And you can start instant messaging right away!

Read more at:
http://blogs.skype.com/en/2012/11/skypewlm.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20222998
Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 5 November 2012
The new, ultra-slim Wedge Mobile Keyboard was designed for Windows 7 and Windows 8 tablet users who are constantly on the go. (It also works with iPad and most Android devices.) It is highly portable due to its thin and lightweight design, while the full-sized, soft-touch keyset provides a comfortable, efficient typing experience that makes creating long emails and documents a breeze.

An ideal balance of form and function

The Wedge Mobile Keyboard has a minimalistic yet thoughtful design. The durable keyboard cover not only protects your device from scratches, but also quickly converts into a tablet stand, allowing you to work or watch movies. The cover also turns the unit on when removed, and off when secured to maximise battery life. With two AAA batteries powering it, the Wedge is about as mobile as it gets.

The keyboard has built-in Windows 8 hotkeys for quick and convenient way to search, switch between windows etc. and the built-in media keys contributes to easy control of music and videos.

Bluetooth® technology eliminates cable and transceiver

Wedge Mobile Keyboard uses Bluetooth technology, allowing you to wirelessly connect to your tablet without a cable or transceiver.
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Windows 8 and Surface Launch

In Brands, Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 26 October 2012
Microsoft Thursday launched Windows 8, the latest version of its operating system, a version it hopes will be modern enough to keep existing users and draw new ones to it.

Steven Sinofsky, president of Windows and Windows Live, kicked off the event in New York City by saying that Microsoft is celebrating the global availability of Windows 8 on Thursday. Sinofsky revealed that Windows 7, the prior version of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, has sold more than 670 million licenses.Windows 8 uses Windows 7 as its foundation and it has undergone more than 1,240,000,000 hours of testing.

With Windows 8, “seeing, touching, clicking, and swiping is really believing,” Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says. “Welcome to the world of Windows 8.”

During the event, Microsoft also made its first hardware debut by launching its long awaited Windows Surface tablet. Surface tablet is Microsoft’s first computer in its 37-year history and hopes the sleek new device will take on Apple and Google in the smartphone and tablet market.

Microsoft Surface features a pre-installed version of 2013, and rich video and music services. Windows RT is a new version of Windows that will be pre-installed on its Surface tablet and other devices using low-power chips designed by ARM Holdings Plc.

Windows is also selling a magnetically attached cover for Surface that works as a notebook-size keyboard. Surface comes with a 10.6-inch screen and resolution of 1,366×768 pixels. It runs on a 1.3GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU. It comes in both 32GB and 64GB variants. Its microSD card slot supports up to 128GB cards, and the tablet includes 2GB of RAM. It has 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth 4.0, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a built-in compass.

Microsoft Surface sports a Micro-HDMI port, a full USB 2.0 port, and a power port that magnetically attaches the power cable. The 32GB starting version of Windows Surface will cost USD 499.

Read more at:
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/microsoft-launches-windows-8-1C6684802
http://zeenews.india.com/business/gadgets/gadgets-news/windows-surface-tablet-launched-price-starts-at-499_63069.html
Microsoft Office 2013 will reach most of us in early next year

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 12 October 2012
The Microsoft Office engineering team has signed off on the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) build which means that the coding and testing phase of the project is complete. Next, they will focus on releasing the new Office via multiple distribution channels to the consumers and business customers.

The Microsoft Office 2013 spans the full family of Office applications, servers and cloud services. The new Office will have a fresh and touch friendly design that works perfectly on Windows 8 and unlocks modern scenarios in social, reading, note-taking, meetings and communications.

The new Office is planned to be available in general during the first quarter of 2013. Customers who purchase Office 2010 from October 19 onwards, will be receiving the new Office for free upon availability. Beginning with the Windows 8 launch on October 26, customers will also see a preview version of the new Office on Windows RT devices.

The team has also several programs that provide business customers with early access so they can begin testing, piloting and adopting Office within their organizations:
- Begin to roll out new capabilities to Office 365 Enterprise customers in the next service update, starting in November through general availability.
- Volume Licensing customers with Software Assurance will be able to download the Office 2013 applications as well as other Office products including SharePoint 2013, Lync 2013 and Exchange 2013 through the Volume Licensing Service Center by mid-November. These products will be available on the Volume Licensing price list on December 1.
- IT professionals and developers will be able to download the final version via their TechNet or MSDN subscriptions by mid-November.
For those who would like to give the pre-release version a try, you can visit office.com/preview.

Reference:
http://blogs.office.com/b/office-news/archive/2012/10/11/office-reaches-rtm.aspx
Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard with Dual Purpose Split Spacebar

In Brands, Microsoft, Peripherals / By Pui Leng / 26 September 2012
Microsoft has launched the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard which is equipped with a unique split spacebar, left side used as a backspace key.

Research shows that 90 percent of people use only their right thumb to hit the space bar, and that the backspace key is one of the most frequently used keys on a keyboard. Knowing this, Microsoft Hardware designers built a larger, split spacebar that includes a backspace bar on the left-hand side. The new design helps improve typing speed and provide improved comfort.

Features of the keyboard:

Designed for comfort
The Sculpt Comfort Keyboard is designed ergonomically with a contoured keyset, removable padded palm rest, and palm lift which provide greater comfort and help to avoid injury during extended use.

Built for productivity
Microsoft builds a larger, split spacebar that includes a backspace bar on the left-hand side to improve typing speed and provide improved comfort.

Windows 8 compatible
The keyboard comes with hotkeys that give you one-touch access to some of the most commonly used functions in Windows 8, so you can search, share, or access your settings easily.

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HTC and Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8X, 8S

In Brands, HTC, Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 20 September 2012
HTC, along with Microsoft, Wednesday introduced Windows Phone 8X and 8S smartphones and said the devices would be available in November through more than 150 service providers in over 50 countries globally. It will be available on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile in the U.S.

Microsoft and HTC consider the devices as the “signature” smartphones for the Windows Phone 8 OS, said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC.

HTC Windows Phone 8X

Of the two phones, the 8X is the higher-end of the pair. The 8X’s polycarbonate unibody wraps around to a curved 4.3-inch Gorilla Glass display. The corners are slightly rounded, so that the device looks rectangular without appearing boxy. The phone comes in myriad vibrant, playful colors. Choices include California blue, graphite black, limelight yellow, and flame red.

The 8X has a 1.5Ghz Qualcomm dual-core processor and allotted 1GB of RAM. The 8X has an eight-megapixel rear camera with backside illuminated sensor (BSI), LED flash, plus HTC’s discrete imaging processor and a 2.1-megapixel, f/2.0 aperture, 88° wide angle front-facing camera, that also supports 1080p video capture.
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The 10 hottest Windows 8 Devices

In Microsoft / By Pui Leng / 24 July 2012
Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 8 will be released on October 26th, fulfilling its promise of a late October release date.What are the ultrabooks, tablets and phones that will be sporting the new OS later this year? Let’s check them out!

Microsoft Surface
Surface enables users to create, collaborate, and get stuff done with Office. Besides, you may explore your world with fast, fluid Windows 8 apps and discover new music, movies, and games in the Windows Store.

Nokia Lumia Running Windows Phone 8
The awaited features of the phone include the DataSmart feature and Nokia maps are now come built into the OS.

Fujitsu Q702 and Lifebook T902
Fujitsu Q702 business hybrid tablet featuring an 11.6-inch AH-IPS HD, dual digitizer, multi-touch display for pen or touch input – and a productivity-enhancing optional attachable keyboard docking station that turns the sleek tablet into a traditional notebook. The Fujitsu Lifebook T902 convertible tablet PC, featuring a frameless 13.3-inch HD+ anti-glare widescreen display – the largest screen available with touch and pen support.

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