NPD: Windows 8 not yet providing boost to slow PC market
Microsoft

NPD: Windows 8 not yet providing boost to slow PC market

  The consumer Windows PC and tablet market* didn’t get the boost it needed from the launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8 in the U.S. Since the Windows 8 launch on October 26, Windows device sales have fallen 21 percent versus the same period last year**, according to leading market research company The NPD Group’s Weekly … Continue reading

Microsoft’s Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple’s ‘recreational’ iPad mini
Laptops / Microsoft / Software / Tablet PC

Microsoft’s Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple’s ‘recreational’ iPad mini

It just wouldn’t be a major Apple launch if there wasn’t a Microsoft executive calling out his old rival, would it? In a chat with AllThingsD, Windows division lead Steven Sinofsky has expressed doubts that Apple’s iPad mini is really a cost-effective pick against the just-launched Windows 8. It’s a $329 “recreational tablet” when there … Continue reading

Windows 8 available to buy starting tonight
Desktop / Laptops / Microsoft / Software / Tablet PC

Windows 8 available to buy starting tonight

Microsoft’s stunning new operating system is finally ready for public consumption, starting tonight. The new OS is launching globally in more than 140 markets and in over 37 languages and you’ll be able grab either Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro (not to mention the Microsoft Surface), from 12.01am local time at participating US retailers … Continue reading

ESRB now supports Windows 8, introduces cost-free questionnaire for rating digital games
Gaming

ESRB now supports Windows 8, introduces cost-free questionnaire for rating digital games

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has a huge responsibility — to rate and regulate the entire medium of video games — but only has so many resources with which to do so. With the rise of digital delivery, it’s become increasingly difficult to fulfill the task of rating every single title that comes out, but the ESRB … Continue reading

Microsoft turns Surface tablet into a skateboard, Windows chief Steven Sinofsky takes it for a spin
Microsoft / Tablet PC

Microsoft turns Surface tablet into a skateboard, Windows chief Steven Sinofsky takes it for a spin

Gorilla Glass 2 and a chassis forged from magnesium lend Microsoft’s Surface slates some durability, but the firm’s decided to prove just how tough its tablets are by turning one into a skateboard. The wheeled slice of Windows 8 is said to have been rolled out during a tour of Redmond’s Surface skunkworks, but Windows … Continue reading

Acer announces Aspire 5600U and 7600U all-in-ones, coming this month for $1,000 and up
Desktop

Acer announces Aspire 5600U and 7600U all-in-ones, coming this month for $1,000 and up

Acer just introduced a pair of touch-friendly, Win 8-ready all-in-one desktops, the 23-inch Aspire 5600U and the 27-inch Aspire 7600U. As you can see in the press shots, the design here is fairly minimal, with an edge-to-edge display, a transparent panel at the bottom of the bezel and a thin frame measuring less than 1.4 … Continue reading