PlayStation 4 Retail Price Revealed

Japanese website the Asahi Shimbun reports that Sony's new gaming console will cost 40,000 Yen - which translates to about £270. UK gamers will have to factor in VAT, which adds a whopping 20 per cent to the price, taking the possible UK figure to around £325.

This is the first real inkling we have as to how much the PlayStation 4 might cost. At $428, consumer are more likely to make the purchase, and with Microsoft also purportedly bringing the Xbox 720 at some point this year, it’s vitally important for Sony to give current PlayStation users a reason to remain loyal when they decide to upgrade their hardware.

The cheapest PlayStation 3 variant now coats 24,980 Yen in Japan and $269 in the US, and although age are both contributing factors to its current low price, it’s fair to say a ~$400 cost at launch for a PlayStation 4 would be gratefully received.

The new console is also expected to have a touchpad controller, as well as an eight-core x64 AMD processor (codenamed 'Bulldozer'), 8GB of RAM, 2.2GB of video RAM, four USB ports that use the new high-speed USB 3.0 standard, a Blu-ray drive, a hard drive of 160GB, an Ethernet port, and both HDMI and optical outputs. However specs for the next-generation Xbox are rumoured to be comparable, with insiders suggesting that it will also pack 8GB of RAM, HDMI connectors and USB 3.0. 

The launches are important for both Sony and Microsoft, as gamers have moved away from consoles since the Xbox 360 and the PS3 debuted. More and more people have shifted to the tablet and the smartphone as a gaming platform. Analysts expect that tablets and other mobile devices will match the power and graphics of today's games consoles within a few years.

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Xbox 720 Rumours

Microsoft has yet to announce a successor to the Xbox 360, but lots of rumors and speculations have surfaced about the company's next home console. The information is based on sourced, reasonable speculation, rumored features and alleged leaks.

Microsoft's upcoming console codenamed Durango, but known as the Xbox 720, will require a constant internet connection and block second hand games from being used. According to sources, the new Xbox 720 console will need an internet connection to function. Microsoft will be committed to online functionality with a new version of Xbox Live, but physical games will come with an activation code rendering them useless to a second user.

These physical Xbox games will apparently be manufactured on 50GB Blu-ray discs meaning the console should be able to play Blu-ray films. Microsoft's next game console could feature Siri-esque voice control. Popular voice activated personal assistants like Siri and Google Now require a connection to the cloud, where the voice recognition and processing is actually performed.

Improved functionality in this area will supposedly include wake on voice, natural language controls, and speech-to-text. "We understand that Microsoft is also investigating scenarios where a Kinect sensor will detect individuals in a room and suggest appropriate multiplayer games after a user queries the Xbox using voice."


The Edge's source also confirmed rumoured specifications for the Xbox 720 are accurate. It will use an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics card and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.

Microsoft is expected to show off the Xbox 720 at this year's E3 convention, but might announce the console before hand in March.

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Microsoft Combines with Huawei to unveil Windows Phone for Africa

Microsoft and Huawei have announced a new Windows Phone designed just for Africa called the "Huawei 4Afrika," part of a new Microsoft initiative called "4Afrika Initiative."

The phone has been designed specifically as an affordable option for students, small businesses, developers, and first-time smartphone owners, the Huawei 4Afrika with Windows Phone 8 will make its debut later this month in seven countries: Angola, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. The phone is available in blue, red, black, and white colors.

It has a 4-inch 480 x 800 display, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, front and rear-facing cameras, 10mm case, and 4GB of internal storage and a whooping 420 hours of standby time thanks to its inbuilt power saving technology.

The phone also comes preloaded with custom apps created by African developers for African consumers and feature a market-specific store within the larger Windows Phone Store for downloading locally-relevant apps and content.

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Windows 8 Overtakes Mountain Lion

Just three months after the initial release of windows 8, it surpassed Apple’s OS X Mountain Lion in terms of market share. The figures compiled, which take into account desktop computers and notebooks, show that for the week of January 20th (last week), Windows 8 was installed on 2.45% of PCs worldwide. This is equal to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, but when one takes into consideration “Windows 8 Touch” (RT) at 0.08%, Windows 8′s market share just shades it.

Many still seem happy to languish on Windows 7, which isn’t too much of a shock at such an early stage, and the market share of the seventh Windows edition sits at a very healthy 45.77%. Windows XP, which has been around for well over a decade, remains very popular, with well over a third (38.18%) still running it on their machine. While much newer software may no longer be compatible with Windows XP, the OS is perfect for those running antiquated hardware, and with many businesses content with it, that market share will remain high despite the efforts of Microsoft to nudge them towards Windows 7+.

Windows Vista still clutches on to a 5.01% share, and although this data hasn’t yet been verified by a ‘Quality Assurance’ team, it gives a fairly accurate, provisional idea of the current state of play. We’ll have a better idea of what’s what this coming Friday, when PC market share numbers for the entire month of January is released.

The Surface Pro, which is set to launch on Feb. 9th, will be a very significant advertisement for Windows 8, and although it will be seen by many as a tablet, its Intel processor and support of legacy apps mean it’s every bit the Notebook / Laptop / Ultrabook / Computer.

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Microsoft preparing to "relaunch" Windows 8 in February

It's no secret that Microsoft is blaming PC manufacturers for the weak sales of Microsoft's latest Windows 8 operating system. Now, new details have emerged indicating that Microsoft is preparing to "relaunch" Windows 8 in February with the launch of the Surface Pro.

"Now Microsoft is planning to reboot its launch of Windows 8 next month. On Tuesday the company gave 9 February as the date for the US and Canada unveiling of the Intel-powered Surface Pro tablets. But sources tell us Microsoft is actually preparing for a February 'relaunch' of Windows 8," the report claims. Microsoft is apparently upset that manufactures did not follow guidelines for creating Windows 8 PCs while manufacturers argued that high-end and expensive devices would have been created and consumers would be confused and would not want it. As for this so-called relaunch of Windows 8, Microsoft could be planning a massive media campaign highlighting everything great about Windows 8 and the Surface Pro. We will just have to wait and see exactly what Microsoft has up its sleeve when the Surface Pro is launched on February 9th.

We've already heard from several different PC manufactures such as Acer, Asus, Fujitsu, and Samsung regarding sales of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system. HP even offered an opinion explaining the weak Windows 8 sales: "Clearly it's as been reported, it was a slower start than many people expected. But I think as we've gone through January, as we look at retail sales week to week, as we look at web sales week to week, we see continued momentum and continued growth. So, I think the combination of a very new experience, a very touch driven experience, and lots of choices over the holidays, it's not to be unexpected," HP stated in a recent interview. It's pretty funny to see Microsoft blaming PC manufacturers for the weak Windows 8 sales, while PC manufacturers blame Windows 8 for weak PC sales. Will a correctly timed "relaunch" of Windows 8 fix the problem?

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Microsoft confirms Windows Live Messenger service retirement on March 15th

Microsoft previously confirmed its plans to retire its Windows Live Messenger service in favor of Skype, but the company now says this will take place on March 15th. In an email to Messenger users this week, Microsoft says the service will retire globally except for mainland China where it will continue to be made available. Microsoft urges existing users to move to Skype for instant messages and video chats where the company has been improving its Windows support recently.

The Windows Live Messenger retirement means over 100 million Messenger users will move to Skype as part of the discontinuation. Microsoft has released and updated its Skype for Windows 8 client and also made a Windows Phone 8 preview version available. The future of Skype at Microsoft includes Outlook.com support and an Xbox client that will likely make its debut on a future console planned for later this year.

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Microsoft signs licensing agreement with BMW for use of exFAT file system

Microsoft has announced that BMW will be another company to jump on board the exFAT band-wagon to provide customers the cutting edge features in its vehicles. BMW can be added to a list of several other big name companies who will now pay Microsoft to use this file system technology for their products.

"Microsoft Corp. and BMW have signed a patent licensing agreement that gives BMW broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT). BMW will utilize exFAT technology to enhance the digital entertainment offerings in its line of automobiles," Microsoft stated in an official blog post.

For those that didn't know, exFAT is a modern file system that handles large files and enables seamless data portability. exFAT is pretty cool because it improves upon the FAT file system by expanding the capability of flash drives handling larger files as well as increasing the speed in which those files are accessed. Microsoft already has agreements with Panasonic, Canon, Sony, as well as Research in Motion for the exFAT file system.

Downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7

Before you downgrading to Windows 7
Ensure the computer actually supports Windows 7. Check the manufacturer’s website for Windows 7 drivers for your computer.
Create a recovery drive that contains a copy of your new PC’s recovery partition. This will allow you to restore the original Windows 8 system if you wipe the recovery partition.

Downgrading to Windows 7
To downgrade Windows, you’ll need a Windows 7 Professional installation disc and a valid license key for it. Neither Microsoft nor your computer manufacturer will provide this disc or key for you – you’re on your own when finding it, although Microsoft insists you should find a legitimate copy instead of downloading one from an illicit website. Downgrade rights are intended for businesses, who will likely have a disc and key on hand.

Once you’ve found the disc, insert it into your new computer and restart into the Windows 7 installer. Install Windows 7 Professional as you normally would, providing the legitimate Windows 7 Pro key during the installation process. Note that you can use this same key to downgrade multiple Windows 8 computers – you’ll just need this key to get past the mandatory key check during the installation process.



After Windows 7 finishes installing, the online activation will fail because your product key is already in use. If you don’t see an “activation failed” message, you can press Start, type Activate, and click Activate Windows. You’ll need to activate by phone. Call up the phone number displayed in the activation window and explain that you’re exercising your Windows 8 Pro downgrade rights. Have your Windows 8 Pro key ready; you’ll need it to prove your PC has downgrade rights.


After explaining this, you’ll be given a long, single-use activation code. Enter that activation code into the window and your Windows 7 Professional installation will be activated.

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How to get Windows Media Center in Windows 8

Microsoft’s response to those who bemoan Media Center’s loss is that no one is using it. They cite a statistic picked up by the software that states only 6% of users ever launch it. However, it appears that that 6% are very fond of the program, despite the presence of many other free programs for maintaining a digital library, such as VLC and Media Player Classic. Originally, Windows was going to drop the program entirely, but, in the face of vocal opposition, have softened their stance. While they still aren’t packing it with Windows 8, they’re making it easier for fans to get it.

How to Get Media Center on Windows 8 Pro
Windows Media Center is available for those who bought a copy of Windows 8 Pro via Microsoft until February 2013, A great offer for all Pro users. What are you waiting for...? Head over to Microsoft and download your copy of windows media center.

Else follow this steps to get your copy
-Visit the windows website here
-Scroll down and you will find a box where you can enter your e-mail to receive a free Windows Media Center package for Windows 8 Pro.


How to Get Media Center On Regular Windows 8 Version

If you didn’t purchase the pro-version of Windows 8, but you still want Media Center, you have two options:

a) you can get the Pro Pack upgrade, for $69.99, which will also get you the ability to log in remotely to your PC, and switch between languages and keyboard configurations with no sweat.
If those features sound appealing, the upgrade pack may be the way to go, but for other regular Windows 8 users.

b) Or for anyone who wasn’t looking to spend quite that much, Windows Media Center is available by itself for $9.99.

Why Windows 8 Boots so Fast?

You know that Windows 8 booting speed is fast, but have you ever considered “why it is so” and how Microsoft did it to give you the great PC experience ever. Microsoft engineers have done a great job on reducing the Windows booting time at its lowest by making several transitions and that’s why you can get into the Windows 8 and ready to use it in as less as 7 seconds.

Windows 8 can pass the power on self test (POST) screen, render BIOS to Windows and loads graphical window while keeping you at the manufacturer start screen or logo. Once you get into Windows, can choose the desired OS to start with if the system have dual copy of Windows or configure other settings from the same menu like system recovery options, command prompt, system image recovery etc.

Windows 8 is remarkably fast, and you might have no chance to interrupt the boot. Means, you may don’t see options like ‘Press F2 for setup’ or other similar options which can be seen and used in previous versions of Windows.

Below is the comparison graph to have clear idea about how fast you can boot in Windows 8 than Windows 7.

In most modern PC’s containing Windows 8, all you can see is the manufacturer logo for a very little time and then immediately taken to the Windows 8 desktop screen without seeing any BIOS message or Windows booting screen as in its predecessors.

What methodology Microsoft engineers employed or what has been removed/added to make Windows 8 so fast? Have a look on the below facts to explore the ideas behind Windows 8 fast booting.

Why so fast?

Windows 8 booting systems were moderated and redesigned in a way that it takes minimal set of hardware resources and battery energy or power drain. As a result, minimal set of input/output requests are made to access the required boot parameters.

In traditional Windows OS i.e., Windows 7, firmware interface tends to close the entire user sessions, kernel sessions and broadcasts messages to devices, windows services, drivers, printers and running applications to close down any running handles as Windows station is shutting down. If any running applications couldn’t be turned off properly, windows forcefully closes them down after saving any unsaved data on hard drive to make sure that they were not lost.

Where as, Windows 8 turn off only the user session and keep the kernel session running in hibernate mode. Unlike full hibernation, only the exact system state and memory content is stored on disk using ‘hiberfil.sys’ system file and Windows can easily restore them and reinitialize the drivers at very next time you begin using your PC. 

Below are the graphical differentiation between normal boot and Windows 8 boot model, hope you’ll have some clear idea from it:

Though, you can take more benefits of this great boot time by adding an SSD and placing windows on it as SSD reads and access data more fast than traditional hard drives. This great improvements in Windows 8 can draw many other benefits too and make you able to keep Windows running in standby mode over a week or so without having any speed difficulties.

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Microsoft is Working on a New Operating System Codenamed 'Windows Blue'

Microsoft is busy preparing the next-generation of Windows client, shortly after shipping Windows 8 in October. Several sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the company is planning to standardize on an approach, codenamed 'Windows Blue', across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.

According to sources, the new operating system will be released in mid-2013 which will include UI changes and alterations to the entire platform and pricing. Microsoft will price its next Windows release at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade. Once Windows Blue is released, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue. Windows 8 apps will continue to run on Blue despite the planned SDK changes.You will need a genuine copy of Windows to upgrade to Windows Blue. Built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease functioning if a copy is upgraded that is pirated.

Sources tell us that Microsoft will likely keep the Windows 8 name for the foreseeable future, despite the Windows Blue update. A big part of Windows Blue is the push towards yearly updates for Microsoft’s OS. Microsoft will kick off an annual upgrade cycle for Windows that is designed to make it more competitive against rival platforms from Apple and Google.

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Windows Phone 7.8 to be released on 28th November

Not that long ago, we heard that Windows Phone 7.8 had hit RTM (Release to Manufacturing) status and that it would not come with Internet Explorer 10. Microsoft has yet to reveal when Windows Phone 7.8 will make its appearance and all we know is that this update is designed for those who will be unable to update to Windows Phone 8.

Now, a new rumor claims that Windows Phone 7.8 will be released this Wednesday, November 28.

 

We learned that Windows Phone 7.8 had been Released to Manufacturing (RTM) and that IE10 would not be making an appearance in the update. Microsoft has yet to official reveal when Windows Phone 7.8 will be rolled out but the company has indicated that it would be released soon after the release of Windows Phone 8. 

The update will bring the new start screen with new accent colours, Bing lock screen wallpaper, and on Nokia handsets SMS drafts and the ability to keep WIFI active when the device is suspended. it also includes re-sizable tiles and the removal of the gap on the right side of the Start Screen. Microsoft hasn't been too chatty about Windows Phone 7.8, which is designed to work on phones that don't have the hardware requirements for Windows Phone 8.

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500 days left for Microsoft to say goodbye to Windows XP

The countdown clock has been ticking on Windows XP for a couple of years now, but the end is coming into view. There are only 500 days to go before Microsoft ends its extended support, and that means no more patches and no more security fixes. Given that XP is not exactly famous for its security, this represents a significant risk.

Once the end of that countdown is met, Windows XP will cease to receive patches and other security updates. The operating system will therefore become dangerous for consumers, and anathema to the enterprise, for whom security is paramount.

Windows XP is coming to an end, and to fully migrate its user base – which won’t happen – the market would need to shift 1 million users a day to a more modern operating system.

However, a security breach might not be the worst of it. Journalists will be only too keen to write up the first few stories about companies whose defenses are penetrated because they are still using an obsolete operating system, so the damage to their brand and reputation could be unusually large. And rather than the polite sadness that sometimes colors such stories, victims can expect a well-deserved splattering of glee.

Still, there is no pain without gain. As well as profits for law firms, the end of XP could mean big bonuses for suppliers of cyber-liability insurance. With security breaches typically costing companies thousands of dollars/pounds a time, hefty insurance premiums would increase the already-high cost of sticking with Windows XP.

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Internet Explorer 10 Preview for Windows 7 is now available for download

IE10 for Windows 7 is now available to download in preview form, which will enable all the new features that IE10 brings on Windows 7 operating systems. The download is available online, and we expect it to be pushed through Windows Update when IE10 becomes stable enough on Windows 7.


There doesn't seem to be any huge changes regarding the UI, so expect many changes under the hood. IE10 on Windows 8 is a fantastic browser, in fact it's so good I use it as my default browser. I suppose it should work just a good on Windows 7 operating systems.

Download IE10 for Windows 7

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Xbox SmartGlass app for Android

Microsoft has made available the Xbox SmartGlass app for Android. Xbox SmartGlass is a free downloadable app that works on Windows 8 and Windows RT, as well as Apple's iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 8. It allows you to convert your mobile device into a smart second screen for entertainment.

Xbox SmartGlass lets your phone work with your Xbox 360 console to bring rich, interactive experiences and unique content about what you're watching or playing, right to the device that’s already in your hand. Interact with your favorite TV shows, movies, music, sports, and games, and bring remote control to a whole new level.You can also connect with your Xbox friends, track and compare your achievements, and change up your 3D avatar.

Xbox SmartGlass lets you: 

• Navigate your Xbox 360 with swipe and tap

• Use your phone’s keyboard to type to your Xbox 360

• Browse the Internet on your Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming

• Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on your Xbox 360

• Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games

• Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators

• Track and compare your achievements with your Xbox friends

• Change up your 3D avatar

• Message your Xbox friends

• Edit your Xbox profile

Use Xbox SmartGlass to enhance your entertainment on Xbox 360.

The app requires an Xbox membership to sign in and requires Android 4.0 or newer in order to work. 

Head over to the Google Play Store to download Xbox SmartGlass.

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How to port and use windows 8 themes in windows 7

Windows 8 themes have features that are not supported in Windows 7. Therefore, you cannot open Windows 8 themes on a Windows 7. Here is a workaround that allows you to port a Windows 8 theme to Windows 7 system, even though those Windows 8 only features will not be available.

Ready! Here is how

1. Download and extract the content from .deskthemepack file. Using a zip utility tool.

2. Go to Desktop Background in Desktop Personalization window.

3. Click Browse… button and select the desktopbackground folder you extracted earlier.

4. Click OK, and Save changes. You will notice the desktop background is changed immediately.

You can save the theme and share it with others by right-clicking the unsaved theme and choosing Save theme for sharing.

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Pre-order Windows 8 With A $10 Discount

As we reported, major online retailers including Amazon.com, Staples, and Office Depot have started accepting pre-orders for Windows 8 software and machines powered by Windows 8. Now that Windows 8 is up for pre-order, you might be considering to reserve your Windows 8 full version or upgrade copy.

Windows 8 upgrade copy (packaged DVD) is available for $69.99 for existing Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users. If you’re planning to pre-order your XP, Vista, or Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrade copy, you can head over to this page of Amazon.com to get $10 off on Windows 8 software, meaning that customers can pre-order the upgrade copy for $59.99 instead of the normal $69.99.

You need to enter the promotional code “WINDOWS8” on the Review Order page to avail the offer. Please note that this promotional code is limited to one per customer and is valid till October 14, 2012 only.

Existing Windows users running Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 can upgrade to Windows 8 for just $39.99 via Windows.com using Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. Online upgrade to Windows 8 will be available starting from October 26, 2012.

As you might already know, Windows 7 users will be able to keep everything from personal files to installed programs during the upgrade. While Vista users will be able bring along personal file and Windows settings, Windows XP users can keep only personal personal files.

If you want to test drive Windows 8 RTM before pre-ordering your copy, visit to this page to download 90-day trial version of Windows 8 RTM Enterprise edition.

Microsoft Office for iOS and Android coming in April of 2013

A report indicated that Microsoft was planning on releasing Office for iOS and Android in March of 2013. Microsoft replied to this claim and said it was not accurate. Now, a new report reveals that Office for iOS and Android will hit in April of 2013.

"Additionally, a good source of mine gave me better specifics about general availability: I was told that general availability of Office 2013 is expected in the last week of January or first week of February 2013. Furthermore, if you’ve seen rumors about Office 2013 for iOS and Android, they’re happening, but the products will only be made available via the subscription Office offerings, and hit in April. This will give a user rights to use Office on 5 PCs and/or Macs and 5 devices," Paul Thurrott stated in the report. This report comes just days after Microsoft responded to a claim that Office for iOS and Android would be released in March of 2013. If this new report is true, we can see Office for iOS and Android in April of 2013 with the ability to use Office on 5 different devices. More on this as it develops.

Windows Store surpasses 3,600 apps

According to WinAppUpdate.com, the Windows Store in Windows 8 has today passed the 3000 app mark, not long after it was reported to have passed 2000 apps. The growth of the Windows Store has beenvery quick over the last few weeks, developers know that now is the time to start publishing apps.

The app growth has been pretty strong over the last few weeks, which if it keeps going, will easily pass 5000 apps before launch. According to the report, the app store is currently sitting at 3010 apps, which is an awesome number, especially since the OS isn't slated for launch for another 3 weeks.

The report also states that they've been seeing around 118 apps added to the store each day, which is great for Microsoft. Using the awesome Windows calculator, this average will total to 2714 more apps being added into the store before launch.