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Microsoft may ditch the Charms bar in its next big Windows update
Some would already argue that Windows 8 is anything but charming, but a slew of new reports indicate that Microsoft might give one of Windows 8's most iconic interface elements - the Charms bar - the axe in its next big OS release. Not much for names? The Charms bar is that love-it-or-hate-it disappearing menu that offers up access to device settings, sharing and the Windows search function (among other things). The tricky bit about it is that it's just peachy to use on touchscreen devices, but flicking your mouse cursor into a corner of your desktop's screen to invoke it gets tiresome after a while.
Internet Explorer will block old plugins that leave your PC open to attack
Internet Explorer is generally safe for your web browsing needs these days, but that's not necessarily true of the plugins it runs; one old piece of code could leave your PC open to attack. To that end, Microsoft has announced that Internet Explorer 8 through 11 will start blocking outdated ActiveX controls (Internet Explorer-specific add-ons) when an update arrives on August 12th. Much like what you see in Chrome, you'll get a warning if a website wants to use an older plugin. While you can force the obsolete software to run, it won't load automatically until you either upgrade or disable the warnings altogether. IE's blocking will initially focus on ancient versions of Java, the most frequent target of web-based exploits, but it should expand to other plugins over time.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 to hit 25 more countries as losses mount
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 is set to arrive in 25 more countries including the UK, most of Europe and China on August 28th. It's been up for pre-order in many of those regions for a while now, but will finally start to ship by month's end. The 12-inch model has been treated more kindly in reviews than the previous two models, despite some keyboard issues. However, sales figures for the new model haven't been released, and past versions have fared poorly -- in fact, it just had to write off $38 million in unsold devices, including a model it didn't even launch. And according to Computerworld, the damage goes even deeper.
Microsoft has a new NFL app for Xbox One and Windows 8
The start of a new NFL season is just around the corner, and Microsoft's been working hard to improve the experience for football fans on the Xbox One. What's different now, among other things, is that the company's NFL application is expected to be ready by Week 1; as opposed to last year, when it showed up in Week 12 because of the timing of the Xbox One's launch. This time out, there are a lot more features too, with Fantasy Football and NFL Now, the league's upcoming online video service, playing a huge role in the refreshed version. First and foremost, Microsoft wants its NFL app to feel like your own, which is why it lets you personalize it with content from team and players you're interested in, as well as different media provided by NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL Sunday Ticket and, of course, NFL Now.
Google's 64-bit Chrome browser for Windows is available in beta
If you've wanted to try the 64-bit version of Chrome for Windows 7 and 8 but have been skittish about the flakiness of very early builds, your moment has come -- Google has released a beta of its beefed-up browser. As with the Canary and developer editions, this more reliable software makes full use of modern computing power to both speed up web page rendering and tighten security. The code still isn't complete, so don't be surprised if there are a few hiccups. However, a beta means that a truly stable 64-bit browser is likely just weeks away. Even if you're not willing to throw caution to the wind, it won't be long before you can give Chrome's big upgrade a spin.
Microsoft is testing a fix for Windows 8.1 upgrade woes
There are many Windows 8 and RT users who want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, but can't; a glitch has kept a seemingly random batch of PCs from installing this latest revision through the Windows Store. Thankfully, relief is in sight. Microsoft tells SuperSite for Windows that it's testing a patch which automatically upgrades these stubborn computers to their respective 8.1 releases. If you're eligible, you only need to check Windows Update (not the Store) to get the ball rolling. Windows RT users, at least, can also download the solution if they're impatient. Microsoft isn't saying if and when the fix will spread worldwide, but it likely can't come soon enough if you're stuck with outdated software.
Windows 9 will morph to fit the device it's running on
Still holding onto your trusty copy of Windows 7 with a steely kung-fu grip? Well partner, it looks like Microsoft's next operating system, codenamed "Threshold," or, Windows 9 in the common tongue, is aimed right at you. The OS will apparently ship in three different flavors (desktop, tablet and mobile) and recognize the hardware its running on and adjust the experience accordingly, as ZDNet's Windows-leak queen Mary Jo Foley writes. Meaning, if you're on a traditional desktop or laptop using a mouse and keyboard, Threshold will boot directly into the Windows desktop you know and love. The Live-tiled Start screen may return for people using touch-based machines like tablets and convertible laptops, although there will supposedly be an option to switch between the two environments if Threshold detects an attached keyboard. What's more, Foley's sources also say that if you're itching to get your hands on the new OS ahead of its reported launch next spring, there'll be a public preview version this autumn. [Image credit: Associated Press]
Xbox at E3 2014: an interview with the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer
Yesterday wasn't the first time Phil Spencer took an E3 stage for Microsoft to talk Xbox, but it was his first time as the head of Microsoft's Xbox division. After taking over for Marc Whitten back in March, Spencer's been on a charm offensive. His focus was clear at yesterday's show: games, all games. Forget about last year's coming out for Xbox One as an "entertainment" platform -- yesterday's focus was all games, all the time. The 90-minute show was divided cleanly in half between games coming this year and games arriving in 2015 and beyond. It was, in short, an impressive display of the Xbox One's gaming prowess over anything else. "I want the content to be the star," Spencer told us. So, that aside, we wanted him to give us more on the other stuff that the Xbox One does: media streaming, voice control, Windows 8 and television. And hey, what's Microsoft doing to compete with Sony's Project Morpheus VR headset, not to mention the Oculus Rift?
Chrome goes 64-bit on Windows with promises of faster, safer web browsing
While many apps and operating systems made the jump to 64-bit code a while ago, Google's Chrome browser is still stuck in a 32-bit world on most platforms, missing out on much of what newer computers can offer. Today, though, it's moving into the modern era: Google has released test versions of 64-bit Chrome for Windows 7 and 8 users. The upgrade lets the app take full advantage of newer processors and their instruction sets, delivering about a 25 percent speed boost for media-intensive pages. It also lets the software use newer security safeguards to minimize exploits, and there should be fewer crashes. There's no word on corresponding Mac updates (Linux has had this for a little while), but Windows fans willing to live dangerously can grab a 64-bit Canary or developer build through the source link.
Feedback Loop: WWDC predictions, Dropcam Pro impressions and more!
Ring in the weekend with the latest edition of Feedback Loop. Apple's WWDC kicks off on Monday and we try to predict what will be announced, share impressions of the Dropcam Pro, discuss the viability of DIY data storage, talk about our favorite task management apps and wonder where all the good Windows 8 apps are hiding. Head past the break to find out what Engadget readers like you are saying.
Windows 8 users can now pilot their AR.Drone 2.0 with official AR.FreeFlight app
Drones. If they're going to become the true public nuisance that we're lead to believe they will, then we're gonna need more ways to get 'em airborne, right? If you're UAV of choice is Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0, and you're also a Windows 8 user, then you need to be all over AR.FreeFlight -- an official app for the aforementioned drone. Dig out your Surface tablet, and you can pilot your quadcopter, and record video/take pictures just as owners of Android and iOS devices have been enjoying already. Think a phone makes more sense for this? Don't worry, Parrot's reportedly got an app for the smaller devices in the works too (and developers can sneak a look here). Get your wings down at the source link.
Buy Halo: Spartan Assault on one Windows 8 device and kill Covenant on the others you own
One of the big promises that came out of Microsoft's Build conference this year were apps that'd work across a number of Windows devices with a single purchase, and Redmond is using Halo to lead that charge. The first group of applications includes Halo: Spartan Assault and Skulls of the Shogun, both of which recently made the conversion to universal games -- making them playable across Windows Phone, Windows 8 and RT devices for one price. If you'd rather not pay for your entertainment, though, Microsoft also converted the likes of Wordament, Minesweeper and Hexic too. However, as Windows Phone Central notes, buying the universal version of Skulls doesn't grant access to the Xbox 360 version, nor does Spartan Assault's universal purchase unlock the Xbox 360 or Xbox One versions. Given that the Xbox division is still pretty separate from everything else though, that isn't exactly surprising.
Microsoft tests Live Tiles you can use without leaving the Start screen
Even Microsoft knows that Windows Live Tiles have so much potential to be a lot better, especially on touchscreen devices. In fact, a group of the company's researchers in Asia have apparently been working on making Live Tiles interactive. As you can see in the videos after the break, the experimental tiles expand when touched, showing you its contents right on the Start screen instead of launching the app. For instance, touching the mail app automatically shows a list of your emails in an expanded view, which looks very similar to an Android widget.
Windows XP support officially ends today, still used by over 25 percent of PCs
It's been over 12 years, folks: It's time to let that aging operating system go. In case the insistent cries of all your favorite applications and anyone who's used your computer recently weren't enough indication, we're here to make it totally clear that today is the day Microsoft ends official support for Windows XP. That means no more security updates and no more customer service calls. A paid option is available to organizations (think: governments, corporations, etc.) that offers "critical" patches and support, but even Microsoft suggests upgrading to a newer version of Windows instead of footing the bill. We won't rib you too much for sticking to XP, though; over 25 percent of you are still running Microsoft's 2001 release, according to NetMarketShare. And that's to say nothing of the world's ATMs, 95 percent of which were still running XP as of two weeks ago. Egads!
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Microsoft teases a classic Start Menu for Windows 8.1 with built-in Live Tiles
As a part of its Build 2014 announcements, Microsoft showed off an interesting twist on its classic Start Menu. Coming to Windows 8.1 in a future update, it has the look of the Start Menu Windows users have experienced for years, but adds the Live Tiles Microsoft has been pushing as a part of Windows 8 and Windows Phone. Terry Myerson made the announcement as part of an example of how universal Windows apps will be able to run in a window (and on Xbox), although users craving something familiar will probably just be happy to see their old Start Menu again. We didn't hear any more details on exactly when to expect the update, but you can follow along with our liveblog for all of the information as it happens. Update: Myerson has posted a few more thoughts after Day 1 of Build over on the Windows Blog, calling the demo a way Microsoft "could enable more productivity for customers working in desktop mode, while building smart bridges to the new modern user experience."
Windows 8.1 update aims to win over mouse-and-keyboard users, arrives April 8th as an automatic download
The whole point of Windows 8 was to make Microsoft's aging OS easier to use on touchscreen devices. Mission accomplished, we'd say (more or less). But now the folks in Redmond have a new challenge afoot: Make Windows 8 equally easy to use on tablets and traditional PCs. The company's already made some progress -- last year's Windows 8.1 update was all about keyboard shortcuts, better multitasking and the return of the Start button (sort of). Now, with its latest update, Microsoft is going after mouse-and-keyboard users. In particular, you can pin Windows Store apps to the desktop Taskbar, and close out of a Metro app by pressing an "X" in the upper-right corner. Heck, you can even shut down without having to open the Charms Bar. Shocking, we know. It's all very exciting, and indeed, you can see for yourselves soon enough; the update will arrive as a Windows Update download on April 8th, which means most folks will simply install it automatically. In the meantime, we've got a full primer after the break, along with a healthy dose of screenshots (we know you love your screenshots).
Xbox One SmartGlass beta apps bring TV controls to Android, Windows and Windows Phone
Microsoft only just revealed it would test new TV remote features on the Xbox One and its associated SmartGlass apps, and Windows Phone Central points out that right now anyone can give them a try. All you need is one of the game systems and a device running Android, Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. We tried out the apps and they install right alongside the standard Xbox One Smartglass apps, although there are some known issues and rough edges. The smiley face button serves as a way to report any issues, but overall things worked smoothly, and we were able to navigate recordings on a standard Comcast DVR or surf through the OneGuide without a problem. Download the apps now and try them via Google Play, the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store -- we haven't spotted a beta version for iOS yet. Update: Microsoft confirmed the beta apps are available to all users, and that there isn't a beta version available for iOS at this time.
Developer pins death of Firefox for Windows 8 on Microsoft's browser rules
Mozilla attributed the death of Firefox for Windows 8 to low adoption, but it didn't say why people weren't using the beta release. Were they not interested? Former Mozilla developer Brian Bondy doesn't think so. Instead, he believes that Microsoft's strict web browser rules are to blame. You can't run a browser in the modern Windows interface unless it's set as the default, and picking that default is a drawn-out process -- some people didn't know that they could use Firefox in the newer environment, Bondy says. Whether or not the OS policy is responsible, we wouldn't expect Microsoft to be more accommodating when Mozilla has complained to little avail for the past two years.
Microsoft gives Windows XP users $100 off new Windows 8 PCs, but only on select models
First Microsoft used warnings and migration tools to help make Windows XP users upgrade. Now, it's trying a different tack: bribery. In an effort to get folks to stop using the 12-year-old OS, Microsoft is offering XP hold-outs a $100 discount off new Windows 8 PCs. That sounds like a sweet deal -- and it might well be -- but there are several catches you should be aware of. First off, the promotion only applies to a select few models, and you'll need to visit a Microsoft Store to even see the full list.
Mozilla stops work on Firefox for Windows 8
We hope you weren't eagerly anticipating a finished release of Firefox for Windows 8 -- despite releasing a beta of the browser just last month, Mozilla has cancelled the project. There just aren't enough testers using the new interface to justify shipping a completed version, the developer says. It's concerned that the missing feedback could lead to a buggy release that requires too much repair work. Pre-release code will still be available, and Mozilla isn't ruling out a change of heart in the future. For now, though, Windows 8 users will have to switch to a rival like Chrome if they want a touch-friendly alternative to Internet Explorer.
