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Microsoft OneDrive app will stop syncing with Windows 7 and 8 on March 1st, 2022
Microsoft will disable OneDrive syncing with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 PCs on March 1st, 2022.
Microsoft's reworked Edge browser is available to try on Windows 7
Microsoft has expanded the reach of its Chromium-based Edge browser to one of its most important audiences: namely, people who have to (or want to) use older versions of Windows. The company has released Canary channel preview builds of Edge for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users. They're rough around the edges like most pre-release software. The feature set will be "largely the same" as you'd get on Windows 10, however, including the upcoming Internet Explorer mode to satisfy business users who need compatibility.
Solitaire returns to Windows 10: the bouncy cards are back!
To the dismay of many users, Microsoft decided to remove its Solitaire, Hearts and Minesweeper games from Windows 8. But now, to celebrate the venerated card game's 25th anniversary (it debuted all the way back on Windows 3.0), the company is making things right. Microsoft has announced that a modernized version of Solitaire will return to the Start menu from the Windows Store where it had been relegated. Unfortunately fans of both Hearts and Minesweeper will still have to grab both of those games online and install them individually.
Microsoft clarifies Windows 10 upgrade process for pirated copies
Yesterday, we heard that Microsoft planned to give people with pirated copies of its software a free way to upgrade to Windows 10. According to Reuters, Microsoft's goal with this plan was to combat piracy in China, though the idea was to expand said offer beyond that country. Well, as it turns out, it won't be that simple -- and, frankly, is anyone really surprised? Microsoft tells The Verge that it will provide "a mechanism" for pirates to upgrade to the latest version of its OS, but they will have to go through the Windows Store in order to get a genuine (read: officially supported) upgrade. In other words, those with a non-genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8 will have a way to get Windows 10, but there's no confirmation that it will be at no cost.
HP's convertible Elite X2 and latest tablets are built for tough work
HP is refreshing a slew of its high end mobile devices with upgrades that make them even more compelling for businesses -- and that's good news for consumers, as well. We got our first look at the new Android-powered Pro Slate 8 and Pro Slate 12 tablets today, along with the revamped Elite X2 convertible. Naturally, they're all a step up from HP's current lineup when it comes to hardware, but this year the company also focused on a few small tweaks to differentiate them from other devices aimed just at consumers. That could make them enticing options for anyone looking for a tablet that's a bit tougher than your average Android slate.
IRL: Why I got my mom a Nexus 9 for Christmas
My dad called me up a few weeks ago saying he wanted to get mom a tablet for Christmas, one that might be good enough to replace the laptop she hated. It wasn't the hardware causing angst; it was the software: Windows 8. She's pretty comfortable with technology, but migrating from the familiar world of Windows' past was tricky and she wasn't alone -- I didn't find it easy either. While no tablet could completely replace a laptop, for general internet use, it's all she really needed.
Original Kinect for Windows being phased out next year
Microsoft will phase out sales for the original Kinect for Windows in 2015. The decision follows the arrival of the sensor's second version and PC adapter in October, as well as the latest hardware's SDK being made freely available. The company noted in an announcement blog that companies reliant on the original motion sensor should contact Microsoft soon to fill orders for the older hardware, though "no more original sensors will be manufactured after the current stock sells out." Version 2 of Kinect for Windows is essentially the same tech paired with the Xbox One when Microsoft's latest home console launched in November 2013, save for two changes: Microsoft pulled the Xbox logo from the camera and added a separate hub and power supply to operate. Microsoft's PC adapter for the Xbox One Kinect links the new camera to Windows 8 machines using USB 3.0 for $50. The original Kinect for Windows hardware launched in February 2012. [Image: Microsoft]
How would you change Acer's Iconia W3 tablet?
If you want to judge a gadget on its true strengths, stick several in a room full of Engadget editors and see which one they swarm around. For that alone, Acer's Iconia W3 was a winner as soon as the eight-inch full-Windows tablet arrived in the office. When Dana Wollman was able to wrestle it away for a review, she found that there was much to love, including the reasonable price, free copy of Office and the long battery life. The only demerits were due to a slightly cheap build quality and imperfect keyboard - but you have to expect a few compromises when a product costs $380. What we want to know, dear friends, is what did you like, what did you hate, and what, if anything, would you change?
Now TV gets a Windows 8 app
Whether you're a sports fanatic or a movie buff, December is generally a good month to sit down in front of the tellybox. One way to treat your eyeballs is via Sky's standalone Now TV streaming service, which is preparing for a busy Christmas full of movies, TV shows and live sports coverage. Instead of grappling with the Now TV website though, Sky has finally released a proper Windows 8.1 app for you to sink your teeth into. Available from the Windows Store, the new app embraces Microsoft's unique Metro aesthetic and features both live channels and on-demand video for its three (Entertainment, Movies and Sports) passes. In recent months, Sky has been busy bringing Now TV to new set-top boxes, including Apple TV and Chromecast. Broader platform support is always welcome, but it's good to see that Sky hasn't forgotten about desktop users -- so how about a native Mac app?
HP's Envy x2 detachable PC returns with a new look and price
The original Envy x2, which was released early last year, had a lot going for it in the portability and looks department -- it was super light and relatively slick. However, its actual real-world performance left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to now, and HP is refreshing its tablet/laptop device with a completely fresh design, one that's very reminiscent of Microsoft's Surface line. In addition to the newly added kickstand, HP's new Envy x2 comes in two different sizes: there are 13-inch and 15.6-inch models, starting at $750 ($100 less than the first-generation).
Touch-based Age of Empires: Castle Siege unveiled for Windows 8
Microsoft revealed Age of Empires: Castle Siege this week, a Smoking Gun Interactive game that's coming to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 next month. Microsoft's Kieffer Bryant described Castle Siege as a "fast-paced experience" built for touch devices, with players dragging units across paths while accumulating resources and building up their cities. However, it seems fans of the strategy series haven't taken well to the announcement. The majority of YouTube users thumbed-down the announcement trailer (which you'll find below the break), while some commenters derided the game as a Clash of Clans clone that isn't true to the series - Supercell's mega-popular MMO isn't available on Windows Phone.
Modern Combat 5 cracked, pirated by contest winner
Pirated copies of the mobile first-person shooter Modern Combat 5: Blackout flooded torrent websites this weekend, reportedly originating from a copy of the game distributed by the developer as part of a contest. Gameloft held the giveaway recently, inviting players into the game early. "One of the winners cracked and uploaded it," Touch Arcade editor-in-chief Eli Hodapp tweeted. Thousands of players are already online, he added. "As you can imagine I am really pissed off," Gameloft community manager Florian Weber wrote in a message on a Modern Combat Facebook group HUB page. "To anybody who got MC5 already, shame on you! We are making games for you and all you can do is pirate them? Anybody which is talking to me and shows in some way that he already has MC5 will get an instant ban." In a separate statement, Gameloft said it has activated its anti-piracy measures in the game and that all "illegitimate users on a non-official version have been incapacitated." Modern Combat 5 officially launches for iOS, Android and Windows 8 devices on July 24. "We will continue to stay alert and respond adequately to all hacking attempts," Gameloft further promised. [Art: Gameloft]
Roku's remote control app comes to Windows Phones and tablets
This is not a great day for developers of the various third-party Roku apps available at the Windows Store. It's an excellent day, however, for those who've been waiting on a free remote control app direct from the company itself. The app is compatible with Windows Phones as well touchscreen Windows 8 and RT tablets, but it's not designed for mouse n' keyboard setups. Just like the iOS and Android versions, it'll scan your network and (hopefully) find all your players and channels, at which point it'll act just like a regular remote, although it does appear to be missing the new enhanced search function found elsewhere. One other thing you might find lacking is the ability to stream your own choice of web files (.mov, .mp3 etc.) to your Roku box -- you'll still need an unofficial app for wild stuff like that.
Xplore's latest Windows tablet promises rugged design without the bulk
Xplore Technologies makes tablets that are so rugged, just picking one up will cause your palms to go all hairy. Up until now, it's made chunky Windows tablets like the XC6, and slender, less powerful slates that are capable of running Android. The Xplore Bobcat wants to sit between the two ranges, offering the brawn of Windows 8 with the svelte looks of the company's RangerX tablets. Of course, this isn't just about shedding weight and size, since the Bobcat will still work in freezing conditions, withstand drops of nearly two meters onto concrete and all of the other tortures most gadget geeks could conceive.
Microsoft releases Xbox One controller drivers for PC
Microsoft has released a set of drivers that enable Xbox One controller support for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows PCs. The Xbox One controller works with any game that currently features support for the Xbox 360 controller. After installing Microsoft's drivers, players can immediately start using the Xbox One controller in compatible games and apps by connecting it via a micro USB cable. Native controller support will be featured in a future Windows update, but Microsoft notes that it wanted to push out updated drivers as soon as possible in order to let users "play their favorite PC games with what we consider the best controller ever made." [Image: Microsoft]
China bans the installation of Windows 8 on government computers
China believes that Windows 8 poses enough of a future security risk that it's banning government agencies from installing the operating system on any of its new computers. In a statement issued last week and picked up by China's official news agency today, the Central Government Procurement Center has dealt Microsoft a massive blow by stating that all desktops, laptops and tablets must now run an OS other than Windows 8. Consumers aren't affected, as it'll only focus on computers used by government offices. It's a curious decision, given the fact a reported 70 percent of Chinese computers run Microsoft's 13-year-old Windows XP platform, but it's believed officials are trying to stop agencies from being left in the cold should the company pull official Windows 8 support in the future. The government will now focus its efforts on its own Linux-based OS, which is an idea it's been flirting with for a while already, firstly by promoting its use in an official capacity and then by attempting to persuade consumers in China to switch too.
eBay's new mobile apps are all about you, borrow some Pinterest looks
eBay's mobile apps just got a little more personal. The company refreshed its offerings for the iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone 8 today, unveiling a new look for the apps that's customized to your habits. The highlight of the update is a new "My Feed" section on the home screen which populates with large photos of items you've indicated you want (like this epic collection of 125 Goat books). It looks a lot like Pinterest, with updated imagery that makes you feel a little more like you're shopping for high-end antiques rather than crap someone found in grandma's attic.
Xplore's latest Windows 8 tablet is tough enough for a warzone
When a company sends you a tablet buried under a half foot of sopping-wet turf, you can be reasonably sure that the hardware's going to be sturdier than your average kit. Xplore Technologies makes computing devices for the harshest of environments, including warzones, so we thought we would spend some time with the company's latest slab. The XC6 is the most powerful unit the company has ever released, packing Intel's Haswell internals and a 1,300-nit display. Like Lady Gaga, the XC6 likes it rough, so we grew out our beard, grabbed a sledgehammer and did some extreme computing for our enjoyment.
Ex-Microsoft employee arrested for leaking company secrets
Remember all those Windows 8 screenshots that surfaced before the platform was released? Well, some of those might have been courtesy of Alex Kibkalo, an ex-Microsoft employee who was just arrested for stealing and leaking company secrets. Unlike the HTC execs who reportedly stole trade secrets to run a new firm, though, Kibkalo allegedly leaked info to a French tech blogger for something akin to revenge -- he was apparently angry over receiving a poor performance review when he was still with Microsoft. According to Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the accused sent the blogger (whom he met on a forum) parts of Windows 8's code and Microsoft's Activation Server Software Development Kit. While Kibkalo's charging paper states that the blogger only posted Windows 8 screenshots, Microsoft believes its former employee also encouraged him to share the development kit online. He supposedly wanted that to happen so hackers can use the kit (one of Microsoft's defenses against software piracy) to crack the company's products.
Windows 8 sales pass the 200 million mark, still trail Windows 7's success
Back in May, Microsoft announced over 100 million sales of Windows 8, but how much progress has the software made now that we're in 2014? Today the company reported shipment of more than 200 million Windows 8 licenses. As usual, Microsoft didn't specify whether or not that figure includes Windows RT licenses as well. Naturally, those numbers mean nothing without context. Compared to Windows 7 sales a few years back, the latest-gen operating system is lagging. Windows 7 passed the 240 million mark within its first 12 months on the market, while Windows 8 is just hitting 200 million after more than 15 months of availability. Several reasons factor into Windows 8's slower pace -- among them lackluster sales of Microsoft's Surface tablets and a shortage of touch- and tablet-optimized apps. The company hasn't said much about the upcoming Windows 8.1 Update 1, but rumors point to better compatibility with budget tablets and an interface that favors the classic desktop over the Start screen. Look for that update to hit the market in April.
