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Windows RT 'code integrity mechanism' gets sidestepped, allows unsigned desktop apps to run
As Microsoft continues to promote and push its RT apps and programs, Windows tinkerer Clrokr at SurfSec has detailed how he managed to circumvent Redmond's controls on what can run on Windows RT. It's worth noting that this may not lead to a broad jailbreak solution, capable of running any desktop program, but it does demonstrate an existing vulnerability. Clrokr outlines how he tinkered with the part of the RAM that instructs the OS whether it should run unsigned, authenticode signed, Microsoft(8) or Windows(12) signed apps. The default setting is for the latter two options, whereas changing this entry allows those other app types to run. If you know your Windows kernel, you can check the full details and code over at the source.
HTC HD2 runs Windows RT, postpones trip to afterlife yet again
HTC's HD2 may have begun life as just another Windows Mobile 6.5 handset, but its surprisingly hardy internals enable it to run almost any mobile OS going. The latest software to appear on the three-year-old device is Windows RT, which was jammed onto the system by a developer called Cotulla -- who previously put Windows Phone 7 on the same unit. While we imagine it's not that comfortable to use on the HD2's 4.3-inch screen, we can imagine some superheroes are now scouring eBay for a similarly immortal smartphone. [Image Credit: Cotulla]
Nokia Windows RT tablet rumored to pack a battery-equipped keyboard cover
The murmurs surrounding a 10-inch Nokia tablet are growing louder, and they suggest that the company won't just follow the herd. Tipsters for The Verge claim that the Windows RT slate would center on a Surface-style keyboard cover with its own twists. While the add-on would shelter the screen, it would also include a battery to supplement the 10-hour lifespan of the tablet proper. Not enough? It could carry a pair of USB ports and serve as a kickstand. There may be a chance of a US release, as well: Nokia's tablet would supposedly include cellular access and head to AT&T in the US, much like its Booklet 3G ancestor. We're not surprised that the Finnish firm won't comment on the rumor, but we might not have long to wait for verification if the early 2013 release proves real.
Amazon Kindle app for Windows 8, RT adds in-app book purchases for touchscreens
Amazon's Kindle app for Windows 8 and RT was one of the first to reach the Windows Store, but it hasn't been very seamless for those purchasing more e-books from a touchscreen. An update today puts them on an equal plane: there's now an in-app Kindle Store for tablets and other devices where a mouse isn't a given. About the only other requirement is English. If that's no obstacle (and it likely isn't if you're reading this), shopping from a Surface should be much easier.
Bloomberg: HTC will introduce 7-inch and 12-inch Windows RT tablets in 2013
Well, it looks like Microsoft has changed its tune about HTC's "experience" when it comes to churning out tablets. Today, Bloomberg reports that the Taiwan-based manufacturer will introduce 7-inch and 12-inch tablets that are based on Qualcomm chips with Windows RT. This news directly contradicts a previous report that suggested HTC would be excluded from the Windows tablet world. If the stars align, we can expect each of these devices to hit the market in Q3 of 2013, although pricing remains up in the air. Curiously, the 7-inch iteration is also said to make phone calls, which sounds eerily similar to the the Android-based Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. One thing you won't find, however, are Windows 8-based tablets from HTC, which the company is said to have abandoned due to high costs. Sources speculate that HTC's entry into the fray is based on Microsoft's desire for more manufacturers and greater diversity in the tablet lineup. No doubt that a miniature RT device will accomplish just that.
Nokia reportedly 'in talks' to build 10-inch Windows RT slate with Qualcomm and Compal
There's been no shortage of chin-wagging about a Nokia slate in the past, but needless to say it's never amounted to much. In fact, the murmurs and patent applications largely died away prior to the coming of Windows RT, leading us to conclude that the Finnish manufacturer had decided to step back from the tablet tussle rather than wade in. That said, Digitimes is now reporting that Nokia is once again "talking" to hardware partners -- namely Qualcomm and Compal -- about developing a Windows RT device. Mobilegeeks and our own sources have stepped up to support the gist of this report, although they didn't go nearly as far as Digitimes in claiming that a 10-inch product would be done and dusted in time for MWC, which means we're left with nothing concrete. One thing does seem likely: Surface may not be selling well enough, despite its merits, which potentially creates room for another Microsoft-aligned manufacturer to carry the RT baton forward.
Bitcasa brings limitless cloud storage to Android and Windows 8 today, iOS in January
Bitcasa has offered truly unlimited cloud storage for awhile, but only desktop users have had access to more than an HTML5 page. Now that there's native Infinite Drive apps for Android, Windows 8 and Windows RT, that dream of having access to everything, everywhere just got more tangible. The new apps stream media in a native player and offer two-way file access, no matter the size or quantity -- if your life's work is in the cloud, your Surface can see it. Android users can also link their camera app to Bitcasa to guarantee an instant photo backup, and any file is shareable with those who haven't signed up. We're promised both an iOS version and a finished Mac app in early January. The $10 monthly subscription is relatively cheap when there's no ceiling to what the service can hold; just try not to stream a 1080p movie from that capped mobile connection if you're not a fan of overage fees.
Gaming company derides Microsoft Store: 'We've made the princely sum of £52' (update: retracted)
UK gaming outfit Rubicon has castigated Microsoft after claiming a Windows RT port of its Great Big War Game made a meager £52 ($83) in its first week in the store. The company was particularly incensed at Redmond's lack of promotional features to help the title's visibility, claiming that "if you're familiar with (its) new store, this means our app is forever consigned to the garbage bin." The company added that the iOS, Android "and even RIM" stores have promoted the app, which it said was widely lauded, and felt that after investing £10,000 on the port, "we got spat on" by the software giant. The developer punctuated its blog statement by saying it won't work with Microsoft again, and "that store is going to look mighty bleak for a long time to come" if it doesn't change its policy. No doubt there's some sour grapes getting squeezed here, but it's fair to say that RT is much in need of some sweeter news. Update: Having a good ol' moan sometimes does the trick. Rubicon has deleted its original blog post, saying that Microsoft has "graciously decided work with us to iron out the problems and get us past this incident."
Plex launches native Windows 8 app with ARM support, latest filtering features
If you're looking for a media client to run on your Windows 8 PC, tablet or... something in between, Plex has a fresh edition of its software made just for you. Available in the Windows store for an "introductory price" $2.99, the app brings you Plex's latest features, all in a familiar touch friendly interface for the new OS. It lists ARM compatibility in the specs so it should be ready to run on your Windows RT-packing Surface, with access to user's myPlex queue, and even the latest filtering features from Plex/Web that have not filtered down to other platforms yet. Check after the break for a video recorded by a user, hit the source links for more info, or let us know in the comments if you've found any capable media players built to support Redmond's latest.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 goes on sale early with a momentary price break
So you like what you've heard about the IdeaPad Yoga 13, but still don't relish the prospect of trying to wield a 13-inch Ultrabook (and its matching high price) as a convertible tablet. Not to fear: Lenovo has started taking orders for the system's smaller cousin, the IdeaPad Yoga 11, a few weeks ahead of its planned December launch. The foldable, 11.6-inch Windows RT machine is available to buy in 32GB and 64GB models that cost more than expected in regular pricing, at $849 and $949 respectively, with post-Thanksgiving discounts that whittle those figures down to a more reasonable $679 and $759. Don't count on an early ship date, by any means -- Lenovo is quoting "more than 4 weeks" as of this writing -- but do expect to secure a place in line for what's arguably the least conventional of the ARM-based Windows PCs we've seen so far.
HP's Todd Bradley isn't impressed by Surface, doesn't see it as competition
Microsoft was warned of how its homegrown tablet might impact OEM relationships, and even acknowledged the challenge itself, but HP doesn't see it the same way. In a recent interview, the head of HP's PC arm Todd Bradley repeated the company's unconcerned stance -- if a little more bluntly -- saying, "I'd hardly call Surface competition." He pinned it on "very limited distribution," and that the pricey tablet "tends to be slow and a little kludgey as you use it." His feelings on the OS were also unfavorable -- "I'm not a big [Windows] RT fan either, by the way." -- and he had some choice words for potential customers: "If you want to go to any of the 30 Microsoft Stores in the United States to buy one, I think you should probably do that." Needless to say, we don't think Todd's sold on the Surface, or worried about competitive tussles when HP adds consumer tablets to its line-up next year (did someone say fire sale?). For the whole transcript, which includes a perfectly worded non-comment about HP's future smartphone plans, see the source below.
Microsoft warns gamers DirectX 11.1 is Windows 8-only
We hope there weren't too many PC gamers clinging to Windows 7 for dear life, because Microsoft isn't about to rescue them with a near-term DirectX update. The company's Daniel Moth (and supporting documentation) states that DirectX 11.1 is exclusive "for all practical purposes" to Windows 8-based platforms, including Windows RT and Windows Server 2012 -- you can't leap forward in media support without a full-on OS switch. None of the changes are large enough to trigger any immediate envy outside of the occasional fan of 3D glasses, but they could pose problems for conservative gamers in the long run if games and other visually intensive titles start demanding 11.1 as a baseline. There's no known plans to port the code back or release a harmonizing version, either. We can at least take comfort in knowing that Windows 8 upgrades are cheap enough to be low-hanging fruit for all but the most Metrophobic.
Ballmer says Surface RT sales off to 'modest' start (update: Microsoft clarifies)
Microsoft's been holding Surface for Windows RT sales figures close to its chest so far, but CEO Steve Ballmer has allowed in an interview with Le Parisien that the much ballyhooed tablet is off to a "modest" start. The bombastic exec gave that appraisal while touting the imminent arrival of the tab's higher-powered sibling, Surface for Windows 8 Pro, though he didn't elaborate further. After all the cake it's no doubt lavished marketing the slate, we'll have to see if the software giant finds the hardware game tough to swallow. Update: Microsoft says Le Parisien missed the true emphasis of Ballmer's quote in a summary of its online article (which appeared prior to the full interview), and gave us the following statement: When asked about Surface, Steve's use of the term "modest" was in relation to the company's approach in ramping up supply and distribution of Surface with Windows RT, which has only been available via our online store and certain Microsoft retail stores in the U.S. While our approach has been modest, Steve notes the reception to the device has been "fantastic" which is why he also stated that "soon, it will be available in more countries and in more stores." Of course, until we see some hard figures, we'll have to take Redmond's word for that sunny assessment of the Surface RT's fortunes to date. And of course, when we have further details of a more widespread rollout, you'll be the first to know.
Microsoft's November security updates include critical Windows 8 and RT patches
Microsoft recently issued its "Security Bulletin Advance Notification" for this month, detailing which operating systems and software will be updated on November 13th. While many products are being addressed, including Office for Mac, newly released Windows 8 and RT are the most notable entries on the list. The first patches since they hit the market will fix "critical" issues which open them up to "remote code execution." Microsoft hasn't gone into specifics (obviously), but you can register for a webcast being held on the 14th (see source link) should you want enlightening. If you thought your fresh machine or slate was flawless, we're afraid to say it's just another member of the 'Patch Tuesday' club.
Microsoft reveals how much of Surface RT's disc space is actually yours
If you've wondered how much space Windows RT, Office and Microsoft's bundled apps occupy on your shiny new Surface RT, worry no longer. Microsoft has revealed that once you've accounted for binary conversion, recovery provision and the software itself, the 32GB device will have 16GB of free space, while 64GB units will get 46GB of room to store your media. Naturally, you can use microSD cards (or USB Drives) to add to that space, and if you'd like to know how to get the device to treat it as if it's all coming from a single library, check out our tutorial.
Acer exec warns Microsoft may eat 'hard rice' with its Surface tablet
Acer seems to be straddling a delicate position with respect to Microsoft right now. On the one hand, it's outwardly indifferent towards Surface RT and indeed the the whole Windows RT concept, which is why it's holding off on its own RT tablets for the time being. But if that's true, why are the company's top brass so eager for Microsoft to withdraw from the competition? President for Greater China, Linxian Lang, has just resorted to a food metaphor to emphasize the point, warning that Redmond will have to eat "hard rice" with Surface, and implying that it should stick to its more readily-chewed software diet. If you've seen our own Surface RT review, then you'll know our thoughts on the matter: Microsoft's tablet has been boiled and salted just right, which might be the real reason Acer is so averse to it. [Image credit: Sina Tech]
Screen Grabs: Microsoft Surface goes to work on NCIS: LA
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com. Just in case its dance moves weren't enough to move buyers, Microsoft's new slate is popping up in TV shows themselves, like tonight's episode of NCIS: LA. As seen in the clip, character Eric Beale confidently flips his Windows RT-powered Surface out (and naturally, makes use of its kickstand and Touch Cover -- gotta hit all the check boxes) to figure out what's going on and even multitasks with some simulated videoconferencing. All in all it's more realistic than when the other Microsoft Surface made a cameo in CSI: Miami (also included after the break), and is probably worth the promo fee by showing a use case enabled thanks to those features -- of course, with no cell access built-in, it's not immediately clear how he got online, but this is TV. So who did it better, tablet-style: this one, the PlayBook on White Collar, Cisco's ill-fated Cius on NCIS: LA last year or the iPad in Entourage? [Thanks, Mitchell]
Acer delays Windows RT tablets as it gauges Surface acceptance
Acer is no stranger to airing its skepticism of Microsoft Surface, but the company is now adopting caution as the name of the game for its own Windows RT tablets. In an interview with Reuters, company president Jim Wong told the outlet that Acer would deliver its own RT-based tablet no earlier than Q2, as it's now monitoring how Microsoft's own hardware fares in the marketplace. According to Wong, Acer had previously targeted a Q1 debut. As it lets Microsoft serve as the canary in the coal mine, Acer will continue to focus on its full-fledged Windows 8 hardware, as well as develop and refine its own RT offering. "I don't know what's next, what Microsoft will do," Wong said. "We are watching how Surface is doing ... How is RT accepted by customers... We don't know... We want to see."
Dell XPS 10 lets the FCC get under its skin, into its manual
We already got a pretty good look at the Dell XPS 10's outward facade, but if it's internal hardware you're after, you may want to take a look at the FCC's latest: they tore the transforming tablet apart. The federal teardown is garnished with the standard trappings: FCC labels, frequency tests and Dell attestations -- one of which notes the WiFi and Bluetooth radios' shared antenna and its inability to simultaneously transmit both signals. The XPS 10's manual is available for browsing, too, in case you need a refresher on how to pinch, zoom or swipe. Check it for yourself at the FCC, or just pop on down to the attached gallery for a gander at the device's innards. %Gallery-169617%
Microsoft Surface exposes its guts to iFixit, knows if you've been meddling with it
Now that the Microsoft Surface is in the wild and we've probed it from the outside, the tool-toters at iFixit have opened one up to see what makes it tick -- and whether you dare attempt a repair yourself. The first thing they noticed was how tricky it was to remove a plastic access cover, which caused unavoidable damage to the tamper-evident label when they finally got it off. That would tip repair depots that you've been rummaging about, likely rendering your warranty moot. Other sore spots included the LCD and glass being fused together, along with a keyboard connector that's impossible to get out without pulling the display off first. On the plus side, the iFixit team found the battery easy to remove despite being glued to the case (unlike other recent devices), and many un-soldered components that were also swappable. All that added up to a score of four on the repairability scale -- meaning that fixing one probably isn't a great DIY project, unless you're the patient type.
