Paul Allen takes a look at Windows 8, finds his ex-workmates mostly doing well

Posted on 03/10/2012 by Jon Fingas

When Paul Allen isn't busy writing memoirs or suing everyone, he's... providing insightful operating system commentary? While "software reviewer" isn't normally part of his job description, Allen has seen fit to dissect Microsoft's Windows 8 interface and learn how the company he co-founded is getting along without him. It's coping gracefully, thank you. The industry pioneer has decided the OS has a lot of promise for tablets, where the touch interface and legacy Windows support could provide the best of both worlds. He doesn't spare his former coworkers from criticism, though: he warns that the split between the Windows 8-style UI and the traditional desktop is potentially confusing, notes the absence of useful Android and iOS features like touch-friendly app folders, and doesn't find the conventional Windows interface very practical with fingers alone. It's hard to ignore the soft spot Allen likely has towards the platform he fostered for years, but his preview still offers a unique perspective on what many of us will see in three weeks.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Software, Microsoft

Paul Allen takes a look at Windows 8, finds his ex-workmates mostly doing well originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

Time |

Paul Allen | Email this | Comments

Microsoft issues security patches for Flash vulnerabilities in Windows 8 and Internet Explorer

Posted on 22/09/2012 by Sarah Silbert

As promised, Microsoft is issuing a security patch for a Flash vulnerability on Windows 8 in Internet Explorer 10. Though the operating system has yet to see its official public release, researchers testing the RTM version found a bug that could cause Flash to crash and allow for attackers to take control of a user's machine. Additionally, the company is rolling out an update to address a security hole in Internet Explorer versions 7 and 8 on Windows XP -- and IE 9 on Windows 7 and Windows Vista -- which left the door open for hackers to spread malware via a specially designed Flash animation. Both security patches are available via Microsoft's Windows Update service.

Filed under: Internet, Software

Microsoft issues security patches for Flash vulnerabilities in Windows 8 and Internet Explorer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 22:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink

The Verge | | Email this | Comments

Windows 8 RTM now available to developers, IT departments with TechNet subscriptions

Posted on 15/08/2012 by Dana Wollman

At this point, we're expecting very few surprises when it comes to Windows 8: Microsoft just shipped the final code to OEMs, and the company already published a list of staggered dates when developers, volume licensees and Joe Schmo consumers would be able to download the software. We already knew, then, that on August 15th developers with MSDN subscriptions would be able to get the RTM build, as would IT pros subscribed to TechNet. Now that that day has come, though, it's worth repeating that those of you plugged into either the developer or TechNet program can start exploring the final software now -- a good ten weeks before the rest of the world. Don't have access? Luckily for you, Microsoft granted us early access to the RTM, and we've got a breakdown of the new features waiting for you right here.

Filed under: Software

Windows 8 RTM now available to developers, IT departments with TechNet subscriptions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Windows 8 RTM: what’s new in the final build of Windows 8?

Posted on 15/08/2012 by Dana Wollman

It's been two weeks since Microsoft signed off on Windows 8, and shipped the final code to manufacturers prepping shiny new computers. Today, another round of folks are getting their hands on the code: devs, and IT pros with subscriptions to Microsoft's TechNet program. Of course, you might not be a developer or IT whiz and, if we're being honest, neither are we! Happily for us, though, Microsoft gave us an early peek at the RTM build -- the same software that will ship to consumers October 26th. Granted, Microsoft says it will continue tweaking the built-in apps, with updates coming through the Windows Store. Barring these minor changes, though, what you see here is what you'll get ten weeks from now. Meet us after the break for a summary of what's new.

Gallery: Windows 8 RTM screenshots

Continue reading Windows 8 RTM: what's new in the final build of Windows 8?

Filed under: Software

Windows 8 RTM: what's new in the final build of Windows 8? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Windows 8’s stock apps get pictured, tease its final build

Posted on 02/08/2012 by Sean Buckley

Microsoft might be wavering on the well established Metro moniker that it ascribes to its flat, live tile design aesthetic, but that doesn't make it any less pervasive in Windows 8's final build. Care to see? Impatient Windows fans have pilfered a handful of screenshots from Google and Windows Store previews, revealing what appears to be the final look for several of Windows 8's apps. Gumshoes at the Neowin forums uncovered fresh previews of the Photos, Mail, Messaging, People, Calendar Xbox music, Xbox video and Xbox SmartGlass applications. Liveside followed up on the forum's findings with a peek at the OS' baked in Bing integration. The camera interface's crop and video playback features make an appearance too, as do the operating system's legacy time wasters: Solitaire, Minesweeper and Mahjong -- slacking off never looked so good. Check them out for yourself in the gallery below, and agonize over how far away October 26th suddenly seems.

Gallery: Windows 8 stock apps