Office for iPad to arrive by summer, says sources

Microsoft Office for iPad has been teased for a while now, with news concerning it arising in various bits and leaks over the course of many months. The latest among them is word from various sources that Microsoft plans to roll out its productivity software in the first half of this year, a jump from the previously-projected Fall timeline.



The information comes from the folks at ZDNet, which says both Microsoft officials and other sources have confirmed Office for iPad is not only in the works, but coming sooner than has been anticipated. Until now, word has had it Office for iPad was slated to arrive after the Metro-style variety of Office, which is codenamed Gemini.

According to the sources, the decision to launch Office for iPad after the launch of the Metro version was nixed late last year, with Microsoft instead deciding to launch the iPad version when it is ready. As such, the sources are saying it'll be available in the first half of this year, which means we'll see it by the middle of this summer, if all pans out.

Microsoft has declined commenting on the latest news. It still isn't clear how Office for iPad will be offered -- whether as part of an Office 365 subscription or something else altogether. If the sources are correct, however, we only have a few months at the most left of waiting, so we'll find out soon enough regardless.

SOURCE: ZDNet

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Microsoft Surface 2 finds a new home after being authorized for pilot use

JC Torres

It may not be the most popular tablet around, but the Surface 2 might soon be a fixture in airplanes and pilots' equipment. The FAA has just authorized Microsoft's oft belittled tablet for pilot use in all phases of flights.

This is subtly different from the other FAA action that approved the use of electronic devices in all phases of flights. While that allowed passengers to use their tablets and gadgets, this latest authorization allows pilots to add the Surface 2 as part of their Electronic Flight Bags or EFBs, particularly in Class 1 and Class 2 EFBs, which usually include commercial off the shelf devices like laptops or handhelds.

Of course, this approval doesn't mean that airlines will start offering Surface 2 tablets as the de facto gadget for their pilots. FAA authorization only means that when and if an airline asks for approval to get the Surface 2 in their list, the process will go much faster since Microsoft has already passed the FAA's standards. Whether airlines actually start adopting the tablets into their system is a different question entirely.

Microsoft might be in need of such new customers for its latest generation of tablets. The Surface 2, which is the successor of the Surface RT, has not exactly been the wild success that Microsoft has always hoped it would be. While the Surface 2 does indeed represent animprovement over its predecessor, it still exhibits one of the major criticisms of that device line.

In the end, it all boils down to software. While it has a slightly different name, it shares the same software lineage of Windows RT, the ARM-based OS that Microsoft has put out. Users, and by that we mean pilots, will have very few choices when it comes to apps they can use, which may be a factor in favor of management. That said, if Microsoft is keeping a very close eye on this new target market, then it might take a more active role in making sure that certain apps, especially those related to the industry, will become available and compatible with the Surface 2.

VIA: BetaNews

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Windows Phone 8.1 leak shows notification centre for first time

The first screenshots of the notification centre coming to Windows Phone 8.1 have leaked, thanks to a confidential email sent at Microsoft picked up by Winphollowers.

The screenshots show Microsoft will market its notification centre as "Action Center" when it launches with Windows Phone 8.1. Like found on Android and iOS, it appears Action Center's goal is to give users quick access to what they've missed and the ability to enable and disable connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, and Driving Mode.



Notifications are split up by application and there's the ability to "Clear All". There's also an "All Settings" function to configure which notifications come through the Action Center and "ghost notifications" so you aren't actively alerted on certain applications you choose. On a more minor level a battery icon and date are found.

The Action Center is believed to launch with Windows Phone 8.1 at Microsoft's Build Conference on 2 April in San Francisco. The update is also said to bring changes to multitasking and a Siri-like "Cortana" personal voice assistant.

We've contacted Microsoft to learn more about the leaked screenshots. WP Central adds some validity to the leak, saying they're accurate and indeed show the behaviour of Action Center.
Via: WP Central
Source: Winphollowers

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Windows 8.1 Update 1 now rumored to arrive in April

Microsoft is currently preparing a PC-focused "Update 1" to Windows 8.1. While an early version of the update leaked online earlier this week, the software maker is now believed to be preparing a final release in April. Initial reports suggested Microsoft would aim to deliver Windows 8.1 Update 1 in March, but ZDNet now claims this has shifted a month to April 8th. That date aligns with Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday round of fixes, and it’s rumored that the company will distribute the update through Windows Update rather than the Windows Store. It also aligns with Microsoft's Build conference, which will be held between April 2nd and 4th. Microsoft is expected to announce and detail the update at Build, before releasing it days later.

AN UPDATE FOR KEYBOARD AND MOUSE USERS

Windows 8.1 Update 1 is largely focused on improving the experience for traditional desktop PC owners who use the latest OS with a mouse and keyboard. Microsoft is adding a new title bar for its Windows 8-style ("Metro") apps that allows you to close, minimize, and snap apps to appear side by side with a mouse. It’s visible when you mouse over a small area at the top of apps, and is part of of a number of other mouse-focused changes. Right-clicking on Live Tiles produces context menus in early test versions of Windows 8.1 Update 1, and there’s even a search button and shutdown option straight on the Start Screen.

Other changes include a new option to allow Metro apps to be displayed in the desktop taskbar, and the ability to show the taskbar within Metro apps when you mouse over a small area at the bottom of apps. Microsoft is also introducing a new Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer with Update 1, and the company is focused on reducing the amount of space the entire OS takes up. A disk space management tool can also be found in the leaked Windows 8.1 Update 1 build.

One of the more puzzling aspects to Windows 8.1 Update 1 is Microsoft’s testing of a boot-to-desktop change. While some early builds have enabled this by default, possibly due to an upgrade bug during testing, The Verge understands that Microsoft is planning to make an OEM policy change regardless. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s Windows work have revealed that the software giant will soon allow PC makers to enable boot-to-desktop by default on machines without a touchscreen. Previously, PC makers have had to keep the feature disabled despite its introduction in Windows 8.1.

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Windows Phone 8.1 is now Bluetooth Certified

Windows Phone 8.1 is now Bluetooth Certified. That's right, Microsoft can now hang up the actual certificate on the wall, or stick it to the fridge with a magnet. The Bluetooth SIG posted the certification with a listing date of January 31st, 2014. The listing notes that Windows Phone 8.1 is a mobile operating system (as opposed to the devices that usually receive Bluetooth certification).

The approval covers Bluetooth 4.0. This version of Bluetooth includes the Low Energy variant of the technology, which is used for short distance connectivity like that needed to connect a handset to a health related accessory like a heart monitor.

Windows Phone 8.1 is expected to bring virtual voice-activated personal assistant Cortana to the platform, along with separate volume controls, a quick settings menu and an enhanced notifications system.








Windows Phone 8.1 receives its Bluetooth certification, making Microsoft a proud parent

Thanks, Anonymous Tipster!

source: BSIG via NokiaPoweruser

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Microsoft finally makes it easier to shutdown your PC in Windows 8.1 Update 1

Microsoft is readying a number of improvements to win over desktop PC users with Windows 8.1 Update 1. In the latest round of screenshots from Russian leaker WZor, it appears some of those changes will make it easier for PC users to shut their machines down. The shutdown and restart options are clearly repositioned on the Windows 8.1 Start Screen in the latest Update 1 screenshots, alongside a new search button. It also appears you can right click on Live Tiles and get a context menu for options to resize, pin, and uninstall. It’s a subtle change from having to right click and then move to the app bar at the bottom of the display to manage the options.


While the position of shutdown options seems like a minor point, one criticism with Windows 8 is the way the shutdown and restart options have been hidden away under the new settings options on the Charms Bar. You can also access them by right clicking on the new Start button in Windows 8.1, but for consumers it’s frustrating to have to learn where the shutdown options have vanished to. For businesses it’s also an additional training point that employees need to learn. Windows 8 does support the option to shutdown a machine by pressing the physical button, but that’s not ideal if a desktop PC is located under or a desk or you simply want to restart it.




It’s encouraging to see Microsoft finally address some more of the frustrating points of Windows 8 for desktop PC users. Original feedback over the unusual shutdown positioning was disregarded as the "same number of clicks now and similar mouse travel" by Microsoft’s official Windows 8 engineering Twitter account — run by former Windows chief Steven Sinofsky. Since Sinofsky’s abrupt departure, shortly after the Windows 8 release, Microsoft has made a number of changes in Windows 8.1 and appears to be reversing and fixing some of Sinofsky’s decisions on the product.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 is largely focused at making the operating system easier to use for business users. Microsoft is taking the first steps towards a "Metro" and desktop merge, with the ability to pin and interact with Metro apps from the desktop taskbar, and new Media Center-like close and minimize options for Metro apps. Windows 8.1 Update 1 is expected to be released on March 11th, ahead of Microsoft’s Build conference in April where the company will likely detail further improvements for the upcoming Windows 9 release.

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Xbox One’s 2014 Q2 console sales hit 3.9 million

Today Microsoft published its fiscal year 2014 second quarter earnings report, and among it is presented a varied picture: year-on-year results are looking up, while Windows has continued to suffer from the lack of PC demand and the Surface skyrocketed. Among these trimmings is the gaming side of its Devices and Consumer revenue: 3.9 million Xbox Oneconsoles were moved, and nearly as many Xbox 360s.

In addition to the Xbox One sales over the financial quarter, Xbox 360 console sales hit 3.5 million units, making for a total of 7.4 million Xbox systems being sold into retail. This contributed to the company's Devices and Consumer revenue growth, which increased 13-percent in Q2 to reach $11.91 billion.

Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said in part: "We delivered record revenue as demand for our business offerings remains high and we made strong progress in our Devices and Consumer segment." The sales are largely in line with what has been expected, and Microsoft-bred console has had good numbers thus far.

Last week, we reported on NPD Group's December 2013 findings, which included numbers showing the Xbox One as the best selling console in the US, moving 908,000 units last month. Overall sales went to the PlayStation 4, however, which was attributed to the console's head start in sales, making for a strong November.

SOURCE: Microsoft

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Microsoft pays Machinima video partners to mention Xbox One on YouTube

It can be hard to tell at times when the videos you are watching on YouTube are legitimate content created because someone likes what they are showing off or when they are paid to produce the content. That line between paid content and normal content is a bit murkier on YouTube thanks to a marketing campaign that has surfaced from Microsoft. The campaign paid YouTube video partners to produce video content mentioning the Xbox One.



The photo you see above promoting the advertising campaign for Machinima video partners on YouTube surfaced recently. Microsoft is paying these video partners on YouTube to make and post videos that mention the new Microsoft game console, the Xbox One.

Microsoft is paying $3 per CPM for the videos. That means Microsoft will pay the video partner an extra $3 for each 1000 views the video gets. Considering some popular videos can generate tens of thousands of views, this program could pay out significant money to the video partners. The program limits payouts to the first 1.25 million views meaning that the video maker could earn a max of $3750 for the video.

The advertising campaign required the video partners to include at least 30 seconds of Xbox One game footage and mention the console by name. The video also had to have the tag "XB1M13" listed. The legal terms behind the campaign also leaked and clearly state that to get the money the video producers can't say anything negative about the Xbox One or any of its games in the video and have to keep the terms of the advertising campaign confidential.

SOURCE: ArsTechnica

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Windows 8 referred to as "the new Vista" by Microsoft employees

Windows 8 is a tough nut to crack. Some people love it, and some people hate it (and whether or not your Windows 8 device has a touchscreen seems to be a big determinant in which side of the fence you fall on.) But, would you go so far as to call Windows 8 "the new Vista"? Because it seems that some Microsoft employees have been saying just that.

The news comes from Microsoft uber-newsman Paul Thurrott, which makes it fairly credible. Thurrott tends to have the inside scoop when it comes to Microsoft. The difference is that Vista was widely panned due to usability issues, while Windows 8 is getting its reputation based on "sales and market acceptance" according to Thurrott.

There were high hopes for Windows 8 to bring back some interest in PCs, or at the very least to steer consumers towards PC/tablet hybrids, but so far the public has been reluctant to choose Windows over Android or iOS offerings. Either way, this is good news for consumers, because if Microsoft believes there is something wrong, there will certainly be work going on to fix it.

source: @Paul Thurrott 1, 2, & 3 via BGR

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Microsoft's Xbox One was No. 1 console in US after selling 908,000 units in December

Research firm NPD Group has released December sales figures for the Xbox One, and Microsoft liked them so much it decided to share the results on its Xbox Wire blog.

According to NPD group, Microsoft's Xbox One was the No. 1 console in the US after selling 908,000 units during December. It sold an additional 643,000 Xbox units during the month, too. That means the Xbox 360 was the No. 3 top-selling console, though it was No. 1 for last-generation hardware.

"Together, Xbox One and Xbox 360 held 46 percent of the hardware market share in the U.S. and showed a 10 percent year over year growth from December 2012," quoted Microsoft on its blog.

NPD also revealed that consumer retail spending hit $1.39 billion for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 (50 per cent came from the US alone), and that six of the top 10 new-generation game titles were for Xbox One. In fact, US consumers have purchased an average of 2.9 games per Xbox One console since launch.

"We’re grateful for the excitement and support of our fans [...]," added Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of marketing, strategy and business for Xbox at Microsoft. "Our journey is just starting, with more innovation, games and entertainment coming in 2014 and far beyond."
Source: Microsoft

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Microsoft denies the rumored $2.6 billion amount of its 2014 Windows Phone co-marketing budget

On Wednesday, we told you about a tweet sent by Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin that claimed Microsoft was budgeting approximately $2.6 billion to give Windows Phone OEMs for co-marketing Windows Phone powered handsets. According to Murtazin's tweet, the money would be divided amongst handset manufacturers with Korean based Samsung receiving $1.2 billion of the total.
Microsoft's response, sent via tweet by the company's Corporate VP of Communications Frank X. Shaw, admitted that Microsoft does engage in co-marketing. But Shaw also stated that the numbers cited by Murtazin are a "complete fiction". Murtazin responded to this allegation by hinting that his dollar figures are correct and that some of the money is spent by Microsoft funding R&D and other expenses for Windows Phone handset manufacturers.
No matter where it ends up on the balance sheet, Microsoft is paying its manufacturing partners to co-market Windows Phone, which is not a crime. If anything, it indicates a willingness on the part of the crew in Redmond to strike while the iron's hot and yes, right now Windows Phone does have some momentum from last year that it can build on.

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Xbox One Titanfall Limited Edition Wireless Controller incoming, designed by Respawn itself

It's not long now until Titanfall arrives for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC - 14 March, to be exact - and Microsoft and developer Respawn Entertainment have joined forces to mark the occasion with the release of a limited-edition controller for the next-generation console.

The Titanfall Limited Edition Wireless Controller for the Xbox One has been designed by Respawn in collaboration with the Xbox design team. Its patterns are intentionally placed to make it look like it could exist in the game itself.

"Our goal was to create a controller that feels as if it is a piece of military spec hardware transported from the universe of Titanfall and into players' hands," said Joel Emslie, lead artist at Respawn Entertainment.
Xbox 360 and PC gamers will have to wait to find out if there will be a Titanfall special-edition controller for their machines, if ever. We'd bet our houses on some form of special edition bundle though, considering how hotly anticipated the game is.

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Microsoft to pay Samsung and Sony to make WP8 phone

Before Microsoft bought out Nokia's phone division, the software giant was subsidizing the phone maker to the tune of $1 billion a year. That was a big incentive for Nokia to go with Windows Phone over other alternatives.

The company may be offering the same deal to other companies as well – at least according to Eldar Murtazin, whose prediction accuracy has gone down from its heyday
.Microsoft going to pay to each company for creating one wp8 model. No matter how they call this money, its not a real business for MS— Eldar Murtazin (@eldarmurtazin) January 15, 2014

Anyway, apparently Samsung has taken the deal and will be receiving $1.2 billion to make Windows Phone 8 handsets. There seems to have been some negotiations since the number was $1 billion in mid-December.


Windows phone 8 in 2014 - Samsung 1.2 bln USD, Sony 0.5 bln, Huawei 0.6 bln, others - 0.3 bln. Thats "support" from MS to develop one (1!)hs— Eldar Murtazin (@eldarmurtazin) January 15, 2014

Samsung isn't alone in this – we've heard that Microsoft has been courting Sony to make a WP handset too and it the wooing was reportedly in the form of $500 million. Even Huawei is getting a cut, more than Sony actually - $600 million. Other companies, which haven't been named, will reportedly be receiving lower sums, $300 million.

For instance, Sony with 0.5 bln from Microsoft already profitable in 2014, will meat internal goals in terms of money around September :)— Eldar Murtazin (@eldarmurtazin) January 15, 2014

Surprisingly, HTC is getting squat or has managed to keep it a secret. The Taiwanese maker is in the red and can use a cash infusion, but seems to have lost interest in Windows Phone and hasn’t produced a new handset since the 8X and 8S duo. Speaking of which, Samsung isn't exactly piling on new models either.
And that's a problem – now that Microsoft owns the Lumia line, it also owns around 90% of the market. While the company isn't afraid to produce its own hardware (like the Surface tablets), it prefers to license out software for other companies' devices (the highly successful model it uses for Windows).
Will those rumors pan out? Sony could use the cash infusion as some core businesses aren’t doing too hot (cameras, TVs, etc.), Huawei could use the legitimacy (the brand name isn't popular in the west) and Samsung is on the hook for making Windows Phone devices anyway (a legal agreement).
Still, take it with a grain of salt until the companies' press releases officially have a line stating payment from Microsoft.
Oh, and don't forget the sweet irony that Nokia may be making an Android-powered phone. Speaking of Android, Microsoft is making a pretty penny on licensing deals over Android so this might just be reinvesting the money into its own platform.

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Google, Apple and Microsoft set to battle for control of the car

As the car becomes a connected Internet device, the titans of the tech sector are battling for control of the wheel.

The war is shaping up a lot like the computer sector, with Google, Apple and Microsoft and others fighting to be in control of the vehicle's "operating system" to deliver apps, navigation and other services.

Some of those battles were played out this week at the Consumer Electronics Show CES in Las Vegas, which included a record nine auto manufacturers and scores of equipment makers, including software and related tech companies.

"People want consumer apps in their cars, they want to connect to their smartphones, they want to connect to the cloud," says Grant Courville, director of product management at QNX, which makes the on-board systems used on tens of millions of cars.

But the battlefield is wide open because "there's no clear dominant app ecosystem in automotive," Courville told AFP from the CES floor.

At CES, Canadian-based QNX unveiled a partnership with Qualcomm to support the chipmaker's new automotive platform, which connects to smartphones and offers apps for maps, speech recognition, geolocation, and vehicle analytics.

At the same time, Google unveiled a partnership with General Motors, Audi, Honda and Hyundai in a new partnership to bring the Android mobile system to vehicles in a new Open Automotive Alliance

The moves come with Microsoft in a longstanding partnership with Ford, and Apple widely expected to expand its system for connecting the iPhone with automotive electronics systems.

"Carmakers are conflicted," said Tim Tang, an analyst with IDC attending the Las Vegas expo

"They are trying to decide whether to build their own systems or partner with another company. If they partner, they mitigate a lot of the risk, but they give a lot away, looking at future services, like apps, pay-as you go insurance. No one is certain where it is going but carmakers don't want to be left out. The car is becoming a mobile accessory."

Tang said a key question for automakers is whether the cars should have a dedicated connection or use the smartphone.

"If it is a smartphone model, it's easy to get traction quickly, you don't need to design the system five years in advance. But if it is built into the car you have some advantages. If the car is stolen, for example, you can shut it off."

The General Motors division Chevrolet said this week it would deploy fourth generation (4G) Internet connections on several models to help motorists who want to stay connected with the growing number of apps for automobiles.

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