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Microsoft's Chromium-based Edge browser will be available on Mac
With its share of the browser market dwindling despite coming pre-installed on Windows machines, Microsoft is calling an audible with Edge. Following rumors earlier this week, the company announced today that it is is overhauling the browser using the open source Chromium project that is the basis for Google Chrome. The retooled version of the browser will be available on Mac, Windows 7 and Windows 8 in addition to Windows 10.
Microsoft will stop accepting new Windows 8 apps October 31st
Microsoft really, really wants app creators and users alike to focus on Windows 10, and it's now giving them a not-so-gentle nudge in that direction. The software maker has warned that it will stop accepting new Windows 8.x and Windows Phone 8.x apps for the Microsoft Store on October 31st, 2018. Developers can still submit updates to those apps, but that's going away in the future as well. Microsoft will stop delivering Windows Phone app updates on July 1st, 2019, and Windows 8 apps are going away on July 1st, 2023.
Microsoft says security fixes will noticeably slow older PCs
It's been clear for a while that the fixes for the Meltdown and Spectre memory vulnerabilities would slow down PCs, but just how bad is the hit, really? Microsoft has run some benchmarks, and it's unfortunately bad news if your system is less than fresh. While the patches for Meltdown and one variant of Spectre will have a "minimal performance impact," fixing a second Spectre variant through low-level microcode imposes a tangible speed penalty -- and it's particularly bad on systems released around 2015 or earlier.
Windows metadata bug has been waiting to cripple older machines (updated)
If you're still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, there's another security issue you need to be aware of aside from Wannacry. This one won't hold your computer ransom for bitcoin, though. Actually, it might be more annoying than it is dangerous. Researchers from Aladdin RD, an information security company, recently discovered (translated) that a bad image call embedded into a website can bring older computers to a grinding halt. In this case, it's filename "$mft."
Microsoft patches Windows XP to fight 'WannaCrypt' attacks (updated)
Microsoft officially ended its support for most Windows XP computers back in 2014, but today it's delivering one more public patch for the 16-year-old OS. As described in a post on its Windows Security blog, it's taking this "highly unusual" step after customers worldwide including England's National Health Service suffered a hit from "WannaCrypt" ransomware. Microsoft patched all of its currently supported systems to fix the flaw back in March, but now there's an update available for unsupported systems too, including Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003, which you can grab here (note: if that link isn't working then there are direct download links available in the Security blog post). Of course, for home users, if you're still running one of those old operating systems then yes, you should patch immediately -- and follow up with an upgrade to something current. If you're running a vulnerable system and can't install the patch for some reason, Microsoft has two pieces of advice: Disable SMBv1 with the steps documented at Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2696547 and as recommended previously. Consider adding a rule on your router or firewall to block incoming SMB traffic on port 445 Update: Microsoft legal chief Brad Smith has written a blog post that both calls for more help from customers (read: update more often) and chastises intelligence agencies for hoarding security exploits. They don't understand the risk to the public if the exploits leak, Smith says -- it's as if someone stole a batch of Tomahawk missiles. We wouldn't count on the NSA or other agencies heeding the call, but Microsoft clearly wants to make its frustrations heard.
You can stop Microsoft bugging you about Windows 10 upgrades
One of the great things about the days of the doorstop salesperson is that you could slam the door in their face if you weren't in a buying mood. It's not a hint that Microsoft was willing to take, constantly harassing Windows 7 and 8 users to make the upgrade to Windows 10. Thankfully, the firm has made it known that it is possible to disable the notifications once and for all, as long as you're prepared to get your hands dirty. If so, then you can use this tutorial to amend the registry, blocking any access to the upgrade path. At the same time, Microsoft is relaxing the rules as to who can upgrade their system to Windows 10, enabling small businesses and similarly small organizations to get in on the action.
Windows 10 upgrade push changes things for IT pros and bootleggers
Microsoft mistakenly pushed Windows 10 upgrades to existing Windows 7/8 users through the Update process earlier this year, but next year it will do it on purpose. That's just one of several changes coming to the update process, as it targets IT professionals doing mass upgrades, and even people running less-than-legit copies of Windows. The office IT guys out there will appreciate a future update to the Media Creation Tool so it can create a single image capable of upgrading older Windows PCs whether they're 32-bit, 64-bit, Home or Pro, and even wipe a system to do clean installs. Also coming soon to users in the US (and later in other countries), will be an easy one-click activation process to "get Genuine" via the Windows Store, even with a code purchased elsewhere. Of course, even if you don't fall into those categories and just want to keep your old version of Windows, you'll need to be more careful starting in 2016.
The Surface Mini is a real tablet that you can't buy
You've heard the rumors: Microsoft axed the launch of a small "Surface Mini" Windows tablet just before the Pro 3 hit stores. Hints of the canceled launch showed up in news articles, Microsoft earnings reports and even the Surface Pro 3's user manual, but now we finally have confirmation that the tablet actually exists -- and it was pretty much ready to ship alongside the Surface Pro 3. So ready that, for a time, Surface VP Panos Panay used one on a daily basis.
Windows 10 is up to 14 million installs already
Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi is checking in with a Windows 10 status update, revealing that the OS is already on some 14 million devices. He noted that not everyone who reserved an upgrade has gotten it yet, but says the rollout will continue in phases over the next few weeks. While whether or not you can upgrade to Windows 10 may still be in question, we have information to help decide if you should with our FAQ and review. Of course, if you're one of the millions already in the door, you can just let us know how the new experience is working so far.
Windows gets an emergency security fix across most versions (update: Hacking Team link)
If you use Windows -- just about any recent version of it, in fact -- you're going to want to check for updates as soon as you can. Microsoft has released an emergency, off-schedule patch for a security hole that lets ne'er-do-wells hijack your system if you open documents or websites that use embedded OpenType fonts. The flaw exists in virtually every edition of Windows that Microsoft still supports, ranging from Vista all the way to your preview copy of Windows 10. There's no evidence that an attack exists in the wild, but you'll definitely want to get the fix before malware writers get their act together. Update: There are claims circulating that this fixes an exploit discovered in the Hacking Team breach. If so, it's not entirely true that this exploit has never been used. We've reached out to Microsoft for more answers. Update 2: Microsoft tells us that this is indeed in response to the Hacking Team vulnerability. The company is "not aware of any active attacks" right now, but it's not about to wait for them to show up.
Skype ditches its Windows 8 app on July 7th (update)
If you need any further proof that Microsoft is backing away from touch-centric interfaces in Windows 10, you just got it. The Skype team has revealed that it's planning to ditch the "modern" Windows (read: Windows 8-only) version of its messaging app on PCs as of July 7th. After that, the next update to the app will kick you over to the desktop release. Skype says that it's "simplifying" its experience around a single program that you can use with both a touchscreen and a mouse and keyboard. That's certainly true, although it's also an acknowledgment that people prefer the desktop app more -- it's easier to navigate without scrolling, and there are more features (such as screen sharing) that might convince you to stay. This shift won't affect Windows RT or the Skype features woven into Windows 10, but there's no doubt that the conventional desktop software is the big star going forward.
'Halo' hits iOS, but not in the way that you'd expect
Remember that crappy, top-down Halo game that came out a few years ago, Spartan Assault? Well, it got a sequel that's available on Steam, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and as weird as it sounds, even iOS. Anyhow, Halo: Spartan Strike will run you $5.99 or, if you're using one of Apple's mobile gizmos or a PC, you can grab the first game and the new one in a bundle for $9.99. Spartan Strike's story is a simulation (much like the last one was) set during the events of Halo 2 -- but there's a twist. Remember the cool new enemies from Halo 4, the Prometheans? They're in this game too, which raises more than a few questions regarding its fiction and timeline.
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.
Microsoft is offering money for your old Surface (if you buy a new one)
Still have a Surface RT that you relegated to the closet after you realized that it couldn't run "real" Windows apps? Don't send that tablet to the recyclers just yet -- it might just get you some credit toward a much more useful model. Microsoft is running a US promotion that will let you trade in any Surface by March 8th and get cash toward the purchase of a Surface Pro 3. So long as the outgoing device is in good working order, you'll get as much as $650 off a shiny new slate -- if it's one of the more recent ones.
Wacom revamps its hybrid Windows tablet for 2015
Back in 2013, Wacom debuted a pair of standalone tablets that doubled as pen displays for both Android and Windows 8. At the time, that latter model, the Cintiq Companion, started at $1,499. For 2015, though, the company has added more configurations, and knocked $200 off the price. Just like its predecessor, the new Cintiq Companion 2 doubles as a handy pen display when you're working at home, pairing with either a Windows PC or Mac via the Wacom Connect app. And when you're on the go, the device serves as a full-fledged Windows tablet (even though it's a bit of a load), running Photoshop and other design apps, with a 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 display providing the screen real estate to do so. Similar to Wacom's stationary devices, the Cintiq Companion 2 also brings those useful ExpressKeys, Pro Pen, touch gestures and more to round out the hands-on workflow.
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).
Xbox Music ditches free desktop streaming on December 1st
If you're hooked on Xbox Music's free desktop-based listening, you're going to have make some backup plans very shortly. Microsoft has announced that it's dropping the no-cost web and Windows streaming option as of December 1st; after that, you'll have to pay for a Music Pass if you want all-you-can-eat tunes beyond the 30-day trial period. The company claims that it's refocusing Xbox Music to make it the "ultimate music purchase and subscription service," although it's not elaborating on what that entails. Suffice it to say that Microsoft has a lot of competition in the free music space. Its main rival, Spotify, has over 30 million free users worldwide on a wider range of platforms -- it wouldn't be easy for Microsoft to challenge that lead using the free tier you know today.
Microsoft's got another Halo game for 2014: 'Halo: Spartan Strike' headed to Windows 8 and Steam
Image from Halo: Spartan Assault Apparently Halo's top-down mobile version was successful enough to warrant a second go, as Microsoft's planning a December launch for Halo: Spartan Strike. But what is Halo: Spartan Strike? It's a direct sequel to last year's Spartan Assault, and it features an unnamed Master Chief-esque super soldier shooting, driving and grenading his way through a variety of Halo-flavored worlds. To be totally clear: it's a twin-stick, top-down shooter made by the same folks who made last year's mobile Halo (Vanguard). You'll see New Mombasa! You'll see a Halo-based area! You'll see...some jungle! Sadly, we can't actually show you any of that, as Microsoft's worked out some form of exclusivity with another outlet. We even played a bit of it, but we can't actually tell you how that went because of the aforementioned exclusive. Pretty dumb, right? What we can tell you is that Halo: Spartan Strike will cost $6 when it arrives on Windows 8 devices (from Surface to phones to PC) and Steam this December 14th. The marketing gentleman from Microsoft said the game will remain exclusive to Windows 8 and PC -- unlike the previous game, which ended up on consoles as well -- but we don't believe him. You probably shouldn't either.
Notion Ink quietly releases Cain, a 10.1-inch Windows 8 tablet
The Notion Ink Adam was a tablet with big dreams, but it hit the market with a loud flop. It's successor, the Adam II, whooshed by with almost no public notice at all. Now the company is back, but it's not trying to redesign the Android tablet anymore. No, this time the company is building a Windows 8 tablet: the Notion Ink Cain. The Cain is a 10.1-inch, 1.8GHz Intel Atom-powered tablet with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage and a detachable magnetic keyboard. Despite a sleek design and a rather snazzy folding keyboard case, however, the Cain appears to be a fairly straightforward implementation of Windows 8: no custom apps, or skinned interface included. Less bold than the company's other ventures, but less risky too. There's no mention of the new tablet on Notion Ink's website, but it's currently available for order at Snapdeal, one of India's most popular online marketplaces. Interested? The slate can be had for 19,990 Indian Rupees, or about $327. Check out the full product page at the source link below.
Microsoft explains how it's getting rid of fake Windows Store apps
You may have heard that the Windows Store has a serious problem with counterfeit apps; for every legitimate title, there's seemingly a horde of fakes meant solely to take your money and run. At last, though, Microsoft has detailed what it's doing to cull these scams from its shop. To begin with, it recently toughened up the requirements so that app categories, icons and names reflect what you're really getting; hopefully, you'll see less junk going forward. The folks in Redmond are also scouring the existing catalog, and have pulled 1,500 apps so far. There's still a long way to go (search for "iTunes" and you'll see plenty of copyright abuse), but this represents a good start.
