Skype on Windows 8 Will Be More Powerful

Skype application already rumored to be present in the mobile platform Windows Phone 8. And now, as reported by CNET, Skype reportedly will come again in the latest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 8.

As the advantages of this application, will be bringing Skype video call capabilities to Windows 8, which also offers integration to Windows contacts us, better power management and a more attractive design.

Indeed, the most visible of the Skype for Windows 8 is the composition of the interface. Looks more 'clean', balanced with icons in Windows 8. Then, on the HOME side will display recent activity, favorite columns and people columns, for access to all contacts on Skype belong to you.

All of its functions will feel comfortable when accessed on a desktop computer, smartphone or tablet. Indeed, the call connection quality will still depend on the resolution of your Internet connection and webcam. Here, Skype also overhauling the infrastructure, where the shift from systems based peer-to-peer to server based. This means enhanced security connection, the call is more stable and allows the connection is still open when the application is inactive.

Skype will be available on Windows 8 app store, along with the launch of Windows 8 by the end of this month. Meanwhile, for the Skype version of Windows Phone 8 informed consent will be present at the beginning of November.

Predicted, Windows 8 Tablet Will Be Serious Competitor for iPad

When Microsoft showed a small form of its tablet product last week, many people predicted that Windows 8 could be strongest iPad contender  to compete in the gadget market. Quoted from intomobile, belief that’s a key in the Windows 8 tablets is located on the operating system that is relatively rich in features, complete with applications and programs commonly used in everyday life.

The plan is Microsoft will immerse update of the latest Office 13 for this device. There are still many companies and offices that use the Windows operating system is Windows distinctive forte. Because if this tablet comes with the application in exactly the same as those contained in the PC / laptop, the tablet will be easy to get into prospective customers who are familiar with Windows programs.

Currently, Microsoft also is developing a desktop application for use on the tablet. Chances are, his appearance would be a pretty crushing blow for the iPad.

Qualcomm launches challenge to Nvidia for the next Windows RT devices, will be better and thinner!

Qualcomm is there still standing after absorbing the blow from the partnership between Microsoft and Nvidia ready to counter attack, ensuring the best performance for the next device with Windows RT. As we know, in fact, Redmond has decided to adopt the famous SoC Tegra 3 for the ARM version of Surface, an affront difficult to digest for Qualcomm, aware of the strength and quality that distinguishes the new Snapdragon solution S4, both dual-core that the upcoming quad-core.

At the conference for developers known as Uplinq, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs, so he seized the opportunity to launch these statements, certain that the Windows device RT based on their hardware will be lighter, thinner, high-performance, more "respectful" autonomy and able to work at lower temperatures. Jacobs has also ensured that the devices with Windows RT and Snapdragon SoC will be immediately available on the market soon will be the debut of the OS.

The same Qualcomm CEO said he was glad of the attention the release of Windows 8 is attracting, as developers are primarily focused on iPhone OS and Android at the moment. His hope is that the series Snapdragon SoC may be adopted in all the platforms where this a Windows system, so as to facilitate the creation of applications with no special restrictions and to this end has been called a Windows RT app developers contest.

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Windows Phone 7.8 will bring new features in addition to the homescreen ?

At the official launch of Windows Phone 8 event occurred a few weeks ago Windows Phone Summit, Microsoft announced that current smartphones on the market will receive a reduced version of Apollo named Windows Phone 7.8.

This reduced version of the new Windows Phone 8 will start on the current screen smartphone, unfortunately it was not stated whether it also includes all services and applications that will be introduced by this new update. Microsoft has stated that the presentation would show all the new features and functionality that will introduce Apollo, so when we do not know what the full capabilities of the next update.
In a conference held at TechEd 2012, Microsoft Senior Larry Lieberman, had to answer some questions from the audience raising a lot of hope for those who would like other features in Windows Phone 7.8. The following questions and answers between a developer and a Microsoft employee:

Windows Phone 7.8 will get new features accessible to us developers?
Maybe. We have not yet announced. Everything we have announced is the new start screen. Sorry, currently we have nothing new to announce. You're asking me things that I can not answer.

Microsoft probably has some surprises in tow for owners of Windows Phone devices of first and second generation. Recall that Windows Phone 7.8 will arrive a few months later than the launch of Windows Phone 8. This could be a reason to implement new features in it than those declared at the time.

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Microsoft Back Glance at RIM?

Some time ago the software giant Microsoft is rumored to be approaching the manufacturer of BlackBerry, RIM (Research In Motion), who was then his track record is on the decline. When it's apocryphal, in which there is no official statement from both parties, both Micorosoft and RIM.

However, in view of current conditions was again pushed the issue. This is related to the condition getting worse in the RIM smartphone competition. And, it seems as though RIM opens 'opportunities' for others to 'go' to defend his company.

RIM's current position seems to be under pressure to consider some tough choices, in because their shares have fallen by 70% in the past year. Under these conditions, they only have the option to start selling the business network or forming alliances with other parties, in this case Microsoft Corp is rumored seems to indicate signaled to come back again.

The issue was registered more incentive to circulate. But the passing of information is quoted via Reuters (29/06), it seems that RIM and Microsoft declined to comment about it. There's just something that's a question that is related to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who insisted to remain close to RIM in recent months to reach a similar partnership like Nokia, which will use the latest operating system from Microsoft Windows on their latest generation of smartphones.

Well, if you look at this case according to the narrative sources quoted by Reuters, when RIM agreed to partner with Microsoft it means an end to the independence of the technology company based in Waterloo, Ontario Canada.

For now, the scenario from RIM still expects a result of the development on the BlackBerry operating system 10. Only, the presence of a new platform-based devices are known to be delayed until early 2013. Thus, there is still much for us to predict its future, particularly in the smartphone competition in global markets.

Rumor - Microsoft rumored to buy Yammer for $1B

Microsoft is ready to buy Yammer, the social messaging service for businesses, for anything close to a billion dollars, at least according to Bloomberg.

Yammer is a social network service company, primarily used in business for online collaboration among the various employees of the same company.

The agreement between Microsoft and should be completed by Yammer as early as tomorrow, if the purchase goes through, likely that this service will be implemented in Windows Phone 8, which together with integration of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Skype probably, will the future OS to be a perfect instrument of communication.

For those interested, in Windows Phone marketplace you can find the official Yammer app.

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Vodafone Australia ready to update its Nokia Lumia 800 and HTC Trophy to Tango

Vodafone Australia was working to approve the update to Windows Phone Tango for its branded smartphone.

On the updates page of Vodafone Australia, we can now see how the approval phase of Windows Phone Tango (call from Vodafone "Mango Consumer Refresh 3") for your device is finished.  

Approved by Vodafone. Pending roll-out by Microsoft, keep an eye on our blog for further Top information.

Approved by Vodafone. Pending the roll-out by Microsoft, keep an eye on our blog for more information.

The release of Windows Phone Tango seems to be so close now, we'll see if Microsoft will take advantage of the conference " Windows Phone Developer Summit "scheduled on 20 and June 21 to announce the release of this minor update for the current Windows phone smartphones.

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Windows Phone 7.5 is now necessary to continue to use the Marketplace

Microsoft has announced that from May 22, you must have Windows Phone 5.7 Mango on their smartphones to continue to download applications and games from Marketplace.

As of yesterday, in fact, Microsoft has announced that the devices that still  does not mount Windows Phone Mango,will not be able to download, purchase or review applications and games from Marketplace .

In short, every aspect related to the online store of Windows Phone will be disabled. This is undoubtedly a forced action starts from Microsoft, undertaken by anyone before, but partly correct. Most of today's applications in fact have been developed to be compatible only with Windows Phone Mango, to offer a better user experience.

More info at Windows Phone Blog

Windows Phone 8 build numbers revealed

The long-awaited Windows Phone 8, scheduled for later this year, is beginning to be talked assiduously on many blogs and this time it does show the versions of the operating system that Microsoft is testing before release.

The Russian site WP7Forum.ru has published the full list of releases for the next update Windows Phone 8. As we can see from above, starting from version 8.0.9666.0 to version 8.0.9688.0. The source notes that the different versions are running on emulators, but have been installed for the various tests of real phones. We hope to soon receive official information regarding the date of issue, if there is only a beta version for developers, and especially if this update can be installed on every smartphone on the market today.

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Microsoft announced a partnership with Barnes & Noble, ebook content coming to Windows Phone?

Like a bolt from the blue Microsoft has announced a partnership worth 300 million dollars with Barnes &Nobles, a partnership that will allow Microsoft to leverage the content ebo0k offered by B & N directly on their platforms, Windows 8 and Windows Phone. 


The agreement is to establish a new subsidiary called Newco, which B & N will have a control of 82.4% and will manage relationships with retail stores while Microsoft is committed to an investment of 300 million dollars and will have the control of 17.6% of this company, based on an overall assessment of well-$ 1.7 billion.
The new company will strive to develop an application for Windows 8 (and probably also for Windows Phone), for reading ebooks and content, according to some rumors, the creation of a NOOK (ebook reader B & N) 8 motorized Windows / NT .

"The formation of Newco, and our relationship with Microsoft are important parts of our strategy to capitalize on the rapid growth of business NOOK (ebook reader B & N), and consolidate our position as a leader in digital content market segments and consumer of ' education "

In addition, the B & N-Microsoft partnership will raise it to any commitment regarding the alleged misuse of the patents that Microsoft possesses and through which an estimated revenue of over $ 444 million a year .

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Windows Tablet 8 from $ 300? Intel and Microsoft plot to reduce the iPad shares below 50%

Microsoft and Intel are engaged in defining strategies for the market debut of the first tablet with Windows 8, which will take place only in September with the release of version dedicated to models with x86 and the next release RT for ARM devices. The goal is obviously to grab a major slice of the market at the expense of Android and especially Apple. The two multinationals seem to have it placed the target of an increasing market share of filings today for the iPad with the hope that we can drop below 50% within one year.

According to the latest rumors are as many as 32 ​​of the tablet with Windows 8, which will arrive by the end of 2012 , with all the major manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus and Toshiba launch involved in the operation of the new OS. In particular, Acer and Lenovo seems eager to produce different models with entry-level devices that will cost only $ 300.

Intel is focusing on the Chinese manufacturer, among the few who has registered strong growth data in 2011 and holds a major market share in the vast basin Asia, the key to why there will be a global success of the Tablet PC.

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Windows Phone Tango will be released in June?

The site  mimovilwindows said to have received some news on the release of a Windows Phone Tango for existing smartphones from a reliable source. According to reports, upgrade to Tango is ready and pending approval from the manufacturers and mobile operators. The build of this new version should be the Zune through 8773 and the release should arrive at the beginning of the month of June 2012.

Another info that we can read on the site is that Microsoft probably decided to move the release of Windows Phone Tango expected this month in the month of June, to allow more time for all operators to approve the update and release it all in a very limited time.

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Job post from Microsoft confirming Windows NT kernel in Windows Phone?

It was speculated for a long time that Windows Phone 8 will be running the Windows NT kernel, but so far these rumors have not been confirmed.

A recently published job post by Microsoft seems to indicate that Apollo and Windows 8 will indeed share some components and that Windows CE will be completely scraped.

The full job post after the break

Date: Apr 9, 2012

Location: Redmond, WA, US

Job Category: Software Engineering: Development Location: Redmond, WA, US Job ID: 790735-78786 Division: Windows Phone Division In this world, there are few chances to work on a product which will change the industry, when all eyes are on you. Many people go through their entire career without ever experiencing the excitement and anticipation of building such a product; but you don’t have to. Come join the Windows Phone team to define and build experiences that will propel Microsoft to the top of the most competitive market in years! Our phone is winning accolades from delighted reviewers and customers, and we are busy building on that momentum. The OS Platform group’s mission is to deliver a robust, performant and extensible OS for the Windows Phone. This team delivers key platform components, works closely with teams across the phone organization to build seamless user experiences and partners with our hardware providers. We are looking for experienced engineers who are passionate about building a world class mobile operating system and excited about working in a dynamic and quality-oriented team environment. You must be passionate about producing well-engineered and robust code which can meet the demanding requirements of mobile platforms.

Qualifications for this position include: 5+ years of professional software development experience 5+ years of C++/C coding, debugging and software design skills Experience with Win32, WinNT Embedded development experience is preferred Experience with kernel, device driver, wireless networking or wireless protocol development is strongly preferred BA/BS in Computer Science or related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience

Nearest Major Market: Seattle Nearest Secondary Market: Bellevue Job Segments: Computer Science, Developer, Embedded, Engineer, Engineering, Network, Software Engineer, Technology, Telecom, Telecommunications

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Windows Phone OEM's are demanding more UI flexibility on Windows Phone 8

According to Digitimes Taiwan OEM's  have urged Microsoft to provide more flexibility to enable smartphone makers to modify applications and the user interface on Window Phone 8 so that smartphone makers will be able to come out with differentiated devices, according to industry sources. 


Apparently OEMs believe that hardware differentiation is not enough, and hence they are making calls for a differentiated software experience, which will most definitely kill the timely OS updates, if allowed. 


So far the only OEM allowed to customize Windows Phone was Nokia and so far we haven't done anything so far, but enjoyed the very good sales, mainly because of  the commitment Nokia made to marketing the its Windows Phone devices. 

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Windows Phone Marketplace arrives in 13 new countries

Microsoft has announced at its blog the opening of Marketplace in 13 new countries. The list includes Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela and brings the total number of markets served up to 54. 


The new Marketplaces are Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Throw in the ones we launched earlier this year in Argentina, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, and the Philippines, and it brings the total number of Marketplace storefronts to 54. 


Microsoft also noted that the total number of markets will soon rise to 63 when UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Israel, Thailand, and Vietnam joins the list.

More info at windowsteamblog

Microsoft patents virtual gaming glasses and helmet for Windows Phone and Xbox

It seems that plans for the future of Microsoft's gaming industry covering a mix of past and future and they can be discovered by a patent registered in Q3 2010 and published March 15, 2012.

These are two ideas that could be used for Windows Phone and Xbox 360 (or the next generation of Xbox) which take 3D glasses and a helmet for virtual reality.

Simulated by a virtual screen display mounted on helmet / glasses that allows the peripheral vision to sense its surroundings and at the same time creates a stereoscopic image using the laser. Yet it is unclear the precise working and future applications, as well as we do not know if the system is indeed transformed into an accessory for gaming soon.

Sure, it would be a good idea, especially if associated with Kinect to bring the player deeper and deeper into the virtual worlds of various titles. 

 Source  ;Via

Microsoft is testing Windows Phone apps on Windows 8?

Microsoft would be trying the applications developed for Windows Phone on desktop / tablet Windows 8 platform.This at least according to statistics released by the Windows Phone "I'ma WP7."

The application that allows you to find out the percentage use of the app in different versions of Windows Phone, now also shows the desktop version of Microsoft's operating system. As we can clearly see from above 1% of users using the app used Windows 8 operating system, namely the build 6.2.8283.0.

This survey has been able to think that Windows 8 can start the applications developed for Windows Phone in order to have more than 70,000 touch-friendly applications to launch.

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Windows Phone “Tango" limitations and new features officially confirmed

Microsoft revealed the next update to Windows Phone 7.5, codenamed “Tango”, during MWC this year. However, the company had been particularly silent about this update, mainly due to the fact that the update is targeted at bringing the OS to lower device requirements (such as supporting Qualcomm 7x27a processors and 256 MB of RAM) rather than bringing new features.
LiveSide has rounded up all the restrictions that will be placed on handsets that sport 256MB RAM - the revised system requirement which will introduce low-end budget devices

Certain restrictions were placed on devices with 256 MB of RAM, and while the company mentioned 5% of current apps in the marketplace won’t work on these devices, they haven’t been talking much about the other restrictions. However, Microsoft had been silently updating their Windows Phone How-to website, and these restrictions are now officially confirmed in these documentations. We’ve pulled them all out for you here so you don’t have to go digging:

• Windows Phone Marketplace app restrictions – Some processor-intensive apps have memory requirements, and won’t work on phones with 256 MB of RAM. You can check how much memory you have on your phone by tapping Settings > About.
• Podcast Subscriptions and Video Podcasts – You won’t be able to manage podcast subscriptions on your phone or watch video podcasts if your phone has 256 MB of RAM.
• Local Scout – You won’t be able to use Local Scout if your phone has only 256 MB of RAM.
• Fast app switching – This feature will not work if your phone has 256 MB of RAM.
• SkyDrive automatic photo upload – You won’t be able to upload pictures automatically to SkyDrive if your phone has only 256 MB of RAM.
• HD video playback – You won’t be able to play video compressed with some of the listed codecs if your phone has 256 MB of RAM.
• Background agents – To free up RAM for the foreground on 256MB devices, generic background agents (PeriodicTasks/ResourceIntensiveTasks) are disabled.

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An icon will alert you when your applications use the location service in the Tango update

Microsoft has recently updated its page devoted to information about Windows Phone inserting a new feature that will come with the Tango update. 

A new icon will be added in the notifications bar hidden link at the top of Windows Phone, this icon will be displayed only when an application uses the location service on Windows Phone(GPS or network).

This new icon (you can see in the picture above), will be displayed only if we enabled the "position" on the settings of Windows Phone, which allows applications to precisely know our exact location.

Microsoft informed that this feature will be included with the next update of Windows Phone (Tango) , which will first pre-installed on new devices and later as an upgrade for the "old" devices.

"After the new devices are out, we'll start the process of working with mobile operators to bring an update to current customers"

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Nokia working on two new Windows Phone devices "Nokia Prodigy" and "AC / DC"

According to the reports from anonymous sources, but close enough to the company, Nokia is preparing two new Windows Phone handsets for AT&;T: Nokia Prodigy and AC / DC. 


While the AC / DC should be a  mid-range device, the Nokia Prodigy should be the first Microsoft 
'superphone'  with Windows Phone 8 and dual core processor.


It is unclear whether the two smartphones will be the exclusive AT&T, but there should be no problems for the arrival of their European versions (as has happened with Lumia 900). 


The arrival on the market for Nokia Prodigy and AC / DC is expected later this year. 

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