Windows 8 may not let you boot to the desktop, demands you accept not-Metro

If you were hoping that you could force Windows 8 to bypass the don't-call-it-Metro homescreen and boot straight to the familiar desktop you've come to know and love, we've got bad news. Word on the street is, Microsoft has removed this ability from the latest builds of the OS -- so you're gonna have to stare at a pile of tiles when you boot up, whether you like it or not. According to Rafael Rivera, one of the authors of Windows 8 Secrets, there is a work around that involves creating a shortcut to the desktop and scheduling it to run at boot. But, it appears that even enterprise customers will be blocked from making the standard desktop the default environment. While Redmond is no doubt implementing such a policy to enforce consistency, it could prove to be a source of frustration for big businesses, which are notoriously resistant to change. We'll just have to wait for the final release to find out for sure.

[Source: Engadget]

Nokia rumored to announce Windows Phone 8 devices 'as early as' next month

Microsoft is expected to finalize its Windows Phone 8 software in September and recent reports suggest that Nokia may announce its first next-generation devices at the same time. Chinese site WPDang originally reported that Nokia will likely introduce two Lumia Windows Phone 8 handsets on September 5th, but Bloomberg is backing up the rumor somewhat. "A person with knowledge of the matter," has revealed to Bloomberg that Nokia may announce its Windows Phone 8 handsets "as early as" its Nokia World event next month.  

Although the release and finalization of any Windows Phone 8 handsets is largely down to Microsoft's own timelines, an early Nokia unveiling may help it gain some early mindshare amongst consumers waiting on Apple's latest smartphone. With a rumored next-generation iPhone unveiling on September 12th, Nokia and Microsoft might not have a long time to counter any expected moves by Apple to introduce new hardware features in its handset. Nokia is holding an invitation only event in Helsinki on September 5th and 6th for its operator and retail partners — where we might see the first details on new hardware.

[Source: The Verge]

PC makers falling further behind Apple, says Canalys

Things are not looking good for PC makers in the age of the iPad.

Market researcher Canalys makes this point with PC shipment stats, which are a function of the way it sees the PC market. In short, tablets are PCs too. (And note Canalys defines "PC" generically, not the traditional definition of a Windows PC.)

That gives Apple an overwhelming lead over No.2 Hewlett-Packard. In the second quarter, Apple shipped about 21 million PCs versus about 13.5 million for HP, according to a Canalys report released today. Lenovo was a close third with 13.1 million (see table below).

"There is now a large base of replacement buyers that simply must have the latest Apple product," Canalys said in a statement. "The decision to continue shipping the iPad 2 at lower price points has opened up new customers, for example in education."

[Source: cnet - Click to read the full story]

Microsoft details on Windows 8 Touch Mouse gesture support

Microsoft revealed earlier this year that it's planning to support additional functionality in Windows 8 for its existing Touch Mouse, but the company is detailing the exact gestures this week. The new support, that will arrive once Windows 8 is available, will include a one finger swipe to scroll up and down in documents, a two finger movement to manage apps and display the Windows 8 charms, a three finger movement to zoom in and out, and a thumb gesture to navigate forwards and backwards through apps.  Microsoft says the updated gestures will "help make navigating through Windows 8 a breeze." The company isn't detailing exactly when this support will be made available in driver form, but it appears updated drivers will be available once Windows 8 is released this fall.

[Source: The Verge]

Microsoft introduces Wedge Mobile Keyboard, whose case doubles as a stand

As we've seen, there will be no shortage of tablet / laptop hybrids on offer when Windows 8 starts shipping this fall. But since those keyboard docks will typically be sold separately, that means you're also about to see loads of third-party alternatives. Not to be left out, Microsoft just announced a Bluetooth mobile keyboard, along with its smallest-ever mouse -- both of which can be used with any Windows tablet.  Starting with that Wedge Mobile Keyboard, it resembles Zaggmate's iPad case from 2010, in that it has a hard case to make it more travel-resilient. Here, though, the casing is made of flexible rubber, allowing it to double as a tablet stand. Putting it over the keys also turns the keyboard off, allowing you to conserve battery life. On board, you'll also find hotkeys specific to certain Windows 8 features, such as the Charms Bar. And, as the name suggests, the keyboard rises a bit in the back, thanks to the battery door on the other side (this takes two AAA cells, by the way.) One caveat: though you can use it with Windows 7, 8 and RT, and even Mac OS X, but it's not compatible with Vista. Sorry, folks.  In a similar vein, the tiny Wedge Touch Mouse has a matching soft-touch surface and is also Bluetooth-enabled. Like other mice in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, allowing it to be used on a wide variety of surfaces. The mouse, which runs on a single AA battery, also shuts down whenever you power down whatever device it's paired with. These products will ship "soon," according to Microsoft, with the keyboard retailing for $79.95 and the mouse going for $69.95. For now, we've got a bunch of photos below for your viewing pleasure.

[Source: Engadget]

Surface to arrive with Windows 8 on the 26th of October, says Microsoft

Though it's not exactly an earth-shattering revelation, Microsoft has confirmed that Surface tablets will arrive October 26 along with Windows 8. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," Microsoft said in its annual report filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Microsoft has said before that Surface products "would be available the same time that Windows 8" was launched, but it's reassuring to see the date in writing. And, remember, those are Windows RT tablets only. The Intel-based Surface Pro is expected about 90 days later, according to Microsoft. Microsoft has also peppered disclaimers throughout the annual report (these appear often in SEC filings) about the success, or lack thereof, of Windows 8...

[Source: To read the full article visit CNET News]

eBay Windows 8 Metro style app now available in the Windows Store

Microsoft's app store for Windows 8 has been on a slow and steady push towards 400 apps recently, despite the fact app publishing is still reserved for a small number of developers right now. After being previewed at a Microsoft event back in December,McAkins online notes that eBay has published its own Metro style app in the Windows Store, bringing the online shopping site to Windows 8 tablets and PCs.

The app includes notifications for buying and selling activities and the ability to pin a daily deals section to the Windows 8 Start Screen. eBay has also made use of the Windows 8 Share Charm by allowing users to share details of an auction across other apps or in an email message. Although the app includes sections for feedback and messages, you'll have to load these in a browser as they're not fully baked in. eBay joins high profile apps like Kindle, WordPress, MetroTwit, and even Microsoft Office as part of the Windows Store.

[Source: The Verge]

Vizio to take on Laptop & PC Desktop Market

CES 2012 is just about to kick off and along with the slew of preview announcements comes details of Vizio and their range of laptop and desktop PCs. They certainly do look superb. They includes 24-inch & 27-inch all-in-one desktop PC's and some ultra thin laptops that will certainly take on the likes of the MacBook Air when it domes to design. Check out the superb article & gallery pics over on Engadget here. [source: Engadget]

Asus UL Series Laptop Preview - UL30 UL50AG & UL50VG

This is my preview of the Asus UL Series Laptops. This particular model has even been featured as one of many free laptops that are available if you purchase mobile broadband from the likes of Carphone Warehouse. Available from 22nd October 2009 at a range of high street and online retailers, the pricing will be £599 inc VAT (13.3 UL30), £699 inc VAT (15.6 UL50AG) and £799 (15.6 UL50VG with dedicated graphics).