Every year around this time, Redditors (members of the site Reddit.com) gather around their computers and prepare to share gifts through a gift exchange for the holidays. Surprises are always popping up and this year was no exception; Electronic Arts donated a collection of games to one happy Redditor and another found out their personal Santa Clause was none other than Bill Gates....
If you are still using Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 preview, then it is time to start to pack up your bags and get moving. The license for your copy of Windows will officially expire on January 15, 2014 and you will have two routes to take to get your copy legitimized for everyday use. The following is Microsoft’s official recommendations for any users running the preview...
Has your mother ever said that play those darn video games will never save the planet? No, she hasn’t? Oh, well – Zoo Tycoon is teaming up with Microsoft and fellow gamers to do just that. The virtual zoo community game that launched on Xbox One will be helping to save endangered animals through a selection of upcoming community challenges. The goals of the community challenges are to...
If you enjoy water based high adrenaline racing game like Hydro Thunder Hurricane and Riptide GP, then you may want to check out the latest to splash into the Windows Store. Riptide GP 2 by Vector Unit is a sequel that brings in new hydro jets, riders, stunts, and much more. The game features a “deep career mode” with over 50 races and other competitive events. Once you have finished...
Microsoft’s digital music service, Xbox Music, has received an update for its Windows 8 application. The new update brings a collection of new features and bug fixes to enhance your listening experience. Whether using an Xbox Music pass for unlimited streaming or purchasing songs individually – this latest update is out to impress. In addition to increased stability, a number of long...
If you are still on the hunt for Microsoft’s latest gaming console, the Xbox One, and you live in the United States, then you might want to check out GameStop this weekend. It is being reported that the brick and mortar retailer will have the consoles in (along with Sony’s PS4) starting today and continuing into the weekend. Remember, all stores will have a limited number of consoles...
What could be better than sitting in front of your Xbox One and dismembering zombies with a variety of chainsaws and customizable weaponry? Nothing – absolutely nothing. Today, Capcom has announced a few surprises for fans of their latest masterpiece, Dead Rising 3, including a downloadable demo and the game’s first expansion pack that will be available soon. The Dead Rising 3 demo is...
Whether you love an operating system or you hate it, there is always room for improvement and the grasp of perfection is always one step further ahead than you are. In a video recently posted to YouTube by Interface and Branding Architect, Jay Machalani, he proposed how he would “fix Windows 8”. Jay stated that “Windows 8 is [his] favorite OS to date, but that [it] is filled with...
This week, HP announced their new refresh of machines for the business/enterprise user. The company’s current EliteBook Folio has been upgraded, a new version of their EliteBook Revolve has been shown off, and a new mini laptop for schools dubbed the Classmate 10 is the next generation of affordable technology for schools. The new EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 is an update to the company’...
Bing may not be in the running to overtake Google any time soon, but the service’s attention to detail and focus on brining third party data into the mix can surpass the Mountain View team any day. Today, Bing has introduced integrated TED presentations, famous speeches, and more to their Snapshot pane. When you browse Bing for a person or topic of mass interest – a pane on the right...
In October Microsoft decided to team up with Linkin Park and Steve Aoki to see who could best remix their song, A Light That Never Comes. Two months later, the winner has been chosen, and any fan of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) should give it a good listen after the break. The grand prize winner, Brian Yates, walked away with $2,500, a Surface Pro 2 with Surface Music Kit, and a...
One of the submarkets that we are quite surprised to see kick off is the growth of large portable touch screen all-in-one machines. Lenovo’s Horizon and Sony’s TAP series of machines have sold surprisingly well, and Acer wants to get in on the fun with their latest machine, the Aspire Z3-600. Acer announced a new 21.5 inch Portable All-in-One that will be touching down this month in...
Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype may be seen as a positive move by many users within the ecosystem, as it brings modern communication to Windows, Xbox, and Windows Phone, but not everyone is keen to the idea. Cisco recently challenged Microsoft’s takeover of Skype Technologies. The challenge though, has been thrown out of the European General Court. In 2011 the European Commission...
If you are lucky enough to work within a workplace that allows the ability to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), then you might feel happy enough to write a poem about it. Luckily for you, Microsoft has issued a new contest that focuses on just that - and you have a shot at winning an Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle. You heard that right, Microsoft wants you to write a poem about your BYOD...
Microsoft's Photosynth service has been available to the public since 2010, providing the ability to create 3D models from user uploaded photographs. The service has been using what they call "point cloud recognition" to see where images may align. Today, the company has announced a new preview that brings the service leaps forward. Essentially, the software can now create more...
Microsoft had stated that they are "focused on engineering improvements that will further strengthen security," and evidence has begun to take root with a collection of new security features that will be added to existing and new Microsoft accounts. The new features will be rolling out over the next few days and include a new Recent Activity tab, Recovery Codes, and increased security...
The hit game show, Wheel of Fortune, is now available as a downloadable game for Windows 8 PCs and Tablets. The game includes over 1,000 different puzzles that you can tackle alone or with friends in multiplayer mode. Pat Sajak will be your host as you rack up the dollars and fight for first place. The game also includes a "split-screen mode", so you can play locally with your...
Many of us here at Windows Phone Central have enjoyed playing Microsoft's Halo: Spartan Assault on our tablets and smartphones. The title that was previously slated as a Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 launch game, will be headed to Xbox One later this month. On December 24 the "new and improved" edition of Halo: Spartan Assault will be making its way to the Xbox One Marketplace. The...
Microsoft's Bing Maps for Windows 8.1 is a breathtaking experience The preinstalled map app within Windows 8 is quite good, but it comes nowhere near the detail and quality of map resources supplied by Google’s own mapping service. Microsoft intends to fix that idea and has just released their “Bing Maps Preview” application to the Windows Store. Simply put from first impressions - we...
Microsoft has spent a great deal of time designing Windows 8 from the ground up in terms of making it a great operating system for both tablet and traditional non-touch screen notebook style machines. There are a few companies, who do not believe that is enough. Whether it be that they feel Windows 8 is not efficient enough as a touch operating system or they simply believe it does not...