windows 8

Microsoft kicked out the Start menu for Windows 8, but at least one app is proving that a lot of users still crave it.

One of many Start menu replacements on the market, Pokki for Windows 8 registered 500,000 downloads in the six weeks since Windows 8 officially debuted, according to a company blog.

Further, Stardock's Start8 program has sold thousands of copies, say the folks at Pokki. And in about 30 days, 30 different Start menu replacements have popped up.

"All of which is early proof of our original hypothesis that people need, want, and use … Read more

The Google enterprise team has published an update about how it is integrating Quickoffice and its office productivity solutions into Google Apps for business customers.

The primary focus of the update is to inform Google Apps customers about how to convert old Microsoft Office files to Google documents and then edit them directly in Quickoffice.

Jonathan Rochelle, director of product management for Google Drive, asserted in a blog post on Wednesday that the team has "incorporated Quickoffice conversion technology into this process so your Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files look even better when you convert them to Google … Read more

People who bought a Windows 7 PC on or after June 2 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $14.99, but they may have to supply their Windows 7 product ID.

Microsoft kicked off registration for the $14.99 deal in August. Anyone who bought or will buy a new Windows 7 PC between June 2 of this year and January 31 of next year can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for that special price. Shelling out the $14.99 lets you download a copy of the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, which helps you install the new operating … Read more

Believe it or not, few in the business of suing people for patent infringement or defending against patent suits believe 2012 brought more patent litigation than any other year.

That's right. The tech industry is worked into a lather about something that's always been a problem and probably always will be a problem. Despite Facebook's giant initial public offering, the heated and often entertaining competition among smartphone makers, and Microsoft's new operating system, one story dominated them all this year: the U.S. patent system.

So why are people so upset?

Let's start with this: … Read more

Microsoft Surface has arrived in Verizon stores, but that doesn't mean you can walk out with one.

And chances are you won't even notice it. That's because it's not for sale.

Verizon is using the tablet to showcase the Windows and Windows Phone experience -- but that's about all for now.

"We are delighted that Verizon have chosen Surface for use in their stores, however, we have nothing further to share at this time," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNET. Verizon declined to comment.

There had been some speculation that Verizon would launch sales … Read more

A tablet from Hewlett-Packard running the full version of Windows 8 is expected to finally ship to customers, though a full Win 8 tablet doesn't appear to be imminent from Lenovo.

HP's Envy x2 laptop-tablet hybrid "convertible" was originally slated for November 14 availability but is now expected to reach customers soon, HP said.

"Customers can expect to receive an Envy x2...in January, if they order today. Customers who ordered their units on Dec. 3 or prior are expected to receive their PC by Dec. 21 at the latest," an HP representative told … Read more

Still miss the classic Start menu in Windows 8? Never fear, alternatives are here.

Microsoft lopped off the Start menu in Windows 8 to force people to use the Start screen. And I'll admit it, the Start screen does offers several benefits.

Live Tiles can clue you in to the latest e-mails, appointments, news, and other information. You can easily search for any app, setting, or file just by typing its name.

But I still find the folder-structured Start menu the quickest and easiest way to launch any application when I'm already working in the desktop.

Those of … Read more

Consumers in the United Kingdom can finally check out Microsoft's Surface tablet live and in person.

The RT-based tablet can now be found on the shelves of John Lewis, a well-known department store in the U.K., according to WPCentral.

Surface has been available at Microsoft Store outlets in the U.S., and just last week reached Staples and Best Buy. The tablet has also been available online through Microsoft in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, and Hong Kong.

Today's debut at John Lewis marks Surface's first time in a non-U.… Read more

Should Microsoft have called it ARM tablet OS something other than Windows RT?

That was Dell's argument, according to comments made by a top executive at the PC vendor.

At the Dell World conference last week, Dell's vice chairman and president of its PC business, Jeffrey Clarke, told analysts what he thought of the name Windows RT, as reported by the Australian Financial Review.

Clark said he warned Ballmer not to use the Windows brand name in the new tablet OS since it would confuse consumers into thinking it supports traditional Windows applications. Designed to run on ARM-based … Read more