Do you remember how iPad commercials usually show you the many cool things you can do with one? It looks like Microsoft has chosen a different approach with their new Surface tablet.

The new commercial focuses not on what you can do with the tablet, but on the cool snap on cover and keyboard. You know, the one which was copied from the iPad and then improved

(Microsoft “Jobsed” the iPad’s smartcover). This entire commercial is one long fancy dance routine. If getting a Surface tablet will enable me to dance like this then it is definitely worth the money. Read more

Based on the several leaked videos which I posted last week, I am in no hurry to get Microsoft’s next operating system. But it looks like Walmart is eager to start selling it.

One budget minded gadget shopper was in Walmart the other day when he came across the display shown at right. Apparently at least one Walmart store has already received their initial order of copies of Windows 8 and didn’t see a reason to wait before putting them on display.

It’s not clear where this store is located, but I do know that they jumped the gun. Windows 8 isn’t supposed to be officially released until  the 25th of October. It’s only supposed to be up for pre-order.

via The Verge

Microsoft is still being coy about specific details for their new operating system soIi was thrilled today when the above video was posted on YouTube.

This video was discovered by the Israeli tech blog TechIT.co.il, and it is one of four commercials which they have found. All attention seem to be focused on using Windows 8 on a tablet, and that is more than a little disappointing to this laptop owner. As much as I like tablets, I spend the majority of my computer time using a laptop. Tablets are still an accessory so if Windows 8 isn’t designed for use on a computer without a touch screen, I will not be getting it.

via TechIT.co.il

We’re still weeks (if not months) away from seeing the first consumer device running Windows 8 and Windows RT, but as more and more details are revealed I’m beginning to anticipate the launch less and less.

Rich Adin, writing over at An American Editor, has uncovered another restriction in Windows RT which could possibly discourage some from using the OS. Read more

When MS announced the next version of Office they did say that major changes were on the way, but I don’t think anyone expected this app to get its own apps. Read more

Everyone was expecting Microsoft to unveil Office 15 this week, but it turns out that they were off by about 350.

The new Office 365 is major shift in both features and function for this 13 year old office suite,and it is set to be released in four editions (Home Premium, Small Business Premium, ProPlus, and Enterprise). Read more

Microsoft unveiled Microsoft Surface in Los Angeles, a new family of tablet computers. “We designed this organically, like a book” explained one of the designers yesterday. The price and release date for these new devices were not revealed.

The cover of the Surface also doubles as a touchpad keyboard with a mousepad. When the designers revealed the snap-on keyboard, the audience of tech journalists cheered. The tablet contains a hinged kickstand on the back that allows it to stand up like a television or PC.

One model runs with Windows RT, Microsoft’s operating system for mobile devices. The larger model runs on Windows 8 operating system and comes equipped with a stylus that fits alongside the device.

Read more

Microsoft announced that it is getting into the app business by previewing Windows 8 on Thursday. To build a “Metro style” app to be sold in the platform, you can use HTML5, CSS3, or  JavaScript.

Metro style apps features certain new controls including an “app bar” and “charms”. Here is an explanation about these new features from Microsoft’s developer page:

Outside of the app window, the app bar is the primary command interface for your app. Use the app bar to present navigation, commands, and tools to users. The app bar is hidden by default and appears when users swipe a finger from the top or bottom edge of the screen. It covers the content of the app and a user can dismiss it with an edge swipe, or by interacting with the app. The charms are a specific and consistent set of buttons in every app: search, share, connect, settings, and start. We believe these are core scenarios that every user wants to do in almost every app they use.

Follow this link for more details on how to make an app for Windows 8.