Today’s the day. After months of notices and warnings, Microsoft today officially ceases Windows XP support. While some governments and large businesses will continue to receive specialized (and costly) support for their existing Windows XP installations, virtually all consumer versions of the operating system will go unpatched in the face of new security threats starting tomorrow.
Office for iPad Hits 12 Million Downloads After One Week on the App Store
Microsoft’s long-awaited Office for iPad has reached 12 million downloads on the iOS App Store, just one week after its launch. While good news overall for Microsoft, there’s no information on the number of unique iPad owners now using Microsoft’s apps, or how many of those users opted in to an Office 365 subscription.
Show Up at a Microsoft Store with an iPad and Get Office 365 for Free
Users who want the complete Office for iPad experience will need an Office 365 subscription, and Microsoft just announced a new way to pick up the $100 per year subscription for free. Starting Friday, iPad owners simply need to bring their device to a Microsoft Retail Store and they’ll receive an Office 365 Home Premium subscription for free.
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer Praises Valve, Promises Renewed Focus on PC Gaming
Valve took a strong stance against Microsoft Windows when it launched its SteamOS initiative last year, but Microsoft Studios Chief Phil Spencer praised the company last week at GDC, claiming that Valve’s focus on Linux has encouraged Microsoft to redouble its efforts in PC gaming, to the benefit of gamers everywhere.
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Microsoft Identifies RTF Word Vulnerability, Issues Temporary Fix
Microsoft on Monday issued a security alert about a security vulnerability in the company’s Word productivity software. The flaw allows attackers to execute remote code via a malicious RTF document and affects all supported versions of Word and Outlook.
Microsoft’s Nokia Acquisition Delayed Until April
Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services divisions will have to wait a bit longer to finalize. Both companies announced early Monday that the deal, expected to close this month, won’t wrap up until April as regulatory agencies in Asia have yet to issue approval.
Ex-Microsoft Employee Alex Kibkalo Arrested for Theft of Trade Secrets
Software architect Alex Kibkalo, a former Microsoft employee, was arrested Wednesday in Seattle on the charge of theft of trade secrets. Kibkalo allegedly leaked info related to Windows 8 and Microsoft’s activation servers to a French blogger in 2012.
Microsoft Set to Launch AT&T Surface 2 LTE Model on Tuesday
Months after the product line’s introduction, Microsoft is finally ready to release an LTE model of its Surface tablet. Unfortunately, users will be limited to the non-Pro Surface 2, 64GB of capacity, and AT&T mobile data service. If those limitations meet your needs, you can pick up the Surface 2 LTE on Tuesday for $679.
Surface Power Cover Finally Ships March 19, 70% More Battery Life for $200
The long-awaited Power Cover for the Microsoft Surface is finally set to ship this month. Although pricey at $200, the accessory promises to nearly double Surface running time, and will be something that all dedicated Surface users will want to check out.
How to Disable Bing Web Results from Windows 8.1 Start Screen Search
With Windows 8, Microsoft tried to bridge the gap between local and online content. One way of doing this was to show the user Bing Web results while searching from the Start Screen. This can be helpful for some users, but many Windows users prefer to keep their local files separate from online Web results. Here’s how to disable Bing from the Windows 8.1 Start Screen search.