Microsoft has started rolling out the first major update to its latest productivity suite. Office 2013 Service Pack 1 is available now via Windows Update or direct download from Microsoft and includes improved support for Windows 8.1 and IE11, support for high-DPI displays, and numerous bug fixes and performance improvements.
Ford Reportedly Switching from Microsoft Windows to BlackBerry QNX for Next SYNC System
Ford SYNC, the company’s in-car entertainment and voice control platform, may soon switch to BlackBerry’s QNX operating system after being powered by Windows since the feature’s introduction in 2007. Sources claim that Ford hopes the switch will help the automaker cut costs as well as improve the performance of the SYNC platform.
Microsoft Cutting Windows 8.1 Licensing Costs by 70% for Entry Level Devices
Microsoft is hoping to combat low-cost challengers like Google Chromebooks and Android tablets by reducing the licensing costs for Windows 8.1 by 70 percent for manufacturers who sell devices for less than $250.
Microsoft’s Cloud Service SkyDrive is Now OneDrive
Microsoft has flipped the switch on the branding for its cloud storage service. SkyDrive is now OneDrive, with the website updated and new branding on its way to mobile and desktop applications. Not much has changed for existing users, but Microsoft is introducing a few new perks alongside today’s transition.
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Office for iPad Reportedly Set to Launch in the First Half of 2014
Microsoft’s long-awaited Office for iPad is still in the works, and may even launch before Gemini, the touch-based version of Office for Windows 8. ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley reports that the app is scheduled to hit the iOS App Store in the first half of 2014.
Windows XP Systems Could Be Infected Within 10 Minutes of April 8th Support Deadline
After more than 12 years on the market, Windows XP is finally set to lose support in April. But Microsoft’s plans to move forward could leave as many as 500 million users without critical security updates, and those systems could be infected in as little as 10 minutes by hackers hoarding exploits in anticipation of the support deadline.
See the Evolution of the Web with 20 Years of the Microsoft Homepage
With Microsoft on the verge of a new era, it’s worth taking a look back at the history of the company. One such historical exercise is a look at the evolution of the company’s website, and now a Speaker Deck user has compiled a slideshow of the past 20 years of Microsoft.com to let us do exactly that.
Leaked Build Reveals Expected Interface Tweaks for Windows 8.1 Update 1
Windows 8.1 Update 1 is set for release this spring, and a new leaked build shows users what they can expect from the upcoming edition of Microsoft’s operating system. New features include the ability to pin Metro apps to the Taskbar, new Start Screen buttons for mouse and keyboard users, and a more traditional way to manage full screen Metro apps.
Adobe Issues Critical Flash Update, All Users Urged to Upgrade
Adobe on Tuesday issued a critical update to its Flash Player software to address a zero-day vulnerability that reportedly allowed hackers to completely take over a compromised system. All versions of Flash prior to the latest update are vulnerable, and Adobe urges all users to install the latest version as soon as possible.
Twitter Quietly Testing Pop-Up Notifications for Web Interface
Twitter has quietly started testing a new pop-up notification feature for its Web interface, according to reports from multiple users on Tuesday. The experimental feature, currently available to only a select group of users, provides clear notifications whenever a user receives a reply or mention.