Microsoft digs deep into Windows 8’s hardware graphics boost, says fast just isn’t slick enough

Microsoft digs deep into Windows 8's hardware graphics boost, says fast just isn't slick enough

While Microsoft has been exploring the sensory experiences that will go into Windows 8, like sight and touch, there’s only one thing that many enthusiasts care about: speed. To their delight, Redmond has just devoted one of its pre-release blog posts to showing just how much faster its hardware graphics acceleration will be in a Metro-focused universe. The goal is a hiccup-free 60Hz frame rate, and virtually everything in Windows 8 centers on that ambition. Baked-in transition effects, optimized geometry and even improved font rendering give modern computers a huge jump in performance versus Windows 7. Microsoft is just as keen to expose that power, as well: Direct3D 11.1 is now the root of all video acceleration in the pipeline, making it both easier and faster to mix 2D and 3D. All told, Windows 8 promises to get responsiveness freaks and benchmark lovers all hot and bothered. If either label describes you, the source link might satiate your lust until October 26th.

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Microsoft digs deep into Windows 8’s hardware graphics boost, says fast just isn’t slick enough originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: An Office outside the Metro

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

DNP Switched On An Office outside the Metro

The two worlds of Windows 8 — one: a traditional desktop UI and the other: the touch-optimized Metro UI — can, at first, seem so different that they contrast like the multiple personalities of Batman’s enemy Two-Face. Yet, despite the different appearances, the forthcoming version of Microsoft’s venerable operating system is not about absolutes, but optimizations.

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Switched On: An Office outside the Metro originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Leaked Screenshots Make Windows 8 Metro Look Even Better [Windows 8]

WinUnleaked has some new leaked screenshots from Microsoft’s Windows 8 RTM (Release to Manufacturers) build that show how the new OS will look. From the look of them, Microsoft is making an effort to make Metro work as a unifying design across all of Windows 8. More »

OneNote MX Metro-styled app for Windows 8 now available for download

Yesterday saw Microsoft publicly unpack Office 15. Part of the deal was the forthcoming dedicated OneNote MX Metro-styled app. While we knew it was coming, it was one of the few things we didn’t manage to get much time with. It looks like we might not have to wait that long though, as it’s the first of new gang to be up for grabs. It’s available to download now, from the Windows Store in Windows 8 Release Preview, just set a final reminder in your current note taking app to go get it.

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OneNote MX Metro-styled app for Windows 8 now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Get Windows 8 Metro UI (Sort of) on Your iPhone [Video]

We love Metro. Maybe you do too. But you’ve got an iPhone and don’t want to switch to a Windows Phone that isn’t even going to be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8. Well, here’s your solution: Metroon. More »

Virgin Media WiFi in London goes deeper underground, 41 stations now hooked up

Virgin Media WiFi in London goes deeper underground, 41 stations now hooked up

While it’s been in the pipes for a while, and some lucky stations got an early arrival, Virgin Media has confirmed that 41 stations in total are now lapping from the bowl of sweet, sweet free WiFi. Considering that a million tweets, Facebook updates, and emails were delivered in the first week, and over 100,000 commuters have logged on in the last four, appetite for the service is high. While use is free at the moment, and TFL travel info will remain without charge, non Virgin Media customers will have to start paying up, once the Olympic Games are over. By then the full expected 120 stations should be plugged-in and switched on. For the current list of connected stations, head past the break.

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Virgin Media WiFi in London goes deeper underground, 41 stations now hooked up originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 06:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 renames Windows Explorer, File Explorer to help you find files instead

Windows 8 renames Windows Explorer, File Explorer to help you find files instead

Come gather ’round PCs, wherever files roam, and admit Windows Explorer, simply has to go. And accept it that soon, your OS’ll be Metro. If your file finding time is worth savin’ — then you better get used to File Explorer instead, for the times they are a-changin’.

Windows 8 renames Windows Explorer, File Explorer to help you find files instead originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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