Hasta La Gadget!

The latest Windows-related rumor might be a big one, depending on what you’re tempted to believe. According to Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrot and Mary Jo Foley, the company may be looking to drop the retail version of Windows 8 entirely. This would leave Windows 8 with just two versions: the $40 upgrade DVD and the Windows 8 System Builder Kit (OEM version).

With the Windows 8 OEM licensing rate starting at $60, this rumor is leading some to believe that Windows 8 might end up costing quite a bit less than Windows 7 did. Consider, for a moment, that the OEM version of Windows 7 only cost $134.99, while the retail version’s price tag came in at a whopping $299.99. It isn’t that hard to imagine that with a price of admission that high, at least a few customers shied away from picking up the retail version of Windows 7.

So, it might be that Microsoft is looking to scrap the retail version of Windows 8 altogether and give potential users a couple less expensive options. Indeed, we were all a bit surprised when Microsoft announced a $40 price point for the Windows 8 upgrade DVD, so maybe this time around the company is more concerned with getting Windows 8 on as many computers as possible than it is with high profit margins. If it isn’t looking to ditch the Windows 8 retail version entirely, it’s possible that this particular iteration may run significantly less than past retail versions. We shall see.

[via Insideris]

Microsoft Windows 8 retail may be axed entirely is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

We already know that the MeeGo splinter group, Jolla, is following a slightly different path to what we’ve known and loved on the N9, but don’t fear: there’s every chance that the smartest features from the original OS will be retained, not least because Nokia has just given the startup a gift-wrapped bundle of patents. Jolla founder Jussi Hurmola mentioned the altruistic gesture in an interview with ItViikko, and although he didn’t specify exactly which patents have been transferred, his warm words towards his former employer — with whom he said he enjoyed a “good and open relationship” — give us a strong hint as to their value.

Update: We’ve seen comments on a number of forums saying that ItViiko‘s mention of the patents is unconfirmed speculation, so we’re reaching out to Nokia for further clarification.

Update: Apologies all. Turns out the source article wasn’t quite accurate in its description of patents being given to departing employees. Nokia tells us it’s supporting Jolla through an incubator program called Bridge, but it has not actually given over patents to any of the Bridge startups.

Filed under: Cellphones

Jolla startup receives MeeGo patents, nod of encouragement from Nokia (update: only partially true) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speaking during Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference keynote in Toronto, Corporate VP and CFO Tami Reller announced that the software giant will release Windows 8 to manufacturers next month. She also confirmed the previous October ship target — that being the timeframe that consumers can expect to pick up a Windows 8-equipped machine, or presumably upgrade from a previous version of the OS. There’s not much to report beyond that — manufacturers will see Windows 8 next month, while the rest of us will need to hang tight until the fall.

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 will reach RTM stage in August, consumers in October originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft has already detailed the Windows 8 upgrade route for those buying a new computer, and it’s now finally confirmed what everyone else will be paying when they upgrade their existing PC. Those running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will able to download a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $39.99. That’s a far cry from the company’s earlier upgrade prices, which as recently as Windows 7 ran $50 and $99 for Home Premium and Pro upgrades, respectively. You will have to pay a bit more if you want packaged DVD version of the upgrade, though, with it running $69.99 at retail — it also sounds like both of those prices will be going up when the promotion ends on January 31st of next year. Not surprisingly, the upgrade process will vary depending on the OS you’re currently using. Those making the jump all the way from Windows XP will only able to bring their personal files with them, while those on Vista will be able to bring their personal files and Windows settings, but no applications. And, if you’re wondering about Media Center, it will be available as a free option once the upgrade is finished.

Microsoft announces $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google’s next iteration of Android wasn’t quite the full-point release jump that many of you were perhaps anticipating. Rather than using Google I/O 2012 as the launching pad for Android 5.0, we’re being formally introduced to v4.1 — a mere 0.1 ahead of where Ice Cream Sandwich placed us around six months ago. Aside from grabbing a name change, the minor numerical bump also provides Jelly Bean the opportunity to usher in a few new features for Nexus owners to enjoy.

If you missed yesterday’s keynote, Google revealed that Android 4.1 would arrive on Nexus devices in “mid-July,” but there’s no clear word on when partner companies will begin pushing it to their products. Moreover, pundits are quick to point out the legions of Android products that still haven’t made the leap to 4.0, leaving us to wonder if those Froyo and Gingerbread laggards will simply take the fast track to 4.1 now that it’s (almost) available. Care to see if the latest and greatest will live up to your expectations once it lands in a few weeks? Head on past the break as we discuss some of the larger changes that Jelly Bean has to offer.

Continue reading Android 4.1 Jelly Bean review: a look at what’s changed in Google’s mobile OS

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean review: a look at what’s changed in Google’s mobile OS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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