Hasta La Gadget!

The folks over at Microsoft have confirmed rumors which swirled around concerning a new version of Windows 8.1. In fact, the latest SKU is known as Windows 8.1 with Bing, where it will be aligned more towards OEMs so that they will be able to churn out more affordable Windows-powered devices which in turn, will benefit the end user, especially those who want to jump aboard the Windows platform but are unable to do so because of the high cost of entry.

The new SKU will, of course, see Bing thrust into the big picture as the default search engine whenever you use Internet Explorer, but fret not – there is the usual option for the consumer to change that default into something that you identify with more and would use a whole lot more often. Come to think of it, most folks would automatically go for Google if I am not mistaken, but perhaps some others might prefer Bing. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

It is also said that OEMs have already begun to work on devices that run on Windows 8.1 with Bing, and consumers ought to prepare ourselves to tune in to an official announcement that is set to happen over the course of the coming weeks. [Press Release]

Windows 8.1 With Bing Announced

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Computers, bing, Microsoft, windows 8.1,

While Windows 8.1 saw its first major update roll out last week, word on the street has it that this will not be the last, as the second has been rumored to make its way to the masses later this coming August. ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley claimed that her sources do point to a second major update for Windows 8.1 that will arrive then, being part of Microsoft’s efforts to speed up the release cycle for its flagship operating system.

It remains to be seen whether the second major update to Windows 8.1 will also include the refreshed Start menu, although there are indications that this would seem rather likely. Recently, whispers have been going around, touting that the Start menu itself will make a return before the year is over. What it will most likely not come with, however, would be the ability for Windows 8.1 to run Metro apps windowed on the desktop.

The windowed Metro apps might make its way to the masses when Windows 9 rolls around, which has been targeted for an early 2015 release. It does seem as though the upcoming updates are part of Microsoft’s efforts to be able to better distinguish between PC and tablet users. As with all rumors out there, we will take this with a pinch of salt and wait as time will reveal this to be true or a dud.

Second Windows 8.1 Major Update To Arrive In August (Rumor) , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Computers, Rumors, Microsoft, windows 8.1,

Apek of Brazil (coincidentally, the word “Apek” also means “uncle” in the Malay archipelago) has just launched a large screen Windows 8.1-powered PC-TV that is called Maxpad. Not the most exciting of names, this I know, but if it works, then why not? Large sized touchscreen Windows 8 PCs have gone on sale before, but majority of these, if not all, have mainly targeted the business market. Well, the Maxpad from Apek will arrive in three sizes – 39”, 50” and 64.5” models, where all three of them feature touchscreen displays at Full HD resolution.

Apart from that, Apek will also ship the TV with a custom color of the buyer’s choice. Underneath the hood, you will be able to find an AMD A10 processor alongside a Radeon HD 7660 GPU, 8GB RAM, support for 60GB SSDs or a standard issue 500GB hard drive, as well as a 5MP camera that caters for those video call moments.

Other than Windows 8.1, the Maxpad will also come with its fair share of software programs that will allow one to snap screenshots of the current TV show that plays, before manipulating that saved screenshot via an art program. One can also send such an image over to a social network account in order to generate chatter. Last but not least, a DVR feature lets you rewind live TV shows for up to 2.5 hours prior, now how about that?

Unfortunately, these will be pretty pricey – with the 39”, 50” and 63.5” models retailing for approximately $5,400, $9,000 and $12,000, respectively, in its home market. Something tells me it costs a whole lot more there compared to other markets if the Sony PS4 pricing is anything to go by.

Maxpad Windows 8.1 PC-TV Launched , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gadgets, Windows, windows 8.1,

Starting today, users all around the world will begin to gain access to Windows 8.1 Update. This is the first major update to the Windows 8.1 system, a re-structuring of … Continue reading

There’s a new Elgato device being released this month with the ways and means to connect several of your devices in an above-average easy way. This is the Elgato Thunderbolt … Continue reading