Hasta La Gadget!

Those of you using Skype in Windows 8 will be happy to know that Microsoft’s just bumped the app to version 1.6. It’s been a few months since the last update, and this revision brings more features to the table, including contact blocking and a slew of performance tweaks. You’re now able to block users, with an option to remove or report the offending party. Speed and reliability have been improved, especially when loading contacts, and a number of bugs have been fixed, including one where the outgoing video was not always displayed after switching cameras. The update’s available in Windows Store, so what are you waiting for?

Filed under: Microsoft

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Source: Skype Blogs

A recent change in Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 8 is creating a lot of speculation on what Microsoft has planned in the future. Previously, Windows 8 could only run on displays with a resolution of at least 1366×768. However, that requirement has been lowered to only 1024×768, which means that we could see smaller form factors of Windows tablets in the future.

Of course, Windows 8 has supported 1024×768 for a while now, but hardware requirements from Microsoft as far as tablets are concerned requires at least a widescreen 1366×768 resolution, which is rather odd, but Microsoft has quietly updated its tablet requirements with the new spec, meaning that smaller Windows tablets could be in our future.

This seems fairly obvious, though, as small form factors are rather popular as of now, with Google’s Nexus 7, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD, and Apple’s iPad mini leading the charge in the 7- to 8-inch tablet race. As for when we might see smaller Windows tablets, it’s not entirely certain, but they could come during Microsoft’s BUILD developers conference in June.

If a 7- or 8-inch Windows tablet does, indeed, step into the limelight, it’ll be interesting to see if they catch on. Currently, Microsoft’s Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets haven’t been selling well, so if manufacturers get the price right with the smaller variants, they could squeeze their way in with the other Android and iOS offerings.

[via ZDNet]

Windows 8 hardware requirement update hints at 7-inch tablet is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Tweetdeck, the Twitter client that’s more popular (and useful) than the company’s own native desktop app, is getting a version bump that has everything to do with filters. Available for Windows and Mac users now, the update lets social tweakers get granular as they sort through columns and search with new content and user filters. Keen to see a column filled with only RTs? You can do that now, as well as filter by using select terms, media, verified users and lists. A minor visual refresh is also bundled in that gives users the option to expand column width and choose from more font sizes, alongside a couple of handy new shortcuts. If you’re running Tweetdeck now, it’s likely you’ll be prompted to update. Or you can head to the source below to get things started now.

Filed under: Desktops, Software

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Source: @Twitter, iTunes

If you’ve not heard of it before, the Razer Edge gaming tablet can seem like a bit of an odd unicorn. While we’ve heard of gaming tablets before, this really does appear to be one of the most grand efforts a company has made thus far – especially considering the rise of the Android tablet and the iPad – both of which could be considered “gaming tablets” in their own right. What have we got here then? We’ve got Windows 8, a 3rd-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB SSD, and a fabulous 8GB of RAM – and NVIDIA graphics, too!

Of course with NVIDIA GT 640M LE (1GB DDR3, Optimus Technology) you’ve not exactly got the biggest, baddest beast in the land, but you’re still running with a brand that boasts its greatness on a daily basis. The tablet itself is 278.5 mm x 178.85 mm x 19.5 mm / 10.9″ x 7″ x .80″ – not exactly tiny. All that comes in the PRO version – there’s also a basic edition which you can find out more about in our fabulous original rundown.

“This isn’t the kind of device you’re going to be bringing to highschool to play during class.”

Since we saw this device back at CES 2013 for our most recent hands-on adventure, the tablet itself has been modified just a bit – but for the most part, it’s still the same device we described then as “a rather interesting combination of ‘why would I want this’ and ‘take my money right this minute’”. You’ll almost certainly be saying one of the two when you see the price: $1,450 USD brand new for the PRO – go grab one!

If you need a bit more convincing, hear this: this is just about as close to NVIDIA’s Project SHIELD that you’re going to get until later this year. With a 10.1-inch 1366×768 IPS display up front and Windows under the hood, it’s also the only experience you’re going to get like this on the market today. Unless you create your own handlebars and control connections for your own Windows 8 tablet, that is.

There’s also a keyboard dock, mind you. We’re expecting that this tablet will have no end to its accessory add-ons throughout its life. Expect the oddities to roll in!

Why would you want it?

Because playing games on a 10.1-inch tablet is cool, but playing games on a 10.1-inch tablet with a massive set of physical controls attached is even cooler. This device isn’t for everyone, but if you’re the sort of person that’s looking for a gaming experience that’s not exactly like one you’ve ever had before, this is a good place to start!

Have a peek at our hands-on with the Razer Edge and get pumped up about our future coverage as well – this is a rather unique experience, we assure you – don’t miss it!

Razer Edge gaming tablet: What the heck is it? is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

We’ve been hearing a lot about Windows Blue through the grapevine, but Microsoft has finally confirmed that something dealing with the codename “Blue” is coming eventually. While the company specifically mentioned that a product with “Blue” in the title wouldn’t be hitting the market, it seems that all of these recent leaks and rumors may have validity.

If you’re not familiar with what Windows Blue is all about, it’s essentially a set of updates to improve on the lesser-fantastic features of Windows 8 that need a bit of polishing. Microsoft’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Frank X. Shaw, wrote in a blog post that Microsoft is “working together on plans to advance [their] devices and services,” and referred to those plans as “Blue” internally.

Details are rather slim, however, but it’s possible that Microsoft may provide more info about Windows Blue at the company’s upcoming BUILD conference in June, which Microsoft announced yesterday. The company said that they’ll be revealing “what’s next” for Windows, Windows Server, Windows Azure, Visual Studio, TechEd, and more.

We’ve already seen a leaked build of Windows Blue, so we sort of already know what to expect, and we even went through five features of Windows Blue that could change Windows 8 for the better. At this point, we’ll have to just wait and see what Microsoft has up its sleeves for its BUILD developers conference later this summer.

Microsoft confirms Windows Blue is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.