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  • Microsoft Talks Unified Application Store

    Microsoft Talks Unified Application Store

    Microsoft is reportedly forming an Super Store to offer apps for Windows 8 computers as well as Microsoft phones and tablets.

    According to ZDNet, Microsoft has been busy creating a single, new app depot for the upcoming new versions of the company’s operating systems. Those would be Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1.

    The move, if done right, could seriously help Microsoft change the general perception of the company’s app stores. As it is, Microsoft trails its rival, Apple, in the sheer numbers of available apps.

    Obviously, a unified Windows store with apps that are able to run on all Windows 8.1 platforms could ultimately boost the total number of programs available for all devices running Windows, as well as help boost Windows RT and Windows Phone acceptability with both application developers and the computer and smartphone consumer .

    Microsoft execs have been hinting lately, that in the future there will be “One Windows” and one Windows API. In fact, at the company’s Financial Analyst Meeting last week, Executive VP Terry Myerson restated that, “We should have one set of developer APIs on all of our devices. And all of the apps we bring to end users should be available on all of our devices.”

    Attendees said Myerson told the thousands of gathered employees that both the computer and smartphone versions of Windows software will receive a “special” coordinated updates to accomplish the change. The updates could come as early as next spring.

    According to CNet, Azure is also likely playing a role in this scenario. Maybe something to do with cloud compilation of applications?

    This would involve Microsoft compiling developers’ applications for them, like they did with the Windows Phone during the move from Windows Phone 7 to Windows Phone 8. That move was meant to help with portability and performance. It could also be that the back-end code for certain apps runs on Windows Azure and is streamed to phones and PCs. That would give users the impression that Halo 4 really is running natively on their Windows Phone or Windows RT tablet.

    In addition to happy developers it could also result in happy customers! Ultimately, a single store that included both Windows 8 Metro-Style and Windows Phone 8 apps would definitely help with the never-ending complaints about shortages of Windows 8 and Windows Phone apps.

    Image via youtube

  • Microsoft Tablet: Company Unveils Surface, Twitter Responds

    The Microsoft tablet is now a reality. After several days of endless pundit speculation, Microsoft’s super-secret announcement has arrived in the form of Surface, a 10.6-inch, Windows 8-optimized tablet that comes complete with full HD, USB 3.0 support, a plethora of Windows apps, and access to Xbox Live. The device, which is encased in a magnesium shell, is a little over 9mm thick and weighs less than two pounds. It even comes with a magnetic cover/keyboard hybrid and a little credit card-thin kickstand built into the back. As far as tablet’s go, the thing is pretty sweet.

    When the device hits retail shelves, consumers will be able to choose between two models: Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT. If you’re not fond of one, perhaps the other will do the trick. As if choosing a color wasn’t difficult enough. For those who require further information on the subject, take a look at the official Microsoft spec sheet (PDF).

    Since the event’s impromptu announcement last week, a number of different theories surrounding Microsoft’s latest endeavor have made the rounds. Hopeful individuals foolishly believed that it would be the Xbox 720, while others felt it was probably related to the company’s investment in a Barnes & Noble venture known only as “Newco”. However, when B&N stated they weren’t presenting anything at Microsoft’s shindig, speculation turned towards a potential “iPad killer” that utilized the Windows 8 operating system.

    Of course, this sort of announcement wouldn’t be complete without a little feedback from the Twitter community. Below you can find a wide array of posts regarding the Microsoft Surface. As you can imagine, some people seem to love the idea, while others can’t help but hate it. Take a quick stroll through the posts embedded below.

    For even more information on the subject, take a look at Drew Bowling’s coverage of the event. The guy is seriously on top of things.

    Image provided by CNET