With todays release of a solution that resolves the connectivity issues with WSUS 3.2 described here, we have now published the Windows 8.1 Update as well as the Windows Server 2012 R2 Update and Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Update to Windows Server Update Services WSUS. For organizations using WSUS, Windows Intune, or System Center Configuration Manager for updating their Windows 8.1 computers, this means that you can now easily deploy these updates to the computers or servers you manage. For...

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This capability is designed to help you maintain closer contact with users to inform them of new features, bugs youve addressed, as well as get feedback and ideas to improve your app. This capability is not to be used for marketing and does not provide you as the developer with the users personal information, such as an email address. At this time, developers will be able to respond to reviews posted from Windows Phone 8.1 devices, as well as reviews posted from Windows Phone 8 devices in the US...

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Here what we didnt know, however. In the past month, Microsoft has chopped those prices substantially, according to Gartner researchers and others contacted by Computerworld. I am hearing the same from some of my sources. When I asked today, Microsoft officials conceded that theyve cut the prices of custom XP patches, but arent providing guidelines as to how much. A spokesperson sent me the following statement: Gartner issued a research note on April 8 available to its subscribers only the day...

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Microsoft has rolled out the first universal apps for Windows and Windows Phone, allowing users to buy an app once and play it on phones, tablets and PCs. The first two paid apps to take advantage are Microsoft own Halo: Spartan Assault and 17 Bit Skulls of the Shogun. Both games cost $4.99 and can be purchased through either the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store,. Strangely, the games Windows Store listings give no indication that these are universal apps. But when you view their Windows...

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Most of us can only dream of having the perfect personal assistant, one who is always there when needed, anticipating our every request and unobtrusively organizing our lives. Cortana, the new digital personal assistant powered by Bing that comes with Windows Phone 8.1, brings users closer to that dream. For Larry Heck, a distinguished engineer in Microsoft Research, this first release offers a taste of what he has in mind. Over time, Heck wants Cortana to interact in an increasingly...

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Today, it appears to have updated Windows Update Troubleshooter to be able to automatically fix Windows Update errors 0×80070002, 0×80070003, which many users have been facing while installing Windows 8.1 Update. This has been explained in the updated KB article. Windows 8.1 Update package introduces several new features. You will need to install this update in order to receive all future updates. But many Windows 8.1 users have been reporting that Windows 8.1 Update fails to install...

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Here a loaded question: how do you get Cortana voice assist on your Windows Phone 8 device in the UK? Technically youre supposed to wait until the second half of 2014 when Cortana will roll out as part of a Windows Phone 8.1 update. America will get it sooner, as we tea drinking, crumpet loving Brits speak in nothing but garbled nonsense and, therefore, obviously have to wait. We jest. First thing first: a warning. By installing the pre release version of WP8.1 you cannot go back to an earlier...

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Microsoft recently announced that developers would soon be able to respond to user reviews of their apps and games. This new feature allows app developers to address common questions, troubleshoot issues, understand user requests for new app capabilities and overall help ensure that users get the best app experience. This capability is not about allowing developer to question or debate your personal opinions. In fact, developers who misuse the ability to respond to app reviews will lose the...

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