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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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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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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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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People love to show off their photos and videos to friends and family and a common way to do this is by connecting a device like a laptop or tablet to a TV. Today, were announcing the All in One Media Keyboard that makes it super easy to access and navigate all that content from the comfort of your couch. The All in One Media Keyboard has an integrated multi touch trackpad next to its full size keyset so you can not only type things but also swipe, drag, drop, zoom and click super easily. The...

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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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Windows 8.x was up a little on February, gaining 0.62 points, with most of the gains 0.59 points going to Windows 8.1. But the real story is Windows XP. In spite of the imminent loss of support, it remains abundant, especially in China and other Asian markets. While firewalls and other measures will provide some degree of protection, widespread exploitation of these users by phishing and similar attacks remains highly probable. We dont know how the story is going to end, but we cant imagine it...

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