Microsoft announces Skype for Windows 8

With Windows 8 going on sale in just four days, Microsoft is doing a sensible thing and releasing a version of Skype optimized for Win 8. As you'd expect, Skype for Windows 8 has the same overarching look and feel as other apps, which is to say you can swipe from left to right to see different categories, such as recent activity, favorites and a complete contacts list. But the integration with Windows 8 goes a little deeper than that. Just as you can pinch your Live Tiles to zoom out and make them easier to navigate, you can use semantic zoom to sift through a long list of contacts. And, because Skype runs in the background, you can set up your Start Screen so that the Skype Live Tile shows notifications for things like missed calls. Additionally, Skype is now baked into the People Hub, so that someone's Skype handle shows up alongside other forms of contact, like an email address or phone number.

The in-call experience has also been modified to take advantage of certain features in Win 8. For one, you can link your Skype and Microsoft account, so that when you log into your system using your Microsoft ID, you'll already be logged into Skype. While on a call, you can conduct video chats using the whole screen, at which point chat messages from that person will show up as text bubbles on the side of the screen. At any time, you can swipe to see other recent activity, which could be handy if you're juggling multiple IM conversations at once.

If you prefer, you can also dock Skype on the side of the screen, as you can with any other program in Win 8. With the Skype chat taking up just a third (or two thirds) of the screen, you can use that remaining real estate for an IM chat within Skype, or maybe a web search. Lastly, if you return to the home screen, there's a large phone icon up top where you'll find the dialer, whose number pad allow your fingers plenty of room to hit the right keys. You'll see your balance listed there, too, in the event you're not planning on making a free call to another Skype user.

Via::Engadget

LG announces Windows 8 slider laptop hybrid and all-in-one PC

Windows 8 imminent launch continues to draw out even more devices in almost every permutation imaginable. LG's up next, with its collection ranging from a familiar-looking V325 all-in-one PC, through to a slider PC with tablet skills. The size of LG's 11.6-inch H160 hybrid means we're not certain whether it'll be running Windows RT or the more power-intensive complete package. LG's brief explanation below the press shots also suggests we're only looking at two models for now -- despite the three devices on show here; presumably that tablet is just the laptop transformed, given that the company decided to put that particular family of devices on the back burner. The hybrid laptop houses its own auto-slide button, and measures in at 15.9mm thick, despite the built-in keyboard. The 11.6-inch screen is another LG-made IPS panel, promising up to 178 degrees of crisp visibility, while the manufacturer expects the battery to last up to 10 hours. Connectivity encompasses WiFi, HDMI output and a USB port and -- according to Google's translation -- a microSD card slot. The device will have to compete for fans against Sony's similarly-sliding VAIO Duo 11 -- not to mention Toshiba's U925t Ultrabook.

The touchscreen V325 AIO packs all the thinking parts behind a 23-inch display, with up to 10-point touch sensitivity. There's a (presumably Korea-only) TV tuner built-in, which can be activated without powering up the whole PC, while processing powering is provided by a third-generation Core i5 processor and NVIDIA's GeForce GT640M. Both devices are currently set to remain on home turf for now, starting from October 26th and will be accompanied by LG's latest range of Ultrabooks, refreshed with Windows 8 software.

Via:Engadget

Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Specifications

Microsoft Surface for Windows RT is out in the open for grabs and will be officially made available from October 26, 2012. Missing all this action is its elder brother, the Surface for Windows 8 Proabout whom no price/availability details have been revealed. How does the Surface Pro tab score in the specifications department? Here you go.

The huge advantage that Surface Pro has against Surface for Windows RT is its ability to run all desktop applications which can run on the Windows platform. This means you can install your favorite VLC player against the default Windows Media Player on the Windows 8 Pro environment (64-bit).

The Surface Pro runs on the third generation Intel Core i5 Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000, a huge win over other tablets and a welcome change. It supports 4GB RAM (Dual Channel Memory) which can assist the user in carrying out powerful tasks which usually consume more memory, with ease right from the tablet device.

The Surface Pro has impressive storage options – 64GB and 128GB, which is a welcome addition to its commendable RAM storage.

Sporting a 10.6″ ClearType Full HD Display screen with 10-point multi-touch, this tablet device from Microsoft carries a pen along, having support for pen input. Two 720p HD LifeCams, in the rear and front, allow users to not just click great snaps but also engage in video-calling with their loved ones.

The Surface Pro sports a full-size USB 3.0 port, a microSDXC card slot and will have a battery lifeof approximately 5-6 hours (not confirmed).

Measuring 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches, it weighs 0.9 kg and comes with a unique VaporMg casing over the surface, thanks to the research efforts of the Microsoft Surface team.

The Surface Pro is mostly suitable for heavy business work etc. where easy running of all desktop applications is a compulsory need. With its impressive specifications and hardware details, Microsoft Surface Pro definitely packs a punch in this competitive tablet race.

Microsoft is yet to reveal details on its availability and pricing – this will most likely to be done on October 26, 2012.

For the complete specifications, download this specs sheet.

Via::thewindowsclub.com

Google Street View car fleet gets ready to conquer (and map) the world

Ever wonder how Google can make such grandiose claims for the sheer amount of Street View imagery it collects? Here's how. Google's Masrur Odinaev has posted a snapshot of a central mapping car parking lot that shows dozens of the camera-equipped Subaru Imprezas amassed ahead of future runs. While it already represents more Street View cars in one place than anyone outside of Google would normally ever see, what's most impressive is remembering that this addresses just a portion of the entire vehicle mix -- aside from the local cars you don't see in the photo, there are extra units worldwide providing street-level coverage alongside tricycles and underwater expeditions. Odinaev's look reminds us just how much effort is needed to make Street View a common feature -- and that there are are legions of Google staffers whose low-profile work goes a long way towards making our navigation easier.

Via:: engadget

Pre-order Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 PCs now

Microsoft has announced the pricing for Windows 8, along with the hardware innovations being offered by the OEMs and the packaging too. Beginning today, customers interested in buying their favorite Windows 8 machines can start pre-ordering Windows 8 PCs and reserve their copy of Windows 8 Pro too!

Microsoft OEM partners have successfully built more than 800 devices all of which have been certified for Windows 8 and Windows RT and are now ready to hit the store shelves. As the launch date of the new OS is drawing near, get ready for a big explosion – explosion of tablets, convertibles, notebooks, ultrabooks and all-in-one PCs.

The paper-based packaging gets a fresh look and comes in 5 vibrant illustrations. Furthermore, the packaging weight has been reduced by 41%.

Anyone who has purchased an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 or is planning to buy the same before January 31, 2013 is eligible to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99 USD ERP** (U.S.) which will be redeemable starting October 26th. If not, they can simply reserve a packaged DVD of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $69.99 USD ERP* (U.S.) at select retailers.

Users can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro online via Windows.com after 26^th October using Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. Price, just $39.99 USD ERP*! This method is capable of being applied in over 140 countries with 37 languages.

The upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at retail is valid upto January 31, 2013 only.

Users with existing PCs can get the Upgrade versions of Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro and run Setup from within their current version of Windows.

Others not having Windows installed on their machines can dual boot with Windows 8 but, will need to purchase System Builder, or OEM, versions of Windows 8.

Windows 8 Pricing

• Windows 8 (Core): $99.99 (System Builder/OEM)
• Windows 8 Pro: $139.99 (System Builder/OEM)
• Windows 8 Pro Upgrade - $69.99
• Windows 8 Pro Pack (Product Key Card) - $69.99

Windows 8 PCs

Acer Aspire 7600 U – It is a desktop featuring large, touch sensitive displays that can either be detached from the desktop station or rotate to lay flat.

Asus Vivo RT – Tablet and a laptop. Powered by Windows RT, the thin and light machine is capable of functioning as both, tablet and laptop thereby offering best of both the worlds.

Others included in the list are Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro – Convertible, HP Envy X2 – A Hybrid and HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 – An ultrabook. You can pre-order new Windows 8 PCs and devices from OEM partners such as Acer, Dell, Asus, HP, Samsung and Sony now.

Via::thewindowsclub.com

Vizio announces bloatware-free Signature Windows 8 PCs

Ahead of Microsoft’s latest OS release – Windows 8, the late entrant in the competition, Vizio today announced its new Windows 8 Holiday Lineup consisting of 2 Ultrabooks, a notebook and 2 all-in-one desktops. These new AIOs are result of Vizio’s collaboration with Microsoft and Intel to work on a unique approach of how premium systems are designed. In case you did not know, Vizio is the No.1 big screen TV manufacturer in the US.

The ultrabooks are thin and light in weight and come in 2 variations:

• 14-inch
• 15.6-inch

There’s no touch support on board for the  ultrabooks but their body feature an enhanced multi-gesture touchpad that lets users navigate to Windows 8’s touch-centric features easily using the traditional swipe, tap and pinch gestures. The price of the Ultrabooks start at $849.

A 15.6 inches Notebook too is available that offers fast and fluidic capabilities of Windows 8 and maximum performance with Full HD display. The price of the Notebook starts at $ 1,129.

All-in-one PCs from have been optimized for entertainment purposes and touch functionality. They behave much like HDTVs as they feature 1080p HD display and 2.1 audio systems. The specifications do not end here. Select models feature NVIDIA Kepler™-Class GeForce GPU graphics for those who need higher performance of discrete graphics processing. All  VIZIO systems include third generation Intel Core processors.

 Apart from the large screen and super sharp displays (1080p), all-in-one PCs feature 10 finger capacitative touch capabilities. The machine is available in 2 sizes:

• 24-inch
• 27-inch

The price starts$899 onwards up to 1,539$.

Vizio PCs are officially certified by Microsoft as  Signature PCs. This means that they do not come pre-installed with crapware and trial software. All the machines come equipped with Microsoft Signature for Windows.

Consumers planning to buy all-in-one touch PCs, equipped with Windows 8 will be able to find them on the Vizio Store, as well as at select retail outlets. VIZIO PC users using Windows 7 and planning to upgrade to Windows 8 avail of the Windows Upgrade Offer.

Via::thewindowsclub.com