Photo: mynetx / Flickr

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has spoken about Windows 8 in public for the very first time. While we’ve known for months now that the software giant is deep into the production cycle of their next desktop OS, Ballmer confirmed that the software will arrive in 2012.

From Tokyo, with love

The Microsoft CEO used a developers’ conference held in Tokyo, Japan on Monday as the location to announce both the official name of and release window of the successor to the insanely popular Windows 7. He confirmed that the software would arrive next year, and is being developed with PCs and tablet PCs in mind.

The march is on, full swing

He told the devs at the conference that: ‘We’re obviously hard at work on the next version of Windows. Windows 7 PCs will sell over 350 million units this year.’ He continued, pointing out the hard work MS has done on the OS, including adding a new UI, ink, touch and speech features.

To which he added: ‘And yet, as we look forward to the next generation of Windows systems, which will come out next year, there’s a whole lot more coming.’

This is where he officially pulled the cat out of the bag, saying: ‘As we progress through the year, you ought to expect to hear a lot about Windows 8. Windows 8 slates, tablets, PCs, a variety of different form factors.’

Here we go

Ballmer, infamous for his passionate talks to developers, likely sees Windows 8 as a very important entry in the company’s history. Microsoft has all but missed the tablet PC revolution, and the company will no doubt look to correct this when their brand new operating system lands in 2012. Given the colossal success of Windows 7, you ignore this new entry at your peril.

Photo: closari / Flickr

Microsoft has officially announced that Kinect will be coming to Windows PCs soon, with the company announced a spring release window for the SDK. What that means is developers will get official tools to make applications based on the motion controller system for the Windows operating system.

Microsoft blog spills the beans

The Official Microsoft Blog made the announcement, saying that Microsoft Research was developing Kinect for Windows and that interested parties can get access to the SDK soon. The blog writes: ‘It will be available this spring as a free download, and will give academic researchers and enthusiasts access to key pieces of the Kinect system – such as the audio technology, system application programming interfaces and direct control of the Kinect sensor itself.’

Beyond gaming

As exciting as the announcement is, it’s been a long time coming. So long, in fact, that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer referenced bringing the tech to PCs back when it was codenamed Project Natal, prior to Kinect’s official launch.

Apparently Microsoft Kinect for Windows, and the possible solutions excites the team over at Microsoft, and they argue that this could revolutionize the way in which people interact with tech. The blog reads: ‘The possibilities are endless. Natural and intuitive technologies such as Kinect can be more than just a great platform for gaming and entertainment.’

Speaking further on the possibilities this new form of technological interaction brings, the post reads: ‘They open up enormous opportunities across a wide variety of scenarios, including addressing societal issues in areas such as healthcare and education.’

We knew this was coming, though, right?

After the hacker scene made Microsoft Kinect, meant exclusively for the Xbox 360, work on Windows computers, people began to wonder about the possibilities. Interesting and quirky apps alike were developed, but Microsoft for the most part stood to the side and watched – neither admonishing nor congratulating.

If this works out well, the Microsoft Kinect team could very well have pulled off something genius in a sneaky way – using the Xbox 360 as a Trojan horse to launch a game-changing technological platform. Smart.

Does the idea of Kinect for Windows excite you?

Photo: aranarth / Flickr

We’ve watched the tablet PCs, smartphones, and 3D TVs flood the show floor at CES 2011, making it, from a technological stand point, one of the most impressive Consumer Electronics Shows ever. The folks over at technology charting and analysis site Asymco have gone one further, calling it ‘the most exciting CES ever’. And not due to any particular product launches, but due to the massive shifts happening in the technological landscape.

Microsoft is at the centre of it all

The must-read Asymco article begins with the following assertion:

‘At this year’s CES two unthinkable things happened:

1. The abandonment of Windows exclusivity by practically all of Microsoft’s OEM customers.
2. The abandonment of Intel exclusivity by Microsoft for the next generation of Windows.’

This very astute observation is followed by further explanation, where they write: ‘Many of Microsoft’s customers chose to use an OS product from Microsoft’s arch enemy. Some chose to roll their own. Microsoft, in turn, chose to port its OS to an architecture from Intel’s arch enemy.’

The end of the PC era

This data points to what IDC – and many other tech pundits have been saying for some time now – the end of the PC era. How so? Where once Microsoft was the default and exclusive OS solution for OEMs world over, Google Android has proven it has enough momentum and ubiquity as a mobile OS solution that it should be a strategic consideration alongside Windows.

Microsoft itself is driving a stake into the once exclusive Wintel relationship by developing its operating system for ARM, Intel’s enemy, and the early forerunner in mobile processing technology. All of this happened at CES 2011, which is why it is so pivotal.

This matters because, as Asymco points out, it confirms the end of the paradigm where there was a ‘condensation of profits around two companies, Intel and Microsoft,’ with other companies, most notably Google with Android and ARM in this example, muscling in, and proving strong on the mobile front.

The revolution will be mobilized

It still early to call it, but we’re in agreement that this is, in fact, signs of the ‘end’ of the PC era. And that is a major claim for CES 2011, which from a pure products perspective is unlike anything prior.

What do you make of this assertion? Is it misguided, or is it just a sign of the times?

With ample storage space, Samsung R522 (NP-R522-FA01UK) has a 320GB hard disk which will suffice for all your files, photos, music, documents, software and media. Its DVD Supermulti will ensure Samsung R522 FA01UK has everything you need. Its has Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition as its operating system which comes pre-installed. It also features built-in wireless networking that makes wireless communication easier. Powered by the 2GHz CPU Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the laptop is fast ans efficient and capable of multitasking and running several programmes at once and smoothly too. It also features Intel GMA X Series Video Chipset, which supports all graphical and video applications, thus allowing the user to watch the latest movies and also play games. The notebook from Samsung Electronics has an impressive 15.4 inch display screen with a resolution of 1366×768, which offers sharp and vivid images. The display screen has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and displays sharp and bright images and makes watching movies a visual delight.

The laptop has 4GB RAM and a hard disk space of 320GB and as its optical drive, it has SATA Interface. Equipped with a 3-in-1 card reader, the laptop has a glossy display screen and Intel GMA X Series as its graphics shipset. The Samsung R522 (NP-R522-FA01UK) also has 4 USB ports, an HDMi Port and a 1.3 mega pixel integrated web camera. Featuring 10/100/1000 Gigabit Internal LAN RJ-45 connector and Wireless LAN 802.11bg up to 54Mbps, the laptop comes with a warranty for one year. Designed to keep up with the latest technology and a busy, active lifestyle, the laptop’s screen is optimised for watching movies or playing games. Packed with the latest communications technology and many other features, the laptop is the perfect desktop replacement.

A perfect combination of price and performance, HP Pavilion dv6-1240sa is an elegant laptop that offers total, uncompromised entertainment in a truly portable experience. The HP laptop has a 15.6 inch widescreen which displays sharp and vivid images. A truly mobile laptop, it is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500 that runs at a clock speed of 2.1GHz. The processor is fast and efficient and capable of running multiple programmes with ease. The laptop has Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium as its operating system, thus providing the user with a familiar working environment. The Hewlett Packard notebook has 4GB memory and a hard drive of 500GB, which offers ample space for all your files, photos, music, documents, software and media.

As its optical drive, the laptop has Lightscribe DVD RW and ATI Radeon HD 4530 as the graphics card that enable images to be displayed on the monitor. The graphics memory is 512MB and the laptop is equipped with 3D Sound Blaster Pro that allows users to have sound from the computer for games, movies and music. For enhanced connectivity, the HP Pavilion dv6-1240sa laptop has 4 USB connections that allow the computer to be connected to external devices like a modem, printer, scanner, digital camera or PDA. Wireless-enabled, the laptop has one Firewire Connection and an Infrared Port that allows the user to connect to other devices with help of Infrared. Other interfaces include Rj45 and HDMI. Running on lithium-ion battery, the laptop has a maximum battery life of two hours. Weighing 2.88kg, the laptop is lightweight and compact and extremely portable.

Tags for this article: laptop, notebook, hp laptops

Allowing quick and easy web access, the Hewlett Packard Compaq Presario CQ71-140EA has a range of essential features that make life easy. Ideal for home use as well as offices, the Compaq Presario CQ71 is updated with the latest technology. It combines essential features, an attractive design and high quality to ensure that the notebook is versatile and productive. Featuring a sleek and stylish design, the laptop has a large 17.3 inch BrightView display screen. The TFT screen has a resolution of 1600×900 and it displays sharp and vivid images. Also, the notebook features a unique Imprint design in a glossy black finish that elegantly blends style and function. Powered by Intel Pentium processor and 4GB RAM, the HP laptop is capable of running applications with ease. The user can also burn a DVD, download email and edit home movies all at the same time. Equipped with GMA 4500MHD graphics card, the laptop has a 250GB hard drive that allows you to store all your favourite movies and pictures.

A complete range of communication solutions in the laptop allows the user to stay in touch with friends and family and include a built-in Wireless LAN and a built-in web cam. Though the HP laptop does not have Bluetooth, it has an integrated web cam. It has Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic as its operating system that makes the notebook versatile and comfortable for the user. An easy-to-use notebook, the HP Compaq Presario CQ71-140EA allows the user to complete more tasks in less time. A full-size keyboard with numeric key pad and an LED display are other features of the notebook.

An artistic notebook, HP Pavilion dv6-1299ea has been covered with young Japanese designer Hisako Sakihama’s ‘Sea & Sky Design’ that makes HP dv6 Artist Edition one of the most awesome laptops ever. A visually pleasurable sight, the laptop has a striking gloss black Espresso HP Imprint finish. Designed with a discreet circular pattern, the HP Pavilion dv6-1120 will certainly captivate all users. Powered by a 2.1GHz AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor QL-65, the laptop is fast and efficient. It is capable of handling multiple programmes at once and smoothly. It has Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic as its operating system that provides a familiar and intuitive working environment for the user. A stylish and elegant laptop, Pavilion dv6-1299ea is primarily an entertainment notebook from Hewlett Packard. The perfect partner for fun, communication and mobility, its HP MediaSmart software puts all forms of media in one place.

Its audio and dual headphone jacks deliver uncompromising entertainment, while its integrated low-light web cam and dual digital microphones are ideal for social networking. A high class performer, the Pavilion dv6 features a full size 101 key compatible keyboard and a 15.6 inch HD BrightView display screen. The HP Pavilion dv6-1299ea allows the user to type accurately and comfortably, experience high quality image and videos. Lightweight and portable, the laptop provides reliability and security for files and digital media, thanks to HP ProtectSmart hard drive protection. It has a 250GB SATA hard drive, 3GB standard memory, 8x LightScribe SuperMulti drive for burning movies to DVD (and music mixes to CD), integrated 802.11 b/g WLAN and 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN. Other features include an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 graphics card with 512MB dedicated graphics memory and integrated webcam and digital microphone.

An ultra light notebook, Acer Aspire 3810TG Timeline has a long battery life of over 8 hours. Designed with a sophisticated look in mind, the laptop has been reasonable priced. A truly mobile laptop, it has found the perfect balance between light weight and autonomy. Built with a new system that makes the notebook lighter and more efficient, the notebook is also more environment friendly. Equipped with a long battery life, you free your mind of worries and work as and when you like and for as long as you like. You can turn on your Aspire Timeline in the morning and turn it off in the evening without charging it. Powered by Intel Core 2 Solo ULV (SU3500) processor that runs at a speed of 1.4GHz, the notebook has a fast and efficient processor that can multitask with ease. It has a 4GB RAM and a hard drive space of 320GB. The hard drive operates at 5400rpm and can store all your files, photos, music, software and media with ease.

The notebook features a 13.3 inch LED WXGA TFT LCD display screen with a resolution of 1366×768, which offers sharp and vivid images. The notebook also has Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Intel Wi-Fi Link 5000 Series 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi Certified. Capable of wireless communication, the Acer Aspire 3810TG Timeline AS3810TG-354G32n notebook also has a 1.0 mega pixel integrated CrystalEye web cam. The notebook has Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit edition as its operating system that offers a familiar working environment for the user. Also, the Acer Timeline notebook comes with a 1 year international traveller’s warranty. Moreover, the laptop also features Bluetooth, 3 USB ports and a 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD).

The Samsung R610 FS04UK offers ample storage space for all your documents, files, photos, music and media by way of 320 GB of Hard Disk space. Its DVD Supermulti ensures that the Samsung R610 FS04UK has everything you need. It comes with Windows Vista Home Premium Edition pre-installed as its operating system, which ensures that the user can work comfortably in a familiar working environment. Also, the mid-sized laptop features built-in wireless networking. Ideal for home use, it has a 2GHz CPU Intel Core 2 Duo processor which is fast and efficient. Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce Video Chipset, the laptop supports all graphical applications with ease. It has an impressive 16 inch WXGA TFT display screen with a maximum resolution of 1366×768 that offers bright and realistic images.

The laptop has 3GB RAM and DVD Supermulti as its optical drive. It also has a 3-in-1 card reader and 4 USB ports that enhance the laptop’s connectivity to a great extent. The laptop also has an HDMI Port and an integrated 1.3 mega pixel web camera. It also features Gigabit Internal LAN RJ-45 connector and Wireless LAN 802.11abg up to 54Mbps. Available with a warranty of one year, the Samsung R610 (NP-R610-FS04UK) laptop has dimensions 37.9×26.5×3.8cm. Weighing 2.8kg, the laptop is lightweight and compact. It is extremely portable and easy to carry from one place to another. It has stereo speakers and wireless LAN aerial as its built-in devices. Besides 4 USB 2.0 ports, the Samsung notebook also has one VGA out, RJ-45 (NIC) and S-Video out port.

An entertainment notebook powered by AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor, HP Pavilion dv6-1131EA has a 15.6 inch display screen, which offers sharp and vivid images. This entertainment Notebook has 4GB RAM and hard drive of 320GB, which offers ample storage space for all your files, documents, photos, music and media. It is equipped with integrated low light web cam and dual digital microphones that are ideal for social networking and communications. It also has premium audio and dual headphone jacks that are sure to deliver excellent entertainment. The HP laptop features HP Mobile Remote Control, a unique feature of this notebook. With dimensions 37.85X25.8X3.4cm, the notebook weighs 3.17kg. It has a striking HP Imprint finish on the outside and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium is its operating system. Perfect for travelling, the notebook is reliable and portable partner.

Allowing fun, communication and mobility on the move, the notebook’s widescreen displays everything in minute detail, while its superb 512MB dedicated graphics card is sure to impress you with high definition gaming that makes photos as well as movies look even better. The processor too is fast and efficient and handles multitasking with ease. You can work, listen to some music and download a movie all at the same time. The huge 320GB Hard Drive means that there is ample room for games, movies, music and photos. A versatile entertainment laptop, HP Pavilion dv6-1131EA has ATI Radeon HD 4530 for graphics but no Bluetooth. A well-designed laptop, it is equipped with a full-size 101 key compatible keyboard and a 15.6 inch HD BrightView display, it allows comfortable typing and excellent image and video quality.