Windows Rt

Microsoft has finally shed some light on the different versions of Windows 8 we'll see upon release, and thankfully, things are much simpler than past versions. This time around, there are only three flavors : Windows 8, the version geared towards most consumers; Windows 8 Pro, for enterprise and enthusiast users; and Windows RT, which is the new name for Windows on low-power ARM processors (previously called WOA). Notably, Windows RT will only be available pre-installed on ARM-powered devices like tablets and...

Microsoft followed through on quite a few of its New Year's resolutions in 2012, taking big steps to play in the mobile marketplace and revamp its Windows operating system. The company released new phone, tablet and computer operating systems and doubled down on the tile-based, touch-friendly formats of that it first introduced on its Windows Phone operating system. Here's a look at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of Microsoft in 2012. Windows 8: Microsoft completely updated its flagship Windows operating...

Microsoft's Surface tablet is finally in stores Friday, months after consumers got their first look at it. The Surface tablet has gotten high praise from reviewers who say its clean lines and solid build are a joy to use. To recap, the tablet starts at $499 with 32GB of storage but not the keyboard cover. For $599, you can pick up that same tablet with a black cover; for $699 you get 64 GB and a black cover. If you're hankering after a touch-type cover that's not black, it will cost you another $110.

Best Buy will join Staples this weekend in selling Microsoft's Surface tablet, previously available only online and at Microsoft's own stores. The electronics retailer made the announcement Thursday, saying that it will start selling the device on Dec. 16. Staples began selling the Surface on Wednesday. That's good news for Microsoft, which is likely to benefit from more consumer exposure to the Surface and its tile-based Windows RT operating system. The Surface tablet costs $499 for a 32 GB version without a...

Microsoft has confirmed that its slick-looking Surface tablet will launch on Oct. 26, the same day it releases the Windows 8 operating system, as noted in the company's annual report to the SEC. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012," Microsoft wrote in the report. "At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices. " While this is all Microsoft has said about the Surface's availability, we...

Microsoft is rolling on with its development cycle for Windows 8, promising another preview for consumers in June. The company made its announcement at a developer conference in Japan, according to a tweet from the official Windows 8 Development team account. The release follows the Consumer Preview released in February that gave users a first glimpse at what the new system could do, as well as the announcement about the three versions of Windows 8 that will hit shelves at launch.

After an early misfire , Microsoft officially opened pre-orders for some of its Surface tablets Tuesday, finally announcing a price months after unveiling the devices in June. Pre-orders for the Surface tablet with Windows RT — a lighter version of the full Windows operating system — opened at noon Eastern on Microsoft's Web site. Here's what you need to know about the pre-orders: What's the price: The Surface with Windows RT starts at $499 for the 32 GB version. Add the keyboard...

As we get closer to the launch of Microsoft's new version of Windows, a clearer picture is emerging about what the tablet landscape will look like at launch. We already know about the flagship Windows tablet, of course: Microsoft's own Surface, which Engadget recently reported may have a price tag of $199. That would put the company in a very good position to sell against Google's Nexus 7, Amazon's Kindle Fire and, most importantly, Apple's iPad. But pricing the Surface so low could...

Best Buy will join Staples this weekend in selling Microsoft's Surface tablet, previously available only online and at Microsoft's own stores. The electronics retailer made the announcement Thursday, saying that it will start selling the device on Dec. 16. Staples began selling the Surface on Wednesday. That's good news for Microsoft, which is likely to benefit from more consumer exposure to the Surface and its tile-based Windows RT operating system. The Surface tablet costs $499 for a 32 GB...

Microsoft's announcement about its Surface tablets left a lot of unanswered questions. One key point that will help determine how the tablet does in the market has yet to be determined — the price. The Surface comes in two flavors: a version that runs Windows RT and a version that runs Windows 8 Pro. That means only the latter will be able to run all your Windows programs, meaning that it's likely, though not certain, to get a higher price tag. But even without all the details in place, it's clear that Microsoft has...

Microsoft's Surface tablet is finally in stores Friday, months after consumers got their first look at it. The Surface tablet has gotten high praise from reviewers who say its clean lines and solid build are a joy to use. To recap, the tablet starts at $499 with 32GB of storage but not the keyboard cover. For $599, you can pick up that same tablet with a black cover; for $699 you get 64 GB and a black cover. If you're hankering after a touch-type cover that's not black, it will cost you another $110.

Microsoft held a big party for itself in New York City on Thursday ahead of the U.S. launch of its Windows 8 operating system and Surface tablet. The event, which the company opted to stream over the Web , was meant to give consumers one last look at Microsoft's products — as well as PCs and tablets from partner companies such as Asus and Dell— ahead of their big retail debut Friday. Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer also took to the stage to give his final pitch to consumers and drive home the fact...

Microsoft's Surface with RT tablet is getting mixed reviews from the first round of folks who've seen the device. Overall, reviewers seem to have lots of praise for the hardware, but it is — somewhat ironically — the software that's earning Microsoft the most criticism. Here's a look at what reviewers are saying about the Surface. The good: The hardware design on the Surface is solid, sleek and sensible, reviewers say, in way that's all its own. "Where the iPad is curvy and without any IO expansion,...

Hoping to steal a little thunder from Apple's expected iPad Mini announcement on Tuesday, Microsoft announced details of its XBox SmartGlass app, which extends your entertainment experience across the  screens of the TV, tablet, phone and PC. Yusuf Mehdi, chief marketing officer at Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Division, said in a blog post that the new app is part of why, as Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer promised, 2012 will...

Some Microsoft stores are passing out reservation cards to customers committed to buying a Surface RT tablet when the devices hit store shelves next Friday. The stores are handing out reservation cards to buyers who know, for sure, that they will be buying the tablets. Card holders will be in a separate line for the tablets, but only have until noon to claim their Surface. There are only around two dozen Microsoft stores across the country but the company has two locations in...

After an early misfire , Microsoft officially opened pre-orders for some of its Surface tablets Tuesday, finally announcing a price months after unveiling the devices in June. Pre-orders for the Surface tablet with Windows RT — a lighter version of the full Windows operating system — opened at noon Eastern on Microsoft's Web site. Here's what you need to know about the pre-orders: What's the price: The Surface with Windows RT starts at $499 for the 32 GB version. Add the keyboard...

Microsoft held a big party for itself in New York City on Thursday ahead of the U.S. launch of its Windows 8 operating system and Surface tablet. The event, which the company opted to stream over the Web , was meant to give consumers one last look at Microsoft's products — as well as PCs and tablets from partner companies such as Asus and Dell— ahead of their big retail debut Friday. Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer also took to the stage to give his final pitch to consumers and drive home the fact that Microsoft is...

Microsoft fans are all aflutter at the news that the technology giant has sent a media invitation out touting a big announcement for Monday, June 18. With the company set to release its PC and tablet Windows 8 system later this year, the speculation is that Microsoft is planning to introduce new tablets. The entertainment site TheWrap.com reported than an unnamed "individual with knowledge of the company" has said Microsoft is introducing its own Windows RT — that's the version of Windows 8 for tablet...

NEW YORK CITY — Korean electronics giant Samsung has been steadily revealing details about its lineup of Windows 8 PCs and tablet hybrids, but we finally have what appears to be the finalized lineup and prices of these new devices. "Tablets and smartphones are ushering in a new era of computing mobility," Samsung America consumer electronics head Tim Baxter said to a crowd of reporters. "New categories will arise as a result of this. " Samsung's "new category?" The "Smart PC", or what you might know as a...

In case it wasn't already obvious, convertible tablets are the new black this year. Lenovo knows it, which is why the company is preparing four devices that can twist, flip, and bend between being ultrabooks and tablets. Just as significant, though, is that all these devices launch with Windows 8, which means that they will be the some of the first to show off what Microsoft's new operating system is capable of. IdeaPad Yoga Announced at CES earlier this year , the IdeaPad...