Microsoft

Our recent feature on the growing vulnerability of passwords chronicled the myriad ways crackers extract clues used to guess other people’s login credentials. Add to that list a password reminder feature built in to recent versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating system. It turns out the password clues for Windows 7 and 8 are stored in Continue Reading →

Microsoft’s innovative Kinect accessory has made the leap from video games to robots and even 3-D human holograms. Now it’s being used to sell cars that don’t yet exist. Nissan needed to find a way let potential buyers see its 2013 Pathfinder, but it didn’t have the actual cars in showrooms or ready for auto Continue Reading →

Microsoft wants Xbox 360 users to get involved in the upcoming elections, so in an effort to keep prospective young voters in the loop, they are teaming up with a number of outlets and gearing up to launch an “Election 2012 on Xbox LIVE” hub on the Xbox 360 dashboard. The hub is scheduled to Continue Reading →

Remember that time Microsoft teased what most sane humans thought were new logos? That was right around two years ago, but the branding you see above is no mistake — that’s the new Microsoft logo, landing just months after Windows 8’s new flag and merely weeks before the aforesaid operating system takes the planet by Continue Reading →

It’s now too late to whine about the user interface changes in Windows 8. They may be “confusing” and put a “cognitive burden” on ordinary users, but for now at least, these changes are there to stay. That means it’s time to put down the pitchforks and flaming torches and help people get used to Continue Reading →

Today at TNW’s Latin American conference in São Paulo, Mozilla’s Director of Research Andreas Gal, praised Microsoft’s browsing technology progress, stating that a decade ago, using Internet Explorer was a rough experience. However, today, Gal noted that “Microsoft is making a pretty respectable browser.” He went on to specifically cite Internet Explorer 9 and 10, Continue Reading →

Microsoft should brace for a user backlash against Windows 8 that will make the company pine for the days of Clippy, according to usability expert Raluca Budiu of the Nielsen Norman Group. During an interview with Laptop Magazine, Budiu said that the billion-plus users around the world who have become accustomed to Windows will experience Continue Reading →

Touch-friendliness is a centerpiece for the upcoming Office 2013, but don’t fret if you prefer to live in the world of Office Web Apps ahead of time. As of new preview versions of both OWA and Office 365, those using at least an iPad or Windows 8 will see larger, more finger-ready controls by default. Continue Reading →

Microsoft on Monday began taking orders for the $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade promised to customers who purchased a new Windows 7-powered PC in the last 11 weeks. People who bought an eligible Windows 7 machine starting June 2 can now file an online form to queue up for the Oct. 26 delivery of the upgrade. Continue Reading →

Microsoft has ditched the 30-day grace period, a trademark of Windows 7, in the retail copies of Windows 8, mandating that users provide a product key during setup. The change runs counter to previous practice by the Redmond, Wash. developer. With Windows 7, for example, users could run the OS for 30 days before activating Continue Reading →