A Serious Proposal To Fix Windows 8

June 5th, 2013, 00:33 Posted By: wraggster

Windows 8 is simply not selling, and everyone but Microsoft knows it's a mess of an OS. And the Windows 8.1 'Blue'that Microsoft revealed some details of late last week doesn't address the fundamental flaws. So a team at InfoWorld worked up a serious proposal to rework Windows 8 for both PCs and tablets that fixes those flaws and lets Microsoft's true innovations break free of today's Windows 8, complete with mockups of the proposed Windows 'Red.'

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/06...-fix-windows-8

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Can Microsoft Survive If Windows Doesn't Dominate?

June 5th, 2013, 00:29 Posted By: wraggster

"In his latest Asymco blog post, analyst Horace Dediu suggested that Windows' share of the personal-computing market is declining at a faster rate than many believe, once Microsoft's cash cow is put in direct competition with Android, iOS, and other platforms built for tablets. In that context, Windows' share of the personal-computing market has dipped past 60 percent on its way to 50 percent. The big question is whether it'll keep plunging. 'If Windows tablets start growing as fast as the tablet market overall then Windows could stabilize in share,' Dediu wrote. 'But if Android and iOS tablets follow their phone brethren in growth then it will be far harder for Microsoft to maintain share.' Yet despite that gloomy scenario, Dediu doesn't necessarily see a market-share dip as a cause for concern on Microsoft's part: 'Even if Windows dips to only 20 [percent] of the world's computing market it will still be perfectly 'viable' for some time to come,' he wrote. But even if Windows can perpetuate, will its decline fatally undermine Microsoft as a company? All that Windows (and Office) money also allows Microsoft to launch projects that lose money for years before they gain traction. Without that monetary base, for example, it's possible that the Xbox (which bled money for the first few years of its existence) wouldn't have survived long enough to become a viable platform from a financial perspective—much less the center of Microsoft's future plans for living room domination."

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/06...oesnt-dominate

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Google Security Expert Finds, Publicly Discloses Windows Kernel Bug

June 5th, 2013, 00:28 Posted By: wraggster

Security expert Tavis Ormandy has discovered a vulnerability in the Windows kernel which, when exploited, would allow an ordinary user to obtain administrative privileges of the system. Google's security pro posted the details of the vulnerability back in May through the Full Disclosure mailing list rather than reporting it to Microsoft first. He has now gone ahead and published a working exploit. This is not the first instance where Ormandy has opted for full disclosurewithout first informing the vendor of the affected software.

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/06...ows-kernel-bug

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'The desktop market is far from dead,' says Dell

June 5th, 2013, 00:17 Posted By: wraggster

Computer manufacturer Dell might be struggling as the desktop market declines, but it still sees some opportunity in the sector.
“The desktop market is far from dead,” said Sarah Shields, executive director and general manager, Dell UK, talking to PCR. “At Dell, we’re seeing continued interest from consumers for desktops in the UK.”
Gaming is still a key sector: “One of the biggest areas of demand are for higher end, power intensive desktops capable of content creation and extreme gaming. Our Alienware desktops are performing exceptionally well as they deliver the graphics and processing power gamers are looking for.”
Nevertheless, Dell understands the market is evolving. Shields noted: “All-in-ones continue to be a sought-after solution – they are space saving, have a streamlined design, and with touchscreen options, offer the optimum way to experience Windows 8.”
You can read an extended analysis of the desktop market in The Desktop Dilemma, with opinion from AMD, Westcoast and VIP alongside Dell.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...ys-dell/031100

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Stone Group launches Windows 8 All in One desktop

June 5th, 2013, 00:15 Posted By: wraggster

UK-based ICT services provider Stone Group has announced its new Stone All in One touch-enabled desktop.
The new Stone All in One is a Windows 8 device with bespoke custom builds and configurations.
Stone is an IT service provider specifically for the public sector and believes a device like this is beneficial to learning and working environments.
“As a manufacturer of quality PCs for over 21 years we maintain a proud tradition of providing cutting edge design as well as ever evolving services specifically for the public sector,” commented Simon Harbridge, CEO at Stone Group.
“The new Stone All in One is an exciting addition to our desktop range as it is fully customisable so can be designed to fit an exact specification. For example, users have the option of a touch enabled screen to enhance the interactive experience which negates the need for a keyboard and mouse, which is a great space saving feature.”
The Stone All in One specifications include up to 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 featuring Intel HD Graphics, 16GB of DDR3 memory, HD Mega pixel webcam, and optional DVD Super-Multi Double Layer or Blu-ray ODD support.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...desktop/031101

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Star Wars: The Old Republic - Two-part 'Operation Nightmare' update detailed

June 4th, 2013, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster

BioWare has detailed plans to release its next Star Wars: The Old Republic update, titled 'Operation Nightmare', in two parts.

The first part of the update, version 2.2 - 'Terror from Beyond' - will contain new guild bonuses, and Underworld crafting gear.The second drop will be version 2.2.2 titled 'Scum and Villainy', which will combine with aforementioned update to introduce "a total of twelve nightmarishly challenging bosses at Level 55", says the developer.
The game's original level 50 cap is risen to level 55 as part of the game's first major update, Rise of the Hutt Cartel, which was released in April.
More details on each update and the range of content they will add is over on the official SWTOR blog.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...date-detailed/

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ARM unveils Cortex-A12 CPU and Mali-T622 GPU

June 3rd, 2013, 23:12 Posted By: wraggster

Few trend-spotters would disagree with the following prediction from ARM, but it's worth laying it out anyway: Of the 300 million mobile devices sold in 2010, the majority cost over $400. Within the next two years, however, these "crazy money" products (as a spokesperson described them) may represent just 25 percent of the total mobile market -- still huge in absolute terms, since almost two billion phones and tablets are forecast to be sold in 2015, but a distinct minority relative to entry-level and mid-range options.
In an effort to convert these expectations into an even taller heap of gold, ARM has just announced a new mid-range core, the Cortex-A12, which is designed to replace the aging Cortex-A9 while offering a 40 percent boost in performance. This gain will likely come with the added advantage of better battery life, since the Cortex-A12 will initially be fabricated at 28nm instead of 40nm, and will be offered to manufacturers alongside a new Mali GPU (the Mali-T622) and video engine (Mali-V500) that promise further power savings of their own. The Cortex-A12 will also support big.LITTLE configurations, allowing it to be installed alongside Cortex-A7 cores that will take over for low-effort tasks in order make further power savings. Big.LITTLE hasn't really blown us away so far, at least not on the Octa-core Galaxy S 4, but its wrinkles may well have been ironed out by mid 2014, which is when the Cortex-A12 is due to land. Check out the PR for more technical details on each component.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/02/a...a12-mali-t622/

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Windows 8.1 to feature internet tethering

June 3rd, 2013, 23:02 Posted By: wraggster

Despite our novel-length preview of Windows 8.1's new features, Microsoft continues to trickle out details about the updated OS as we get closer to Build 2013 later this month. This is turning out to be a hefty improvement over the love-or-hate Win8 that launched last fall, and the company appears to have plenty more tricks up its sleeve before all is said and done. This morning, Microsoft announced that 8.1 will offer native support for Miracast wireless displays, as well as internet sharing capability, NFC tap-to-pair printing, WiFi Direct print, improved IT controls and other enhancements to the platform's security and management. All told, the new features are a little more behind-the-scenes than, say, the new Start button, but it's a clear indication that we'll likely have quite a few more surprises coming our way between now and the update's official release. The source link has the laundry list of various improvements, so head there if you're looking for more info.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/03/w...-8-1-features/

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Path of Exile update adds two new “leagues”

June 3rd, 2013, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster

Developers Grinding Gear Games will be adding two new difficulty settings, or “leagues,” to its action-RPG Path of Exile. The Anarchy and Onslaught leagues will be made available for four months, in addition to the already existing Normal and Hardcore modes.Anarchy features corrupted NPCs that share all the same abilities and items that player-controlled characters have access to. As players walk around the world, the new foes will attack them with many of the same skills they’ve come to use themselves. Once killed, the enemy exiles will drop high-quality gear.Onslaught is essentially a more difficult Hardcore mode, with more powerful creatures and permanent death. It does not include the enemy exiles from Anarchy.Both modes feature a new set of gear that is not available in Normal or Hardcore modes, but can be transferred over once the two leagues’ time is up.Along with the pair of new leagues, there will also be a slew of new items added, a “substantial” reworking of the game’s balance, and a free respec for all characters to respond to those tweaks.Read the full list of changes on the official Path of Exile forum.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/path...o-new-leagues/

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World of Warcraft movie to begin filming next year, slated for 2015 release

June 3rd, 2013, 21:27 Posted By: wraggster

Despite initial concerns, the World of Warcraft movie is set to begin filming at the beginning of next year.
Talking to Slashfilm, producer Charles Roven confirmed that production of the long-awaited film is currently in the planning stage, whilst principle photography is gearing up to begin next year.
"First quarter 2014 we’re going to shoot that movie. We’re moving forward; obviously [studio Legendary Entertainment] is making that film and I’m having a great time with Duncan,” revealed Roven.
Whilst Duncan Jones is set to direct the adaptation of the long-running MMORPG franchise, Roven's work on the film follows his involvement with both the Dark Knight trilogy and this year's upcoming release, Man of Steel.
Concerns over whether the film would ever see the light of day arose following initial director, Sam Raimi's decision to leave the project. The Spider-Man director opted to cease his involvement with the project, citing "mismanagement" on behalf of World of Warcaft's publisher, Blizzard Entertainment.
News that the project looks to be moving forward will be music to the ears of fans of the franchise, who have endured a four year wait for the adaptation since its initial announcement back in 2009.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...release/031085

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Foxconn and Mozilla announce 5 new devices, including a tablet

June 3rd, 2013, 21:26 Posted By: wraggster

At a press conference today at Computex 2013, the two firms unveiled a new tablet prototype designed for an unnamed OEM.
Li Gong, CEO of Mozilla Taiwan, and Young Liu, general manager of Foxconn revealed at the press conference that the two firms will be working on at least five devices, and these would not be limited to smartphones and tablets.
Liu stressed that Foxconn was in prime position to extend Mozilla’s OS into television screens.
Both parties were keen to point out that Foxconn would remain a manufacturer and not a brand, with the purpose of the collaboration being to optimally integrate Mozilla’s OS with hardware.
There were no specs or price points revealed for the tablet prototype, but Li did state that Mozilla believed its HTML5 OS would help position itself in both developed markets and emerging ones.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...-tablet/031087

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RetroArch 0.9.9 final

June 3rd, 2013, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de/

A new version of the multi-system emulators RetroArch (formerly known as SSNES) is released for Windows, XBOX, WII, PS3 and XBOX360.

SSNES is called RetroArch from now on, and ´libsnes´ is called ´libretro´ from now on.

Quote:

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a modular multi-system emulator system that is designed to be fast, lightweight, and portable. It has features few other emulators frontends have, such as real-time rewinding and game-aware shading.
What platforms does it support?

RetroArch sets the standard on cross-platform portability right now.

Linux (x86 and x86_64)
Windows (32bit/64bit)
Mac OSX (PPC/Intel)
Playstation 3 (PS3 SDK/PSL1GHT (WIP))
Xbox 1 (XDK)
Xbox 360 (XeXDK/Libxenon)
Wii
Raspberry Pi
OpenPandora

Why is it special?

Right now RetroArch is unique in that it runs the same emulator cores on multiple systems (such as Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, etc).

For each emulator ´core´, RetroArch makes use of a library API that we like to call ´libretro´.

Think of libretro as an interface for emulator and game ports. You can make a libretro port once and expect the same code to run on all the platforms that RetroArch supports. It´s designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind so that the porter can worry about the port at hand instead of having to wrestle with an obfuscatory API.

The purpose of the project is to help ease the work of the emulator/game porter by giving him an API that allows him to target multiple platforms at once without having to redo any code. He doesn´t have to worry about writing input/video/audio drivers - all of that is supplied to him by RetroArch. All he has to do is to have the emulator port hook into the libretro API and that´s it - we take care of the rest.

Supported game / emu cores
bNES

Libretro port is: A Nintendo Entertainment System / Nintendo Famicom emulator.

Libretro author: Themaister

Original author(s): byuu

Compatible with: RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: TBD

Github: https://github.com/libretro/bnes-libretro
bSNES

Libretro port is: A Super Nintendo/Super Famicom emulator.

Libretro author: Themaister

Original author(s): byuu

Compatible with: RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 3 (Performance/Compatibility), 4 (Accuracy)

Github: https://github.com/libretro/bsnes-libretro
Final Burn Alpha

Libretro port is: A multi-arcade system emulator.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Various

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: TBD

Github: https://github.com/libretro/fba-libretro
FCEUmm

Libretro port is: A Nintendo Entertainment System / Nintendo Famicom emulator.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Various

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 0

Github: https://github.com/libretro/fceu-next
Gambatte

Libretro port is: A Game Boy/Game Boy Color emulator.

Libretro author: Themaister, Twinaphex

Original author(s): Sinamas

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 0

Github: https://github.com/libretro/gambatte-libretro
Genesis Plus GX

Libretro port is: A Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000 emulator.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Charles McDonald, Ekeeke

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 1

Github: https://github.com/libretro/genesis-next.git
iMAME4All

Libretro port is: A multi-arcade system emulator.

Libretro author: ToadKing

Original author(s): Nicola Salmoria, Various

Compatible with: RetroArch PC, RetroArch PS3, RetroArch Pi

RetroConsole Level: 0

Github: https://github.com/libretro/imame4all-libretro
Mednafen PSX

Libretro port is: A Sony PlayStation emulator.

Libretro author: Themaister

Original author(s): Ryphecha (Mednafen)

Compatible with: RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 4

Github: https://github.com/libretro/mednafen-psx-libretro
Meteor

Libretro port is: A Game Boy Advance emulator.

Libretro author: Themaister

Original author(s): Philippe Daouadi.

Compatible with: RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: TBD

Github: https://github.com/libretro/meteor-libretro
NXEngine

Libretro port is: A Cave Story/Doukutsu Monogatari engine.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Pixel, rogueeve

Compatible with: RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: TBD

Github: https://github.com/libretro/nxengine-libretro
Prboom

Libretro port is: A Doom engine.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): id Software, Various

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 0

Github: https://github.com/libretro/libretro-prboom
SNES9x Next

Libretro port is: A Super Nintendo/Super Famicom emulator.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Various

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 1

Github: https://github.com/libretro/snes9x-next
VBA Next

Libretro port is: A Game Boy Advance emulator.

Libretro author: Twinaphex, Themaister

Original author(s): Forgotten, VBA-M Team.

Compatible with: RetroArch PS3, RetroArch 360, RetroArch PC

RetroConsole Level: 2

Github: https://github.com/libretro/vba-next

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OpenTTD 1.3.1

June 3rd, 2013, 00:05 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.aep-emu.de/

The final version 1.3.1 of OpenTTD has been released.

Quote:
1.3.1 (2013-06-01)

• Fix: When overbuilding a reserved track with a non-track station tile, that tile would remain reserved and eventually trigger a crash upon removal [FS#5540] (r25251)

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ScummVM 1.6.0 "+4 to engines"

June 2nd, 2013, 23:11 Posted By: wraggster

After 11 long months we are thrilled to announce the release of ScummVM 1.6.0.
It's not very often (if ever) that we add 4 new engines in a single release, but yes, these have been busy months for the team indeed.
Let's just list the new games 1.6.0 contains for you:

• 3 Skulls of the Toltecs
• Eye of the Beholder
• Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon
• Hopkins FBI
• Tony Tough and the Night of Roasted Moths
• The Journeyman Project: Pegasus Prime

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Toki Tori 2+ hits Steam for PC on July 2

June 2nd, 2013, 21:50 Posted By: wraggster

Toki Tori 2+ will be released via Steam for Windows PC on July 2, developer Two Tribes has confirmed.
The '+' in the title is representative of new content that will be added to the PC version over the Wii U original.PC gamers will be treated to a new level editor letting you create your own levels, and Steam Workshop integration which will allow you to share your creations with other players.
New achievements and additional puzzles will also be added to the PC version.
Two Tribes has also made several gameplay tweaks. A guide mechanic in early levels will help prevent gamers getting stuck too early in the game.
Levels will also contain new gates to "make sure you can reach your intended destination more efficiently". Navigation will also be tweaked, with an improved world map, along with new stand-out landmarks which will "help the player to better understand its position on the world map".
A company rep has confirmed, "we'll update the Wii U version with the Steam version changes that make sense on the platform," including the level editor, which is "still planned for an update".

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...-pc-on-july-2/

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Microsoft promo: buy a Surface RT, get a free keyboard cover

June 2nd, 2013, 21:35 Posted By: wraggster

There's no question that the Surface RT comes into its own with a keyboard cover; we can't imagine using the tablet unadorned. Microsoft can't, either, as it's launching a promo that gives the covers away. Americans and Canadians who buy the Windows RT slate between now and the end of June can get either the Touch Cover or the Type Cover for free, no matter which color they fancy. Surface Pro customers are out of luck, but it's hard to dispute the value for prospective Surface RT owners -- the deal amounts to at least a $100 discount on the touch PC's real-world price.
Update: To be clear, this promo has been running in other countries; it's just now debuting in North America, however.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...ctID.275275300

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Steam top ten sellers chart: May 26 - June 1

June 2nd, 2013, 21:22 Posted By: wraggster

A 90 per cent off discount has the Alan Wake franchise leaping back onto, and all the way to the top of, Steam’s top selling titles chart.
Wargame: Airland Battle debuted strong with a runner-up finish for the period, as Metro: Last Light finally relinquished the spot – though it remained on the list in the seven spot.
Several other new releases grace the list as well, including Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods in third, Rising Storm in fifth and GRID 2 in tenth.

1. Alan Wake Franchise
2. Wargame: Airland Battle
3. Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
4. Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
5. Rising Storm
6. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
7. Metro: Last Light
8. Dust: An Elysian Tail
9. DmC Devil May Cry
10. GRID 2

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4K Computer Monitors Are Coming (But Still Pricey)

June 1st, 2013, 23:31 Posted By: wraggster

When TV makers started pushing 4K screens on unsuspecting public, that just recently upgraded to 1080p, many had doubted what value will they bring consumers. Fair thought — 1080p is, at screen sizes and viewing distances commonly found in homes, good enough. However, PC users such as me have looked at this development with great hope. TV screens must have something to do with market being littered with monitors having puny 1080p resolution. What if 4K TVs will push PC makers to offer 4K screens too, wouldn't that be great? Well, they are coming. ASUS has just announced one!"You could hook a computer up to one of the available 4K displays, but will generally be paying a lot more for the privilege; this one is "only" about $5,000, according to ExtremeTech.

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/1...t-still-pricey

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Intel Haswell CPUs Debut, Put To the Test

June 1st, 2013, 23:26 Posted By: wraggster

Intel's Haswell architecture is finally available in the flagship Core i7-4770K and Core i7-4950HQ processors. This is a very volatile time for Intel. In an ARM-less vacuum, Intel's Haswell architecture would likely be the most amazing thing to happen to the tech industry in years. Haswell mobile processors are slated to bring about the single largest improvement in battery life in Intel history. In graphics, Haswell completely redefines the expectations for processor graphics. On the desktop however, Haswell is just a bit more efficient, but no longer much faster when going from one generation to another."Reader wesbascas puts some numbers on what "just a bit" means here: "Just as leaked copies of the chip have already shown, the i7-4770K only presents an incremental ~10% performance increase over the Ivy Bridge-based Core i7-3770K. Overclocking potential also remains in the same 4.3 GHz to 4.6 GHz ballpark."
http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/1...ut-to-the-test

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Acer to showcase two new Windows 8 tablets at Computex 2013

June 1st, 2013, 23:17 Posted By: wraggster

Acer will unveil two new Windows 8 tablets at this year’s Computex show in Taipei.
There will be an 8-inch tablet called the W3 810 as well as an 11.6-inch Bulgari tablet, reports DigiTimes.
Taiwan-based supply chain sources told the publication that the Bulgari will adopt an Intel Haswell Core i3 processor and will comes with 64GB of storage.
The sources also revealed that Asus will unveil new 11-inch and 13-iinch Zenbooks with reinforced glass chassis.
Last month, PCR reported that both Acer and Asus were planning on releasing new chromebooks in the second haft of 2013, so we could be seeing these devices pop up at Computex as well.
Computex takes place in Taipei from June 4-8th.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...ex-2013/031075

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