Windows 8.1 officially launches as a download, retail copy and on new Windows PCs or laptops on 18 October 2013. Microsoft's added in loads of tweaks and updates to Windows 8, and has seemingly focused on restoring the power of the desktop back to the OS. The tips and tricks below will help you to gain control over this free update (naturally, only free if you already own Windows 8). Download Windows 8.1 Preview here. 1. Shutdown, restart or sign out ...

We're not sure if this is smart, stupid, or desperate. Last week, Microsoft was offering an iPad trade-in service that saw users get up to US$200 in gift vouchers if they brought in their iPad 2, 3 or 4 to a Microsoft store (presumably so they'd buy one of its Surface tablets instead). From Friday, Microsoft says that it will again offer "up to US$200 in-store credit" for an iPhone 4S or 5. "Inside sources" from Microsoft stores say that from ...

From New York, Microsoft launches the Surface 2, another brave attempt at shifting some of the tablet magic away from Apple and Samsung. Surface 1 sold poorly, so what makes Microsoft think that the Surface 2 will be any better? First the price was slashed, then Microsoft said that you'll get a minimum of R2000 (US$200) off the purchase of a Surface by bringing in your old iPad. Was this enough to bring fresh meat into the fold, just in ...

Microsoft, creators of the Xbox 360 and upcoming Xbox One, are over the whole "China is a pirates haven" crap and as such. The software company has formed a joint venture with Shanghai-based media conglomerate BesTV. According to a Polygon report, Microsoft and BesTV want to create the "Bestpad", a console based on the Xbox architecture. A note posted on the Shanghai stock exchange said that there's already been an initial investment of US$237-million. BesTV is one of China's largest media companies ...

Did you buy the Surface RT or Pro? If not, you're in luck. Because you managed to save both money and dignity by not purchasing the Surface 1. Yet today, Microsoft launches Surface 2 and the world will never be the same again. That's a dirty lie of course, and it's more than likely that the Surface 2 will also tank, unless it too receives a heavy price cut. If you're still interested in a Microsoft-branded tablet though, Surface 2 ...

It was revealed earlier last  week that Microsoft's Siri-like digital assistant will be named "Cortana" after the blue holographic assistant from the Xbox flagship first-person shooter Halo. This personal assistant will be available on all Windows devices including mobile, PC and Xbox and is suspected of being a strong competitor in the field of digital assistance. WPCentral revealed this in a leak that indicated that Windows 8.1 will feature a new Notification Center, multi-tile select and more interesting design features to ...

Bring in your iPad to a Microsoft store, and get a minimum of US$200 (R2000) in credit. We're not so sure if this is a desperate move, or a clever sales technique. Either way, you can now grab a Microsoft tablet, commonly known as a Surface, for US$200 (R2000) cheaper at least. The offer ends 27 October and the gift card trade-in only applies to ex-Apple fans who have an iPad 2, 3 or 4. Only "select" Microsoft stores in Canada ...

Microsoft has started sending out invites for the launch of its new Windows 8.1 tablets coming 23 September. We expect to see the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2 officially launched with both being updated versions of the Surface RT and Surface Pro released mid-last year. There's no word of any mini Surface though. The Verge notes that the Surface Pro 2 will have a two-stage kickstand with adjustable angles with the main design of both new Surfaces generally staying ...

We were pretty bummed out when the news came of the Xbox One initially being launched in only 21 countries. Now, the number has been cut to an unlucky number 13. Only those will have the chance of enjoying the new next-gen console launch November this year. The eight markets that have now recently been left out in the cold include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland. People who pre-ordered Microsoft's new console in these markets are said ...

That's right. Given the right equipment and Ubi Interactive's software, we can (and eventually will) play Angry Birds on our living room walls or go all-out Da Vinci or Banksy by making murals we can swipe away. With this touch-interactive projection software now available, we can use our Kinect to do all this and more. Pumping beats aside, the video shows how easily you could impress your colleagues during a presentation. If a dull click-button wasn't enough for a boardroom meeting, ...