You’d think that with Skype firmly under Microsoft’s control, the service would roll out new features to Windows first. Bizarrely, though, that’s not the case. Skype’s video voicemail feature, which previously soft launched on Android, iOS and OS X, is now coming to Windows 7 and up (a Windows 8 version should be forthcoming), hitting the company’s end of April promise. The feature, still labeled a preview, works exactly as advertised, letting users record short video clips that can be sent to and viewed by any contact regardless of their OS. There’s one caveat though: you’ll need to install Skype 6.5 beta for Windows desktop and Flash to test it out. It’s just a risk your vainglorious self will have to take for modernity.

Filed under: Desktops, Microsoft

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Source: Skype

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Skype adds video voicemail to Windows desktop beta

More evidence of Microsoft’s rumored cross-platform update to Windows 8, codenamed “Blue,” has leaked. The latest video obtained by MSFTKitchen has Microsoft’s chief technical strategy officer Eric Rudder talking about “extending touch in even more dramatic fashion,” as he more or less verifies Blue as the codename for the next Windows 8 update — which is also rumored to encompass all Windows Phone 8, Services and RT products. As for Fresh Paint, the demo was designed to show a new watercolor option in the app while showcasing Blue’s enhanced touch features for artists. There’s still no word on when the new platform (not to be confused with Windows 9) or any apps may arrive, but upgrades are rumored to be switching to a yearly cycle — so you might want to color in late 2013 on the calendar. The video’s after the break.

Filed under: Software, Microsoft

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Via: The Verge

Source: MSFTKitchen (YouTube)

Original post:
Microsoft fills in more details of rumored Windows Blue upgrade with Fresh Paint (video)

You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

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The Daily Roundup for 03.18.2013

If you’re a Windows 7 user and you’ve been dragging your heels when it comes to that Service Pack 1 upgrade, then prepare to get an extra dose of encouragement from Microsoft. Starting tomorrow, the company will begin deploying SP1 via Windows Update to all neglected PCs, and just so you’re aware, the update won’t require your consent. The push will happen a phased rollout over the next few weeks, and as for the consequence of not upgrading, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 RTM as of April 9th. Naturally, PCs that are managed by system admins can be shielded from the deployment, but for everyone else, it seems that you’d best prepare for the inevitable.

Filed under: Software, Microsoft

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Via: TNW

Source: Microsoft

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Compulsory upgrades to Windows 7 SP1 will start rolling out tomorrow

You don’t need to be Captain Subtext to understand that a few manufacturers (and developers) aren’t best pleased with Microsoft’s latest mobile products. The latest to damn Redmond with faint praise is Samsung’s newly-minted Co-CEO, JK Shin, who told The Wall Street Journal that demand for Windows-based phones and tablets isn’t sending the company’s accountants cross-eyed with glee. When asked about Samsung’s relationship with Microsoft after the latter deepened its ties with Nokia, Shin said:

“Smartphones and tablets based on Microsoft’s Windows operating system aren’t selling very well. There is a preference in the market for Android. In Europe, we’re also seeing lackluster demand for Windows-based products.”

Which, naturally, has done nothing to scotch those persistent rumors of the ATIV Tab being axed in Europe as well as the US. The CEO added that we can expect to see a Tizen-based phone in the third quarter of the year, although Samsung will continue to flirt with every available OS for the needs of its customers.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Samsung, Microsoft

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Via: The Verge

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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Samsung’s JK Shin: there’s ‘lackluster demand’ for Windows-based phones, tablets