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Microsoft has tablets on its mind
week in review Software giant to release special flavor of Windows 8 for ARM chips, meanwhile iPad 3 rumors fly fast. Also: Path's privacy problem.
Microsoft has tablet computers in mind for the next generation of its operating system.
The software giant plans to release a flavor of Windows 8 on ARM chips at the same time it releases one for the so-called x86 chips that power traditional PCs. That was an open question ever since Microsoft previewed Windows 8 in September. And it's important because the ARM version of the new operating system will be the one that powers many of the tablets that Microsoft hopes will compete with Apple's industry-leading iPads.
In a blog post, Windows President Steven Sinofsky said "our collective goal is for PC makers to ship [Windows on ARM devices] the same time" as more conventional Windows PCs debut. Sinofsky did not disclose the target launch date, though most analysts expect the new operating system to arrive before the end of this year, and possibly in time for the back-to-school sales season at the end of summer.
• How the two flavors of Windows 8 will be different
• Windows 8 bundled Metro apps revealed
• Microsoft removes start button in Windows 8
More headlines
Apple will reportedly unveil iPad 3 in early March
Company is preparing an event for the first week of March to unveil the next iPad, according to AllThingsD.• Amazon fires shot at iPad's screen glare
• A quad-core iPad 3? Not so fast
• Apple in 'crunch mode' preparing apps to demo iPad 3
Jury strikes down Eolas' 'Interactive Web' patent
Patent-holding company claimed a host of Web giants owed it hundreds of millions in royalties for their use of online video streaming, search suggestions, and other "interactive" elements on pages.• Barnes & Noble seeks to reverse ruling in Microsoft patent flap
Justice Department set to OK Google-Motorola deal, WSJ says
An approval could happen as early as next week, although U.S. and European regulators remain concerned about Google's commitment to licensing Motorola's patents fairly.• Google to promise fair licensing for Motorola patents
• Apple asks for governing rules on mobile patents
Hackers wanted $50,000 to keep Symantec source code private
Symantec says its initial agreement to pay $50,000 to prevent the leak of source code for some of its flagship products was part of a law enforcement probe.• Hackers release source code for Symantec's PCAnywhere
Path shares photos--oh, and uploads your contacts, too
The popular photo-sharing app is rocked by news that it uploads contacts from iPhone users without permission.• Path CEO: We are sorry, and we've deleted your address book data
• Path's Dave Morin: No, really, I don't lie about this stuff
• Path and the disclosure dilemma
Justice Department set to OK Google-Motorola deal, WSJ says
An approval could happen as early as next week, although U.S. and European regulators remain concerned about Google's commitment to licensing Motorola's patents fairly.• Google to promise fair licensing for Motorola patents
• Apple asks for governing rules on mobile patents
End of an era: Kodak discontinues camera business
The photography pioneer says that its digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and digital picture frames will be phased out entirely in the first half of 2012.• A Kodak moment to forget
Facebook's Zuckerberg, Sandberg up for big bonuses
New documents related to the social network's upcoming IPO show that the founder and his COO could become even wealthier than they already are.• Facebook's Saverin agreed to sell shares to Russian firm in 2010
• Calif. pension fund says Facebook's board needs women
Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock to step down
Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock says that, along with three other board members, he's not seeking re-election this year. The company appoints two new board members to fill the gap.
Tech spending was strong in 2011, despite sluggish economy
IT spending rose just 5 percent last year, but that small growth was seen in the face of economic problems across Europe and a hard-drive shortage, according to IDC.• Silicon Valley economy recovering faster than nation
Also of note
• Read FBI background report on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs
• CNN suspends Roland Martin for homophobic, violent tweets
