Microsoft

Xbox 360 scores huge sales win in January

The Xbox 360 is still scoring big amidst a slump in overall gaming sales.

Microsoft's hot gaming console was the best-selling platform in the U.S. in January, its 13th month in a row at the top of the charts, NPD Group said yesterday.

For January, Microsoft sold 270,000 Xbox 360s,  grabbing 49 percent of the console market last month. The Xbox accounted for $310 million in total sales (hardware, software, and accessories), the highest number for any console in the U.S. January also marked the 11th month in a row in which the Xbox grabbed more

Barnes & Noble seeks to reverse ruling in Microsoft patent flap

Barnes & Noble is asking the U.S. International Trade Commission to reconsider its decision last week to to dismiss Barnes & Noble's "patent misuse" defense in its case against Microsoft.

A motion, filed with the agency by Barnes & Noble lawyers yesterday, asks the agency to review the ruling by Administrative Law Judge Theodore Essex, which the company says "rests on both erroneous conclusions of law and a misstatement of the facts." The bookseller argues that the ruling doesn't address its arguments or analyze them under the appropriate patent laws.

Last week's ruling weakened Barnes & Noble's defense against more

How the two flavors of Windows 8 will be different

One thing was made crystal clear today by Microsoft. Windows 8 on ARM will not be the same experience as Windows 8 on Intel-AMD--despite a big effort by Microsoft to be consistent.

Windows 8 ARM devices will run on processors from Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and Nvidia--marking the first time that a mainstream Windows operating system will run on processors from ARM chip suppliers in addition to those of Intel-AMD.

Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky said today that Windows 8 on ARM (WOA) will launch at the same time as Windows on Intel-AMD (x86)--though he didn't say when--and that ARM-based more

Windows 8 will debut on ARM tablets at launch

That was an open question ever since Microsoft previewed Windows 8 last 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 today, 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

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Microsoft ends preorders for Nokia Lumia 900

Smartphone buyers eager to preorder the Nokia Lumia 900 may have missed their window of opportunity.

Microsoft has shut down the preorder deal for the Windows Phone-based 900, a company spokesman confirmed to CNET today. No specific reason was given as to why the offer was stopped after only one week. But the rep said that its Microsoft Stores do continually update such offers.

"Customers who are interested in purchasing a Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 900 should stay tuned to the Microsoft Store Facebook Page for store offers in the coming months," advised the rep.

Unveiled earlier this month, the more

Windows 8 bundled Metro apps revealed

The next beta of Windows 8 will apparently give us a healthy dose of Metro apps, whether we want them or not.

Microsoft plans to release the Windows 8 Consumer Preview--basically, a pre-release version of the new OS available to anyone who wants to download it--on February 29. Microsoft is reportedly finalizing the Metro apps that will be bundled with the new OS. Citing "sources familiar with Microsoft's plans," the Verge revealed the current list as:

• Calendar
• Camera
• Mail
• Messaging
• Music
• People
• Photos
• SkyDrive
• Video

These are just the apps known so far, so there could be more more

Microsoft to host Windows 8 Consumer Preview on Feb. 29

Microsoft will take the wraps off the consumer preview of Windows 8 on February 29 in Barcelona, a key milestone on the path toward launching the new operating system.

The consumer preview is the name Microsoft has given the beta version of the operating system. The company said in December it would launch the beta by late February.

Microsoft sent out invitations this morning to press to attend the "Windows 8 Consumer Preview." And while the invitation doesn't say anything about the debut of the preview itself, it stands to reason that it will coincide with the event.

The more

Nokia Lumia 800 reportedly launching Feb. 14 for $899

Smartphone buyers eager to grab the Nokia Lumia 800 face good news and bad news. The Windows Phone handset will reportedly hit the U.S. next Tuesday, but it could carry a price tag of $899.

Citing "sources close to Microsoft's Lumia launch plans," The Verge picked up this latest scoop on the phone (Note: this links to a Google-cached version of the story--the Verge link isn't working for unknown reasons.)

But consumers expressing shock over the price should know that it's for a so-called Lumia 800 "bundle" that includes a Nokia Play 360 Wireless Speaker, Purity HD Stereo Headset, more

Angry Birds part of flock of first Windows Store games

Windows users can grab some Angry Birds and a host of other games when Microsoft's Windows Store opens for business later this month.

The new store is slated to launch in preview mode by the end of February at the same time the Windows 8 Consumer Preview debuts.

Citing a "source familiar with Microsoft's plans," The Verge has spilled the beans on which games will be among the first titles to pop up in the store. Though Pinball and Solitaire will automatically come with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, several other games will be available for download from more