microsoft

The 10 best same-device multiplayer games for the iPad

August 10, 2023 by Rico Mossegeld

iPad owners who keep to themselves aren’t maximizing the experience. With a relatively large 9.7″ screen and support for multi-touch, Apple’s tablet PC is also great for entertaining several people.

Here we feature 10 different iOS apps that will turn your iPad (or iPad 2) into the life of the party, courtesy of some fun two- or four-player multiplayer gameplay.

All the following apps support multiple players on the same device, so no online connection is necessary. You’ll only need one iPad to have fun with friends of family members, meaning even those who don’t have an iOS device (the iPhone, iPod touch, or the iPad) can still participate.

Monopoly for iPad ($9.99)

The star attraction of this modern version of the classic real-estate boardgame? Tabletop mode, where the game orients itself to the active player. It’s this feature alone—not to mention the faithful recreation of the Monopoly experience—that makes this game worth playing with up to three human or computer-controlled opponents.

5 kinds of programs you should install on a new Windows PC

August 9, 2023 by Rico Mossegeld

So you’ve unpacked your new desktop or laptop, or just finished a reformat. What programs should you install on your brand new Windows installation? Here are 10 suggested application categories, listed in the order they should be installed.

Keep in mind that the following suggestions are meant for a new Windows installation. As a long-time user of Microsoft’s operating system, I’m aware that even Windows 7 has many disadvantages compared to Linux and Mac OS X. Yet in terms of versatility and availability of programs, Microsoft’s OS remains supreme. [Read more…] about 5 kinds of programs you should install on a new Windows PC

The History of Computing: Microsoft vs. Apple

August 2, 2023 by noemi

No, this is not an infographics site, and I know I just published an infographic yesterday. This one is too good to pass up on, though.

What is the first name, or brand, that comes to name when you think about computers/computing? Without a doubt, it is either Microsoft or Apple. ((You may have a different answer if you’re part of specific niches, but in general, I am willing to bet that it’s going to be either of the two.)) Arguably, these two companies have played the largest parts in the world of computers.

Computer geeks and number crunchers, here is the perfect infographic to ~~waste~~ spend some time on today. Go back in time and rediscover how computers as we know them today came into existence. Reaffirm your knowledge of the roles that Microsoft and Apple have played. And in case this is the first time that you are going to encounter these bits of information, then you’re going to have a blast.

Some of the more interesting points:

Windows XP still has the largest market share with 40.7 percent.
In the Internet browsers war, Microsoft one ups Apple with the Internet Explorer (48%). Apple’s Safari only has 5%.
While the Apple iPhone seems to be the most popular phone these days, Microsoft still has a larger market share with Windows OS at 26%. Apple’s iOS only has 7%.
When it comes to mp3 players, though, Apple is the undisputed leader with 76% market share. Microsoft has a measly 1%.

For tons more info – numbers, dates, and what have you – scroll down and enjoy this immense infographic.

Xbox Kinect Opens Arms to Hackers

July 13, 2023 by noemi

Hackers may not be the proper word to use, but there is no doubt that hackers are clapping their hands with glee with the recent announcement from Microsoft. The software giant recently announced that it is going to open up the playing field by releasing a software development kit sometime in spring. This will allow software developers to play around with the Kinect on a deeper level than the average user.

According to Microsoft, “The intent of releasing a “starter kit” for application developers is to make it easier for academic research and enthusiast communities to create even richer experiences using Kinect technology.” Furthermore, with the release of the software development kit, people will be able to access “deep Kinect system capabilities such as audio, system APIs, and direct control of the sensor”.

At first, the software development kit will be targeted at amateurs only. Those who want to jump into the fray for commercial purposes will have to wait a little longer for the commercial release. Just how long – there is no word as of yet.

Personally, I will never be able to take advantage of this software development kit as I have no idea what to do with it, but I am sure there are enough “hackers” out there who cannot wait to try and see what they can do with the Kinect.

If Microsoft can be believed, the Kinect is the fastest selling gadget of all time. It really is not that surprising as it really upped the ante after the Wii revolutionized the way we play our games, is it?

Via The Telegraph

Who’s Suing Whom?

June 19, 2023 by noemi

Lawsuits are so common these days that no one pays attention to them anymore. But, did you have an idea about the extent of pending lawsuits in the mobile industry? We hear about one company suing another for patent infringement all the time, but I doubt that we actually spend much time on thinking about these things.

Just recently, tech blogs and new sites exploded with reports on how Microsoft is suing Motorola over the latter’s line of Android phones. The lawsuit involves several cases of Motorola supposedly violating certain patents belonging to Microsoft. This is not the sole case, though. There are lots of others that have been on in this sector.

Here’s an interesting – amusing, actually – visual representation of what’s going on in that world, courtesy of The Guardian.

I don’t know about you, but one look at that, and I was exclaiming “What heck is wrong with these people?” I guess if it’s millions of money involved, then people take on a different perspective. In any case, the average consumer – you and I – will not have to worry about these lawsuits as they do tend to get settled. We just keep on going with our every day lives and buying whatever catches our fancy.