All the things about Windows 8

With Windows 8, launched on Friday, Microsoft wants to ensure that its new operating system runs on all form factors - desktops, notebooks and even tablets. The software giant foresees people using a common OS, seamlessly interoperating between different devices without any glitches. It also envisions hybrid gizmos that can function as a fullfledged tablet or laptop depending on the user's requirements. Of course, to create an OS that would work just as well with touchscreens as it would with the keyboard and mouse, MS has had to make some big changes to Windows. 

Logging in

Windows 8 is heavily integrated with Microsoft's web services. Users are provided with the ability to log on to their PCs with a Windows Live ID (instead of a more traditional local user account) for seamless functioning between various devices. For example, if you're following certain news feeds in the Reader app on your tablet, the same content will also be available to you on your PC. Besides you are automatically logged-on to those Metro-style apps and services that use your Live ID for authentication.

The modern UI

In one of the most radical changes to Windows in the last 28 years, MS has introduced a new tile-based user interface known as the Modern UI. First seen on Windows Phone (and called Metro UI), this interface lends itself to operations with a touchscreen.

Each app shows up as a tile on the 'Start Screen' . These app tiles are also capable of displaying dynamic updates. For example, the People app will display the latest updates from your social networks , while the News app will scroll through headlines. Even Control Panel settings and Network Connections are handled through this new interface.

Gestures

Since this OS is supposed to run on tablets, the Modern UI is designed to work with gestures such as pinching in and out, or quickly scrolling through apps with a swipe of a finger.

Desktop

There are two changes that MS made to the Desktop feature in Windows 8. First, it can now be accessed through a tile on the Modern UI. And second, the Start button is gone! (See box on how to bring it back.) Instead, users have to move the cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the Windows key on the keyboard, to access the 'Start Screen' .

In the Desktop mode, users will be able to run all the software that they have always used in Windows. New programs will show up as a shortcut on the Start Screen.

Apps

Like the iTunes Store and the Google Play Store, Windows 8 comes with its own store where you can download and install apps. Of course, the Store will be limited to Modern apps (other programs and software will have to be procured and installed like how it's always been done).

File copy

File copy now comes with buttons to pause, resume and stop each transfer, and provides details on copy speed too.

Task manager

Microsoft says that 85% of Windows users only bring up the 'applications' and 'processes' Task Manager to check which program is using up system resources and to close those that are 'Not Responding' . So MS decided to make this easier with a revamped Task Manager that displays a simple list of the programs that are running on your PC, with a handy 'End Task' button. Of course, more details like Services, App History, Startup, etc, are available, if needed.

Refresh & restore

If a PC seemed sluggish, the old solution was to format the C drive and reinstall the OS. But Windows 8 gives users the option to go back to default settings by merely clicking the 'Refresh' option in the Settings menu. You don't lose any of your personal data in this. And in case this doesn't work, consider the Restore option,which wipes the hard drive and reinstalls Windows 8.
 Windows 8 is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7 and is even more secure-with safer browsing, account protection, and parental controls.

Windows 8 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 8 on your PC, here's what it takes:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 
• RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Additional requirements to use certain features:

• To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch 
• To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768
• To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768
• Internet access (ISP fees might apply)
• Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database
• Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance
• Microsoft account required for some features
• Watching DVDs requires separate playback software 
• Windows Media Center license sold separately 
• BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only)
• BitLocker requires either Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or a USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only)
• Client Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system with second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities and additional 2 GB of RAM (Windows 8 Pro only)
• A TV tuner is required to play and record live TV in Windows Media Center (Windows 8 Pro Pack and Windows 8 Media Center Pack only)
• Free Internet TV content varies by geography, some content might require additional fees (Windows 8 Pro Pack and Windows 8 Media Center Pack only)

To check if your PC meets these requirements, you can run the Upgrade Assistant.

Which Windows is right for you?

		Windows RT *		Windows 8 **		Windows 8 Pro
Fluid, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface design that you can easily customize.
Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, and other apps are built in with many more apps available at Windows Store.
Includes Internet Explorer 10 for fast, intuitive browsing.
Touch-enabled so you can interact with Windows in a whole new way. (Requires a PC that supports multitouch.)
Mouse and keyboard–enabled so you can be as productive as you need to be.
Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and Windows Update are included, so you're up to date and more secure.
Runs programs you used with previous versions of Windows. ***
Provides data protection to help keep your information secure. ****
Enables you to connect to your PC when you're on the go with Remote Desktop Connection.
Connects to your corporate network with Domain Join.
Comes with Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview preinstalled so you can do more out of the box. *****

HTC 8X - Only windows phone with Beats Audio

Key Features

Exclusive built in amplifier for Beats Audio™. Enjoy high-def, uncompromised sound for all you do. Boost sound with less distortion than other phones for the ultimate entertainment experience.
Perfect-fit design. This is the most comfortable phone you’ll ever hold. Its seamless form feels great in your hand and on your ear. The ultra-unique matte finish comes in a variety of distinctive colors.

World-class camera. Get more people in the shot, including you, with the new ultra-wide-angle front and back cameras. 8X takes sharp, crisp photos—even low-light conditions.

• 
  
 

Capture twice the picture with the ultra-wide-angle front camera lens.

 

How many times have you wanted to take a picture of you and your friends in front of somewhere cool, but the photo just captures your head and nothing of the background. Or, you don’t really get your friends in the shot, either. Get more people in the shot, including you! Now, easily fit more people in the shot with an exclusive 88° ultra-wide-angle front camera that captures nearly triple the area of most other front cameras. Enjoy more people, more background, more memories.

Iconic design.

 

The 8X provides a simple, human feel combined with an innovative, unique unibody construction resulting in a phone with a perfectly sculpted, continuous form, without bumps or protrusions – and for the camera, the buttons are completely flush with the body, adding to the iconic design aesthetic.

Amplified by Beats Audio™

 

The 8X has a dedicated amp built right into the phone, so it pumps more power to your headphones than ever. Plus, Beats Audio is coming to Windows phones for the first time ever. Take that combination and transform your listening pleasure with deeper bass, crisper vocals and detailed high notes for music, games, movies and videos.

Windows Phone 8X Specs :
 

Build and design

Measuring in at 10.12mm thick the 8X is substantially less slender than the One X (8.9mm) but manages to weigh in at the same 130g as HTC’s flagship Android device. Available in California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow, the 8X seems to share more design characteristics with the Nokia Lumia 920 than it does with current One Series offerings which HTC claims is more based on the pillow-like design of Windows Live Tiles.

Screen

Brandishing a 4.3-inch LCD 2 HD touchscreen display with 1280 x 720 resolution, the 8X should serve up 720p HD image and video quality. Lightweight but durable Gorilla Glass should protect the screen from being roughed up during the day, and to battle glare and reflection issues, optical lamination has been includes so watching video or browsing in on the web shouldn’t be an issue.

Camera

Following in the footsteps of the Android-powered One X, the 8X features an 8-megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash and a BSI sensor which along with the f/2.0 aperture and 28mm lens should snap great pictures in low-light conditions. HTC’s dedicated Image Chip will help deliver slick snaps and ramp up the focus speed, while 1080p HD video recording with stereo sound should take care of mobile movies.
For video chatting enthusiasts, the 2.1-Megapixel front-facing camera is capable of full HD video recording and also sports a f/2.0 aperture which combines with the ultra-wide-angle lens and HTC ImageChip comfortable should make it one of the best front-facing snappers around.

Connectivity

On the connectivity front you can expect Wi-Fi dual antenna (2.4 & 5GHz) to keep reception strong, with a Bluetooth 2.1 support and NFC capabilities on board as well. The micro-USB 2.0 port should open the possibility for hooking up additional accessories while it’s worth noting that you’ll need to have a Micro SIM packed in the back to start making calls.

 

Beats Audio

Reaping the rewards of HTC’s partnership with Beats Audio, built-in amplifiers and speaker should deliver the superior sound while the 3.5mm audio jack should allow you to plug in most headphones that you can get your hands on. If you opt not to use the ones thrown in the box of course.

Battery and processor

Powering the 8X will be a Qualcomm® S4 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, which will also power the 8S and the Nokia Lumia 920. 1GB of RAM will help to deliver in the multitasking department, while a 1,800 mAh battery should hopefully keep your handset juiced up throughout the day.

Windows Phone 8

Of course the 8X will become HTC’s flagship Window Phone 8 handset and amongst some of the features to expect, you will be able to use Live Tiles on the home screen which will display information such as missed calls and text messages, customization of Internet Explorer and the ability to take screen shots.

Need for Speed Undercover - Windows phone game - xbox live - XAP - Free download

AUTO REAL! REALLY FAST! SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR WINDOWS PHONE 7. Play on Xbox LIVE ®: Unlock the objectives and scale the charts at the wheel of 20 cars from the world's best performance in 24 undercover missions and 8 modes of action Hot Pursuit!

 

• GET UP TO 10 GOALS - Get car, unlock tracks, accumulates a size of more than $ 1,000 and more. Unlock goals, achieve goals and get up to 200 Gamerscore points!
• ACCESS TO DOZENS OF STANDINGS WEEKLY, MONTHLY AND GENERAL - Compare your driving skills with those of your friends and pilots around the world keeping an eye on your ranking. Check who recorded the fastest times, who has the best style scores and who has accumulated more than size.
• RAISES YOUR AVATAR - You better show your Xbox LIVE avatar next to your record.

 

FACES INSPIRING METHOD AND MISSIONS OF RACE
Action tackles head-to-head battle on the highway and hunting cop. Go undercover in 24 covert missions on board the most amazing car in the world.

Immerse yourself in one SPECIAL SCENARIO
The maximum resolution of 800x400 of Windows Phone 7 will give a boost to your senses. Push yourself to the limit as you speed in urban scenery, beautiful countryside and fascinating sea ports. Wide shots and powerful sound effects intensify this experience adrenaline.

Pimp YOUR BOLIDE
Customize your car with aileron parts, different sets of tires, seductive body and new paint. Get performance upgrades and a boost in the turbo, speed, acceleration and maneuverability.

download links
Need for Speed™ Undercover XAP