On Display at CES: Latest Showcase of Stunning New Windows 8 Hardware

Touch and other new capabilities in Windows 8 are powering the latest hardware innovations coming from our OEM partners. Together we are delivering interactive new experiences through devices and services that deliver on customers’ need for constant connectivity, mobility and flexibility.

This new world of computing is on display this week at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from chipsets, to materials, hinges, touch panels, rotating displays, beautiful new designs and new capabilities in Windows 8.

The PCs and devices we’re seeing come to market are increasingly mobile and much more powerful. When Windows 8 launched in October, we talked about 1,000 PCs and devices that had been certified for Windows 8. There are now more than 1,500 with more expected in the weeks and months to come. The breadth of innovation continues as our hardware partners deliver new Windows 8 devices and experiences that are tuned for play and work.

With that, let’s take a look at some of the incredible new Windows 8 PCs that are being announced and garnering attention on the show floor this week.

This is the Transformer Book TX300CA from ASUS, a lightweight ultraportable with a 13” full HD (1920×1080) IPS display and multi-touch capabilities. Imagine the portability of a tablet but will have access to a more familiar Ultrabook design for productivity. The Transformer Book TX300CA delivers performance and an excellent user experience thanks to the latest Intel Core i7 processor with HD4000 graphics and Windows 8.

Another brilliant touch laptop: Sony’s VAIO T Series 15. This is the 15-inch version of the popular T13 that features built-in HD web cam, which if you haven’t seen it in action is really impressive. The built-in web camera features image sensor that not only provides crisp, bright pictures, but you can use the camera and hand gestures to skip a song, adjust volume, and navigate webpages with VAIO Gesture Control.

For more on Sony, see this video featuring Sony’s VAIO Tap 20 and LL Cool J:

New to the PC market this year, TV-leader Vizio has come on strong with a beautiful line of notebooks and all-in-ones. Now they’ve enabled their Thin + Light series with touch, making them even more attractive for the Windows 8 world.

 

Samsung will be refreshing its Series 7 Ultrabooks this spring with the Series 7 Chronos and Series 7 Ultra Touch. Both models will feature a full HD (1920 x 1080) display, longer battery life and Samsung’s trademark sleek aesthetics. Slightly thinner, the Series 7 Ultra Touch boasts a JBL sound system and is a great multimedia PC, while the Chronos offers premium performance and is still less than one-inch thick.

Here’s creative take on an all-in-one PC: Lenovo’s IdeaCentre Horizon table PC. This device from Lenovo combines an all-in-one desktop and table PC into one design. It can be used as an HD display or laid flat for a fun new gaming experience. It’s as thin as two DVD cases, and can be outfitted with an Intel Core i7 processor and, of course, Windows 8. We think this kind of design is a game changer for family computing.

Another innovative design from Lenovo, the ThinkPad Helixis a premium convertible that features the company’s groundbreaking “rip and flip” design, giving people absolute mobile freedom and versatility. Use it as a tablet, a laptop, a table-based tablet PC or even a mini movie theater with this flexible new design. Furthering the Helix’s “groundbreaking” label, the new model features optional 4G high-speed wireless and Near Field Communications (NFC) technology that makes sharing files with other devices a easy as tapping them together.

Take a look at both the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix and IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC:

For fans of traditional notebook designs there are plenty to choose from this year. Dell’s Inspiron 14R, 15R and 17R are getting a refresh with a sleek new design that is not only easy on the eyes, but easy to keep at your side. Nearly 5 mm thinner than the previous generation, the laptops include a built-in optical drive, stunning graphics options and fast processors.

LG’s impressive monitor selection comprises of the UltraWide, ColorPrime and Touch 10, all matched for entertainment, professional applications and touch-based interaction, respectively. All three models employ IPS technology for exceptional next generation picture quality.

HP’s Sleekbook line – featuring the latest technologies from AMD – is a great mix of functionality and affordability. Sporting a 15.6-inch diagonal HD display, 1 terabyte of storage and exclusive innovations including HP Connected Photo powered by Snapfish, this is a great Windows 8 PC for photographers.

For gaming and movie enthusiasts, Toshiba’s new Qosimo X875features all the horsepower you’ll need plus a new 1 terabyte hard drive – all in a laptop!

Panasonic has announced its “fearless business tablet” the Toughpad FZ-G1 with Windows 8 Pro. The toughness, thinness and light weight are optimized for field operations and the high brightness screen is tuned for outdoor use.  It’s an enterprise level tablet equipped with Windows 8 Pro and a high-performance processor.

Check out Jenn Brown from ESPN putting the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 to the test:

Microsoft and our OEM partners are working closely together to delight customers with hardware, software and services that create immersive new experiences and computing scenarios. The hardware innovation from our partners continues with amazing new PCs and devices coming into the Windows 8 ecosystem. Momentum for the platform is also strong with consumers, commercial customers and developers: we’ve crossed the 40 million mark for Windows 8 licenses ,  crossed the 60 million mark for Windows 8 licenses there are more apps coming online every day, and cloud services to unify media and content across devices.

 

 

Nokia to launch Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 in India on January 10

After much delay, Nokia is finally set to launch its Windows 8 flagship devices, Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 in India. The company has already sent out invites for a January 10 event. Additionally the Finnish handset maker is also running small teaser television ads featuring a yellow Nokia Lumia 920 with a yellow wireless charger to help create buzz around the smartphones.

Nokia introduced Lumia 920 and Lumia 820at a gala event in September 2012. Nokia Lumia 920 is a Windows 8 smartphone, which features a 4.5-inch PureMotion HD display. It is powered by dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 CPU with 1GB of RAM. It has 32 GB of internal storage, 8.7-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front shooter. Nokia Lumia 920 has a 2000mAh battery and supports wireless charging.

Nokia Lumia 820 on the other hand is a mid-range smartphone. It features a 4.3-inch Clearblack display and is powered by 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 dual-core processor. It comes with a 8-megapixel rear shooter and a VGA front camera. Nokia Lumia comes with 8GB of internal storage and runs on Windows 8. The India price for both these smartphones is not known so far.

Nokia Lumia 920 first started shipping to markets like France and UK markets in October, and it was earlier speculated that Nokia Lumia 920 will be launched in India by November. However, that did not happen, perhaps because the device was in short supply in some markets.

The smartphone has received a warm response in United States mostly due to the aggressive pricing strategy adopted by Nokia in this market. Even in a price sensitive market like India, Nokia will have to price the smartphone attractively to make sure that it generates keen interest amongst Indian consumers.

CES 2013 promises new generation of "smart" gadgets

At the world’s largest technology conference that kicks off on Monday, the most intriguing innovations showcased may be gadgets and technology that turn everyday items into connected, smarter machines.

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas promises a new generation of “smart” gadgets, some controlled by voice and gestures, and technology advancements in cars, some of which already let you dictate emails or check real-time gas prices.

Pundits have long predicted that home appliances like refrigerators and stoves will be networked, creating an “Internet of things.” With advancements in chips and the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, it’s now happening.

“We’ve been talking about this convergence of consumer electronics and computers and content for 20 years. It will actually be somewhat of a reality here, in that your phone, your tablet, your PC, your TV, your car, have a capability to all be connected,” said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.

Despite the absence of tech heavyweights Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp, CES still draws thousands of exhibitors, from giants like Intel Corp and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd to startups hungry for funding.

Wireless chip maker Qualcomm Inc’s CEO, Paul Jacobs, opens the festivities with a keynote speech on Monday, taking a spot traditionally reserved for Microsoft, which decided last year to sever ties with the show.

Jacobs said in a recent interview on PBS that he will show how wireless technology will be pushed way beyond smartphones into homes, cars and healthcare.

Smarter smartphones
With venues spanning over 32 football fields across Las Vegas more than 1.9 million sq. ft. (176,516 sq. metres) CES is an annual rite for those keen to glimpse the newest gadgets before they hit store shelves. The show, which started in 1967 in New York, was the launch pad for the VCR, camcorder, DVD and HDTV.

While retailers prowl for products to fill their shelves, Wall Street investors look for products that are the next hit.

Intel and Qualcomm are expected to highlight improvements in “perceptual computing,” which involves using cameras, GPS, sensors and microphones to make devices detect and respond to user activity.

“The idea is that if your devices are so smart, they should be able to know you better and anticipate and react to your requirements,” said IDC analyst John Jackson.

This year, snazzier TVs will again dominate show space, with “ultra high-definition” screens that have resolutions some four times sharper than that of current displays. The best smartphones will likely be reserved for launch at Mobile World Congress in February.

There will also be a record number of auto makers showing the latest in-vehicle navigation, entertainment and safety systems, from Toyota’s Audi to Ford, General Motors and Hyundai. The Consumer Electronics Association has forecast the market for factory-installed tech features in cars growing 11 percent this year to $8.7 billion.

BMW, for one, already provides speech recognition that is processed instantly through datacenters, converted into text and emailed without drivers taking their hands off the wheel. The luxury carmaker also offers data about weather, fuel prices and other items.

“Automotive has been this backwater of technology for a long time. Suddenly, we’re seeing a lot of real innovation in automotive technology,” Scott McGregor, CEO of chipmaker Broadcom, told Reuters ahead of the show.

Huawei's Ascend D2, Ascend Mate and W1 press photos leak ahead of CES launch

CES is almost here, and so are the inevitable leaks. Huawei, the Chinese smartphone equipment giant, is gearing up to showcase its new devices at the upcoming CES 2013, and the infamous @evleaks has  posted what are reportedly press shots of three of these mobiles.

First one is the Ascend Mate. This Android device was previously showcased by the company’s executive at a retail store in China. It is evident from the Press photo that this one is going to be a giant smartphone (or a phablet, if you will) with a 6.1-inch HD screen. The phone is powered by Huawei’s own 1.8GHz HISilicon K3V3 quad-core chip, and packs in a 4,000 mAh battery.

Next in the line of leaks is the Ascend D2. This is a “smaller” smartphone that boasts a 5-inch HD touchscreen. Under the hood, there is a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor. The D2 runs on Android (version not confirmed) with company’s own Emotion UI on top of it.

Last one is the Huawei W1. This one is a Windows Phone 8 device, which we’ve heard about multipletimes before. What is clear from the leaked image is that it will come in four different colour options. @evleaks mentions that the phone is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and will pack in a 2,000 mAh battery.

Huawei was mentioned as one of the  original Windows Phone 8 partners by Microsoft, and looks like their plans are finally coming to fruition. It will be interesting to see what other major OEMs showcase as far as their Windows Phone offerings are concerned.

All these devices are expected to debut at the upcoming  CES.

Windows 8 for business

The way people work has changed dramatically during the last several years. People use technology in the home and at work interchangeably. They’re mobile and expect access from anywhere. Technology at home is rapidly becoming central and people don’t want to give up the convenience of their personal devices and services when they enter the workplace. Focused on business and people Windows 8 is reimagined to support different working styles. It’s more intuitive so you can find what you need faster and easier. The new look of Windows and the new app model make it easier for businesses to create their own line-of-business apps to help improve productivity. Windows 8 improves on Windows 7 fundamentals like speed, reliability, security, and other essentials that are important to IT administrators. And it works seamlessly with an existing Windows management infrastructure.

The better business tablet Windows 8 tablets bring together the convenience and mobility of a tablet with the productivity of a PC. With full support for touch, mouse, and keyboard, Windows 8 tablets run the majority of apps that run on Windows 7 PCs today. Windows 8 provides new opportunities for line-of-business apps, especially on tablets. Line-of-business Windows apps can help enhance productivity, with full-screen apps that allow workers to more easily interact with the apps.

New possibilities for mobile productivity
With Windows 8, it’s easier for people in your business to get connected and stay connected. IT pros can help ensure that corporate data is safer and more secure. Great new features and enhancements mean that road warriors can take their Windows 8 computers with them, confident that the built-in Wi-Fi and mobile broadband solutions can help them stay connected whether they’re on-site with a customer, waiting for a flight, or working from a branch office.

Built-in mobile broadband features in Windows 8 add support for 3G and 4G telecommunication, enabling business users on the go to connect to the Internet immediately. Windows 8 mobile broadband support can help businesses keep data usage costs low with built-in mobile broadband metering. As mobile users move between locations, Windows 8 automatically uses Wi-Fi hotspots, if they’re available.

Windows To Go is a cost-effective solution for alternative workplace scenarios. In Windows 8 Enterprise editions, IT administrators can provide employees with a corporate Windows image on a certified USB storage device that includes line-of-business apps, settings, and corporate data. Off-site users can have a consistent Windows 8 experience on any Windows 7 or Windows 8 logo-certified corporate or personal PC. With Windows To Go, employees get a rich, consistent, and personalized Windows 8 experience that’s as secure as a fully managed PC. When they shut down, they can remove the USB device and no data is left on the host PC.

DirectAccess allows remote users to more securely and seamlessly access resources inside of a corporate network without having to launch a separate virtual private network (VPN) connection to the corporate network.

BranchCache downloads files and apps from a corporate headquarters, storing this data in the branch office. Client PCs in the branch office can access the content locally, rather than repeatedly downloading it from headquarters. By using BranchCache, you can reduce the time required for branch workers to access data on the network.

In Windows 8 Enterprise, BranchCache can store more data and serve more clients. Multiple hosted cache servers can be used in a single office, making deployment possible in offices of any size. The feature also includes cache encryption and removes the requirement for additional disk encryption technologies. This helps simplify deployment and helps to improve data security. Windows 8 uses Windows file server’s state-of-the-art technology to divide files into small pieces and eliminate duplicates. This results in greater bandwidth savings and better network performance.

Enhanced end-to-end security

Windows 8 provides enterprise-class security capabilities that keep clients more secure against malware intrusion, better protected with easy-to-deploy data encryption, and more protected with strong access control to resources.

Trusted Boot helps protect the end-to-end boot process and virtually eliminates the possibility for malware to hijack the boot process or hide from antimalware software. On Windows devices equipped with UEFI 2.3.1, the UEFI Secure Boot feature ensures that the OS loader is the first piece of software that starts. The Windows 8 Trusted Boot feature protects the integrity of the remainder of the boot process, including the kernel, system files, boot critical drivers, and even the antimalware software itself. The system’s antimalware software is the first 3rd party application or driver to start. Moving antimalware into the Trusted Boot process prevents it from being tampered with. In the event that malware is able to successfully tamper with the boot process Windows can automatically detect and repair the system. Measured boot validates, signs, and stores boot information in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. This enables a remote service to validate a computer’s integrity (called remote attestation).

BitLocker drive encryption helps protect corporate data on mobile PCs that include a TPM chip. On Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise editions, BitLocker now encrypts hard drives more quickly, helping to keep data safe without significantly interrupting worker productivity. BitLocker now supports encrypted drives, which are hard drives that come pre-encrypted from the manufacturer. BitLocker offers a variety of solutions for different business needs.

AppLocker is a simple and flexible mechanism that allows IT administrators to specify exactly the apps that are allowed to run on employees’ PCs. On Windows 8 editions that support Group Policy, AppLocker uses Group Policy to allow or restrict the types of files that people can use. This helps prevent unapproved or potentially harmful apps.

SmartScreen services are a set of sophisticated technologies that help protect users from malicious sites and software that they might encounter on the Internet. If this is turned on at startup, the technologies check the reputation of any new app or website, helping to keep users safe no matter what browser they’re using. This helps to prevent malware and other viruses from infiltrating your organization.

Manageability and virtualization advancements
With new device form factors and more mobile devices entering the workplace, managing devices and corporate data is more critical than ever. The trusted management and security features that millions of businesses depend on every day are a part of Windows 8, and Windows 8 works well with today’s hardware options. Combined with tools that simplify compatibility testing and deployment, Windows 8 integrates seamlessly into most existing client management infrastructures.

Windows 8 is built for business
Individuals in the workplace are increasingly influencing the technology they use at work. This trend puts high expectations on IT administrators to keep their users productive and secure anytime, anywhere and across a broad range of devices.

Windows 8 is the ideal solution for businesses because it has the power and familiarity of the desktop, new ways for users to interact with line-of-business apps, and support for more mobile form factors. Along with the end-to-end security features and manageability enhancements, Windows 8 can help your employees be more productive and help keep your data more secure. Windows 8 is great for businesses because it delivers the experiences people will love and the enterprise-grade capabilities that IT departments need.

Windows on a wide range of hardware

 

With Windows 8, you don’t have to choose between a fun touch device and a hard-working PC because you can have it both ways. Prefer a mouse and keyboard? Great. Prefer touch? Enjoy the convenience. Windows 8 runs on amazing hardware, from tablets to laptops to all-in-ones with large, high-definition screens. Whether you like to stay put or work on the go, you can enjoy the power, convenience, and versatility of Windows.

Flexibility
Windows 8 has the flexibility you need. It combines the convenience and mobility of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop or PC and gives you a great experience—practically anywhere.

Longer life
Windows 8 is designed to deliver a great experience across many different devices, from ultra-fast desktops to low-power tablets. Because Windows 8 can run on low-power CPUs, you can work much longer on a single charge. That means you can stay connected so your PC is ready when you are. Battery life is longer and connections are stronger so you’ll be able to find a device to suit you for work or play. Lower power requirements are also helped by the growing number of energy-efficient devices that are designed to work with Windows 8.

Share between devices
Tap and Do works on mobile devices equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) so you can tap two devices together and share information. Tap and Setup is another feature available with Windows 8 that lets you easily connect wireless devices, like keyboards, mice, headphones, and speakers by simply tapping them against your PC. No more PINs or complicated setup steps!

More options for devices
Windows senses compatible wireless printers, TVs, speakers, and Xbox 360s on your home network and makes them ready to use automatically. Setup can be as easy as connecting your device to your home network

The new language of touch

 

Windows 8 is hands-on and designed to eliminate the need to choose. You don’t have to “work” on your PC and “play” on your tablet. The most efficient way to get stuff done is immediately available. Whether you’re browsing apps, reading a book, or typing on the go with touch, creating a project that requires the more productive horsepower of a traditional mouse and keyboard, or doing everything at once, Windows 8 makes it easy. You use whatever works best, whenever it works best. No tradeoffs.

On new, touch-enabled PCs, the things you can do with a mouse and keyboard are just as easy to do with touch. You can switch between apps, organize your Start screen, and pan and zoom. With the touch keyboard, you can navigate, type, and interact on the go. Because you work in different ways depending on which app you’re using, Windows 8 makes it easy to use whichever method works best.

The touch keyboard has two modes designed to suit the way you work. You get a full-sized keyboard with large buttons, or a handy thumb keyboard that splits the keys on either side of the screen, making it easy and more comfortable to use on the go. Typing feels natural whether you’re sitting down or walking around.

The Windows 8 keyboard speaks your language. On new, touch-enabled PCs, the keyboard layout automatically adjusts to the language you choose for Windows, so your language settings apply to the whole PC rather than just certain apps. Whether you want to type and click, swipe and tap, or do a combination of both, you can navigate and work easily and efficiently in the language of your choice with Windows 8.

Wall-to-wall web

Fast and fluid
It starts and loads sites almost instantly. It brings a fluid responsiveness to the web that feels totally new. Everything you want to do on the web is a swipe, tap, or click away.Perfect for touchInternet Explorer 10 provides a touch first and a truly full-screen browsing experience. Navigation controls appear only when you need them and quietly get out of the way when you don’t. You can flip ahead or back through your websites with the flick of a finger. Tiles and tabs for frequently visited sites are oversized for easy tapping.Easy to useSmooth, intuitive controls work just as you’d expect. One box is both the address and search bar for speedier navigation. Pin your favorite sites to your Start screen and get to them as quickly as you access your apps.Safer and more privateThe industry-leading SmartScreen technology helps keep your PC and your information safer on the web and helps protect against socially-engineered malware. Privacy tools like Do Not Track are built-in and are easily enabled in just one click, so you have more control.

Why don’t toolbars and add-ons work?
Internet Explorer 10 provides an “add-on free” experience. It supports HTML 5 for video content, but you can’t install toolbars and add-ons in Internet Explorer 10.If you are viewing a webpage that requires an add-on, you can view the content by opening the website in Internet Explorer for the desktop. To do this, swipe in from the right edge of the screen (if you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen), tap or click Settings, and then tap or click Use the desktop.

Where do I find my favorites?
Internet Explorer 10 doesn’t use the traditional Favorites from previous versions. Instead, you can pin websites to the Start screen or open a list of pinned sites and frequently visited sites using New tab. If you open Internet Explorer for the desktop, you can use the traditional Favorites, but you can’t access the pinned sites from the Start screen.

How do I view a website in Compatibility View?
To view a website in Compatibility View, open Internet Explorer for the desktop, and then click the Compatibility view button in the address bar.

How do I set my default web browser?
1. On the Start screen, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
2. Enter Default programs, and then tap or click Apps.
3. In the search results, tap or click Default Programs.
4. Tap or click Set your Default Programs.
5. Choose the browser you want from the list.
6. Select Set this program as default, and then tap or click OK.

I can’t find the Internet Explorer 10 tile on the Start screen. How do I get it back?
Internet Explorer 10 might have accidentally become unpinned. To pin it back to your Start screen, follow these steps:
1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
2. Enter Internet Explorer, and then tap or click Apps.
In the search results, swipe down on the Internet Explorer icon, and then tap Pin to Start.
(If you’re using a mouse, right-click Internet Explorer, and then click Pin to Start.)

Your Windows, everywhere

 

Your Microsoft account is like a portable, personal PC that appears on any Windows 8 device you’re using. Sign in to your Windows 8 device with your Microsoft account and you’re immediately connected to the people, files, and settings you care about. Your PC comes to life with all the things that make Windows yours, including your Start page, themes, language preferences, browsing history, and browser favorites. You can connect your favorite services to your Microsoft account, too—services like Outlook.com, Microsoft Messenger, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more. And you can immediately get to your photos, docs, and other files, whether they’re on Microsoft SkyDrive, Facebook, Flickr, or other services.

Your Windows everywhere
Sign in and your Windows 8 device becomes yours because your personalization, desktop background, and settings are all there. Whether you set it up once just the way you want it or change it often, when you sign in even a brand-new PC lights up with everything that makes Windows yours. And anyone you share your Windows 8 PC with can have their own personalized, cloud-connected access by signing in with their own Microsoft account. Start a project on one PC, and finish it on another. When you use the cloud to store your information, the boundaries between devices dissolve. Your apps, games, music, photos, files, and settings aren’t stored on one device because they’re in one place: the cloud. Sign in to any of your Windows 8 PCs and access all of your stuff from virtually anywhere.

Connected to your people
Use mail and messaging apps to communicate with all your friends, family, and co-workers. And you won’t need to invite them twice. If you have contacts all over the place, you’re in luck because whether you originally added a contact in Outlook.com, Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, or some other service, if you choose to connect them, that contact is available in your apps as soon as you sign in to your PC with your Microsoft account. You can have a fully connected address book with the People app. See the people you care about, their updates, and all the different ways to communicate and share with them—all in one place.

Connected to your files
Your Microsoft account goes where you go. You can switch from one Windows 8 device to another and be ready to pick up where you left off just by signing in. When your files are in the cloud and you have an Internet connection, you can access photos and other files on Microsoft SkyDrive just like you access other things on your PC, and you can get to them from any web-connected device. SkyDrive and an Internet connection give you access to practically everything on your PC

Family safety in the cloud
With Microsoft Family Safety, you can set up accounts for your children so you don’t have to worry as much about their online activity. Family Safety will monitor your children’s activities and let you know what they’re doing. By connecting your account, you’ll be able to get weekly email reports in your inbox. You can also set up web filtering, time limits, and app restrictions.