Can Windows 8 Give Developers What iOS and Android Lack?

While analysts predict that the adoption of the new OS will take time, there is one critical area where it can't afford to fall behind: Apps. See Windows Phone 8 review.

Microsoft has been wooing developers to get on the Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 bandwagon.

The PC landscape that Microsoft dominated for decades has morphed into a mobile battlefield besieged by iPads, iPhones, and Android tablets and smartphones. There is an army of existing Windows developers, but the Windows Store contains only about 10,000 apps. The Apple App Store, by comparison, has 700,000. At its annual Build developer conference last week Microsoft offered attendees a Surface tablet, 100GB of free cloud storage via SkyDrive, a free Nokia Lumia 920 Windows 8 phone and a discounted developer's registration to the Windows Store. But the biggest incentive is something Microsoft announced earlier this year: More money. Microsoft will give developers 70 percent of an app's selling price, but then increase that amount to 80 percent once the app earns over $25,000. Apple only recently raised the cut for iOS developers to 70 percent. Google pays Android developers a 70 percent share as well.

Two Windows 8 developers CIO.com spoke with are both prepared for Windows 8 to grow slowly, but are enthused by its versatility across different devices, the variety of developer tools at hand and the abundant support from Microsoft. And, of course, there's the potentially enormous audience that could rise up around Windows 8.

After all, there are 670 million Windows 7 users potentially upgrading to Windows 8 at some point.

Windows 8: Just Like Starting Over (Kind of) Even with its massive installed base of Windows users, Windows 8 is still like a new kid on the block because of the recent proliferation of tablets and app distribution stores.

"I think Microsoft realizes it is not the big monopolist now and they know they have to conquer the market again," says Tom Verhoeff, an app developer and a partner at Holland-based app development company Methylium, which recently developed the Windows 8 app for Booking.com, a popular online hotel reservation site. "From an OS perspective on the desktop Windows is still the best. But people will have to get used to the Windows 8 interface on the desktop," Verhoeff says."When they adapt they will want it on phones and they will be happy with how files sync between the two." The success of iOS and Android on tablets remains the biggest obstacle for Windows 8, admits Verhoeff, and with PC sales in decline Microsoft won't be as big as it used to be, but will still carve out a space in the market, he says. Independent developer Jonathan Isabelle recently developed an app for Windows 8 called Jack of Tools (a "Swiss Army Knife"-type app that contains a flashlight, compass, virtual leveler, geo-location, altitude, speed, sound meter and other features). He migrated his app using RadControls for Windows 8, a toolset for building Windows 8 apps from application and content management company Telerik (Methylium also used Telerik's toolset). Isabelle agrees that Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 have a smaller audience and less developer competition than iOS and Android, and that's a good thing, for now. "The potential audience could be huge," Isabelle says. "That's very appetizing to a developer. When I started developing on Windows Phone there were tens of thousands of apps, and now there are over 100,000." Industry research backs this notion. Forrester predicts that 2014 will be the year that Windows 8 gains firm market traction in conventional and touch devices, and by 2016 it will gain almost a 30 percent share of tablets. Windows 8 Programming Goes Multi-Lingual Microsoft decided to include more programming languages with Windows 8. Apps can be developed using conventional languages like C++, C#, Visual Basic as well as web development languages such as HTML, CSS or JavaScript. These choices set Windows 8 apart from the more strict iOS, which only allows app development using Objective C. For Android, Java is the only language Google supports.

 "Microsoft is trying to show the developer community that it is not the old proprietary Microsoft but the new Microsoft that wants everybody on board," says Verhoeff. However, while Microsoft is looking to attract more developers by supporting more programming languages than Apple or Google, Windows 8 does have very specific guidelines for the look and feel of apps, he adds, and the company is really pushing the "Metro" design style.

"Windows 8 apps behave in the same way," says Verhoeff. "They all conform to Windows 8 interface features such as the Charms bar on the right side.

You don't have the design freedom you have with iOS, but you can still build a unique experience with the Windows 8 style."

In addition to the clean and simple look of Windows 8, Microsoft is also looking to make development inexpensive. As opposed to the $99 per year to sign up with Apple as an iOS developer.

Microsoft Visual Studio Express is free. One OS, One Code, Many Windows 8 Devices The ultimate promise of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 is seamless compatibility across multiple platforms. Apps will run on a PC, a tablet and a smartphone, allowing developers to reach an army of users. Such versatility will make Microsoft unique among its competitors.

Apple's iOS platform works only on iPads and iPhones and even then the code between an iPhone app and an iPad app can be different, and developers must make adjustments. Windows 8 device compatibility may never be perfect, says Verhoeff, as the UI of Windows Phone 8 apps will be adjusted for the smaller screen. But developers will still be using the same Windows 8 code.

Read more:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/mobile-phone/3409789/can-windows-8-give-developers-what-ios-android-lack/#ixzz2Bkc8QirD

PCWorld reviews the new Vizio CT14-A2 Ultrabook

· Always less than an inch thick · Wakes up in a flash · Runs for hours, standby for days · Stunning performance and visuals   PCWorld Editor Lyod Case says that the Vizio CT14-A2 Ultrabook is "Elegance in Minimalism." If Walter Gropius could see the new Vizio CT14-A2 Ultrabook, he’d probably approve. It sports a sleek, metallic elegance, like many of the quintessential Bauhaus designs. And as the Bauhaus school would do, Vizio stripped out seemingly essential features, but the end result is a compact, lightweight, usable laptop that performs well and looks good. “Vizio ships a sleek, gorgeous looking laptop that performs well, with an emphasis on usability over features.” — PCWorld.com, 8/9/12     Copyright © 2012, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel Inside, Intel Core, Ultrabook, Intel, and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

This email was sent to: lisab509.pcnews@blogger.com You have received this email from PCWorld because of your relationship with us as a newsletter subscriber or registered member. Please use the link below to manage your email preferences. Manage email subscriptions. PCWorld is published by IDG Consumer & SMB, a subsidiary of International Data Group, Inc. Read PCWorlds's privacy policy. IDG Consumer & SMB is located at 501 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Next-gen touchpads respond to pressure

Follow:   10.15.2012  View in a Browser Next-gen touchpads respond to pressure 10.14.2012 1:45 PM Researchers at the User Interface Software Technology conference demonstrated unique projects that took advantage of a new, pressure-sensitive Synaptics "forcepad" that could debut in ultrabooks as soon as next year. A Windows 8 pricing FAQ: What we know, so far 10.15.2012 10:45 AM Microsoft and its retail partners revealed a few more details about Windows 8 pricing, clarifying what the Redmond, Wash., developer has purposefully left muddy in the months leading up to its release next week. We try to answer the most-pressing questions. -ADVERTISEMENT-   50 Essential Windows 7 Tips Download PCWorld's Superguide. PCWorld on your iPad Subscribe to our enhanced iPad edition.   Microsoft launches Xbox Music: What you need to know 10.14.2012 9:00 PM Microsoft is kicking it up a notch with the new Xbox music service, but the company will need to greatly expand device and OS support to capture significant market share. Adobe ships Acrobat XI featuring new cloud services 10.14.2012 9:01 PM New version of Acrobat touts increased integration with cloud services such as Adobe EchoSign for electronic signatures and FormsCentral for forms creation and data collection. Report: Softbank deal to buy 70 percent stake in Sprint to be announced Monday 10.14.2012 11:00 PM Softbank will acquire a 70 percent stake in Sprint Nextel, with the boards of both companies agreeing to the deal, which will be announced Monday, according to CNBC. Review: iPod nano (7th generation) combines the best of its predecessors 10.15.2012 3:00 AM With the seventh generation of the iPod nano, Apple has taken the best of the previous two generations and combined them into an iOS-inspired player that for many people will be the best nano yet. How to change your DSLR lens the right way 10.15.2012 3:00 AM Here's how to change the lens while keeping your mirror, sensor, and lens clean and safe. Toshiba Satellite R945-P440 review: Sturdy and so-so 10.15.2012 3:30 AM The S945-P440 is a mediocre all-purpose laptop that might make a good family machine. The Windows 8 UI: How do interface and usability experts rate all the changes? 10.15.2012 3:30 AM The Windows 8 user interface has received significant criticism for being unintuitive and difficult to navigate. Are the barbs legit, or do long-time Windows users just hate change? We asked usability experts for answers. Is all your gear Windows 8 compatible? 10.15.2012 3:30 AM Some notebooks and peripherals are Windows 8-challenged. Here's the 411 on what plays nice with the new OS. Acer adds two new all-in-One PCs to Windows 8 lineup 10.15.2012 5:20 AM Acer on Monday announced several additions to its Windows 8 device lineup including two new all-in-one PC models and two touch-ready high definition monitors. Logitech's illuminated Windows 8 keyboard connects to 3 devices at once 10.15.2012 6:24 AM Logitech has introduced the Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810, which lets you connect to as many as three devices simultaneously. It also glows as your hands approach the keys, but apparently runs only with Windows 8.       You are subscribed to this newsletter as: lisab509.pcnews@blogger.com More PCWorld Newsletters / Manage Subscriptions / Unsubscribe IDG Consumer & SMB Privacy Policy © 2012 IDGCSMB, 501 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Microsoft move hints at the death of Windows service packs

	Firefox 16 removed from installer page after vulnerability found | Internet attacks could mean Cyber Pearl Harbor, says US Defense Sec. Panetta
	Network World Security				Forward this to a Friend >>>
	Microsoft move hints at the death of Windows service packs Microsoft's first-time move Tuesday to update Windows 8 before the OS launches is a sign of the company's continued edging toward practices long held by rivals Apple and Google. Read More RESOURCE COMPLIMENTS OF: LogMeIn Improve IT Productivity with LogMein Rescue LogMeIn Rescue lets you do more. With Rescue, IT can quickly access, diagnose and solve IT problems anywhere, worldwide. The result: Improved productivity for IT staff, improved customer satisfaction and more time for the important stuff. Stop letting cludgy remote support tools get in your way of delivering great IT support to PCs and Smartphones Do More. Try Rescue today In this Issue Firefox 16 removed from installer page after vulnerability found Internet attacks could mean Cyber Pearl Harbor, says US Defense Sec. Panetta After Congress' report, what next for China's tech firms? 7 spooktechular haunted house ideas Conficker worm still being tracked, but evidence collection slows Doctor's orders: Healthcare in the cloud Legal and technical BYOD pitfalls highlighted at RSA security conference US Defense Sec. Panetta on when US military will work in cyberspace 5 Things You Need to Know About Risk Management Islamic hacktivists target three more U.S. banks Hackers steal thousands of student records from computers at Florida college WHITE PAPER: Citrix Systems Join the scale revolution for cloud ready networks Today's cloud evolution requires a full scale revolution. Citrix TriScale technology transforms enterprise data centers into highly scalable enterprise clouds. Download this whitepaper and learn how to scale your cloud network for more elastic performance, seamless expansion and simple consolidation. Learn More Firefox 16 removed from installer page after vulnerability found Mozilla has temporarily removed Firefox 16 from the current installer page after it found a security vulnerability in the new version of its browser, it said on Wednesday. Read More Internet attacks could mean Cyber Pearl Harbor, says US Defense Sec. Panetta Internet attacks could mean Cyber Pearl Harbor, says US Defense Sec. Panetta Speaking at an event in New York on October 11, 2012, US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says an attack on US critical infrastructure could be the equivalent of a "cyber Pearl Harbor," From: networkworld Views: 1 0 ratings Time: 02:30 More in Science & Technology Read More After Congress' report, what next for China's tech firms? The House intelligence report issued Monday will bring more scrutiny to joint efforts and agreements by U.S. and China technology companies at least, but trade problems can't be ruled out either. Read More WHITE PAPER: Cisco Systems Cisco Wide Area Application Services Software Release 5.0 Cisco® Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) provides the industry's most scalable, highest performance WAN optimization solution. Cisco WAAS is able to improve end user experience and reduce bandwidth for key applications. Learn more. 7 spooktechular haunted house ideas This Halloween, make yours the geekiest haunted house on the block Read More Conficker worm still being tracked, but evidence collection slows The notorious malware known as the Conficker worm still infects computers, a sort of wild horse with no rider, but investigators appear no closer to finding its creator. Read More Doctor's orders: Healthcare in the cloud Judy Klickstein is a cloud believer. As CIO of Cambridge Health Alliance, a midsized healthcare provider just outside of Boston, she's excited about the efficiencies cloud computing can bring to her organization. Read More WEBCAST: Teradata Big Data Done Right View this on-demand webcast to learn how to reap the benefits of big data through a practical unified architecture; how to improve performance with in-memory technology; and how to lower costs and increase scalability through cloud computing. Register now. Legal and technical BYOD pitfalls highlighted at RSA security conference Allowing employees to bring their own devices to work is causing new challenges, including what happens when a device needs to be wiped or employees want to sell their smartphone or tablet. Read More US Defense Sec. Panetta on when US military will work in cyberspace Speaking at an event in New York on October 11, 2012, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta explained when he believes the military would get involved in a cyber attack Read More 5 Things You Need to Know About Risk Management Risk is everywhere and if you're just trying to minimize it within IT, you're taking an additional risk. Follow these tips and learn how to take an intelligent approach to risk management. Read More Islamic hacktivists target three more U.S. banks Self-described Islamic hacktivists have resumed cyberattacks on major U.S. banks, disrupting the online services of at least two of their targets. Read More Hackers steal thousands of student records from computers at Florida college An information breach at a Florida college has compromised information of about 279,000 students and employees, the Florida Department of Education said on Wednesday. Read More
	SLIDESHOWS Top 10 cloud jobs Researchers at Dice.com have crunched the numbers to come up with a list of the top 10 most available jobs in the cloud. JOIN THE NETWORK WORLD COMMUNITIES As network pros you understand that the value of connections increase as the number of connections increase, the so called network effect, and no where is this more evident than in professional relationships. Join Network World's LinkedIn and Facebook communities to share ideas, post questions, see what your peers are working on and scout out job applicants (or maybe find your next opportunity). Network World on Facebook Network World on LinkedIn MOST-READ STORIES What are grand technology and scientific changes for the 21st century? The 9 most endangered IT career paths Did 'Completely Wrong' Romney Google bomb himself? Huawei: Separating fact from fiction Juniper fortifies network edge with new routers .xxx to launch porn search engine The better hire: the 50-year-old IT veteran or the fresh grad? Microsoft hints at the death of Windows service packs Cisco ONE is on track Microsoft: Users trying to get something for nothing wind up with malware
	Do You Tweet? Follow everything from NetworkWorld.com on Twitter @NetworkWorld. You are currently subscribed to networkworld_security_alert as lisab509.pcnews@blogger.com. Unsubscribe from this newsletter | Manage your subscriptions | Subscribe | Privacy Policy If you are interested in advertising in this newsletter, please contact: bglynn@cxo.com To contact Network World, please send an e-mail to customer_service@nww.com. Copyright (C) 2011 Network World, 492 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham MA 01701 ** Please do not reply to this message. If you want to contact someone directly, send an e-mail to customer_service@nww.com. **

PC Overclocking Utility; Control & Implement Game Features

Follow:   10.12.2012 MSI Afterburner: Brand-agnostic PC overclocking utility Oct 3, 2012 1:44 PM Platform-agnostic PC overclockers have MSI's venerable Afterburner utility to tweak their video-card collection. Afterburner (free) is designed to work with MSI's own products, but in actuality works with most modern hardware. Note: The "Try it for free" button on the Product Information page takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software. »Keep reading the review »Check the product specs or try it now FXAA Post Process Injector Oct 3, 2012 2:14 PM Old games aren't the only ones that cause trouble. Modern 3D titles are rife with disappointments, but perhaps the more irksome to gamers are yestertech graphic options on recent games. Console ports are mostly to blame for this (I'm looking at you, From Dust) as developers are forced to aim for the lowest common denominator targets to maximize sales and homogenize development, but they aren't the only offenders. None of that matters, however when you boot up your new game and find it bereft of features like advanced antialiasing, HDR, or Bloom. Fortunately, you can get all of those effects today without updates or patches via FXAA Post Process Injector (free). Note: The "Try it for free" button on the Product Information page takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software. You'll find it halfway down the vendor's list of software. »Keep reading the review »Check the product specs or try it now -ADVERTISEMENT-   50 Essential Windows 7 Tips Download PCWorld's Superguide. PCWorld on your iPad Subscribe to our enhanced iPad edition.           You are subscribed to this newsletter as: lisab509.pcnews@blogger.com More PCWorld Newsletters / Manage Subscriptions / Unsubscribe IDG Consumer & SMB Privacy Policy © 2012 IDGCSMB, 501 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107