Windows 10 promises better mapping experience

Microsoft is looking to provide its users a better mapping option with Windows 10. The recent preview version of the operating system shows a better integration with Bing. Aside from getting photos, reviews, directions, and Here's in-car navigation, users will also find it easier to look for things to do. You can say you're looking for a place to eat at near your hotel and then book a reservation right on the spot. We can't wait to see once this is fully integrated.

Source: Engadget

Microsoft's new Surface 3 comes in May, will run Windows 8.1 on Intel Atom for CAD $639.00

Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in.

           Michael Corleone (The Godfather, Part III)

Microsoft just refreshed its smaller Surface hybrid line and finally buried Windows RT (running on ARM). The Surface 3 looks like a smller Surface Pro 3 and even takes stylus input. Featuring a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor, 64GB of storage and 2GB of RAM. Interested users will still have to cough up an additional $159.99 for the smaller, redesigned Type Keyboard and $49.99 for the Surface Pen (which now ships in a bevy of colours).

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Microsoft unveils most affordable Windows 10 smartphone

Microsoft is getting serious with the affordable smartphone market with its latest device priced at around US$70. The new Windows 10-powered Lumia 430 is a Dual SIM device with a 4-inch WVGA display and 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 CPU. It comes with 8GB expandable storage, 1,500mAh battery, 2-megapixel rear camera, and 0.3-megapixel front camera.

It’s a budget phone so you can’t expect it to be packing mind-blowing specs. Also, it’ll be coming to regions where this kind of device is desirable; namely, Asia-Pacific regions, Africa, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Middle East, and Russia. It isn’t coming to this part of the world.

Source: Microsoft | Via: Engadget

Lenovo to debut Windows-powered phone mid-year 2015

Lenovo has been previously listed as a partner for Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8.1 but they haven’t released any device yet. Now, with Windows 10 coming out, it seems Lenovo is finally entering Microsoft’s mobile space. According to a blog post from Microsoft, they will be debuting in 190 countries and that Lenovo will be creating a Windows-powered phone. It is said to be available in the middle of 2015 through Chinese carrier China Mobile.

According to CNET, China Mobile is the nation's largest carrier. They have around 808 million subscribers, which certainly can help boost both Lenovo’s and Microsoft’s efforts in the mobile space. It isn’t known yet though what type of device it’ll be or if it’ll make its way out of China. But getting into that market will be important for Microsoft especially as they look to roll out Windows 10 to all devices (from phones, tablets, to PCs) and make its presence known in the mobile device space. China would be a good place to start as it has the largest smartphone market.

Source: Microsoft + CNET