If your PC is running Windows 8 Pro and you’d like to get Windows 8 Media Center Pack so you can watch and record live TV with Windows Media Center, you can take advantage of the following special offer:
For a limited time, get Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free **
To receive a free product key and get Windows 8 Media Center Pack, provide a valid email address in the space provided. Once you receive your free product key through the email address you provided, follow the instructions for adding Windows 8 Media Center Pack that appear later on this page.
Add Windows 8 Pro Pack or Windows 8 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows
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.)
Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings .
Tap or click Add features to Windows 8 and then do one of the following:
If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click I want to buy a product key online.You will be prompted through the steps to buy a product key from there and it will be entered for you.
If you already have a product key, tap or click I already have a product key.
Enter your product key and click Next.
Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.
If you were running Windows 8, your PC will restart automatically and Windows 8 Pro With Media Center will be on it.
If you were running Windows 8 Pro, your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.
Before you go and buy the Windows 8 upgrade or the DVD from retail store, it is best that you run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant from Microsoft.
Currently, I am on Windows 7 Ultimate. I ran through the Windows Upgrade assistant and was surprise to see the possible issues that I would face.
I am surprised that Windows Media Centre isn’t preinstall and I need an application to play DVD.
I did a check on the FAQ
Is Windows Media Center included in my upgrade?
No. If you want to install Windows Media Center, you need to buy the Windows 8 Media Center Pack after you upgrade to Windows 8. For more info, see the Add features webpage.
If you don’t have a third-party app that plays DVDs, or if you currently rely on Windows Media Player for DVD playback, you’ll need to download and install a third-party app or install Windows Media Center to play DVDs. If you use Windows Media Center on Windows 7 and are upgrading to Windows 8, for a limited time you can get the Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free.
Other issues are that my processor does not support NX and secure boot isn’t compatible with my PC’s BIOS.
To my surprise, it prompts that my screen resolution isn’t 1024×768. This is strange as I am running at 1280×720 wide screen.
Although Windows 8 upgrade promises upgrade paths for Windows XP users. It seems to cut off all support for Office 2003. My copy of Office 2003 professional has to go into history as it won’t run on it.
The good news is that most of my applications like adobe reader, Auslogics Disk Defrag, Epson Scan, Paint.Net, Tweetdeck, Quicktime, Skype, utorrent and even the Intel HD graphics drivers are compatible and it will run corectly under Windows 8.
So, it is better to run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant before you upgrade.
Just like Yoga, this tablet cum notebook device comes with Windows 8, allowing you to swipe the touch screen for the latest apps and run the onventional Windows applications like before. So, how does it work? Check out the video below :
New offers, apps and range of hardware options offers choice and opportunity for customers as Windows 8 becomes globally available.
Singapore – 25 October 2012 – Today, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Singapore and around the world. Beginning on Friday, October 26, consumers and businesses worldwide will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new UI, a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
Microsoft held the launch event at the Esplanade in Singapore showcasing the new Windows 8 on different vendor’s AIO and notebooks.
Helene Auriol, Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore gave the opening speech at the launch event.
Windows 8 will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com, and at retail locations around the world including Singapore. Over 50 Windows 8 devices from a wide range of manufacturers including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba – will be available at more than 120 IT retail stores across Singapore, including Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman and Newstead. Customers will be able to choose from a range of new models, including notebooks, tablets, all-in-ones, touch-enabled ultrabooks and convertibles, all built for Windows 8.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Helene Auriol, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore. “Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience to individuals, families and businesses, where they no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC.”
Windows 8 – Many Shapes and Sizes
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for our business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.
Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices.
Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of S$49.99 from windows.microsoft.com. And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of S$17.99 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com. New Windows 8 licenses can be bought at all leading IT retail stores for S$89.00.
Windows 8 is All About the Apps
Windows 8 comes pre-installed with powerful apps, which include Mail, People, Calendar, Photos, Weather, Xbox Music and SkyDrive. An integral part of the Windows 8 experience is the addition apps that users can download from the Windows Store, be it productivity tools, news, or simply games. The cloud-connected Windows Store can be accessed via the Windows Store App on the Windows 8 Start Screen and is a central place for users to manage their downloaded apps across multiple Windows 8 devices.
Microsoft has officially opened its Windows Store for Singapore as part of Windows 8 launch today. At launch, Windows 8 users can immediately download quality local apps from Channel NewsAsia, The Straits Times, Stomp, NomWhere, Razor TV, Photo Monkey, SG Cab, NomWhere, SG Deal, Wego.com, SingTel, StarHub, Merlion Words and iProperty and many others directly from their Windows 8 devices.
Helene added: ”We have put in place a compelling app platform for Windows 8 users to customize their Windows experience, built on our strong ecosystem of app developers, IT partners and enterprise customers. Our partners and customers are very excited about the Windows 8 app and Windows Store opportunity. With the strong pipeline of quality apps that are submitted to the Windows Store every day, we are confident that Windows 8 users will have a good breadth of apps that makes Windows 8 central to their lifestyles.”
Windows 8 is ready for Singapore
A multi-million dollar campaign has been rolled out in Singapore to drive awareness and excitement about Microsoft’s latest OS together with hardware and retail partners. Microsoft kick-started the launch of Windows 8 in Singapore with a launch event held on 25 October at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. More than 600 Windows enthusiasts, partners and enterprise customers attended this Windows 8 Singapore launch event. Partnering with hardware and retail partners, Microsoft has also organized special Windows 8 zones in more than 20 major IT retail stores across Singapore from 26 to 28 October 2012 for consumers to experience and buy Windows 8 devices.
SINGAPORE, Oct., 25, 2012 — HP today announced availability and pricing details for its new lineup of consumer and business PCs that are designed to work with Windows 8.
The new HP products, ranging from stylish notebooks and desktops to a tablet, leverage premium materials and a purposeful design philosophy to deliver a distinct HP look and feel.
Unique form factors—including a hybrid PC with a detachable screen, a business tablet with optional functionality-boosting HP Smart Jackets and the latest range of slim and elegant All-in-Ones desktops with intuitive touch capabilities—enable users to take advantage of Windows 8 along with HP innovations such as HP TouchSmart technology. They also offer HP Connected Photo powered by Snapfish by HP(1) for convenient access to photos.
“HP’s portfolio of ultrathin notebooks, sleek All-in-Ones and high-performance business PCs is designed to meet the needs of customers anticipating the release of the Windows 8 OS,” said James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Personal Computer Global Business Unit, HP. “Consumers and organizations now can choose from a broad range of HP PCs featuring multitouch displays, versatile form factors, sleek designs or customizable solutions that address their needs.”
HP consumer notebooks(2)
The HP consumer notebook portfolio featuring Windows 8 includes a hybrid PC and notebooks with slim and sophisticated designs, multitouch display technology, strong performance and great value.
· The HP ENVY x2 is a powerful, ultrathin hybrid PC that delivers the power of a notebook and the freedom of a tablet in one stylish, lightweight device. A notebook that doubles as a tablet, the HP ENVY x2 has a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard via a seamless magnetic latch. The HP ENVY x2 includes a vivid 11.6-inch diagonal high-definition (HD)(3) touch display, Beats Audio, an HD webcam plus an 8-megapixel camera, and near field communication (NFC) technology(4) that lets users share content, including photos, contacts and URLs, with a simple tap. Expected to be available in Singapore in late 2012 at S$1,099.
· The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 features a 14-inch diagonal multitouch HD(3) display and a booming subwoofer with Beats Audio. Expected to be available in Singapore on October 26 at S$1,399.
· The HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 and Pavilion Sleekbook 15 PCs are available in sparkling black and ruby red and provide the performance and easy applications consumers need every day—now in an ultrathin style. Available in Singapore on October 26, starting at S$699 and S$1,099, respectively.
HP consumer all-in-one PCs and consumer desktops(2)
HP’s new consumer desktops include AiO and tower PCs featuring advanced multitouch technology and offering head-turning designs and powerful performance.
· The HP ENVY 23 and ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PCs deliver 10-point multitouch technology, 23- and 20-inch diagonal HD(3) displays, and excellent performance for working, playing and staying connected. The HP ENVY 23 TouchSmart and HP ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PCs are available in Singapore on October 26, starting at S$1,599 and S$1,199, respectively.
· The non-touch HP Pavilion 20 AiO delivers performance, an attractive space-saving design and intuitive features to keep users connected to family and friends, all at a great value. Available in Singapore on October 26, starting at S$899.
· The HP ENVY Phoenix h9 desktop PC delivers a powerful computing experience for users who enjoy creating digital content and immersive gaming. Available in Singapore from October 26, starting at S$1,699.
HP business PCs(2)
Delivering outstanding performance, versatility and value, HP’s business PC portfolio maximizes productivity for businesses and government organizations of any size.
· The HP ElitePad 900 is a true tablet for business that balances a beautiful design with enterprise-grade features, serviceability and support. The ultrathin and lightweight Windows 8-based tablet(5) also features optional HP ElitePad Smart Jackets,(6) which add connectivity options and longer battery life along with specific add-ons that customize the tablet for specialized uses. Expected to be available in Singapore in late January 2013. Pricing information will be announced closer to availability.
· The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m Ultrabook™ is ultrathin, lightweight and efficient. With enterprise docking capabilities and a swappable battery, the HP EliteBook Folio is built for the on-the-go professional. The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m Ultrabook is expected to be available in Singapore in mid-Nov. 2012 at a starting price of S$2,599.
HP announced touch-enabled notebooks on Aug. 30, AiO and desktop PCs on Sept. 12, additional consumer notebooks and commercial PCs on Sept. 25 and an enterprise-ready tablet on Oct. 2.
ASUS TAICHI is the world’s first ultra-portable to feature a back-to-back dual-screen design. Weighing at just 1.25kg, TAICHI features a powerful Intel® Core™ processor and two back-to-back full HD IPS display screens for sharing information all in a slender profile that tapers to a slim 0.3cm. With the lid open, TAICHI is a powerful Ultrabook™ with a backlit keyboard for dealing with even the most demanding productivity tasks. With the lid closed, TAICHI is a lightweight multi-touch tablet for easy and intuitive use with Windows 8 when on the move. Both screens can also be used simultaneously and independently for unparalleled movie flexibility and for sharing information in exciting new ways.
The demonstration below shows how the dual display can be activated.
After the launch of iPhone 5, the next big thing that will be unveiled is the mini version of the iPad. According to AllThingD, this is going to happen on Oct 23 at an Invitation only event.
This supposedly smaller iPad would probably face challenges from Microsoft Windows 8 Surface tablet which will launch 3 days later on Oct 26.
M1 will launch their 4G service plans on 15 September 2012. On the same day, M1 will also obsolete the old Surf plans – ValueSurf, Lite Surf and ExtremeSurf plans. These 3 plans are rather popular because it gives users a 12GB data bundle and 500 SMS.
M1 will replace it with the new ValueSurf+, LiteSurf+,ExtremeSurf+ and MaxSurf+ plans. The noticeable change is the data bundle for the various plans. From the usual 12GB, it is reduced to 2GB, 3GB, 5GB. MaxSurf+ is at 12GB.
The upgraded ValueSurf+ is still at S$39 bundles in 600 free SMS instead of 500. LiteSurf+ is at S$59 , S$4 more than it’s original plan. Instead of it’s 250mins outgoing calls, M1 throws in 300 mins and 800 free SMS. The ExtremeSurf+ is priced at S$98, $3 more than the original plan. Instead of 600 mins outgoing calls, M1 throws in another 100 mins making it 700 mins and 1000 Free SMS but the unlimited free data is removed and is now capped at 5GB. A new plan MaxSurf+ at S$198 is introduced which has unlimited voice call minutes,2000 SMS and 12 GB data.
The new Surf plans is also available for 4G value added service at S$10.70/mth.
For those who re-contract, an extra 1GB will be added on to the free bundle. Effectively from 15 September, those who are on the old plans will have their data bundle dropped from 12GB to 2+1 GB (ValueSurf+ plan).
Looks like the good old days of unlimited or 12GB abundance of data bundle is history. In fact, if we calculate it this way, we should be paying lesser as most telcos charges S$5.35/GB when the subscriber exceeds the data limit. In this case, A 12GB to 2GB reduction is 10GB, based on the calculation, the plan should be S$50 cheaper.
I do know of people who abuse the data by torrenting. This greatly affects the data performance of others. In fact, the reduction and cap on the limit will smoother give mobile users a better internet experience.
Below are the charts comparing the old and new plans.
* so far, the iPhone plans remains the same with 12GB data.
Microsoft just announced it’s own brand tablet Surface. It comes in two flavours:
The first being Windows RT is lighter at 676g and 9.3mm thin. It has a 10.6″ ClearType HD display. powr is at 31.5 W-h. It has microSD, USB 2.0, MicroHD Video, 2×2 MIMO antenna. Softwares include Office Home & Student 2013 RT. It comes with A Touch Cover, type Cover. It is equipped with a vapormg case and stand. It is configurable at 32GB or 64GB.
The second is powered by Windows 8 Pro. It weighs 903g and 13.5mm thin. It also has a 10.6″ ClearType Full HD Display and crated 42 Wh. It has a microSDXC, USB 3.0, mini display port and 2×2 MIMO antenna. It has a touch cover, type cover, pen with palm block. Likewise it has a VaporMg Case and Stand. It comes in 64GB and 128GB variations.
So how much do you think this two devices will cost ? About the same price as the new iPad ? My guess should be SGD 650 or so for the Win RT and a SGD 1000 odd for the Windows 8 Pro version. If you notice, there is no mention of 3G or LTE support. It is just a 802.11n WIFI device. So, who manufactured the device for microsoft? I suppose it should be some China OEM company. Post your comments below.
Just like everyone else, I am excited to see what Microsoft has in stored for it’s Windows 8 Tablet. Will Microsoft be annoucing their own hardware, a tablet with ARM based Win 8 RT that challenges the iPad or something else ?
Stay tuned to the screen below as we Live feed from PC World for their live coverage. The event starts at 3:45 p.m. PDT Monday, June 18.
According to Cnet, Microsoft’s mysterious media event scheduled for tomorrow. It is speculated that Microsoft will launch it’s own brand tablet with Barnes & Noble to challenge Apple’s iPad.
In fact, it is more or less confirmed the media event is focused on a new product is being developed in conjunction with Barnes & Noble and will focus on entertainment, according to a TechCrunch report.
If that is the case, the so called new tablet is aimed at the Amazon Kindle Fire as a entry level entertainment device for e-reading just like Kindle adopted a modified version of Android.
Not long after the media invitations to tomorrow’s event in Los Angeles surfaced, speculation swirled that Microsoft was getting ready to unveil a tablet running either Windows 8 or Windows RT. The Wrap went so far as to report that the new device would be a “Microsoft-manufactured tablet” that would “put the company in direct competition with giant rival Apple.”
The doors open Monday at 3:30 p.m. PT, with the event itself presumably beginning at 4 sharp.
Acer Iconia W700 – Windows 8 tablet with Keyboard Dock
The W700 is a 11.6 inch Full HD Windows 8 tablet that comes with a multipurpose cradle that allows for several viewing options. When using it in landscape, it can be tilted up to 70 degrees for better viewing, or 20 degrees for convenient touch. Furthermore, it can be used vertically like a portrait for easy browsing and reading. The W700 also has three USB 3.0 ports for expansion.
