Microsoft’s ARM-based platforms - Windows Phone and RT - have not exactly been the company’s most resounding successes. Now the Redmond-based giant is considering making the Operating Systems free for manufacturers; scrapping the license free currently associated.

The plan to make them free is currently under “serious consideration” by OS chief Terry Myerson and may help to counter the rising threat of Google’s Chromebook and Android.

Recent revelations show Microsoft is already preparing for their next...

It’s always made sense for Google to have their presence everywhere, after all, at their heart they are a web services company. Their lightweight Chrome OS runs on cheap hardware (with the exception being the £1049 ‘Pixel’) and acts, for many, as simple devices for basic tasks.

Chrome OS’s apps are based on HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS – but can be used offline. Starting in January; it appears these current...

As DeveloperTech reported last week, Microsoft is working to merge their myriad of platforms into one, or possibly two (for Intel and ARM-based iterations) OS’s – but first, according to a new report, they’ll be bolstering their platforms with common features.

Currently, Microsoft’s latest Operating Systems consists of; Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Windows RT, and the Xbox OS.

The next release, due well after the rumoured Q1 2014 Windows 8 and WP8 updates, will...

Whilst gamers got their hands on their beloved Xbox One bundles last week, developers received a different type of package to play with in the form of Kinect for Windows v2 Developer Preview kits – containing everything required to get started with the improved peripheral.

The latest generation fixes complaints - notably the amount of space required - whilst adding some pretty mind-blowing additions such as the ability to see in the dark… and even read a user’s heartbeat.

Already...

Microsoft has had a clear vision to observers for Windows 8; one platform which spans devices; creating a familiar experience for customers, and a unified OS for easier development.

The “Modern UI” interface is one built for usability across desktop, tablet, mobile, and now console. Live tiles give the platform simplicity; whilst retaining function. And the “flat” interface is thought to have even inspired the likes of rivals Apple and Google to follow suit.

Whilst the Redmond-based...

DeveloperTech (DT) took the opportunity to speak to Microsoft’s Anand Krishnan (AK), General Manager of the Developer and Platform Group, about new research commissioned by the Redmond-based firm; plus a discussion around the Windows 8 ecosystem (including Xbox One) and the first major update.

The research, released today, looks at how Multichannel platforms, Pace-of-Change, and Skills Gap are Impacting UK Application and Software Development Sector.

One of the main highlights is how 86% of developers...

It may seem a strange concept for many – especially due to how much Apple brag about their devices usage in teaching – but the reality is, schools are picking Windows 8 tablets over both iPads and Androids.

The reason being isn’t the tablet’s content; where iPad indisputably excels (especially in regards to digital textbooks) - but rather in how easy it is to fit the tablets into current Windows infrastructure.

It’s an area where no-one can match Microsoft; schools, universities,...

As an owner of all the current-gen consoles, it was the Xbox One which caught my attention for its heaps of Cloud-based promises.

PlayStation fans have rightly gloated about the raw power of their chosen system – but both will offer comparative 1080p/60fps gameplay; so gamers need to look at all the added benefits they’re getting.

Microsoft’s Xbox One just won the “Next-gen gaming tech of the year” ShortList award. When...

Creating applications for mobile devices is a great way to capture a user’s attention and continued business. Once installed your app has a persistent presence on your user’s device placing your services literally at their fingertips. It’s an invaluable piece of real estate that many organisations are looking to make the most of. Apps give better performance verses a mobile web site, mean your customer has to do less to access your services and provide an ever present icon in the...

Personally I love the vision Microsoft has of the future; a tight ecosystem and consistent “Modern UI” which works anywhere across Desktop, Tablet, Mobile, and Console.

What I haven’t always agreed with is their approach - which has routinely left customers either bitter or confused.

Recently Microsoft has been criticised for making complete U-turns about decisions (ahem, Xbox...) but it’s good they’re listening; as proven by the Surface Pro 2; where you can tell they’ve...