Week In Review (Jan 13 – Jan 17)

Leak of the Week While some were expecting early leaked builds of Windows 8.1 Update 1 to surface this week, what we got were a whole bunch of photos and screenshots of Nokia’s Android powered handset that goes by the codename Normandy. Still no idea if the device will actually land on store shelves or not.

Screenshot of the Week

The past few days provided us with a few different screen grabs of the first major refresh of Windows 8.1, tentatively titled Update 1, and as this image shows it is familiar territory for now. The traditional Start Menu is nowhere in sight as previously rumored, and the Win + X menu is visible in full glory.

Strategy of the Week

Microsoft finds itself in a rather interesting position, as it gets ready to officially close its Nokia buyout deal very soon. Word is that the company is now ready to support the growth of Windows Phone this year with tactical investments and marketing support money to the tune of over $2 billion in 2014.

Rise of the Week

For many Bing is the only real competitor to Google Search. And Redmond’s policy of enhancing and improving its search service seems to be paying off, as the latest numbers reveal Bing usage on Windows Phone handsets to be as high as 52 percent. The game has only just started, folks.

Risk of the Week

If we are talking numbers, the make way for some scary ones. Not the easiest thing in the world to gauge, but it is said that some 95 percent of ATMs around the globe are still powered by the aging Windows XP. That is asking for trouble, and then some, so close to retirement of the old OS.]]>