iThinkDifferent » Apps for Windows

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 will have an App Store!

David — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:49:18 +0000

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 will have an App Store!

With the release of Windows 8 rumored to be April of 2012, and new builds coming out practically on a biweekly basis, we can only expect the rumor mill to get rolling. However, the newest fact about Windows 8 is not necessarily a rumor, but confirmed by Stephen Sinofsky, the project leader for Windows 8.

A new blog post about Windows 8 Development, titled Building Windows 8, goes over how Microsoft has broken up the development of Windows 8 into teams.

It is tempting for some to think of Windows as one entity or group, or for some to think of Windows as just a set of specific people. Sometimes someone speaks at a conference or has a blog, and that comes to represent the product for you. In reality, Windows is always a product of the whole team and much of Microsoft. Nearly every development group contributes to building Windows 8 in some form or another. And Windows contributes efforts to most other groups as well.

Sinofsky went on to explain in the blog that each team works on individual components of Windows 8. One of those components, is the App Store. That’s right, an App Store will be featured in the next version of Windows. We are assuming the App Store will run similar to OSX, allowing users a central place to download and install software, and get software updates. Below are the teams working on Windows 8:

App Compatibility and Device Compatibility
App Store
Applications and Media Experience
App Experience
Core Experience Evolved
Device Connectivity
Devices & Networking Experience
Ecosystem Fundamentals
Engineer Desktop
Engineering System
Enterprise Networking
Global Experience
Graphics Platform
Hardware Developer Experience
Human Interaction Platform
Hyper-V
In Control of Your PC
Kernel Platform
Licensing and Deployment
Media Platform
Networking Core
Performance
Presentation and Composition
Reliability, Security, and Privacy
Runtime Experience
Search, View, and Command
Security & Identity
Storage & Files Systems
Sustained Engineering
Telemetry
User-Centered Experience
Windows Online
Windows Update
Wireless and Networking services
XAML

One thing that is not certain is how Microsoft will regulate software in the store? Will they have requirements similar to Apple? Or will they be a bit more open. Knowing Microsoft, it won’t be totally open. With Microsoft working on porting Windows 8 to Tablets as well, the app store would be a necessity there. So it’s no wonder they are also implementing it into the desktop version of the OS.

We can expect more announcements of the features of Windows 8 in the near future, with the BUILD conference coming up next month. Let’s hope Microsoft doesn’t blow this one like Vista and really pulls through.

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

Microsoft creates a tool that allows your iOS app to be ported to Windows Phone 7

David — Sun, 01 May 2011 05:49:48 +0000

Microsoft creates a tool that allows your iOS app to be ported to Windows Phone 7

Microsoft has created a tool called the iOS to Windows Phone 7 API Mapping Tool to make it easy for iOS developers to port their apps over to the Windows Phone 7 platform. This would allow developers the tools to make that happen, and help both the developer and Microsoft in the end. Microsoft adds more apps to it’s store, which is expected to pass up Blackberry’s App World within a year, and give developers more presence as well.

According to Microsoft, the tool does not have every API mapped out yet, but they are working on making it more complete. It allows the developer to map their API’s, classes, events, etc to Windows compatible API’s, classes or events. The software also allows the developer to look at code examples and tutorials of ways to do things in Windows Phone 7 that they had done in iOS. It takes the Objective C code and quickly tries to convert it to C# code for the new platform. Although this tool is handy, not all the code will line up apples for apples because of differences in the UI and user controls on the phone itself. So there will still need to be a bit of user interaction with the code itself. It was also mentioned that Microsoft is working on a similar service for Android as well, but no release date has been published for that.

I say kudos to Microsoft for making this available. It will help everyone in the long run, and will allow Microsoft to quickly build up their library of apps available for their new phones and OS.

[via CNET]

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

Unlock Hidden Windows 8 Features Using Bluepoison!

Austin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:05:18 +0000

Unlock Hidden Windows 8 Features Using Bluepoison!

Woah! Between the the leaked builds and activator tool, the Windows 8 Beta leaks just keep coming. We’ve covered the new Android-like login, Kinect Integration, and the metro-style webcam app for Windows 8 previously, but this new tool really takes the cake. Outfitted with a metro user interface and advanced options, the new Bluepoison tool is a must have for anyone planning to give Windows 8 a go.

Bluepoison features the ability to both download and activate Windows 8 builds, and can unlock tons of hidden features. These features include the modern reader, webcam app, new task manager, and the interface ribbon. When new features become available, Bluepoison will detect them and automatically update.

You can download Bluepoison here.

[via Blogsdna]

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iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

New Redsn0w 0.9.6rc9 Jailbreaks iOS 4.3.1 Untethered on Windows and Mac! [Guide]

Austin — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:11:57 +0000

New Redsn0w 0.9.6rc9 Jailbreaks iOS 4.3.1 Untethered on Windows and Mac! [Guide]

Today the iPhone Dev-Team released a new version of their popular PwnageTool, along with a new Redsn0w. If you jailbroke on 4.3.1 tethered previously, you may want to back-up and then restore your device prior to using Redsn0w. Here’s a super simple guide to jailbreaking your device using the newest Redsn0w:

*Disclaimer*: iTD is not responsible for any damage caused to your device while following this guide. Those who follow our steps do so at their own risk.

*Note: Be sure to back up your device before you begin via iTunes. Those relying on an Ultrasn0w unlock should not use this jailbreak.

Step 1: Download Redsn0w for Windows here, or for Mac here. If you haven’t already, download and install 4.3.1 via iTunes.

Step 2: Run Redsn0w. Click on Browse and choose your 4.3.1 firmware file that corresponds to your device. Click Next after your ipsw is identified.

Step 3: Make sure that Install Cydia is checked (should be by default) and click Next.

Step 4: Make sure your device is plugged in and powered down. Boot it into DFU mode using the following steps.

Hold the Power button for 3 seconds
Hold the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds
Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button for 10 seconds
Your device will now be in DFU mode

Step 5: Once in DFU mode, let Redsn0w do its thing. When your device reboots it will be jailbroken on 4.3.1. Many Cydia packages are not updated to work on 4.3.1 yet, so use care when installing.

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Jailbreak 4.3.1 Using Sn0wbreeze 2.4b1!

Austin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:59:33 +0000

Jailbreak 4.3.1 Using Sn0wbreeze 2.4b1!

When it comes to jailbreaking tools, Windows users often get left in the dust as PwnageTool is a Mac only application. A PwnageTool jailbreak for 4.3.1, while complicated, did become available the day after 4.3.1 was released. Windows users have been forced to wait, but not anymore. The new beta of sn0wbreeze, version 2.4b1, can now jailbreak 4.3.1. Please note that like the PwnageTool jailbreak, this jailbreak method is also tethered. Here’s how to jailbreak 4.3.1 using Sn0wbreeze:

*Note: This jailbreak is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPod Touch 3G/4G, and the original iPad.

*Disclaimer*: iTD is not responsible for anything that happens to your device while following this guide. Those who do so do it at their own risk.

Step 1: Download sn0wbreeze 2.4b1 here and make sure your iTunes is up-to-date. If you haven’t already, download the 4.3.1 firmware for your device here, or via iTunes.

Step 2: Make sure you have the 4.3.1 firmware for your device somewhere you can find it(like your Desktop). If you downloaded it via iTunes, the ipsw should be located at “C:/Users//AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/iTunes/Device Support/”. (To enable hidden files and folders, click Organize > Folder Options > View > “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”)

Step 3: Run sn0wbreeze. After clicking “OK”, you should have a window that looks something like this:

Step 4: Click the arrow on the bottom right. Drag/drop or browse to your custom firmware and select it. Allow Sn0wbreeze to analyze the firmware fille, then click the arrow again.

Step 5: Select “Expert Mode” and click the next arrow. Select “Build IPSW” and hit the next arrow once more.

Step 6: Let Sn0wbreeze do its thing. You can choose to play Pac-Man if you have Adobe Flash for Internet Explorer installed.

Step 7: Once Sn0wbreeze finishes, it will assist you in booting your device in DFU mode. The steps are as follows:

Connect your device via USB
Power down your device
Hold the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds
Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button for 10 seconds.
Your device will now be in DFU mode

Step 8: Restore your device with iTunes, but keep sn0wbreeze open. Hold Shift while clicking “Restore” and browse to the custom firmware file created by sn0wbreeze.

Step 9: Don’t do anything stupid. Let iTunes do its thing. Make sure not to accidentally bump or disconnect your device.

Step 10: After your device is restored, open the “iBooty” folder on your Desktop and launch “iBooty.exe”. Select your device from the bottom-left drop-down menu, and then click “Start”.

Step 11: Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device in DFU mode, just like in Step 7.

Step 12: Once your device is in DFU mode, let iBooty do the rest. When your device boots, it will be jailbroken on 4.3.1. If your device is ever restarted, use iBooty to boot it into a tethered state once more by following steps 10-12.

Although Mobile Substrate has now been updated to work with 4.3.1, there are many Cydia packages that are not yet ready. Use caution when installing anything from Cydia.

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Storage Solutions – Dropbox vs. Windows Live Mesh

Austin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:38:46 +0000

Storage Solutions – Dropbox vs. Windows Live Mesh

When it comes to backing up files online, one of the most used services is Dropbox. However, Microsoft has recently rolled out Windows Live Mesh, which provides Dropbox with some competition. Each have their pros and cons, so I decided to test them both. Here’s what I found:

Dropbox

Strengths:

1) Available for Mac, PC, and Linux.

2) Ability to share files with those that do not have Dropbox.

3) Automatic syncing.

4) App for iOS and Android.

5) Upgradeable. 50GB for $9.99/month and 100GB for $19.99/month.

Weaknesses:

1) Slow upload/download speeds.

2) Free plan only includes 2GB of storage.

3) Only syncs contents of “Dropbox” folder.

Windows Live Mesh

Strengths:

1) Available for both Mac and PC.

2) Fast upload/download speeds.

3) Free plan includes 5GB of storage.

4) Can set any folder/s to sync.

5) Automatic syncing

Weaknesses:

1) No Linux support.

2) Can only share files with those using Windows Live Mesh.

3) Only mobile support is for Windows Phone.

4) No current storage upgrade options for Live Mesh.

Overview:

Overall, Windows Live Mesh had the best to offer. With 5GB of online storage, faster upload/download speeds, and the ability to sync any folder regardless of location, ditching Dropbox in favor of Live Mesh became an easy decision for me. However, if you use Linux or wish to share files via direct download, Dropbox is the better choice. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, so ultimately the choice between the two is personal. Personally, I’ll be using Live Mesh.

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

WizMouse Brings Mac/Linux-Style Scrolling to Windows

Austin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:20:50 +0000

WizMouse Brings Mac/Linux-Style Scrolling to Windows

One of my favorite features in a Unix/Linux-based OS is the ability to scroll in any window my mouse is over, whether it’s the “active” window or not. When running Windows, it can be frustrating to find that you cannot do the same thing natively. WizMouse bridges the gap by bringing a Mac/Linux scrolling style to your Windows OS.

With WizMouse running, any window your mouse hovers over can be scrolled, whether partially covered by multiple other windows or not. WizMouse is free and supported by donations. The list of useful applications for WizMouse is a long one, and to go back to scrolling without it feels awkward and clunky. Free yourself from awkward scrolling and give WizMouse a try by downloading it here. After all, it’s free!

If you enjoy WizMouse, let us know in the comments below!

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

Create PDF Files Free From Any Document With Nitro PDF Reader!

ICEMAN — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:51:05 +0000

Create PDF Files Free From Any Document With Nitro PDF Reader!

Are you tired of Adobe’s slow, same old boring PDF Reader? If so, then try Nitro PDF Reader, one of the best free third party PDF solutions. With the help of free Nitro PDF Reader, you can create PDF files from over 300 different formats by simply drag-and-dropping files onto Nitro Reader’s desktop icon for instant, one-step PDF creation. Unlike many free products, there are NO annoying ads or forced registration. Best thing is that its UI is quite similar to the native Microsoft Office UI making it much user-friendly than most other third party PDF readers.

Nitro PDF is particularly appealing to business users who need a faster, lighter and safer PDF experience, so they can start working with PDFs the way they’ve always wanted to. With the free version, you can:

Create unlimited PDFs for free
Fill out and save PDF forms
Stamp a handwritten signature on PDF’s
Extract text and images
Type text directly onto the page
Highlight, cross-out, and underline text
Add sticky notes anywhere on a page
Retain a complete record of the entire review cycle

If you need an even more comprehensive PDF solution, you can try Nitro PDF Professional which enables you to create PDF forms from scratch, making it easy to survey, gather, and track information in one convenient format that almost anyone can open.

You can grab Nitro PDF Reader Free and Nitro PDF Professional (Trial) via official links below:

Download Nitro PDF Reader Free

Download Nitro PDF Professional (Free 14-day trial)

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Greenpois0n RC6.1 Now Available – Fixes iBooks Error!

Austin — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:38:36 +0000

Greenpois0n RC6.1 Now Available – Fixes iBooks Error!

The newest Greenpois0n, RC6.1, is now available here. Greenpois0n is the untethered jailbreak tool for 4.2.1 created and managed by the Chronic Dev Team. Greenpois0n RC6.1 is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. You can follow our guide here for jailbreaking with Greenpois0n.

After jailbreaking 4.2.1 with Greenpois0n, many iDevice users found that iBooks would not let them open any of their downloaded books. Instead, they got a screen that looks like this:

According to Comex(via Twitter), iBooks runs both unsigned and partially signed code. If the code executes, the iDevice is jailbroken and iBooks locks down. Comex also says that this has been in place since iOS 4.0, but that no jailbreak had set it off until recently. To fix the iBooks issue, simply run Greenpois0n over your existing 4.2.1 jailbreak.

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.

How To: Install Amnesia Custom Stories

Austin — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:27:37 +0000

How To: Install Amnesia Custom Stories

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a great horror game that was independently developed by Frictional Games. Because Amnesia contains no multiplayer, no achievements, and a finite ending(although there’s more than one), it does not hold much replay value. At least, not without custom stories. Custom stories are stories made by the community for play on Amnesia. Here’s a short guide for how and where to install custom stories on your computer. Please note that this guide assumes that for Mac you installed Amnesia via Steam. For those who installed directly to Mac, the steps are similar but the location is different.

Before you start, make sure you have Amnesia: the Dark Descent installed on your Computer.

Step 1: Download a custom story you wish to use. I will be using one titled The Darkness(which I have found to be as scary as the original, if not more so).

Step 2: Extract the files using the Zip Utility or a rar extractor like Stuffit Expander(Mac) or 7zip(Win).

Step 3:

Windows: Download the custom stories installer, which you can then use to create installers to install your stories for you.

Mac: Drag the folder to /Users/*username*/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/amnesia the dark descent/custom_stories/

Step 4: Launch Amesia: The Dark Descent.

Step 5: From the in-game menu, select Custom Story and then select your story’s title.

Step 6: Enjoy!

iThinkDifferent - All things different about Microsoft, Apple, Google and the Internet.