Observed Tech PODCAST Episode 126

Welcome to Episode 126. This is the episode where we bid a fond farewell to Windows XP, Office 2003 and we welcome Windows 8.1 Update which arrives today. We kick things off with info about the anticipated Windows 8.1 Update and what it means for Windows 8.1 users, having to rename your SkyDrive folder to OneDrive after the 8.1 Update is installed, the fact that the Windows 8.1 Update is a required update for users in order to receive future security updates and a short video from Scott Hanselman showing off the 8.1 Update changes and enhancements. I also reflect on the possibility that wearable’s are wearing out their welcome with users, whether Chromebook shipments are growing, T-Mobiles back step to keep corporate discounts for existing customers, a smartphone with ultra sound and why UPS trucks do not turn left. Of course our list of items we are keeping an eye on this week has many items on it including Microsoft’s turn around as a company, Video summaries of the Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 Build announcements, Free Windows for manufacturers, News items and announcements out of Build 2014, Windows Phone and Cortana, New Nokia Lumia Phones arriving soon, Windows 8.1 Update and Windows XP ending, Windows XP usage still above 25%, Governments pay to keep using Windows XP with support, Office 365 cross platform features, Office for iPad has 12 million downloads in first week, Xbox One updates and new features coming, Xbox Games with Gold offerings for April, Xbox One and a possible Xbox 360 emulator, Apps may not need Xbox Live Gold subscription in the future, Interview with new Xbox head Phil Spencer by Major Nelson, Internet Explorer 11 gains ground, Vine releases direct Vine Message feature, Jerk.com pursued by FTC for scamming folks, Microsoft warns companies on new standards for Adware detection/definition, OneDrive for Business now available as a separate subscription, Windows Store overhaul coming soon, Florida Devs new app contest to win a Dell Venue 8 Pro, Microsoft Press distro taking over by Pearson, Blogger tricks thief into returning her domain, MEC 2014 wrap up, Microsoft and Open Source, Cortana to rule them all, Windows XP Bliss photographer regrets not being paid more for popular image and seeing the International Space Station passing beneath the moon. Until next time enjoy the show and thanks for listening.

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