Microsoft reportedly paying developers $100,000 or more to build apps

According to a report from Bloomberg Businessweek, Microsoft are offering $100,000 or more to companies to build apps for Windows Phone.  The payment aims to entice developers to create apps for Windows Phone 8 as Microsoft play catch up to other app stores for Apple, Android, and BlackBerry.

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Microsoft introduces global program to sell massively discounted Surface RT tablets to schools

Today Microsoft announced a new program that will see schools around the world able to purchase the company’s Surface RT tablet hybrid in bulk at a reduced per-unit rate.

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Microsoft misses Google-found flaw in Patch Tuesday updates

This month's Patch Tuesday saw five updates in total — one rated "critical" and four "important." But a key Windows vulnerability discovered weeks ago by a Google engineer still hasn't been patched.

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German Parliament tells government to strictly limit patents on software

On Friday the 7th of June the German Parliament decided upon a joint motion to limit software patents (see English translation by BIKT). The Parliament urges the German Government to take steps to limit the granting of patents on computer programs. Software should exclusively be covered by copyright, and the rights of the copyright holders should not be devalued by third parties' software patents.  The only exception where patents should be allowed are computer programs which replace a mechanical or electromagnetic component. In addition the Parliament made clear that governmental actions related to patents must never interfere with the legality of distributing Free Software.

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Patch Tuesday: And EVERY version of IE needs fixing AGAIN

June's Black Tuesday patch update from Microsoft has rolled into town with five bulletins, including a solitary critical update that tackles flaws in all supported versions of Internet Explorer.

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Google creeps up on Microsoft at HP: Now office apps

Hewlett-Packard is now a Google Apps reseller, as it continues to lean more on Google-related products and tries to make itself more relevant in the age of the mobile device. 

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Microsoft backs Windows 7 PC deal for Brits on benefits

Brits on benefits will be able to purchase a refurbished Windows 7 PC from as little as £24 if they sign up to a one-year broadband deal, thanks to a Microsoft-backed organisation supporting the UK's digital inclusion agenda.

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Did Apple Just Ally With Microsoft Against Google?

It was one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments. In Monday's WWDC keynote, Apple executive Eddy Cue was running through the new iOS 7 version of Siri, when he happened to mention Siri's default search function would be powered by Bing, not Google. 

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Google, Facebook and Microsoft Express Sudden, Renewed Interest in Surveillance Transparency

The U.S. government should allow disclosure of how often NSA taps into user data, argue Facebook, Microsoft and Google.

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YES, Xbox One DOES need internet, DOES restrict game trading

Microsoft has finally confirmed that Xbox fans' worst fears are at least partially true: Although the new Xbox One gaming console won't need an always-on internet connection, that connection had better be on pretty often or you can forget about gaming. And don't assume you'll be able to sell or trade your old games, either.

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