blog

One day, everybody. Just one day until Apple reveals the new iPhone, which if you’ve been following the rumors will be either A) The greatest revelation in the history of technology, again — or B) A minor set of upgrades meant to vacuum money from Apple acolytes by the millions. We’ll know for sure soon, but in the meantime check out today’s best touch news.

Microsoft Levies Toll For Enterprise Who Use Windows RT

First Amazon revealed its hidden ad fees, and now it appears it’s Microsoft’s turn to reveal a hidden —and expensive— aspect of a new product. Business Insider’s Julie Bort reported today that businesses desiring to use the cheaper Windows RT for their employees’ tablets will have to pony up a hefty chunk of change to do so, as the they will have to buy an upgrade to Intune to administrate across all their devices. Additionally, Microsoft will not sell Intune without a concurrent subscription to its on-premises email platofrm, Exchange. (Business Insider)

First Photos Of Working iPad Mini Leak

A Chinese blog apparently was able to grab some pictures of the final iPad Mini design, and the story was picked up by French Apple blog Nowhereelse.fr. This is the first time we’re really seeing the device actually, you know, working. Apple’s 7.85″ tablet is expected to be officially revealed during a separate launch event sometime in October. (BGR)

Kindle Fire HD Review: Great For Casual Use, Not Yet An iPad Challenger

The Verge’s Joshua Topolsky took a long ride with Amazon’s new flagship tablet, and things look largely favorable for the Kindle Fire HD. Topolsky loved the device’s screen, writing that the “LCD screen looks better than probably any other tablet display I’ve seen, save for the new iPad,” and that the “Fire blows away the Nexus in terms of color richness, black levels, and general brightness.” Final rating? 7.5. (The Verge)

Intel Exec: In The Future, Every Screen Will Be A Touch Screen

Most of us are still waiting for our jetpacks, but a more conceivable future is one where touchscreens become truly ubiquitous. Rob DeLine, director of Ultrabook product marketing at Intel, said in an interview with CNET that “Every screen in the future is going to have some level of touch. We’re looking for a pretty aggressive ramp” in 2013. This tactic flies in the face of Apple’s belief that touchscreens are not suited for laptop-like devices like its Macbook line. Intel, along with every other player in the tech industry, is out to prove Apple wrong. (CNET)