Another week passes, and it brings with it another hearty serving of WPD Bits. Every Sunday we take a look back at some of the stories we may have overlooked during the week, and wrap them up in a bite-sized package.
This week Steve Ballmer drops hints at Surface pricing, Microsoft opens a new games studio in London, crazy Nokia fans help you make your own Lumia 920, Sony continues to be confused about Windows Phone, and an awesome feature is making its way back to Internet Explorer 10 for Windows Phone 8.
Continue reading past the break for all of this week's bits!
Microsoft CEO hints at Surface tablet pricing in interview
Ever since rumors hit that Microsoft was planning a $199 price for its Surface tablets, everyone has been wondering if it were true. In an interview with The Seattle Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer quiets those rumors and says that the "sweet spot" for the PC market is between $300 and $800 — although he never explicitly says that is the range the Surface is aiming for. Here is his full response:
I think most people would tell you that the iPad is not a superexpensive device. ... (When) people offer cheaper, they do less. They look less good, they're chintzier, they're cheaper.
If you say to somebody, would you use one of the 7-inch tablets, would somebody ever use a Kindle (Kindle Fire, $199) to do their homework? The answer is no; you never would. It's just not a good enough product. It doesn't mean you might not read a book on it....
If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between, say, probably $300 to about $700 or $800. That's the sweet spot.
[ Source: The Seattle Times ]
Microsoft announces tablet-focused games and entertainment studio in London
Just two weeks ago we had learned from Microsoft that Windows 8 would be launching with 40 Xbox games under its belt on October 26th, and now it appears the company is looking forward. Announcing a new Microsoft Studios in London, the outfit will be developing games and entertainment that are strictly focused on tablets. However, don't expect anything from them yet as the London location will not be opening until November. [ Via: Engadget ]
Learn how to make your own Nokia Lumia 920
Desperate to get your hands on a Nokia Lumia 920? We sympathize, and so does XDA-Developers Forum user tboy2000. So the impatient fan has created a image file that lets you print out your very own Nokia flagship. It's recommended that you use glossy A4-sized paper for true dimensions and best appearance. Download it from the source link and give it a shot! [ Source: XDA-Developers Forum ]
Sony looks confused (again), passes on Windows Phone (again)
It appears the relationship status between Sony and Microsoft continues to read, "It's complicated". In last week's Bits we mentioned that Sony had an open dialogue going with Microsoft about a Windows Phone 8 handset, but this week the head of Sony Mobile denied that report. Speaking to Welt, Kunimasa Suzuki frankly stated, "We have no current plans for it." We'll miss you Julie. [ Via: WMPU / Source: Welt (Translated) ]
'Find on Page' makes a triumphant return in Internet Explorer 10 for Windows Phone 8
One of the most useful features in any browser is the ability to 'find' a word or phrase on a page. This was originally a part of Windows Phone 7's browser, but when 7.5 rolled around with Internet Explorer 9 the handy option disappeared. But thanks to an eagle eyed tipster who shared the image above with WPCentral, the Internet Explorer 10 browser in Windows Phone 8 finally brings the feature back. Consider a small victory in a string of exciting features to look forward to in Microsoft's next-generation mobile platform. [ Source: WPCentral ]
