We knew that the Kinect would be coming to Windows eventually, but it looks like Xbox One's groundbreaking new Kinect sensor won't be stuck tethered to a console for long. Microsoft has just announced that the new and improved motion tracking system will definitely be hitting Windows sometime next year — exactly when, though, remains hazy. Read More >>

As did the Kinect before it, the new Kinect 2.0 with its insane heart beat-reading powers, is coming to the PC soon too. No exact date was given, but you can look forward to shouting at your Windows 8 box and have it basically know what you're thinking before you do. [Shacknews via TechRadar] Read More >>

We've already seen what the Leap Motion can do in apps that support it, but it stands to make your everyday OS-level boredom into a futuristic gesture-controlled wonderland too. This new video shows exactly what kind of applications you can look forward to on your Windows 8 machine, at it seems at least as cool as touch. Read More >>

Here's some good, good news. Microsoft is adding Google Talk (which all of you just call Gchat) support to Outlook.com. Meaning, you can use Google's chat service right through Microsoft's beautiful new(ish) webmail page. Awesome. Read More >>

Microsoft just announced on a call with shareholders that the Windows Blue update will officially be called Windows 8.1, which will be a free update. It'll be available for both Windows 8 and Windows RT. Read More >>

The United Space Alliance has decided to stop using all Windows computers aboard the ISS, in favour of Linux—to ensure it's systems are "stable and reliable". Ouch. Read More >>

The sheer audacity of Windows 8 was enough to set it apart. It was startling, the kind of uncompromising upheaval you almost never see from a frontrunner. Despite obvious missteps — big, idiotic, self-inflicted ones, more often than not — it always gave the sense that it was just wrong-footed, correctable stuff, never cause for a total retreat. Except, if recent reports are to be believed, that's just what Microsoft seems to be doing. Retreating. And we really hope it doesn’t. Read More >>

So your trusty laptop is starting to show its age. No one can blame you for wanting a new one, but we've got just one piece of advice: WAIT. This is a horrible, horrible time to get a new rig. If you can hold out for just a few months, you're going to do a whole lot better for yourself. Read More >>

The Financial Times is reporting that Microsoft plans to "reverse course over key elements of its Windows 8 operating system" when Windows Blue, a so-called iterative update, rolls out later this year. Read More >>

Rumours have swirled recently suggesting that a new breed of small Windows 8 tablets would soon appear in the wild. Now, Amazon has managed to accidentally leak the first tablet of its kind. Read More >>

Supposedly real-world use analysis of a variety of Windows machines has declared that Apple's MacBook Pro is the best at running Microsoft's software without crashes and glitches. Which is embarrassing for everyone on numerous levels. Read More >>

If you've been pining for the Start button since Windows 8 arrived on the scene, perhaps some good news: sources who've spoken to the Verge claim that it will reappear in Windows 8.1. Read More >>

Microsoft's Office suite is a necessary evil for many of us. While we'd love to say we never need Word, PowerPoint, or sodding Excel, chances are you do, and quite often. Now a handy little hack lets you bag Office 365 free for a whole six months. Read More >>

Charging your phone can be a right slow, pain in the arse, especially if it's a power hog. Wall chargers are always best, but when you just don't have one to hand, there's a free app that promises to pump more power out of your computer's USB port to charge your phone as quickly as a wall wart. Read More >>

If you have a PC with Windows 8 but miss Windows 7, there's no need to downgrade. Following a few simple steps, you can make Microsoft's current operating system look and feel almost identical to its predecessor. Here's how to bring back the Start menu and the attractive aero glass theme how to hide other Windows 8 elements like the Charms menu. Read More >>