PETA Releases Poke'mon Paradoy; Surprisingly Fun to Play

To contact us Click HERE

PETA, the animal rights group seem to think that Pokemon will somehow influence children to be cruel to their animals, their form of retaliation was releasing an online web based mini Pokemon game called Pokemon Black & Blue (gettit? like bruises...). The story line of the mini-game is the uprisal of the Pokemon against their trainers, lead by the fearsome Pikachu, where the Pokemon demand their freedom; and end to the centuries of bloodshed forced upon them.



Personally I didn't care much for the message, animals are cute and nice; but I'm not about to get all vegetarian cause of my childhood fling with Pokemon (that admittedly hasn't ended yet). But the game itself is worth a laugh or two (and at least the graphics are better than the actual Pokemon games); check it out at the link below:
http://features.peta.org/pokemon-black-and-white-parody/

Pictures: The iPhone 5's Anodized Body Peels Right Off!

To contact us Click HERE

You've all surely heard one or two horror stories about the scratch proof backing of the iPhone 5; with some people going as far as calling it #ScratchGate. I always thought it was being blown a bit out of proportion (seeing how everything Apple related ends up that way); but seeing the following pictures made me change my mind. 

@PaulGarner (don't be shy give him a follow) tweeted that while removing his Clear Back Griffin Protective cover from the back of the phone, bits of the iPhones Anodized body flew off with it!

Oh! Removed my Griffin case from my iPhone 5 today (clear plastic back) and some of the anodised coating stuck(!) to the case and came off!!
— Paul Garner (@paulgarner) October 19, 2012

As you can see in the images Paul tweeted little specs of the iPhones body have peeled off showing the ugly silver layer beneath the anodized body. 

What's interesting is the fact that the iPhone 5 is by no means Apple's first Anodized product, so poor quality on its flagship device is in-excusable (all the previous iPod Nanos, Shuffles, Classics as well as the Macbooks use the same concept of Anodizing aluminum).

If you're interested in learning exactly how Aluminum is Anodized check out the cool educational video below, but the gist of it is that anodized aluminum is actually aluminum that's allowed to rust under controlled circumstances!





Story & Pictures Via: @PaulGarner

Windows 8: Apps, Store and Metro; What It's All About

To contact us Click HERE



Yesterday I posted my initial walkthrough of the Windows 8, getting to know basics, specifically the mouse/touch gestures required to fully utilize the new UI layout and start screen. Now that we've gotten that awkward part  out of the way let's delve into the juiciest bit of Windows 8, APPS! After all isn't that what it's all about these days? (Just ask Mr. Elop).

One of the biggest changes affecting the way you use Windows 8 (besides the start screen of course) is the inclusion of an App store (golly!). This is the first time Windows has ever had an integrated app store of any kind at all, thinking about it; it has become second nature to Google whatever program I wanted and either download it or torrent it (yes I admit I torrent... A lot).

Microsoft has decided to make things easier for you by creating a centralized store to download all your favorite games and applications from (you can still install .exe files or whatever you like the old fashion way, this is just a simplification process). The App Store, aptly called "Store" (funny how that happens huh?), anyways since you should have already linked a working Live/Outlook/Hotmail account to your Windows User account you should be all set (see those of you who didn't are panicking now, this is what happens when you don't follow my instructions- don't worry you'll be prompted to link one anyways, but next time listen to me).

Back on topic, one of the greatest advantages to having a centralized app store (besides the obvious plus of being a centralized app store-DUH) is being notified when updates are available to apps you've already installed on your PC (check upper right corner of the Image above). These notifications are also visible on the Store live tile, something that Windows Phone users are undoubtedly familiar with:
  What about the apps themselves in the store? Not every application that you had running on Windows 7 or-god forbid- Windows Vista is eligible to be placed in the store, Microsoft have placed some UI guidelines and quality tests that must be passed before an app is admitted into the store. Most importantly the app must be compatible with the new "Metro Design language"; which very smoothly transitions us into an explanation of the two different types of apps in Windows 8 (I'm quite proud of that transition).
Applications and programs in Windows 8 can be divided into 2 types, Metro apps and Non-Metro Apps. Metro apps are those that follow the new UI guidelines and are available in the official centralized store, while everything else can be classified as a non-Metro app. The biggest difference between the two types of apps (besides the look once again) is the way Windows 8 behaves with these apps, honestly I'm still a bit unclear about it all.

First off the biggest difference between the two is the fact that non-metro apps run "in" the desktop "layer" of Windows 8, while Metro apps run on the Start screen. This leads to a decent bit of confusion, since each type of app behaves a different way; for starters when viewing the running application through "Windows + Tab" or by using the left side of the screen, only the applications running in Metro mode are shown, any non-metro apps can only be accessed by choosing the "Desktop pane" in the app switcher. (See image below).

 Alternatively to view all your running applications together, Metro & non-Metro you can use the "Alt+Tab" method which doesn't discriminate between apps.



Applications running in two different layers admittedly leads to a great deal of confusion, especially when multi-tasking; for example Windows 8 comes pre-loaded with two different version of Internet Explorer 10; a Metro Version and a Non-Metro version (Metro is flash free). While they are both essentially the same program they act as independent applications (tabs running between the two DO NOT cross-over), meaning although the settings, bookmarks and homepages sync between the two, running tabs do not; which in my personal experience has lead to many duplicate tabs running on the two.

Another difference between the types of apps is the way they interact with the screen/desktop itself in my last post I mentioned that Metro apps asymmetrically "snap" to either side of the screen allowing for the smaller pane to give notifications on the go without using too much screen real estate. The issues is that Non-Metro apps snap the same way they did in Windows 7, splitting the screen into two equal halves; leading to another set of differences to get used to. Of course this also means that I can run one small "snapped" metro app on my desktop while using the rest of my screen for normal work (trust me it's a lot more helpful on a 17" screen).


The third and last major difference is the way each program is displayed on the start screen, Metro UI guidelines dictate a "Live tile" be part of the application, which of course is not needed in non-metro apps; leading to a "rift" in the start screen separating Metro apps and Non-Metro apps

That pretty much covers the basics of the Windows 8 Store and the different types of apps, tune in later for another in depth look at whatever I decide to share (since it's up to me of course). 

Happy to Announce Arabic Videos & Unboxings Coming Soon!!

To contact us Click HERE

Today I can finally reveal to you what I've had on my mind for quite a while now, ARABIC VIDEOS! No, sadly they won't be of me belly dancing to Arabic music (sorry to disappoint); but next week will show the launch of my first ever Arabic video. I've gotten loads of requests from people telling me to make some videos in Arabic or at the very least some Arabic captions for the videos I upload, seeing how this goes I will either upload an Arabic version of all future videos or just the major ones.



 My mad Arabic skills will debut on a second version of my upcoming Lumia 920 unboxing, so for anyone who speaks Arabic (or wants to hear how bad all the TV shows get it) stay tuned!

Also this video was the first one I shot with the Nex-5N besides the camera quality test, so lemme know what you think of the quality down below.

This week's releases

To contact us Click HERE
I'm excited about a few of this week's game releases, as (after a bit of a lull), the holiday game season starts in earnest.
You can get full lists of the games at places like GameSpot.com or Kotaku, but here are a few to watch:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (360, PC, PS3) -- The sequel to a mondo game is a mondo game of its own, and the biggest of the week -- if not the year. We play every Monday and Wednesday nights.
  
  
• Phantasy Star Zero (NDS) -- As an RPG franchise, I really dig Phantasy Star, and Zero looks to rock the Nintendo DS. At around 20 hours of story / gameplay per character (and three characters), this game'll likely take up residence in my handheld, now that I'm finally wrapping up Chrono Trigger.
  
  
• Dreamkiller (360) -- I'm unabashedly a Painkiller fan (on the PC). Dreamkiller looks to be a spiritual successor to that game (complete with eastern European dev team), with a creepy, supernatural hook (psychiatrist goes into crazy's heads, a la an FPS trope, and ... erm ... cures them). Works for me!
  
  
• Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans (NDS) -- Dunno if this one will work. I still keep trying to finish Dragon Ball: Origins, but the freaking 10-minute, non-skippable intro pisses me off, so I play it rarely. Still, I'm a franchise fan.
  
  
• Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (PS3, 360) -- I think DBZ: Burst Limit was really under-rated, and if you played this demo on XBL recently, you may agree that this frenetic 3D fighter might be the next Saiyan evolution. Or, you may not. But you're probably wrong.
  
  
• Final Fantasy XI: Ultimate Collection (360, PC) -- Granted, on the PC it's the "Vana'diel Collection 2010" ('cause that'll get you the ladies), but whatever. It's the MMO version of the FF universe, and while it's been patchily received, this rendition will have the base game, all four expansions, and all three add-on scenarios -- all for less than twenty bucks.
  
  
• Braid (PS3) -- If you missed this solid little indie title on XBLA, then PC, now's your chance on PSN. It's a fun, hearty little platformer that does a better job than some full-box titles. Sure, it might be a little over-rated. But genuinely good games are.
  
  
• WorldShift (PC) -- Pretty sure this title, from Crytek-purchased Black Sea Studios, is actually powered by Gamebryo tech, since development was fairly far along before the acquisition. It's a good-looking RTS / RPG online / offline hybrid.
  
  
• Rogue Trooper: Quartz Zone Massacre (Wii) -- OK, this one actually came out way earlier this year, but seeing it inadvertently included one someone's list for this week gives me an excuse to tout it again. I so liked this PS2/PC/original Xbox game, and gushed over it. Twice. Now, with my yearnings for a next-gen update, I kind of got my wish, as it's as it's polished and available for the now-gen Wii. No new content, per se, but if you missed it the first time, find an inexpensive copy. Go nuts.

That's it for this week. Next week, it's New Super Mario Bros. time!

Fun Fact: Apple Can't Relase the iPhone 5 in China Without the Risk of being Sued by a Chiniese Knock-Off Company "Goo-Phone"

To contact us Click HERE
 
This week Apple announced the iPhone 5 which true to the design leaks is nothing more (on the outside) than an elongated iPhone 4/4S. Interestingly enough a repetitive design might be the least of Apple's worries surrounding the impending sale of the all new iPhone. A China based phone manufacturer called "GooPhone" bet big on the iPhone 5 leaks; and they just might cash in VERY big.

Going with nothing more than their gut feeling and the leaked parts of the iPhone 5, GooPhone made their own phone based on the same design all the way to the two-tone back-panel of the phone resulting in the android running "GooPhone I5" (in case you're interested the specs of the phone are quite impressive for a rush job: Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core 1.4Ghz CPU, 1GB RAM, Android 4.0 ICS with an iOS 6 theme, 8 megapixel rear camera and a 4-inch screen with an impressive retina display resolution of 1280 x 720).

This itself is nothing new when it comes to phones and the Chinese market, for as long as either of the two existed  they have played their little game of  "Monkey See- monkey Do", what makes GooPhone special is that they went that extra step and actually patented the deign of the GooPhone I5 in Chinese courts, and were approved! (keep in mind that the leaks were never patented, so GooPhone were the first to the office with their product)

As far as the Chinese courts are interested GooPhone owns the rights to the iPhone 5's design, should Apple decide to release it's latest iPhone 5 there they might (and most definitely will) end up in trouble with the Chinese courts and GooPhone.

In other News Samsung has acquired GooPhone for the sum of $500,000,000 (500 Million), stating that they were interested in their wide array of patent portfolios. (that last sentence was a joke in case you couldn't tell).

Microsoft Surface Tablet Priced Starting at $499 -Why I won't be Getting one

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today after months of teasing and waiting Microsoft have finally unveiled the pricing on their first ever Windows Hardware- the Surface Tab RT (not to be confused with the Surface Tab Pro- which will run the full version of Win8). The Surface RT wills tart st $499 for the 32Gb version, while the 64Gb goes for $599- Keep in mind that the 32Gb Surface is a $100 cheaper than the 32Gb iPad. The amazing covers will sadly NOT come with the product itself, selling for $120 and $130 for the touchcover and the keyboard respectively.

The reason *I* won't be getting a Surface myself is that for me PERSONALLY there isn't a valid use for it, or at least one big enough to justify spending another $500 after recently buying the new iPad/iPad 3. As of now the real reason the iPad has lead the tablet industry is because it is the center of tablet gaming and general time wasting; there are plenty of other tablets out there great for professional/business use, but at the end of the day most people will play on their iPad on their commute home.

For someone who doesn't have a business related need for the Surface there really isn't much of an incentive to leave our shiny iPads and go to the first ever Windows RT tablet, which right now has nowhere near the amount of apps available on Android and iOS tablets (that are actually customized for tablets). The Surface is a great product (especially when it comes to build quality) but what does it offer a user who already owns an iPad that their current tablet doesn't? Besides a kickstand.

(Keep in mind that I'm super Anti-Apple; but I respect their products, in fact I love the surface; but it isn't for me....right now.)

PETA Releases Poke'mon Paradoy; Surprisingly Fun to Play

To contact us Click HERE

PETA, the animal rights group seem to think that Pokemon will somehow influence children to be cruel to their animals, their form of retaliation was releasing an online web based mini Pokemon game called Pokemon Black & Blue (gettit? like bruises...). The story line of the mini-game is the uprisal of the Pokemon against their trainers, lead by the fearsome Pikachu, where the Pokemon demand their freedom; and end to the centuries of bloodshed forced upon them.



Personally I didn't care much for the message, animals are cute and nice; but I'm not about to get all vegetarian cause of my childhood fling with Pokemon (that admittedly hasn't ended yet). But the game itself is worth a laugh or two (and at least the graphics are better than the actual Pokemon games); check it out at the link below:
http://features.peta.org/pokemon-black-and-white-parody/

Pictures: The iPhone 5's Anodized Body Peels Right Off!

To contact us Click HERE

You've all surely heard one or two horror stories about the scratch proof backing of the iPhone 5; with some people going as far as calling it #ScratchGate. I always thought it was being blown a bit out of proportion (seeing how everything Apple related ends up that way); but seeing the following pictures made me change my mind. 

@PaulGarner (don't be shy give him a follow) tweeted that while removing his Clear Back Griffin Protective cover from the back of the phone, bits of the iPhones Anodized body flew off with it!

Oh! Removed my Griffin case from my iPhone 5 today (clear plastic back) and some of the anodised coating stuck(!) to the case and came off!!
— Paul Garner (@paulgarner) October 19, 2012

As you can see in the images Paul tweeted little specs of the iPhones body have peeled off showing the ugly silver layer beneath the anodized body. 

What's interesting is the fact that the iPhone 5 is by no means Apple's first Anodized product, so poor quality on its flagship device is in-excusable (all the previous iPod Nanos, Shuffles, Classics as well as the Macbooks use the same concept of Anodizing aluminum).

If you're interested in learning exactly how Aluminum is Anodized check out the cool educational video below, but the gist of it is that anodized aluminum is actually aluminum that's allowed to rust under controlled circumstances!





Story & Pictures Via: @PaulGarner

Windows 8: Apps, Store and Metro; What It's All About

To contact us Click HERE



Yesterday I posted my initial walkthrough of the Windows 8, getting to know basics, specifically the mouse/touch gestures required to fully utilize the new UI layout and start screen. Now that we've gotten that awkward part  out of the way let's delve into the juiciest bit of Windows 8, APPS! After all isn't that what it's all about these days? (Just ask Mr. Elop).

One of the biggest changes affecting the way you use Windows 8 (besides the start screen of course) is the inclusion of an App store (golly!). This is the first time Windows has ever had an integrated app store of any kind at all, thinking about it; it has become second nature to Google whatever program I wanted and either download it or torrent it (yes I admit I torrent... A lot).

Microsoft has decided to make things easier for you by creating a centralized store to download all your favorite games and applications from (you can still install .exe files or whatever you like the old fashion way, this is just a simplification process). The App Store, aptly called "Store" (funny how that happens huh?), anyways since you should have already linked a working Live/Outlook/Hotmail account to your Windows User account you should be all set (see those of you who didn't are panicking now, this is what happens when you don't follow my instructions- don't worry you'll be prompted to link one anyways, but next time listen to me).

Back on topic, one of the greatest advantages to having a centralized app store (besides the obvious plus of being a centralized app store-DUH) is being notified when updates are available to apps you've already installed on your PC (check upper right corner of the Image above). These notifications are also visible on the Store live tile, something that Windows Phone users are undoubtedly familiar with:
  What about the apps themselves in the store? Not every application that you had running on Windows 7 or-god forbid- Windows Vista is eligible to be placed in the store, Microsoft have placed some UI guidelines and quality tests that must be passed before an app is admitted into the store. Most importantly the app must be compatible with the new "Metro Design language"; which very smoothly transitions us into an explanation of the two different types of apps in Windows 8 (I'm quite proud of that transition).
Applications and programs in Windows 8 can be divided into 2 types, Metro apps and Non-Metro Apps. Metro apps are those that follow the new UI guidelines and are available in the official centralized store, while everything else can be classified as a non-Metro app. The biggest difference between the two types of apps (besides the look once again) is the way Windows 8 behaves with these apps, honestly I'm still a bit unclear about it all.

First off the biggest difference between the two is the fact that non-metro apps run "in" the desktop "layer" of Windows 8, while Metro apps run on the Start screen. This leads to a decent bit of confusion, since each type of app behaves a different way; for starters when viewing the running application through "Windows + Tab" or by using the left side of the screen, only the applications running in Metro mode are shown, any non-metro apps can only be accessed by choosing the "Desktop pane" in the app switcher. (See image below).

 Alternatively to view all your running applications together, Metro & non-Metro you can use the "Alt+Tab" method which doesn't discriminate between apps.



Applications running in two different layers admittedly leads to a great deal of confusion, especially when multi-tasking; for example Windows 8 comes pre-loaded with two different version of Internet Explorer 10; a Metro Version and a Non-Metro version (Metro is flash free). While they are both essentially the same program they act as independent applications (tabs running between the two DO NOT cross-over), meaning although the settings, bookmarks and homepages sync between the two, running tabs do not; which in my personal experience has lead to many duplicate tabs running on the two.

Another difference between the types of apps is the way they interact with the screen/desktop itself in my last post I mentioned that Metro apps asymmetrically "snap" to either side of the screen allowing for the smaller pane to give notifications on the go without using too much screen real estate. The issues is that Non-Metro apps snap the same way they did in Windows 7, splitting the screen into two equal halves; leading to another set of differences to get used to. Of course this also means that I can run one small "snapped" metro app on my desktop while using the rest of my screen for normal work (trust me it's a lot more helpful on a 17" screen).


The third and last major difference is the way each program is displayed on the start screen, Metro UI guidelines dictate a "Live tile" be part of the application, which of course is not needed in non-metro apps; leading to a "rift" in the start screen separating Metro apps and Non-Metro apps

That pretty much covers the basics of the Windows 8 Store and the different types of apps, tune in later for another in depth look at whatever I decide to share (since it's up to me of course). 

Fun Fact: Apple Can't Relase the iPhone 5 in China Without the Risk of being Sued by a Chiniese Knock-Off Company "Goo-Phone"

To contact us Click HERE
 
This week Apple announced the iPhone 5 which true to the design leaks is nothing more (on the outside) than an elongated iPhone 4/4S. Interestingly enough a repetitive design might be the least of Apple's worries surrounding the impending sale of the all new iPhone. A China based phone manufacturer called "GooPhone" bet big on the iPhone 5 leaks; and they just might cash in VERY big.

Going with nothing more than their gut feeling and the leaked parts of the iPhone 5, GooPhone made their own phone based on the same design all the way to the two-tone back-panel of the phone resulting in the android running "GooPhone I5" (in case you're interested the specs of the phone are quite impressive for a rush job: Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core 1.4Ghz CPU, 1GB RAM, Android 4.0 ICS with an iOS 6 theme, 8 megapixel rear camera and a 4-inch screen with an impressive retina display resolution of 1280 x 720).

This itself is nothing new when it comes to phones and the Chinese market, for as long as either of the two existed  they have played their little game of  "Monkey See- monkey Do", what makes GooPhone special is that they went that extra step and actually patented the deign of the GooPhone I5 in Chinese courts, and were approved! (keep in mind that the leaks were never patented, so GooPhone were the first to the office with their product)

As far as the Chinese courts are interested GooPhone owns the rights to the iPhone 5's design, should Apple decide to release it's latest iPhone 5 there they might (and most definitely will) end up in trouble with the Chinese courts and GooPhone.

In other News Samsung has acquired GooPhone for the sum of $500,000,000 (500 Million), stating that they were interested in their wide array of patent portfolios. (that last sentence was a joke in case you couldn't tell).

Microsoft Surface Tablet Priced Starting at $499 -Why I won't be Getting one

To contact us Click HERE
Earlier today after months of teasing and waiting Microsoft have finally unveiled the pricing on their first ever Windows Hardware- the Surface Tab RT (not to be confused with the Surface Tab Pro- which will run the full version of Win8). The Surface RT wills tart st $499 for the 32Gb version, while the 64Gb goes for $599- Keep in mind that the 32Gb Surface is a $100 cheaper than the 32Gb iPad. The amazing covers will sadly NOT come with the product itself, selling for $120 and $130 for the touchcover and the keyboard respectively.

The reason *I* won't be getting a Surface myself is that for me PERSONALLY there isn't a valid use for it, or at least one big enough to justify spending another $500 after recently buying the new iPad/iPad 3. As of now the real reason the iPad has lead the tablet industry is because it is the center of tablet gaming and general time wasting; there are plenty of other tablets out there great for professional/business use, but at the end of the day most people will play on their iPad on their commute home.

For someone who doesn't have a business related need for the Surface there really isn't much of an incentive to leave our shiny iPads and go to the first ever Windows RT tablet, which right now has nowhere near the amount of apps available on Android and iOS tablets (that are actually customized for tablets). The Surface is a great product (especially when it comes to build quality) but what does it offer a user who already owns an iPad that their current tablet doesn't? Besides a kickstand.

(Keep in mind that I'm super Anti-Apple; but I respect their products, in fact I love the surface; but it isn't for me....right now.)

PETA Releases Poke'mon Paradoy; Surprisingly Fun to Play

To contact us Click HERE

PETA, the animal rights group seem to think that Pokemon will somehow influence children to be cruel to their animals, their form of retaliation was releasing an online web based mini Pokemon game called Pokemon Black & Blue (gettit? like bruises...). The story line of the mini-game is the uprisal of the Pokemon against their trainers, lead by the fearsome Pikachu, where the Pokemon demand their freedom; and end to the centuries of bloodshed forced upon them.



Personally I didn't care much for the message, animals are cute and nice; but I'm not about to get all vegetarian cause of my childhood fling with Pokemon (that admittedly hasn't ended yet). But the game itself is worth a laugh or two (and at least the graphics are better than the actual Pokemon games); check it out at the link below:
http://features.peta.org/pokemon-black-and-white-parody/

Pictures: The iPhone 5's Anodized Body Peels Right Off!

To contact us Click HERE

You've all surely heard one or two horror stories about the scratch proof backing of the iPhone 5; with some people going as far as calling it #ScratchGate. I always thought it was being blown a bit out of proportion (seeing how everything Apple related ends up that way); but seeing the following pictures made me change my mind. 

@PaulGarner (don't be shy give him a follow) tweeted that while removing his Clear Back Griffin Protective cover from the back of the phone, bits of the iPhones Anodized body flew off with it!

Oh! Removed my Griffin case from my iPhone 5 today (clear plastic back) and some of the anodised coating stuck(!) to the case and came off!!
— Paul Garner (@paulgarner) October 19, 2012

As you can see in the images Paul tweeted little specs of the iPhones body have peeled off showing the ugly silver layer beneath the anodized body. 

What's interesting is the fact that the iPhone 5 is by no means Apple's first Anodized product, so poor quality on its flagship device is in-excusable (all the previous iPod Nanos, Shuffles, Classics as well as the Macbooks use the same concept of Anodizing aluminum).

If you're interested in learning exactly how Aluminum is Anodized check out the cool educational video below, but the gist of it is that anodized aluminum is actually aluminum that's allowed to rust under controlled circumstances!





Story & Pictures Via: @PaulGarner

Windows 8: Apps, Store and Metro; What It's All About

To contact us Click HERE



Yesterday I posted my initial walkthrough of the Windows 8, getting to know basics, specifically the mouse/touch gestures required to fully utilize the new UI layout and start screen. Now that we've gotten that awkward part  out of the way let's delve into the juiciest bit of Windows 8, APPS! After all isn't that what it's all about these days? (Just ask Mr. Elop).

One of the biggest changes affecting the way you use Windows 8 (besides the start screen of course) is the inclusion of an App store (golly!). This is the first time Windows has ever had an integrated app store of any kind at all, thinking about it; it has become second nature to Google whatever program I wanted and either download it or torrent it (yes I admit I torrent... A lot).

Microsoft has decided to make things easier for you by creating a centralized store to download all your favorite games and applications from (you can still install .exe files or whatever you like the old fashion way, this is just a simplification process). The App Store, aptly called "Store" (funny how that happens huh?), anyways since you should have already linked a working Live/Outlook/Hotmail account to your Windows User account you should be all set (see those of you who didn't are panicking now, this is what happens when you don't follow my instructions- don't worry you'll be prompted to link one anyways, but next time listen to me).

Back on topic, one of the greatest advantages to having a centralized app store (besides the obvious plus of being a centralized app store-DUH) is being notified when updates are available to apps you've already installed on your PC (check upper right corner of the Image above). These notifications are also visible on the Store live tile, something that Windows Phone users are undoubtedly familiar with:
  What about the apps themselves in the store? Not every application that you had running on Windows 7 or-god forbid- Windows Vista is eligible to be placed in the store, Microsoft have placed some UI guidelines and quality tests that must be passed before an app is admitted into the store. Most importantly the app must be compatible with the new "Metro Design language"; which very smoothly transitions us into an explanation of the two different types of apps in Windows 8 (I'm quite proud of that transition).
Applications and programs in Windows 8 can be divided into 2 types, Metro apps and Non-Metro Apps. Metro apps are those that follow the new UI guidelines and are available in the official centralized store, while everything else can be classified as a non-Metro app. The biggest difference between the two types of apps (besides the look once again) is the way Windows 8 behaves with these apps, honestly I'm still a bit unclear about it all.

First off the biggest difference between the two is the fact that non-metro apps run "in" the desktop "layer" of Windows 8, while Metro apps run on the Start screen. This leads to a decent bit of confusion, since each type of app behaves a different way; for starters when viewing the running application through "Windows + Tab" or by using the left side of the screen, only the applications running in Metro mode are shown, any non-metro apps can only be accessed by choosing the "Desktop pane" in the app switcher. (See image below).

 Alternatively to view all your running applications together, Metro & non-Metro you can use the "Alt+Tab" method which doesn't discriminate between apps.



Applications running in two different layers admittedly leads to a great deal of confusion, especially when multi-tasking; for example Windows 8 comes pre-loaded with two different version of Internet Explorer 10; a Metro Version and a Non-Metro version (Metro is flash free). While they are both essentially the same program they act as independent applications (tabs running between the two DO NOT cross-over), meaning although the settings, bookmarks and homepages sync between the two, running tabs do not; which in my personal experience has lead to many duplicate tabs running on the two.

Another difference between the types of apps is the way they interact with the screen/desktop itself in my last post I mentioned that Metro apps asymmetrically "snap" to either side of the screen allowing for the smaller pane to give notifications on the go without using too much screen real estate. The issues is that Non-Metro apps snap the same way they did in Windows 7, splitting the screen into two equal halves; leading to another set of differences to get used to. Of course this also means that I can run one small "snapped" metro app on my desktop while using the rest of my screen for normal work (trust me it's a lot more helpful on a 17" screen).


The third and last major difference is the way each program is displayed on the start screen, Metro UI guidelines dictate a "Live tile" be part of the application, which of course is not needed in non-metro apps; leading to a "rift" in the start screen separating Metro apps and Non-Metro apps

That pretty much covers the basics of the Windows 8 Store and the different types of apps, tune in later for another in depth look at whatever I decide to share (since it's up to me of course).