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98 Year Old Makes Amazing MS Paint Art

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While reading through a few articles on web, I came across a truly inspiring video. It’s about a 98 year-old man named Hal Lasko who creates amazing 8-bit style artwork using Microsoft Paint. Hal worked as a graphic artist when he was younger and he used to create his own unique typography by hand.

Hal started using Microsoft Paint later on in his retirement when his family introduced it to him around 2005. Hal has been spending hours upon hours every day since then creating his own unique artwork.

You can view more of Hal Lasko’s artwork at hallasko.com and for a deeper look into Hal Lasko’s world, you can head to WIRED.

How to Easily Shut Down Windows 8.1

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Win8_1StartScreen

In many ways Windows 8 is pretty awesome, but it has many flaws. One of these flaws is the lack of an intuitive UI. Many people have found that even performing the most common tasks, like shutting down the computer, are very difficult thanks to hidden menus and buttons.  Fortunately , Microsoft is looking to solve these problems with upcoming release of Windows 8.1, which is set to be available to the general public on October 17th.

We originally offered up a solution that allows you to quickly shut down your Windows 8 computer in one step but with the upcoming release of Windows 8.1, this process will no longer be necessary but you can still use it if you prefer. Instead, Microsoft offers it’s own solution, the Start Button.

With the new update, instead of opening the charms bar you can simply right-click the Start Button or press the Windows Key + X, which will open up a menu with the option to Shutdown or Sign Out.

Microsoft Drops Anti iPhone Ads

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Microsoft recently created a few anti-iPhone ads to help take some of the wind out of Apple’s sail after their new iPhone line introduction, the only problem, they are terrible.

The ads were not only lacking in the humor department but some would even say they are just plain tasteless. Apparently Microsoft felt the same way as they quickly decided to remove the videos from their channel. Thankfully, there are a few users who have managed to re-upload the videos so you can catch a glimpse and decide for yourself. These re-uploaded videos seem to be mysteriously disappearing one-by-one over the last few days but I was able to easily find another.

I’m all for good competition and a little smack talk now and then, but there’s definitely a right and wrong way to get the job done.

Microsoft Offers $200 for your iPad

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Microsoft Surface Pro

Microsoft is trying to get you to part with your iPad in hopes that you will buy a Surface RT/Pro instead. You can bring in a used iPad 2, 3, or 4 and get a minimum of $200 on a gift card for use at the Microsoft store. Of course the offer can be used towards other Microsoft products as well, like Xbox or anything else that you fancy in the Microsoft store.

Microsoft has been ramping up it’s campaign against Apple as of late as it tries to gain some ground in the mobile device market. The Surface opened up to some pretty weak sales and unfortunately this trend has continued throughout the life of the product. Microsoft’s tablet has already seen a price cut, which is now permanent, and currently the RT version is selling for $349 while the Pro version is selling for $799.

Despite weaker sales numbers Microsoft does see a strong future for mobile versions of Windows and will soon be revealing Surface 2 to the world on September 23rd which will ship with Windows 8.1.

Xbox One Launch Date Announced

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xbox oneReleaseDate

Microsoft announced the official release date today for their next-gen gaming console, the Xbox One. The console will be launching Friday November 22, 2013 in 13 initial launch markets, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, UK, and USA. With more to come in 2014.