Lenovo responds to questions about its partnership with SweetLabs (Pokki)

Last calendar week, we learned about Lenovo'southward determination to partner with SweetLabs and install a piece of software known as Pokki on all Idea and Think line units. The 3rd political party software adds a traditional style start menu to Windows 8 in an attempt to help customer transition from Windows 7. This week, nosotros reached out to Lenovo for more than details about the partnership and their intentions going forward.

Lenovo declined to comment on the length of their Partnership with Pokki, but did state that they intend to keep shipping Pokki with Windows eight.i later this autumn. The latest operating system update includes a new beginning button, which does not bring back the tradition commencement carte, simply instead creates an easier way for users to return to the new get-go screen – it is a alter Microsoft made in hopes of making the Os easier to use.

Users will not have the option during car customization on Lenovo.com to choose whether or not they want Pokki installed – information technology will be preinstalled on all units; this decision is a blow to Microsoft who is existence completely sidestepped in the process.

Lenovo did non requite us a statement on how they felt Pokki would touch on their relationship with Microsoft, but instead stated that "by preloading Pokki software on our devices, we are giving users a new way to go acquainted with the features of Windows 8…. Making the calculating experience fifty-fifty better."

Lenovo has as well stated that Pokki has "imbedded discovery points" for the Windows Store assuasive users to consider using Windows eight modern applications, but the major business with Pokki remains - users might decide to forgo using the Windows Shop completely in favor of the Pokki app library.

Lenovo reminded us that they "are fully committed to Windows 8, which is preloaded on many of [their] devices across [their] Lenovo and Think brands" and that they "await forward to implementing Windows 8.1 on upcoming devices".

The company shows no intentions of removing Pokki for a while to come up.

Practice you like the idea of Pokki or do y'all remember Lenovo is butchering Microsoft's latest operating organization?

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years

One of the greats

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft later on 29 years

Shannon Loftis announced her retirement from Microsoft today, after 29 years with the company. Loftis has been with Xbox for decades, having congenital franchises like Fable, Banjo Kazooie, and many more, and recently revived Age of Empires from its long slumber.