Microsoft AU hiring Surface Marketing Manager.

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With Australia still waiting in line for confirmed Surface Pro release dates (expected later this month) it has been left to the “pseudo-Windows 8″ Surface tablet running Windows RT to fly the Surface flag Down Under. Recent changes to Microsoft’s policies and minimum specifications for device makers on Windows 8 suggest the path has now been opened for a range of new OEM form factors running Windows 8 – not the least being a 7″ tablet. We can also expect that MS will expand on their current Surface device range, whether in current model refreshes or more broadly into new devices like the much-rumoured Surface phone. Now Microsoft Australia are set to expand their AU Surface presence via a new dedicated Marketing position being advertised last week.

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Exclusive: Lumia 520 set to replace the budget Nokia C5 at Telstra from April.

Lumia520_HeaderLast week the recently announced Lumia 520 and 720 appeared on the Allphones website as “coming soon”. Thanks to another reader tip-off, it seems that the 520 at least is set to appear some time from April at Telstra, or at least selected Telstra re-sellers.

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Exclusive; Telstra 24×7 App coming to Windows Phone…if you can wait a little longer.

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Corporate Australian App development for Windows Phone still remains painfully slow for the growing numbers of device owners in Australia two and half years into the platform’s life. Whether its Vodafone cricket Apps, Foxtel or (any) Sport streaming Apps right down to self-service Apps for each carrier, Windows Phone certainly lags behind the market size and reach of Android and iOS. Well, thanks to a motivated WP enthusiast, we can now report that at least one of these gaps is being addressed at Telstra now – and the confirmation comes from an impeccable source!

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Exclusive Review: Aussie Footy Fans rejoice! 2013 Windows Phone Apps from Mobilewares have arrived!

AU_FootyAppsForget the heat wave which has enveloped most of the country and extended the Summer deeper into the year than we have had before. Ignore the Cricket headlines….an Aussie tour of India? Not worth looking into. F1′s in Melbourne….yeah a nice event to whet the appetite, but as you all know, March is the month where FOOTY ARRIVES! Have you been waiting for a great Windows Phone App to track your favourite team? Looking for a live and interactive footy fixture? Want all your team and player stats at your fingertips? And naturally you will also want a fantastic live score and play tracker on the go on your WP handset. Well the wait is over, AU Footy has landed for the 2013 AFL, League and Super-Rugby season with a significant update on earlier 2011/12 versions.

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Microsoft quietly removes Xbox Live Gold Family Memberships.

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The WPDownUnder household is a true gaming one…Mr’s WPDU aside. With three boys and one large kid in the home, gaming is ever-present. From consoles to tablets, handheld devices and phones to the Desktop. You name it, we have played it. Rummage through the cupboards and ancient Nintendo Game Watches will emerge from one box, prior generation consoles or old PC Graphics cards from another. However all have made way for the mighty current triumvirate of Gaming Desktop, Xbox 360 and PS3. Of course, 2013 will see the latter two superseded by new releases as the console wars heat up for a fresh skirmish.

Gaming in the modern era means online gaming. And it’s here where Microsoft and the Xbox Live service has provided a broad range of social and entertainment value….for a price. Now without any fanfare it looks like for families at least, this price has just jumped substantially.

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