This week on tech, new rumor surfaced about the possible launch of a Microsoft’s Surface Mini based on ARM, therefore running Windows RT. Also new information suggests that the software maker is already working in the next major update for Windows 8.1. Although, it’s unclear what will be included in “Windows 8.1 Update 2”, the rumor is that the Start Menu, the one demoed during the Build developer conference, will return in this update. 

Microsoft Remote Desktop app arrives to Windows Phone 8.1 as a universal app after being released first on iOS and Android. The app is free and it will allow users to easily connect remotely to Windows PCs. 

Remember Microsoft’s Encarta? Well with this new Microsoft app, it seems like if the digital assistant is coming back… This week the software giant has released another Bing app for Windows 8.1, it’s called Bing Wikipedia Browser and it’s simply a combination of the content from Wikipedia with Bing technology for better search. The app is free and ready for download. 

Finally, if you installed Windows 8.1 Update and you are noticing hard drive problems, it’s possible that there is data corruption and you’ll need to get your hands dirty to fix it. But not to worry as I already ran in the same situation and I already published the fix. All this and more…

Welcome to Pureinfotech: Tech Recap edition. Each weekend I will bring you a compilation of articles of the week, including how-to guides, features, tech news, and more. This is simply a list with a brief description of pieces you might have missed or you might just want to read again.

  • How to revive hard drive using Diskpart on Windows 8.1 after data corruption (step by step)
  • The new Encarta: Bing Wikipedia Browser app for Windows 8.1 arrives
  • Microsoft’s Surface Mini could go on sale in May
  • Microsoft Remote Desktop Preview app arrives to Windows Phone 8.1
  • Second update for Windows 8.1 may release in August
  • Microsoft Research introduces SurroundWeb pushing interactive web content onto walls
  • Start menu for Windows returning this fall, Windows 8.2, and Windows 9