Weekend Reading: Aug. 8th Edition — Surface Pro 3 to launch in 25 more countries and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online adds new markets

Summer slowdown? Not really. We learned that Surface Pro 3 is heading to 25 more countries soon, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is adding new markets and Peggy Johnson was named executive vice president of Business Development. So, let’s jump in:

Surface Pro 3, already in the U.S., Japan and Canada, will be available in 25 more countries starting Aug. 28: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom. All versions of the device, featuring 4th-generation Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 models, will be available from Microsoftstore.com, Surface retail partners and Authorized Surface Resellers.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online went live in 17 additional markets, bringing the total number of global markets it is available in to more than 50. Those 17 new markets are: Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, U.S. Virgin Islands, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. “Together with Microsoft Azure and Office 365, CRM Online is a critical part of the Microsoft Cloud for Business that delivers experiences that users love and businesses can count on,” wrote Bob Stutz, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, in a blog post.

Margaret L. (Peggy) Johnson was named executive vice president of Business Development, reporting to Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella. Johnson joins Microsoft from Qualcomm, where she most recently served as executive vice president of Qualcomm Technologies and was president of global market development. In that role, she was responsible for commercializing new business opportunities and developing strategic relationships. She has a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from San Diego State University.

Peggy Johnson
Margaret L. (Peggy) Johnson

Some NFL players won’t just have a football in their hands this season — they’ll also be grabbing a Surface and using Microsoft’s Sideline Viewing System App to make it easier and faster for them and for their coaches to see pre- and post-snap photos. They’ll be able to review what went well and what didn’t in previous possessions, as well as strategize ways to attack the opposing side. It’s all part of Microsoft’s groundbreaking partnership with the NFL. Surface, NFL, Sideline Viewing System App

Never give up. Ever. That philosophy lives big for Mario Bonfante Jr., whose story we learned about this week. Bonfante, who started racing when he was a young teen, was in an accident that resulted in his becoming a quadriplegic. Because of his passion for racing, his competitive nature and some determined engineering, Bonfante, now 24, is back in the racing game. He also looks to “Forza Motorsport” to hone his driving skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqzbPXXpxE4

In the app world, PBS KIDS Video could be your new best friend, especially if you’re planning any late summer road trips, or even for the day-to-day drive to and from school. The app, available for Windows and Windows Phone, has 1,000-plus videos from more than a dozen shows, including “Curious George,” “Dinosaur Train” and “Sesame Street.” Want to go wild with your selfies? You can touch them up with one of the most popular apps for doing so, Facetune, now available for Windows Phone. Then, when you’re done taking them, you can use Wal-Mart’s PhotoMart app to order up prints, ready in one hour or less. The app is exclusive to Windows Phone. Check out the NFL Preseason Live Windows app. With it, you can watch every game in high definition live or on demand. For Xbox One, STARZ Play is now available for your binge-watching pleasure, delivering hit movies and original series, free with your STARZ subscription. And, if you missed the recent premiere of the “awesomely bad” “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” you can still catch up with the Syfy Now app for Xbox One. PBS KIDS Video app, Windows Phone

This week on the Microsoft Facebook page, we prepped for back to school by awarding an HP ENVY TouchSmart Notebook to the second winner of our #8WordEssay contest! Join us on our page for the next chance at a prize.

Microsoft Facebook page From Snaps this week, National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez captured his epic journey to Mount Everest using the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 930.

Stephen-Alvarez-Mount Everest-11
Photo credit: Stephen Alvarez

Okay, now you can rest – we hope – this weekend. Hope it’s a great one for you, and we’ll see you back here next week.

Posted by Suzanne Choney
Microsoft News Center Staff

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