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Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts
Microsoft confirms more frequent Windows 10 builds, next coming soon!!
Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 Build 9879 to the members of the Windows Insider Program back in November, and it turned out to be the last build for the year 2014. The next build (9926) arrived just a few days ago, which means after a gap of more than two months.
While that particular delay between could be attributed to the holiday season, the company has said that it won’t be the case from now on. While answering a user question, a Windows team member has confirmed that the Redmond, Washington-based company will be releasing new Windows 10 builds faster from now on – at least one per month.
He also confirmed that the next build, which will bring back Start Screen translucency, is coming soon. We are yet to get a specific date for that, though.
Opera takes over Nokia store and Nokia xpress browser
Last year Microsoft announced that Opera will take over the browsers and app stores running on Nokia’s former platforms – Series 30+, Series 40, Symbian and Nokia X.
The transition is starting this month and Microsoft promises it will be an easy change.
Nokia had its own Xpress Browser, but this is getting discontinued at the end of this year and will be replaced by Opera Mini. Both browsers compress data to reduce data usage and improve slower connections. The update is simple on some phones – launch the Xpress Browser and you will be asked to upgrade. If that doesn’t work, try visiting m.opera.com on your phone to download it manually.
You don’t have to update now, but you’ll have to make the switch before the end of the year.
Nokia Store will be cut earlier – at the end of March – and will be replaced by the Opera Mobile Store. You can’t update yet but in the coming weeks the Nokia App store will redirect you to the Opera Store mobile website. Apps purchased on the Nokia Store will continue to work but will not be available for redownload.
MINIX NEO Z64 Mini PC , available for Android and Windows phones
MINIX, a reputable media center hardware manufacturer, has announced the latest addition to its device lineup. It comes in the form of the Minix Neo Z64 Mini PC. The name is more than fitting, as the device is truly small and will fit nicely in front of any TV and also packs quite a punch offering PC-grade performance.
It is powered by an Intel Z3735F 64-bit processor with 2MB of cache and a Turbo clock of 1.83GHz. Tech-savy readers are sure to recognize the chip, as it is the same silicon that powers most of today’s Windows-based tablets. That being said, the device will more than readily run Android as well, making it as universal as it gets in terms of media PCs.
Also under the hood of the Minix NEO Z64, there’s 2GB DDR3L memory and 32GB of eMMC storage. This should be plenty for most multimedia purposes, but MINIX has also thrown in an SD card slot and two USB 2.0 for further extendability. Going around the small computer we also see a HDMI 1.4 for video output, 10/100 Mbits LAN, a headphone jack and a power DC IN on the rear. It supports Full HD output and playback and is also equipped with a 802.11n wireless card, hence the protruding antenna and Bluetooth 4.0.
Geekbuying currently sells the MINIX NEO Z64 in two variants one with Android 4.4.4 preinstalled, while the other with Windows 8.1 for $144.90 and $174.90, respectively. Bear in mind that the latter does include an OEM license for Windows, which is exceptional at that price tag and both even include a remote control.
The MINIX NEO Z64 is a solid choice and will definitely handle most multimedia tasks you throw at it. While the hardware is nothing spectacular, the level of freedom in OS choice is impressive and the built-in Intel HD graphics chip is more than enough to power Android gaming and possibly even some casual PC titles. Whether it be next to a TV or as a bare-bone work PC solution the MINIX NEO Z64 is definitely worth checking out.
An overlook on how Microsoft Project HoloLens works via infographic
Microsoft’s Project HoloLens came out of nowhere – no one expected the company to join the VR/AR headset race, but Microsoft deemed it important enough to close its Windows 10 even with it. The headset promises both artificial reality (AR), overlaying virtual objects on the real world, and virtual reality (VR), which replaces the real world completely.
This futuristic piece of tech packs a lot of advanced functionality, but this infographic will give you a digestible look at how it works.
A lot of tech went into HoloLens – it’s powered by Windows 10, it has an array of sensors that stem from the Kinect and it’s self-contained and does all the processing itself. Since it’s Windows 10 devs can use the same development environment they’ll use for the new universal apps that run on both phones and desktops. Also, since it’s self-contained you won’t have clunky cables hanging around keeping you tethered to a computer.
The display itself is quite interesting – unlike the Super AMOLED found in the Oculus Rift, Microsoft’s headset uses three layers of glass (red, green and blue) to create holograms that appear at the desired distance. The headset also tracks your gaze and adjusts the image depending on what you’re looking at.
Project HoloLens has barely any hardware controls, instead it relies on hand tracking for gestures and microphones for voice commands. Multiple cameras track the environment and can see 120°-by-120°, a much wider field of view than the Kinect camera.
You can read more details at Wired, which did a hands-on with the HoloLens.
Cortana and Xbox features comes with the new build of Windows 10 Technical Preview, Out Now!
Following its very detailed “briefing” about Windows 10 a couple of days ago, Microsoft has today released the January update for the Technical Preview of its next OS. This can now be downloaded from the dedicated site, and you can even get an ISO file if you so wish.
The January build comes with many new features, and probably the most important new things inside of it are Cortana and the new Xbox app.
While the latter doesn’t yet support streaming games from an Xbox One to a PC, it does let you view friends’ activity, post to timeline, and view game DVR videos. And there’s an important caveat to note about Microsoft’s personal assistant, namely that it’s currently available in US English only. As you may expect, it does sync to Windows Phone.
The new Action Center has replaced the Charms bar, and it houses notifications, quick action keys, and settings. The People, Outlook, Photos, and Maps apps have been updated. A new “smart snap” mode is in, which shows you a list of running apps when you snap another app, assuming that you’d want to snap an additional one after that.
Continuum lets you switch between tablet and PC mode with one click (or tap). For the Surface Pro 3, the switch should automatically be employed when you attach or remove its keyboard.
This is it for now. Other things such as the Project Spartan browser or the new touch-optimized Office suite are not to be found in this particular build of the Technical Preview. They will be coming in the following months through the Insider program, though.
Windows 10 for mobile, will give Android some competition?
Microsoft made a few huge announcements yesterday, primary of which was the introduction of Windows 10. One huge feature stood out for us, the fact that Windows 10 will work across all of your available platforms, from the PC to your tablet, and even on your phone.
Microsoft has been struggling a bit in playing catch up with the leading mobile hardware and software vendors around the globe. Windows 8 began down the road to mobile friendly functionality, it was certainly built with touchscreen input in mind, but it somehow felt like an incomplete operating system to many, with a UI that made sense for a tablet experience, but lacked in old school Windows functionality on the desktop.
While Windows 8 is still the prevalent desktop OS, Microsoft has had to rely on a separate OS altogether for mobile. Windows Phone 8.1 is the current iteration, found mostly on the Microsoft owned Nokia devices, plus a small selection of HTC and other handsets.
Windows 10 is a new approach, the same OS is capable of installing on the various devices, where it offers a differing UI for each form factor. From what Microsoft showed off in their announcement, the phone UI brings with it the typical functionality we have all come to expect from our mobile devices. Home screens, settings menus, a phone book, a web browser and more.
What’s new
Windows 10 will rock a new web browser, code named Project Spartan. Cortana is a huge element to the new OS. Universal Apps make for a consistent experience across devices. Action Center eases settings control and syncs data and notifications across devices. Expanded Xbox integration goes beyond sharing game clips, streaming full games to your Windows 10 PC or tablet.
Looking at the new Universal Apps approach, there will be a few limitations as developers work around the x86 vs ARM architectures, but the goal is for one app to work on all of your gear. In addition to the app itself, there has been a focus on services.
Users familiar with the advanced photo functionality of Google+ should be comfortable with most of the Windows 10 Photo capabilities.
Your photos will show together in the Photos app, they will be automatically organized into sections and albums. Small touch-ups will happen automatically as well, such as red eye reduction. Best of all, photos will be a part of the new synchronization technology available on your Windows 10 phone in the Action Center. As is true for Google+ users, you’ll be able to get to your full photo collection regardless the device you are using.
A new messaging app seamlessly jumps between your SMS and IM communications, with Skype integration bringing video to the mix.
There is even a floating on-screen keyboard in Windows 10. Just swipe with your finger to re-locate it wherever you need it.
Should Android and other mobile be worried?
This is a tough one to answer. When it comes to walking into a cell phone store, one usually has to go looking for the Windows Phones hidden on the back shelf. Android and iOS devices have all but monopolized the industry. In these spaces, Microsoft has a long road ahead of them.
When viewing Windows 10 as a service, as many business and educational institutions may do, Windows phones and tablets take on a new appeal. If outfitting a large group of your employees or students with Windows PCs, a matching Windows tablet or phone is an easy sale.
Android, for many, is a powerful OS because it integrates so well with the Google ecosystem of apps and services. Microsoft has a growing user base of OneDrive and Outlook.com users that may become very interested in a phone that directly ties into those services.
As Microsoft expands their services, Windows 10 becomes a larger threat to Android. As a side note, with all of that said, Samsung has worked hard to build their own ecosystem, a roughly mirror image of Google’s own Android apps and mobile related services. Yet, Samsung’s Tizen OS has struggled to take off, so far.
Perhaps one move that Microsoft has done right with Windows 10, is adjust their pricing structure to be more in-line with other Mobile OSs. That’s right, as you have probably already read, for a wide selection of upgrade paths, Windows 10 is free. We are eager to learn what the price will be for those not upgrading. Android remains free, and open, Microsoft will have to keep that in mind as they try to compete.
Final thoughts
If the going success of Windows Phone and the once-great Nokia are to be considered when measuring future threat to Android, we might just say that Android’s market share has nothing to worry about. However, Microsoft has had time to watch and learn, by all accounts, it appears that they are doing things right with Windows 10. We’ll have to wait and see if that translates into smartphone sales.
What do you say, is Windows 10 a viable threat to Android market share, or is this just another Microsoft OS, doomed to be mocked and kept to your PC?
Microsoft Windows 10, a free update!!
Microsoft has unveiled their latest operating system the Windows 10. And it does come with a surprise, users using windows 7, windows 8.1 and WP 8.1 can get the Windows 10 upgrade absolutely free.
The company will be offering the upgrade for free in the first year from the day the OS is officially launched. ‘Free in the first year’ – not sure what this exactly mean. It could be a 1 year period for users using windows 7, 8.1 and WP 8.1 to upgrade for free, and if they plan to update after that period it will come for a price. Or it could be subscription base.
The first thing that you will notice on the Windows 10 OS is the start button, yes it’s back and it is a mixture of menu and the start screen. If you have used the latest windows
OS you will be aware of the desktop view and the start
menu (tiles) view – on Window 10 they are merged and There are a lot of improvements command prompt gets keyboard shortcuts, improved windows explorer (tabs added), apps in window store are compatible with windows 10, the new OS got new icons, Cortana (personal assistant) built in and the best part is the continuum that is built in – it can detect changes in the system and switch mode accordingly (for example when using touch and non-touch screen, keyboard removed etc).
As the WIN 10 upgrade is free ,hence will not pose any hike in pricing of laptop / desktop. Windows 10 will be launched soon and it’s free for those using Windows 7, 8.1 and WP 8.1. In case if you are still using Windows 8.0 you will need to upgrade to 8.1 and then only you can upgrade to Windows 10.
Skype integration in Windows 10
With Windows 10 coming down Skype will be becoming into to a part of the OS itself, both on phones and on the desktop. The new app can now sync its contact book with that of your phone and your email and update will also handle your SMS messages as well along with your Skype messages, which will let you stay in touch even if your friends are using an Android or an Apple product independent of the though Microsoft didn't describe how it would work.
Though coming to the desktop, the app will dig into the task-bar so it’s always handy. It can only send SMS messages using Skype Credit though, while it still seems that it'll be missing the option to write an SMS on your computer and route it through the phone just like what you can do with an iPhone and a Mac.
Anyway, voice and video calls remain a central part of the Skype experience and will work on all form factors. And due to courtesy of Windows 10, there will be very little setup needed before you start chatting and calling.
Microsoft’s HoloLens promo video gone VIRAL
Sci-fi has always had a thing for virtual reality, and it appears that is not just fiction writers. In real life we’re slowly inching our way there, trying to get the augmented kind working properly at this point. With the Google Glass project going on hold, Microsoft is up to offer an alternative with its HoloLens.
And a great alternative at that is if you go on to judge response its promotional video is receiving on YouTube. With over 3 million views in the first 11 hours since launch, the obvious thirst for an immersive interactive experience for geeks , still encouraging developers to pursue the realization of the concept.
The enthusiasm does seem to have quieted down after the initial hype, but the comments show a general warm reaction. That’s not to mention there aren’t many skeptics of course.
Thanks to Microsoft that they did show some interesting real-life usage scenarios. While the CAD design case may be specific to a very small target audience, In case you are abroad ,I bet explaining to your mother across the country how to connect her smart box to TV to start a video chat with her would be a huge time-saver.Provided, of course, you described to her in detail how to use the HoloLens last Haloween. And in case this device is coming anytime soon this would be a hell of a device of all time as you can see on the video above.
Lumia 435, 735 and 930 to get Windows 10 update
Microsoft is determined to boost the adoption just-unveiled Windows 10 OS as much as possible. In addition to offering a free copy of Windows 10 for the first year of availability to anyone with a Windows 8.1, Windows 8 and Windows 7 license, the company is set to bring the OS to as many current mobile devices as possible.
In a blog post by Microsoft's own Chris Weber the low-end Lumia 435 is quoted specifically to receive the OS update. The article also confirms that the midrange Lumia 735 and the top-tier Lumia 930 will join the Lumia 1520, which we all witnessed at the press conference to be the pioneer Windows 10 smartphone.
The stated model numbers are more of a representation of Microsoft's plans for Windows 10 to span the majority of the lineup, rather than an exclusive list of devices that will get it. Meaning that your precious Lumia 830 is very likely to be on that list, for example.
And also implicating that older phones may be left out. It's unclear which devices might be out of luck, but we are hoping Microsoft will shed more information about it soon.
Microsoft's Xbox integration for Windows 10 – on board PC streaming
In the Windows 10 press event on 21st, Microsoft spilled the beans on the Xbox app for its latest OS. The application will be available on every tablet and PC running Windows 10.
Microsoft approached gaming as a highly personal activity with its latest Xbox implementation. System-level features will include messaging and friends list. The Windows 10 app will interact with the Activity Feed, as well as support Steam games.
DVR will arrive to gaming with Xbox for Windows 10 as well. Users will be able to capture and edit gameplay footage just like the Xbox One.
DirectX 12 will be part of the graphics subsystem,ensuring smooth graphics and low power consumption. The popular Unity game engine will also support DirectX 12.
Furthermore, Xbox One users will be able to stream their games to a Windows 10 PC at some point later this year. Microsoft demoed the upcoming feature by playing Forza on a Surface 3.
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