Microsoft will push Windows 10 even harder in 2016 -- is the company being a bully?
Windows 10 is a wonderful operating system -- the best operating system that Microsoft has ever created. With that said, there are still many bugs in it. Plus, the privacy concerns are legit, despite what some fan-sites may have you believe. My biggest annoyance? Advertisement prompts telling me to try Office 365, and regular survey prompts asking me to rate Windows -- I am on the retail build, not pre-release, and that is totally inappropriate.
With all of that said, it is totally understandable that some Windows 7 and 8 users want to hold off on installing version 10. Sadly, Microsoft seems intent on pushing the new operating system on the world. First, the company was caught intentionally downloading Windows 10 setup files onto unsuspecting PCs. Of course, let us not forget that "accident" where Microsoft forcibly upgraded some computers to Windows 10. Now, according to Terry Myerson, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, the company will start pushing Windows 10 even harder in 2016.
Two become one -- Google to 'merge' Android and Chrome OS
Just as Microsoft is trying to streamline its various operating systems with the approach it has taken with Windows 10, so Google appear to have similar plans. The Wall Street Journal reports that plans are well under way to merge Android and Chrome OS.
Work has been going on for two years, and an early build of the hybrid operating system is expected to see the light of day next year. A full release is planned for 2017. While described as a merger of OSes, the report suggests that Google is really looking to expand Android so that it can run on laptops. Chrome OS may well live on, but the same cannot be said of Chromebooks.
Windows 10 Build 10576 gives a better taste of Threshold 2 and introduces media casting
In a first for Microsoft, today sees the release of not just a new Windows 10 Mobile build, but also a new build of Windows 10 for the desktop. Windows 10 Build 10576 is now available to Insiders on the Fast Ring. This is the latest update to the Threshold 2 branch, the final build of which is due for release next month.
This is more than just a bug-fixing build -- although there are a number of bug fixes, you'll be pleased to hear -- there are also new tools and features to try out. Taking a leaf out of Google's book, Microsoft Edge gains media casting, PDF can be navigated with Cortana, and there's a new Xbox beta app. But it doesn't end there...
Microsoft joins forces with Pacific Control Systems for new IoT management system
You can't cast a stone these days without hitting something regarding the Internet of Things, be it a product, story or cautionary warning. That last one seems to be the primary focus lately as people worry, in some cases unnecessarily, about the security of the devices being thrust onto the market.
Now one of the big players in the tech game is getting involved as Microsoft joins forces with Pacific Control Systems for an enterprise management system based on Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft fails to fix Surface Book problems and cherry-picks positive reviews
Ripples of excitement met the Surface Book when it was announced, but it's a device that has divided opinions. The price is enough to make many people balk, and the looks are not to everyone's taste, but it's the performance that Microsoft is pushing -- even if it is unwilling to back up its claims with benchmarks.
There are, however, lots of reports of problems, some of which are shared by the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4. Even before launch there was a firmware update prepared, but if you were hoping that it would fix problems with a flickering screen, freezing caused by the video driver, and problems with charging after re-attaching the keyboard, you'll be disappointed. Not that you know there was any disappointment out there thanks to the cherry-picking of positive reviews Microsoft has indulged in...
MagicStick, the fastest HDMI stick PC available, runs Windows 10 and Android
Bigger is usually regarded as better, but with PCs there has been a recent trend towards miniaturization. We've seen all manner of stick PCs in the last year or so, and MagicStick is the latest contender to throw its hat into the ring. Rather than just being a run-of-the-mill clone of the competition, the MagicStick proudly proclaims itself to be the "fastest pocket computer based on Intel's latest 14nm Cherry Trail processor".
The HDMI stick can be plugged directly into a television, monitor, or projector, and managed to smash its Indiegogo target in just four days. The specs are certainly impressive, rivalling many laptop and desktop systems and -- unlike other similar portables -- there are numerous configurations available. Oh, and it's IoT-ready.
Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 suffering from an ugly flickering screen problem -- but there is a fix
Surface Book went on sale yesterday, and today we’re seeing the first reports of a big problem with Microsoft’s MacBook rival. According to numerous reports, the device is blighted with a nasty intermittent flickering screen issue.
It’s not only the new laptop that has the problem either, it’s affecting the new Surface Pro 4 too -- epileptics beware. You can see the flickering in action below.
Xbox One gets Windows 10 on 12 November
The rollout of Windows 10 continues apace, and next on the list of devices to get the operating system is the Xbox One. What this means is that the console will gain what has been dubbed the "new Xbox One experience" (or NXOE) that Preview Program members already have access to.
Microsoft's Phil Spencer has revealed that the update will be made available to Xbox One users on 12 November, so there's just over a fortnight to wait. NXOE brings not just a new look and Cortana (eventually), but also backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games.
The Dell Experience arrives at Microsoft's Fifth Avenue store in New York City
Yesterday Microsoft opened its first flagship store, using a very large space on the iconic Fifth Avenue in New York City. The company managed to fill five stories and more than 22,000 square feet with products and demos, and held a big opening day ceremony with ribbon cutting, concert and deals.
This wouldn't all be possible without the OEMs, and these are making their presence felt within the space. One of those is Dell, which is quite excited about its area within the Big Apple store.
Celebrate Halloween with Microsoft by using Cortana and Bing
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. While it is more appropriate for children, I enjoy watching scary movies on TV and eating candy. The candy I buy to give out just happens to be the ones I like -- such a coincidence!
Believe it or not, Halloween is just around the corner. Look, I know you are busy -- many Americans are working harder than ever nowadays. Are you behind on your holiday planning? Don't worry, Microsoft is here to help. You see, both Cortana and Bing -- two wonderful services -- are here to assist you.
What's next for the PC: 'PC Does Whaaat?!' campaign
If the tech space is evolving and competitive on the cutting edge, then the PC market is on the bleeding edge. Many factors have affected the industry, but the PC’s fate has been due to the appeal of smartphones, tablets, and the need for mobility. While mobile devices are the rave, can they really replace the workload and capabilities of the PC?
In an effort to make the PC "cool" again, five major PC makers -- Microsoft, Intel, Dell, HP and Lenovo -- joined together to launch a $70 million, 6-week advertising campaign. The campaign, titled, "PC Does Whaaat?!”, launched with targeted online TV commercials focusing on the features available on the Windows 10 platform, and through broadcast and social media channels in the US and China.
Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book go on sale today -- will you buy one?
Surface Pro 4, the latest generation of Microsoft’s popular Windows slate, and Surface Book, the company’s brand new high-end laptop, both go on sale today -- provided you live in the US or Canada. If you live elsewhere you’ll have to wait until November.
Pre-orders have reportedly been brisk, with both devices going in and out of stock. Microsoft says the initial reaction to Surface Book and early pre-order activity has exceeded its expectations, so it’s likely to have limited quantities in store today.
Behind the big names, the first hires of major tech companies
We've all heard of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, but what about the people they hired in the early days of their fledgling businesses?
You probably don’t know anything about Marc McDonald's role at Microsoft or Shel Kapha's at Amazon, but these were among the first people hired by those companies and had a significant effect on their growth.
Apple is the coolest brand and battery life doesn't matter in the world of wearables
Consumer opinion about wearable devices is somewhat divided, accordingly to a new survey by Juniper Research. The company found that the wearables market is dominated by Apple and Samsung, but it is Apple that manages to take the 'coolest brand' crown.
Microsoft will be disappointed to find itself ranked in 13th place, but the survey shows that it is the familiar technology companies that remain the most popular. Fashion and designer brands like Nike, Rolex, and Ralph Lauren account for a tiny percentage of sales. The research also found that there is a limit to what people are willing to pay for a wearable.
Microsoft arrives on Fifth Avenue, opens a new store in New York City
There is no more iconic street than New York's Fifth Avenue -- okay, maybe there are some rivals such as the Champs Elysee -- but the Big Apple's street has its claim to fame. It's the residence of many famous locations and now one more company is calling it home.
Microsoft is opening a flagship store on the famous avenue, marking its latest location in an ever-expanding footprint.
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