Showing posts with label Windows 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Windows 10. Show all posts
Wednesday
Microsoft Surface Book vs. Apple Macbook: The tale of the tape
On Tuesday (early Wednesday Philippine time), Microsoft unveiled a slew of new devices in a bid for dominance for Windows 10. The crowning jewel in this effort is the Microsoft Surface Book—but how does it compare with the competition?
"With Windows 10 and these new Microsoft devices, you are at the center of magical new experiences," promised Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft. "We're moving people from needing to choosing to loving Windows, and these devices promise to fuel even more enthusiasm and opportunity for the entire Windows ecosystem."
Microsoft's first in-house laptop offering, the Surface Book is touted as "a powerful, high-performance laptop with stunning craftsmanship and incredibly accurate and responsive pen and touch support."
On paper, at least, it certainly has the looks and muscle to go head-to-head with its Apple rival.
Mashable posted the following chart pitting the specs of Microsoft's prime upstart versus Apple's own big boss:
"While the two laptops have a lot in common, the Surface Book 'appears' to deliver a bit more value in relation to price (at least technically)," Mashable said.
However, as The Verge was quick to point out, specs comparisons don't tell the whole story.
Microsoft's and Apple's products cater to different kinds of users, considering the former's integration of a touchscreen and full keyboard in one device versus the latter's separate tablet and laptop offerings.
"It's getting really weird to compare these products on specs alone, simply because the way that you use them is really, really different," The Verge said.
"More and more, these devices are advertised on an evolving continuum. There's no clear place that tablets end and laptops start," it added.
In short, putting Microsoft beside Apple may not necessarily be an "apples to apples" comparison.
"Specs are only half the story, but some of the differences really stand out," The Verge concluded. — GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
Saturday
Microsoft retiring Skype 'modern/metro' app
Here's not-so-good news for users of Windows 8 who are just getting used to the Modern or Metro version of Microsoft's Skype video conferencing app: Microsoft's killing it by July.
In a blog post, Microsoft's Aga Guzik said they want to simplify the PC experience "down to one app" that can be controlled by touch or by keyboard-and-mouse.
"Starting on July 7, we’re updating PC users of the Windows modern application to the Windows desktop application, and retiring the modern application," Guzik said.
Guzik noted that with the upcoming Windows 10, it would be better to use the Skype app optimized for mouse and keyboards use, and capable of doing touch "rather than two separate applications performing the same function."
Besides, Guzik said feedback from users indicate the "traditional" Skype desktop app helps users efficiently navigate, with all information in one window "so you don’t have to scroll back and forth."
The traditional app also helps get more done like group video calling, sharing a screen for showing directions or working together on a document - and soon - translation.
After July 7
Guzik said that after July 7, users trying to access the modern app on PCs will be automatically directed to download the desktop app.
"All of your contacts and conversations from last 30 days will be available. If you already have Skype for Windows desktop you don’t need to do anything. Also, if you’re on a Windows RT tablet device, there is no change for you," Guzik added.
Disparities
A report on PC World said many users have complained about differences between the modern and desktop apps.
"While the modern version is somewhat easier to interact with on touchscreens, it’s far too dependent on swiping to see all information. It also doesn’t include some features from the desktop program, such as screen sharing and group video calls," it said.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2934507/skype-kills-its-modern-windows-8-app-in-the-name-of-efficiency.html
It also noted Skype appears heading in a different direction than Microsoft's Office productivity suite, which will soon feature touch-friendly apps. — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
Thursday
Microsoft's Cortana coming to iPhone and Android
Microsoft's personal digital assistant Cortana is coming to the iPhone as well as to devices running Google's Android platform.
In a blog post, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said a Cortana app for iPhones and Android, to serve as a companion on a Windows 10 PC.
"Part of the power of a personal assistant comes from being available on the go, on the device you carry with you everywhere. And for people who don’t have the benefit of a Windows phone, we want to extend the advantage of Cortana in Windows 10. How will this work? Today, we’re announcing a Cortana application for Android phones and for iPhones which works as a companion to Cortana on your Windows 10 PC," he said.
He said the phone companion app on the PC will help a user install the Cortana app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Belfiore said Cortana, which can help to things from searching on the web or a device to setting reminders, dictating email, or toggling device settings, is integrated into Edge, the new web browser for Windows 10.
"The Cortana companion app will help you complete tasks you begin on your PC wherever you are, on your phone," he said.
Limitations
But here's the catch: there may be some things Cortana can do on Windows Phones that may not work on Android devices or iPhones.
This is because some Cortana features "require access to the system that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android," he said.
Among the things Cortana may not be able to do on iOS or Android for now include toggling settings and opening apps.
Even hands-free access to Cortana by saying “Hey Cortana” will be limited to Windows Phones for now, as the feature needs special integration with the device’s microphone.
Designed for all devices
Belfiore, in making the announcement, noted Microsoft realizes that "many people use iPhones or Android phones, and we want them to enjoy some of their Windows experience and content while away from their Windows 10 PC."
"Regardless of the operating systems you choose across your devices – everything important to you should roam across the products you already own – including your phone," he said.
Phone companion
A Phone Companion app on the PC allows a user to pick which type of phone he or she owns, whether it's a Windows phone, Android phone, or iPhone.
Nothing extra is needed with a Windows Phone, though a few steps may have to be followed for Android or iPhone owners.
OneDrive app allows photos taken on a phone to show up automatically in the Photos app of a Windows 10 PC.
Music app lets a user store and access music from OneDrive not only on the PC but now also play it anywhere, for free, on an iOS or Android phone.
"And you can work on your Office documents from any of your devices, without worrying about moving files around," Belfiore said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
Saturday
New Windows 10 Build rolled out for testers
Early testers may get an updated peek at the upcoming Windows 10 operating system, after Microsoft made available the latest build for download.
The download of Build 9926 is available for those who signed up for Microsoft's Insider program, Microsoft's Gabe Aul said in a blog post.
Aul said the newest features include:
- Cortana digital assistant (US English only) integrated into the desktop
- New Start menu
- Continuum, which has Windows adapt across different devices
- New settings app
- Connecting to wireless audio and video
- New Photos and Maps apps
- Windows Store Beta
- Xbx app
But some known problems in this build may include:
- a boot selection menu at reboot
- Xbox Live enabled games that require sign-in may not launch correctly
- battery icon shows on PC lock screens without batteries
- Start menu tiles show truncated app names
- Remote Desktop has some painting issues
- Connected Standby enabled devices like Surface Pro 3 may experience shorter battery life
- Cortana reminders can’t be edited and more complex reminders might not be created
- Music app will disappear if minimized within 16 seconds of launch
- Start menu is occasionally improperly registered and will fail to launch
Tech site Mashable noted that at least for now, only Windows Insiders can download and install the new Windows build, though Microsoft is still accepting signups.
"While Microsoft has yet to officially announce a public release date for Windows 10, most expect it to arrive before the end of this year. When it does, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users will be able to download it for free (for the first 12 months of general availability)," it added. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
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