Microsoft gives peek at Windows 10 software

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft on Tuesday offered its first glimpse of its Windows 10 software that it hopes delivers a winning formula for powering tablets and smartphones, along with laptops and desktop computers.

The US software colossus focused on its core business market while unveiling an "early technical preview" of next-generation Windows software slated for release next year.

Microsoft executives said the naming decision to skip right from Windows 8 to Windows 10 was intended to reflect that the new software will be a big leap and not a small step.

While pulling back the curtain on an early technical build of Windows 10, Microsoft heralded the operating system as a blend of what was best in the previous two generations.

"This is what Windows 8 should have been," analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group in Silicon Valley said after attending the unveiling event in San Francisco. "Now, they have the most advanced platform to deal with a BYOD (bring your own device) world."

An "Insider Program" for developers who want to dabble with Windows 10 and provide feedback will kick off on Wednesday.

"Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect," said Microsoft operating systems group executive vice president Terry Myerson.

"This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers."

Aimed at businesses

Pressure has been on Microsoft to win over companies that have shunned the current version of Windows, which was radically overhauled to adapt to the booming popularity of computing devices with touch screen controls.

While Windows 8 was tuned into personal lifestyles rich with smartphones or tablets, it was not a hit at companies where people still work using traditional computers with keyboards and mice.

More than a year after its release in late 2012, the number of businesses using Windows 8 were vastly outnumbered by those using Windows 7 and even using the earlier Windows XP, according to market trackers.

The operating system is crafted to automatically adapt to whichever device someone is using, from Xbox consoles and desktop computes to tablets or "tiny gadgets," according to Microsoft.

"Windows 10 will run across the broadest range of devices ever from the Internet of Things to enterprise data centers worldwide," the US software firm promised.

Microsoft also said the coming version of Windows will provide developers a converged platform that will allow them to write a single application that can run across the array of devices powered by the software.

Windows 10 will also boast enhanced security, including separating and securing data in ways more resistant to breach or theft.

A beloved "start menu" missed by users will make a comeback, providing 'quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most," according to Microsoft.

Windows 10 is also designed to make it easier to work using multiple files or applications simultaneously.

The software can also segregate personal and work activities on mobile devices, allowing companies to wipe their information as needed but leave anything else untouched.

Windows 10 is also the first platform to aggressively handle biometrics "up through eyeball recognition," according to Enderle. "I had a list of things Microsoft needed to do, and they ticked off everything," Enderle said of how Windows 10 is shaping up.

"It looks like they really hit on all the elements."

Microsoft even improved a command prompt, addressing a long-running lament of Windows users stretching back for generations of the software.

Microsoft's Windows remains the dominant platform for traditional PCs but has been overtaken in the fast-growing mobile segments of tablets and smartphones by Google's Android and Apple's iOS.

Shares in Microsoft fell 0.19 percent to close at $46.35 after the announcement.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Windows 8.1 set for October 18 release

SAN FRANCISCO -- A tweaked version of Microsoft's Windows operating system which restores the "Start" button missed by users and updates other features will be available on October 18, the company said Wednesday.

Windows 8.1 will be offered as a free download to those already using Windows 8, and comes in response to a lukewarm reception to the operating system introduced last year aimed at serving both mobile devices and PCs.

A full retail version of Windows 8.1 will also be available on the same date.

"I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1," said a blog posting from Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.

LeBlanc said it would roll out worldwide starting in New Zealand just after midnight.

"Windows 8.1 brings many improvements in areas like personalization, Internet Explorer 11, search which is powered by Bing, built-in apps including a few new ones, an improved Windows Store experience, and cloud connectivity with SkyDrive (and much more) that people will enjoy," LeBlack said.

A public preview of Windows 8.1 was made available June 26.

At the time, Microsoft said it had sold more than 100 million licenses for Windows 8 but that the update was planned after listening to customers.

Some analysts say Microsoft was forced to act because of slow adoption of Windows 8, which made some radical changes to the design of the desktop.

With Windows 8, Microsoft was trying to create a system that could be used on mobile touch screen devices while also serving the users of traditional PCs.

Microsoft launched Windows 8 last October, revamping its flagship system in an effort to make inroads in the fast-growing mobile segment. At the same time, it launched its Surface tablet computer.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Microsoft’s Windows 8 to hit release target

SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday its new, touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system will be on sale October 26, almost exactly three years after the launch of Windows 7.

That means customers will be able to upgrade old PCs to the new system on that date, or buy new hardware with the software already installed at stores such as Best Buy.

The company generally does not announce public release dates until close to the event, but has often stated that it aims for a new version of Windows every three years.

Microsoft said earlier this month Windows 8 would be released by the end of October.

source: interaksyon.com

Nokia's Microsoft-Powered 710 Is A Smarter Entry-Level Smartphone

MANILA, Philippines — In 1985, Microsoft launched Windows operating system on graphic user interface (GUI) platform, a year later than its rival Apple Computer. Though a year late, Windows still became the standard for operating systems, establishing Microsoft as the industry leader.

Different versions have been launched through the years, a new version always promising a better experience overall. But that has not been the case, specially referring to the Vista version, which made more users stay with the older version the XP. The young generation most likely will be more familiar with the Windows 7 version.

With Operating Systems, most will agree,it is about user experience – faster boot time, easier navigation, cleaner interface and quicker access to applications. So it is no wonder that phones began adopting more PC-like operating systems.

Driven by the same demand to deliver better experience overall, smartphones do provide more functionality than what it used to. Also, the need to be ‘connected’ all the time required more robust operating systems in a solid hardware device. And this is what I believe Nokia and Microsoft is aiming to achieve, when these two titans of industries created the Nokia Lumia series.

The Nokia Lumia has three distinct series, if you may call it that way -- the 700, 800 and the 900 series (soon to be launched). All devices are currently available in the US and Canada, while Nokia 800 will be available in Asia by March.(MB Technews has both the 710 and 800 lying somewhere in the Techlab)

With the introduction of the other series remains unconfirmed, here is a sneak preview of the Nokia 710, dubbed the smarter smartphone.

Hard Facts

Nokia Lumia 710 has a ClearBlack display screen measuring 3.7inches and if turned off, the display looked seamlessly black, which is a rather nice touch. And speaking of touch, yes this mobile device is all touch and as intuitive as most touchscreen devices.

There is a 5MP camera which takes decent pictures but do not expect quality going beyond average. It is powered by a Qualcomm processor rated at 1400 CPU clock rate, which is the same processor powering the Nokia Lumia 800.

The Experience

First of all, you have to remember that this is an entry-level smartphone so that your expectations will not go awry.

The overall feel of the device is quite solid, however the clean back finish is a bit slippery to hold. But by consolation it is interchangeable and comes in different colors(definite appeal factor for Pinoys).

The device offers a single button at the front for home, back and search. The hitch is with the start button located on top of the unit, a bit difficult to push (unless you are left handed which feels more natural). And this limitation is magnified by the fact that it is the only button you can press to start and turn off the device unlike other smartphones.

The strength of this device is really in its operating system, Windows Phone 7.5, dubbed Mango during its development phase. It marries quite well into the Nokia hardware.

The user interface follows the familiar tile/tab presentation that is unique to this OS. It offers the option to pin apps, those that are intended to be used a lot. But I really wonder why there are two windows, when you can simply have one window and prioritize tiles according to use.

But what Windows Phone OS offers as a remarkable experience is under the People Hub (People tab). It offers integration of all social networking sitesand makes the complicated process of going through individual social networks simpler with a single access page that provides live notifications. No need to go through different apps to find out‘what’s new’.

Nokia Lumia 710 offers a smart advantage especially for socially networked people looking for a smarter smartphone on a budget.Nokia 710 is a smartphone worth watching out for. And by the way, it can also do handsfree text messaging; just make sure you dictate clearly.

Specifications

Dimensions: 119 x 62.4 x 12.5 mm

Weight: 125.5 grams

OS: Windows Phones 7.5 Mango

Display: 3.7-inch, WVGA 800 x 480 pixels, TFT, capacitive touchscreen, Nokia Clear Black Display, 16M colors

Processor: 1.4 GHz, MSM8255 chipset

Camera: 5 MegaPixels, 2592x1944 pixels with autofocus and LED flash

Video Capture: High-Definition 720p 30 frames per second

Audio and Video Playback MP3/WMA/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+

Ports: microUSB 2.0, 3.5 mm audio jack

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v2.1, 3G HDSPA 14.4 Mbps HSUPA 5.76 Mbps

Network: 2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G Network: HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100

Memory: 512 MB RAM, 8GB internal storage, expandable via microSD, supports up to 32GB

Sensors Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity

Battery: 1300 mAh

Talk time: (GSM/WCDMA) up to 6.9h/7.6h

• Standby time: (GSM/WCDMA) up to 400h

• Music playback: up to 38 hours

source: mb.com.ph