Windows 8 fficial blog launched, pre-release in coming months
Microsoft has today formally launched the official Windows 8 blog and named it Building Windows 8 with Steven Sinofsky, the President of the Windows Division making the first post. Sinofsky started the blog post by stating that Windows 8 would be the best operating system and as mentioned by us earlier would be working on both old and new PC’s. Here is what he posted-
Building the next release of Microsoft Windows is an industry-wide effort that Microsoft approaches with a strong sense of responsibility and humility. Windows 8 reimagines Windows for a new generation of computing devices, and will be the very best operating system for hundreds of millions of PCs, new and old, used by well over a billion people globally.
Sinofsky further stated in the first blog post that pre-release version of Windows 8 would be released in coming months. The Build conference is being held next month and according to news, Microsoft would be releasing the beta version during this period. It would be interesting to see whether this news is confirmed or not.
Sinofsky said that they would be keeping a close look on the blog and would be going through all the blog posts and comments. Here is what he wrote-
Feel free to send us your thoughts via comments or email—we can’t respond to every question we receive, but your suggestions for blog topics are welcome. The email contact link in the right pane goes straight to my inbox without any filter (except spam filtering). Please note that we are also making this blog available in several other languages (acting on feedback from the Engineering Windows 7 blog) and you can expect to see those posts within 48 hours of the English language post.
If you’re looking for notifications of posts, then be sure to follow us on Twitter @BuildWindows8. Look for shortened URLs of http://win8.ms/ with links to posts and videos.
Via: Windows8Beta.com
10 Great Travel Apps for the iPad
An iPad is one of the most sought after gadgets these days. In fact, even kids have it on their Christmas wish list. If you are a frequent traveller then it may have apps that are suitable to your needs. If you think that you still need to pay for these apps, there are those you can just get for free. Here are 10 great travel apps for the iPad:
1. Hipmunk – Travellers find this as one of best resources for the cheapest flights. It also has return flight information which you can’t find on most other sites. It features all kinds of information using an easy to read and easy to understand grid. You may even organize the grid by airlines, flight length and price.
2. Cardstar – This is a convenient app that helps you store all your loyalty card numbers as well as frequent flyer and guest card numbers for hotel rewards schemes (such as those at the Holiday Inn or Travelodge discount codes). It can stop you from wasting time when looking for your hotel loyalty number or frequent flier number. It also generates coupons which are tailored to individual cards and can be used automatically.
3. XE Currency – It basically helps you find the latest rates. It is very straightforward and simple. Just select the currencies you want converted, the amount and that’s it.
4. Beat the Traffic HD – This app shows you where the traffic is in HD. It also features live traffic maps and updated weather conditions. It also has information on all the major routes over 100 cities.
5. Comixology – This is a good app if you have kids with you during plane rides or car trips. It has 1,300 titles of comic books from 30 publishers. It helps you search for comics by genre, series, creator, storylines/arcs, publisher; or by Popular, New and Featured.
6. Fastmall – If you are into shopping during your travels then this app helps you figure out what is inside the malls so you don’t get lost. It has the lay out of all the malls in more than twenty countries.
7. Reuters News for iPad – It offers news which can be useful for your travels. It also features updated weather forecasts and a currency converter. It also has a speedy loading video and photo galleries.
8. Kayak Explore + Flight Search – It helps you search for your flight. It can feature the results by the number of connections, airline, time, price and airport. It can also tell the miles and it has a handy budget/distance calculator.
9. SitOrSquat – This app is a crowd sourced bathroom locator for hotel lobbies but mostly in the US.
10. Submaps HD – This helps you navigate through underground transportation systems in sixteen cities. With this app, you’ll never get lost in subways again.
The iPad can be your handy guide on your next vacation. From looking for flights and finding your way through subways to mall and bathroom blueprints, the above mentioned 10 great travel apps for the iPad can definitely help you have a grand vacation.
Don’t Buy that Tablet – Six Factors as to Why Not To Buy a Tablet
Many people see it as an odd development that a big percentage of the media excitement in technology land is focused around tablets. It could be because tablets are the newest thing in the constantly changing technology land or simply because they are more compact and lighter; however you look at it tablets are all over the place. But the first question that should be asked is, do we really need tablet devices? Are they necessary, can they do more than merely allow you to do the odd bit of web browsing whilst lounging around in your lounge and are they not merely an extremely successful Video Marketing strategy? Why not stick with our old laptops? Are tablet devices really any superior than cheap laptops which cost approximately the same? This post will give you 7 reasons why they aren’t.
Reason 1: Laptops are constructed to be tougher and stronger.
Tablet devices do come with protective cases (if you pay extra for them) but even if you get these protective covers the fact is that tablets will be more at risk of breakage. With screens that are unprotected and a weaker build tablets have less robustness of many cheap laptops.
Reason Two: Laptops have Much Storage Ability and much Greater Processors.
It will come as no great surprise to readers that when you talk about storage capacity if you are using a tablet computer or ipad 2, the storgae quickly gets full. To add to that, there is no option for a memory card that you can insert for extra storage (at least in most of the tablet devices currently on sale). In comparison with modern and cheap laptops, laptops offer much greater memory capabilities.
As with the processors, again laptops have much greater processors and processing power than tablets.
Reason Three: Laptops Offer More Equipment with multiple connections, extensions and add-ons.
There are a lot of things that tablets have in their favour, but connectivity is not their best feature. Unless you only want to connect to other computer devices through wireless you will not be pleased with the connectivity of your tablet computer. On the other hand, laptops offer everything from Thunderbolt, USB 2, USB 3 and Firewire to Bluetooth, HDMI, VGI and DVA and also eSata and connection to various audio and optical devices such as wireless headphones. It doesn’t stop there however. As well as the usual included optical drives these days you can have laptops that also feature surround sound, dab digital radio, tv receivers and also a freesat recorder.
Reason Four: Tablet devices are Really Designed Only to Work Online.
The reason that tablets don’t feature much storage or processing ability is because they are designed with the cloud in mind. This lets them to be small and light, but it can also mean there is not much you can do with them offline, as there is only so much media they are able to store. No wi-fi? No tablet.
Reason Five: Laptops Are Undoubtedly Better when it comes to Editing Documents, Media etc
As long as you install the optimum software, editing your documents and media will not cause any difficulties for even the most lowly of laptops these days. That said, if you choose a tablet, you will be limited to a very limited selection of options. Tablet devices are similarly often unable to support the broad choice of content and media offered on the internet; ipads to give one example don’t even support Flash.
Reason 6: Pricewise, Tablets are Way Better Value then Laptops
Finally of course, it is a question of price. With laptops featuring so many extra features it seems bizarre that you are able to get a well equipped and cheap laptop for a similar price as your tablet computer. Are these tablets really worth purchasing when a laptop will cost roughly the same?
FreeGames.org Review: A New Game Everyday
With the worsening economic condition in several parts of the world today, it is refreshing to see there are still a few out there willing to give out things completely free of cost. At Free Games you get exactly what the site claims to sell, with no strings attached. The website is absolutely brimming with fun and exciting games catering to any and everybody’s taste. From the looks of the free games available on the website, seems its owners really dig deep into the internet to offer their site’s visitors with the best games possible.
The varying genre of games available on the website include casual games, for those who are bored and looking for a way to kill time, puzzle games, for those who like to test their intellect, and action and adventure games for those who enjoy a bit of excitement in their lives. Each game title is followed by a fun quirky statement which gives a vague description of what gamers might expect when they play that game. The search option allows gamers to access any game by simply typing in its name or a similar keyword.
For easy navigation around the site, users can check out ‘Top Rated Games’ and the ‘Popular Games’, to find the best games available on the site. The most exciting thing about the site is, it offers a new game each day, ensuring that its gamers would never get bored playing the same games over and over again. It even allows users to rate the games they play, so to assist others to know the quality of a particular game.
The website offers several world renowned games, such as Angry Birds, all of which are available not just on the actual website alone, but can also be accessed through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. This is an excellent way to play games and leave a comment on the social network account or even compete with the friends.
The great aspect pulling in a lot of visitors for the website is the Free Games Blog. This blog offers gamers with a way of gaining access to walkthroughs and game cheats. For further assistance and better understanding, some walkthroughs even come with an additional video, to help those gamers who are having difficulty following the textual format. It even discusses games which may appeal to certain interests of people, for example, listing down the best 5 fishing games the website has to offer.
With nearly 4000 likes on Facebook and 156 followers on Twitter, Free Games is gradually gaining popularity in the online world, with more and more people getting appealed by the availability of the latest games, completely free of cost. No longer will gamers need to spend hundreds of dollars on PC games and appropriate computer equipment to run them. On Free Games, they can have access to new games, from varying genres every day. The site is one stop shop to find and play latest and exciting games online.
How Microsoft Surface Works
The Microsoft Surface platform relies on groundbreaking software to make all of its technologies work together seamlessly. We’ve already considered the system enhancements that interpret multiple touch points and other objects. Now, we’ll zoom in to the graphical side of the NUI and look at its interactive software.
Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft to deliver Surface 2.0 software developer kit on July 12
Microsoft is planning to make the software development kit (SDK) for the new version of the touch-centric Surface 2.0 system available for download on July 12.
The Surface 2.0, which is being manufactured and distributed via Samsung (and is officially known as the SUR40), is expected to be priced at around $7,600 when it debuts later this year. The Surface 2.0 is expected to be thinner, cheaper and more versatile (able to be used horizontally or vertically) than the Surface 1.0 tabletop computer.
At Mix ‘11 in April, Microsoft officials described the coming SDK as enabling developers to create “write once, touch anywhere” applications. They said the new SDK will allow programmers to create applications targeting both touch-enabled Windows 7 PCs and Surface 2.0 systems, which makes sense, given the underlying UI inside the Surface 2.0 is Windows 7.
According to a July 7 blog post on the Microsoft Surface Blog, the new Surface 2.0 will make use of the same Metro interface/design language that is part of the Windows Phone and Zune HD, among other Microsoft products.
The new SDK will be released during Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Los Angeles next week, and Microsoft execs will be seeking new partners there to develop Surface 2.0 applications and to sell the Samsung-developed systems. Microsoft is creating a new Surface Premier Partner Program to highlight developers who are targeting the Surface 2.0 system. Microsoft also plans to make available a migration tool to help developers who built apps for the Surface 1.0 tabletop to move their programs to the new Surface systems.
Via: ZDNet
Microsoft Surface aids in beefing up the security at the SuperBowl XLIII
The Microsoft Surface technology is playing a key role in beefing up the security at the SuperBowl this year. With a slew of technology partners, a “command and Control platform” is being built owing to the Sharepoint, E-Sponder and Microsoft Surface.
One would wonder about how could such a technology aid in security related issues. The post at ArsTechnica described the role of the Surface as follows:
The tabletop computer will display a Microsoft Virtual Earth map of the area with real-time information about events, incidents, and tasks for the Tampa Incident Command staff. In this way, the security staff will be able to more easily manage the nearly a quarter of a million people in Tampa for Super Bowl-related activities. They’ll be able to zoom in and display a 3D image of the city, including detailed views of buildings and streets and real-time resource tracking.
Steve Sinofsky: No Second Beta for Windows 7
The rumors of a pre-eminent Windows 7 beta release 2 are put to rest following the official confirmation from the man In-charge of the project. Steve Sinofsky, posted a blog saying that Windows 7 was a major hit among the developers and software testers, who related their experience with the brand new OS as “Super Happy”. He clarified that the blog post had nothing to do with the shipping date and the plasible change in plans from the Redmond giant.
He precisely put up a compendium of the litany of terms used just to inhibit any peradventures:
- Pre-Beta – This release at the PDC introduced the developer community to Windows 7 and represents the platform complete release and disclosure of the features.
- Beta – This release provided a couple of million folks the opportunity to use feature complete Windows 7 while also providing the telemetry and feedback necessary for us to validate the quality, reliability, compatibility, and experience of Windows 7. As we said, we are working with our partners across the ecosystem to make sure that testing and validation and development of Windows 7-based products begins to enter final phases as we move through the Beta.
- Release Candidate (RC) – This release will be Windows 7 as we intend to ship it. We will continue to listen to feedback and telemetry with the focus on addressing only the most critical issues that arise. We will be very clear in communicating any changes that have a visible impact on the product. This release allows the whole ecosystem to reach a known state together and make sure that we are all ready together for the Release to Manufacturing. Once we get to RC, the whole ecosystem is in “dress rehearsal” mode for the next steps.
- Release to Manufacturing (RTM) – This release is the final Windows 7 as we intend to make available to PC makers and for retail and volume license products.
- General Availability (GA) – This is a business milestone and represents when you can buy Windows 7 pre-installed on PCs or as full packaged product.
What is to be seen is that if they can really keep up their word this time around. The release of this neophytic version was not hyped following the response they’ve garnered with the Vista. Now, Microsoft is seeing Windows 7 as their saviour as they wish to dust off their bruises and build up their reputation once again. This would be crucial, with Bill Gates no more in there to save them they will have to bank hopes on 7, and untill now it hasn’t let them down.
Coming Soon: The WiNdOwS ClOuD !
The Ups and Downs of Windows 7 Mobile
Windows 7 Mobile release will be delayed. This powerful operating system for mobile phone is currently on its 6.1 version and the next update will not be available until the second half of 2009. Considering the time of release of the latest OS of Windows Mobile (6.1 version) the next release could be a little bit late for Microsoft.
There are two sides of the coin for this delay. Obviously, the lack of updates in Windows Mobile will give chance to its competitors to move forward with their mobile phones and software. The mobile phone industry is a very volatile industry that by the time Windows 7 Mobile would come out, everyone has already established their position and there might not be enough space for Windows 7 Mobile. The partner manufacturers of Microsoft are already frowning in this move and although they can’t just transfer to other OS, it’s still a possibility.
On the other hand, there is a good reason why Microsoft has put a hold in its latest offering of Windows Mobile operating system. Obviously, Microsoft didn’t want to send out another Windows CE OS that really won’t get any nods from tech reviewers. They wanted to send out an operating system that could easily compete with iPhone, Blackberry and the recently released Android. It’s said that Microsoft will be coming out with an OS that could handle Ajax and Flash based applications. The handling of Ajax has become clearer now that Microsoft now uses JQuery as its library. JQuery is a very powerful library for Ajax based applications used by a lot of developers worldwide. That means IE and possibly Pocket IE could have the ability of handling Ajax based websites soon in the future.
Windows 7 Mobile may not be here yet until late next year, but expect a great buzz once this OS for mobile phones is released.
