Tag: microsoft

Microsoft Officially Announces Windows 10 Release Date

Microsoft had earlier announced that the consumer version of its newest OS, Windows 10, will arrive this summer. Keeping up its promise, the software major today announced the release date of its latest Windows iteration. The much-awaited operating system will be available to download on computers and tablets running Windows 7 and 8.1 from July 29th onwards. Windows-running smartphones are expected to receive an update later this year.

Terry Myerson of Microsoft stated in the official blog post –

On July 29, you can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or on a new Windows 10 PC from your favourite retailer. If you purchase a new Windows 8.1 device between now and then, the Windows 10 upgrade will be available to you and many retail stores will upgrade your new device for you.

Recently, the hardware and software giant commented on a blog post stating that Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers will be upgraded to Windows 10 for free and will continue receiving ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for the supported lifetime of that device. On the other hand, customers using pirated softwares have been recommended to purchase a licensed copy.

Microsoft is also sending a notification to genuine Windows users, clicking which, a slide show appears giving a slight glimpse of Windows 10. The new version brings back the Start Menu (that was missing in Windows 8), Continuum, a virtual assistant Cortana, the revamped browser Microsoft Edge that is fast and organised, and many other features. The software will launch in 190 countries.

[pullquote_right] Microsoft recently confirmed that there will be no Windows 11 [/pullquote_right]

Microsoft recently confirmed, that the firm is quitting the revision of Windows operating system and confirmed there will be no Windows 11. The company wanted perfection in the latest Windows as it aims to standardize Windows 10. Microsoft intends to make Windows a service. That means, instead of releasing versions of Windows every couple of years, they will be sending out regular updates to Windows just like Apple’s OS X.

Click here for more information about Windows 10.

June 1, 2015
Why Windows is Giving Up its Best Card to Android and iOS

Catching up with the ground-breaking innovations of Google and Apple, Microsoft updated its latest Windows OS with the delayed but functional voice assistant Cortana. Windows’ personal virtual companion was rightly named after the fictional character of Halo game series as it had similar personality traits like intelligence and wittiness. But recently, Microsoft made an announcement that dilutes the exclusive rights of Windows Phone users. The Redmond-based tech behemoth launched an app called ‘Phone Companion’ that will make Cortana and many other apps privileged to Windows Phone users across platforms. It means users will soon be able to download Cortana and Music apps on their Android and iOS smartphones.

As soon as a user plugs in the iOS or Android device to a Windows 10 running machine with Phone Companion pre-installed, a slew of apps become available to the user for installation. The list includes Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Skype, OneNote, Outlook, Cortana and Music. Phone Companion will help set up your phone to work seamlessly with Windows 10. Although, the Cortana functionality would be limited on iOS and Android platforms, the most basic feature of questioning Cortana would be there for all operating systems. Along with that, users will receive flight notifications, alerts including geographical ones, pre-set reminders and much more. The apps will be available in late June on Android and later this year, on iOS.

Cortana was one exceptional feature that caught hold of everybody’s attention. Even with the presence of Apple’s Siri and Google’s virtual assistant Google Now, tech critics were compelled to accolade Cortana for its humorous responses, exceptional performance and being an all time companion. With Cortana invading the two major operating systems, it is likely to corner Siri and Google Now to a certain extent. The content on the devices will be more synchronized with the aforementioned set of apps. Photos, files and songs saved on your handset, will automatically transfer to your PC for easy accessibility.

Here’s the video demonstrating how the Phone Companion app will work:

https://youtu.be/lXREpLEwgOY

According to Microsoft, the company “set up with the goal to make Windows 10 for everyone” and this led to the release of the Phone Companion app. But does this move really favour Microsoft? The firm is dropping its unconventional invention in the wide ecosystem of Android and iOS, which it could have cashed in on. The exclusivity of Cortana on a Windows Phone could have given a push to the company in the smartphone segment, which Microsoft is in dire need of. The recent move can further plunge the demand of Windows Phones in the market as users now have the option to activate voice assistance on their handsets.

If you examine Microsoft’s current trend with respect to its apps and softwares, you’ll see that Microsoft is making its distinctive tools, omnipresent. It started with Microsoft Office, earlier exclusively available to Windows Phone users, and Skype and many other apps soon added to the universal apps listing. It’s a plus for Windows’ antagonists, Android and iOS, but it is uncertain if this move turns out to be profitable for Microsoft. The tech firm could have easily tapped on Cortana and Continuum features to convert them into increased market shares. Seems like Microsoft is opting for a different approach to make a higher podium for itself in the flooded smartphone market. But if the strategy fails to work, Microsoft’s smartphone division may soon face a similar situation to Nokia.

May 28, 2015
Microsoft Launches Office Preview Apps for Android Phones

Android phones were the only devices that were left for Office apps. Following the roll out of Office preview apps for iPhone, Windows Phone and Android tablets, Microsoft has today launched Word, Excel and Powerpoint apps for Android devices. This release will only see the beta, or preview version available. Microsoft said in its statement:

The Office for Android phone apps are modern, optimised for touch and designed to work on the go.

Users will be able to create, open, save files from their Android devices and access them through services like OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox and Google Drive. Collaboration within a group project will become easier as Office for Android allows users to track changes, comment and markup documents. These apps are optimised for touch and smaller screens, with the Menu button at the bottom of the screen instead of the top for user-friendly thumb use.

To download the apps, users will have to join the Office for Android community on Google+. Once users have joined, they will receive links for downloading each app separately, for Word, Excel and Powerpoint. But be warned, users will not be able to access these links unless they are approved. Microsoft also recommends a device with at least 1GB of RAM and Android 4.4 or later versions.

May 20, 2015
Microsoft Backtracks, Announces Pirated Softwares Will Not Receive Free Windows 10 Upgrade

The arrival of Windows 10 is the next big thing every Windows OS user is looking forward to. Of course, the latest Windows version has many distinctive features, but Microsoft’s promise to provide free Windows 10 upgrade to everyone is another major cause of wait for users running pirated copies.Unexpectedly, Microsoft has pulled back its support for the non-genuine versions of Windows 7 and 8.1.

Microsoft responded to all customer queries regarding how this will work for genuine and non-genuine Windows. The hardware and software giant commented on its blog post stating that Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers will be upgraded to Windows 10 for free and will continue receiving ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for the supported lifetime of that device.

On the other hand, Non-Genuine users are suggested to purchase a licensed copy of the ubiquitous Windows to save their personal data from getting exposed publicly. Microsoft said that the Windows 10 update will not be free for Non-Genuine Windows devices and customers have to pay a certain cost depending on what the offer is. As per the company statement, some offers would be run by Microsoft to shift users from the pirated version to the original. The new version will be accessible on devices running pirated copies, but that will again be a non-genuine version. It will come with a watermark notifying its piracy.

Microsoft hasn’t clarified the pricing scheme and has asked to stay tuned for further announcements. Windows 10 is scheduled to release this summer. It will release in 190 countries and will support 111 languages. The fresh Windows OS will bring major upgrades and innovative features like Cortana, Continuum and many more. Read more about the same here.

May 16, 2015
Candy Crush Will Be Included With the Windows 10 Update

We all have played a fair deal of classic games like Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts since the existence of Windows. As for Windows 10, these games will automatically be installed in the system. In addition to these, Microsoft is also tagging partners along to bring in their contribution of games to the new OS. The latest to join the Microsoft wagon is King’s widely popular sugar-filled game, Candy Crush.

According to Windows Blog, Candy Crush Saga will come automatically for customers that download or upgrade to Windows 10 during the launch. This version includes cross-play with iOS and Android devices.

It will quite be an unique experience playing Candy Crush on Windows 10’s smooth OS. King Digital Entertainment turned quite some heels when the game was first released for Facebook in 2012 and made its way to iOS, Android and Windows devices in the same year.

Back in March, Microsoft announced the release of the highly-anticipated Windows 10. The company said that the latest OS would come this summer in over 190 countries and 111 languages. As stated by TechCrunch, Windows 10 will release at the end of July. It is a free upgrade as long as customers claim this offer in the first year of the OS in the market.

For information on the unique features of Windows 10, click here.

May 15, 2015

Microsoft Brings the Lumia 540 to India, Priced at Rs. 10,199

Microsoft is steadily pushing itself in the affordable section of the Indian smartphone market. After announcing the Lumia 540 in April, the company launched the smartphone in India today with a price tag of Rs. 10,199.

Throwing some light on the specifications of the device – the Lumia 540 Dual SIM sports a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels and a pixel density of 294ppi. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, coupled with 1 GB RAM. It has 8 GB of internal storage and can be expanded up to a heavy 128 GB. The camera optics include an 8MP rear camera with a LED flash and a 5MP front camera. Its pre-bookings begin today and will be available in black, white and cyan colors.

The Microsoft Lumia 540 joins a long list of budget smartphones already playing the Indian field. The new entrant may not have what it takes to survive. A couple of days back, Micromax’s subsidiary Yu announced its affordable “flagship,” the Yuphoria. It offers similar specs, but is priced at a mere Rs. 6,999. Clearly, the Lumia 540 will face stiff competition.

Here’s a quick look at the phone’s specs:

Specification	Microsoft Lumia 540
Display	5-inch
Resolution	1280×720 resolution, 294 ppi IPS display
Processor	1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor
RAM	1GB
Internal Memory	8GB
Expandable Up to	128GB
Primary Camera	8MP with autofocus and LED flash
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	2,200mAh
Operating System	Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim
Price	Rs. 10,199

May 14, 2015

Windows 10 is the Last Version of Windows OS, Confirms Microsoft

Microsoft has been enriching Windows OS with every version. The recent Windows 10 is the finest upgrade made by Microsoft, which incorporates all significant alternations needed on a Windows platform along with a brand new technology called Cortana. The American consumer electronics firm is quitting the revision of Windows operating system and confirmed there will be no Windows 11.

At the Ignite tech conference, the developer evangelist of Microsoft Jerry Nixon said in the press conference –

Right now we’re releasing Windows 10, and because Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, we’re all still working on Windows 10.

Nixon also mentioned that Windows 10 was in works since the launch of Windows 8.1. The company wanted perfection in the latest Windows as it aims to standardize Windows 10. Microsoft intends to make Windows a service. That means, instead of releasing versions of Windows every couple of years, they will be sending out regular updates to Windows just like Apple’s OS X. The software and hardware giant is radically changing the way we upgrade Windows.

This being said, it is certain that there won’t be any major change coming up to Windows 10. The company will regularly revise some features and send an update for Windows upgradation. It’s a big move by the company, but it sounds great as Microsoft has extended its reach to different platforms with the new Windows OS.

The latest version hasn’t come out for public yet. It’s due to release this summer. It will first land on the desktop and later on Windows-powered smartphones, as per Microsoft. There have been rumours of Microsoft already working on its next update, but it is expected to release by 2016.

May 9, 2015
Microsoft’s Future Smart Glass Might be Able to Read Emotions

To remain interesting, wearables are continuously being upgraded. They have a massive potential, and major tech companies are constantly looking to improve their last offering. From smartwatches to smart glasses, possibilities of technology seems only limited till the emotional spectrum. Recently, it seems that Microsoft may have overcome this barrier. The US technology giant, known for making its mark in the computing world, have recently been awarded a patent for a smart glass that would be able to detect or interpret emotions of people within its range.

This patent, filed as ‘a wearable emotion detection feedback system’, was originally filed in October last year and has been announced this week. By judging different variations in speech rhythm and amplitude, choice of words, type and speed of gestures,eye focus and body posture, the glass would be able to determine the emotion of a single person or a group, without them knowing about it. It will use sensors like depth cameras and a microphone under the nose bridge to pick up the audio and video information about the subject.

According to Wall Street Journal, its uses were not specified, but one can imagine it will come very useful during interrogation questioning where devices would be able to measure changes in the person’s body temperature or pick up small shifts in the voice tone. According to the patent, this device can communicate with another same device, thus allowing the share of information. This also gives the user a 360-degree view, and can be used in gaming or security work.

Again, the possibilities seem endless. Let’s wait and watch how Microsoft takes this innovation forward.

May 4, 2015
Microsoft has a Good Opportunity in India with Cloud, Says Nadella

Cloud computing is a brand new platform that Microsoft is looking to evolve further. It has gained a great deal of attention, but hasn’t attained the prominence expected by the company. The top official of Microsoft believes that Microsoft has a real opportunity with cloud-computing in India and it will be a transformative area.

The CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella remarked at the conference:

It was hard selling softwares. But now with cloud, we have real opportunity in India. That definitely is the transformative thing. And of course by design, it has anti-piracy built into it, which also is very helpful.

Nadella expects Cloud to grow the size of Google in the next five years. He further stated, “Qualitatively, the way I describe the world that we live in and what it will be in the next five years is this mobile-first, cloud-first world.”

The hardware and software giant is the leader of the cloud service that provides computing and data storage services. The system works by deploying groups of remote servers and software networks that uploads different data sources for real-time processing without the need to store processed data on the cloud.

The Microsoft CEO commented on his vision is to empower every person and organisation and make them achieve more.

Customer success is the top priority of Microsoft and they work on helping their customers re-imagine their businesses. Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft Kevin Turner stated in the 2015 Microsoft Financial Analyst Briefing:

And the other big mantra we have at Microsoft, particularly for our field and our go-to-market model, is transforming while performing, and working on those things simultaneously is a very important part of our rigour and our discipline, and what we bring to the table relative to focusing on this customer success.

Alongside this announcement, Microsoft held a three-day build conference where new feature were revealed like Continuum for Phone and Microsft Edge. Check other features here.

April 30, 2015

Microsoft Outs the Budget-Friendly Lumia 430 in India

Keeping its promise, Microsoft today launched its cheapest Lumia handset, Lumia 430 in India. The phone was unveiled back in March at a price tag of $70. The Dual-SIM device is up for grabs in the country starting today at a considerably low price of Rs. 5,299.

The Redmond-based has secured a space for itself in the budget segment with the release of Lumia 430. It has an edge over entry-level Android devices with an option to Windows 10 upgrade; when it releases later this year. The device comes pre-installed with apps like Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote), Outlook, Skype and OneDrive.

Coming on the specifications, then the Lumia 430 sports a 4-inch WVGA (800×480 pixels) LCD display with 235ppi pixel density. A 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor provides power to the device together with 1GB RAM. The internal storage space is 8GB, but users can expand it up to 128GB via MicroSD card. For now, the Lumia 430 runs on Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim update, but soon users can access the benefits of Windows 10 on the device.

On the photography front, a 2MP camera is fitted at its back, while the front is a VGA snapper. A 1500mAh battery fuels the phone, which the company claims can stand 8.4 hours of talktime. Connectivity options include dual-SIM card slots, 3G support, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

The company has announced some exciting offers to entice customers like Rs. 3,000 cashback on transaction via MobiKwik app. Other deals include Rs. 1,500 discount on ticket booking via Redbus app, and 500MB free data per month for two months.

Have a look at its spec sheet below:

Specifications	Microsoft Lumia 430
Display	4-inch (800×480 pixels) LCD
Processor	1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB, expandable up to 128GB
Operating System	Windows Phone 8.1, upgradable to Windows 10
Camera	2MP rear, front VGA
Battery	1500mAh
Price	Rs. 5,299

April 30, 2015

Continuum Will Turn a Windows 10 Handset into a Full-Fledged PC

Microsoft’s annual Build Conference brought a slew of significant features. Significant announcements included the disclosure of the new Windows 10 browser ‘Microsoft Edge‘, and the other is the official confirmation of Windows 10 being open for Android and iOS apps.

Among many noteworthy revelations, one that caught hold of our attention is Continuum for phones. The tech firm demonstrated onstage one of the spectacular possibilities for its new Windows 10 and revealed how a small 5-inch handset can turn into a full-blown PC.

So, how does Continuum work and what does it means to Windows Phone users?

Continuum sorts the problem of shifting among various devices. As Continuum transforms a phone into a computer, its user interface (UI) moulds itself to work better with a mouse and keyboard. It’s just like Universal apps from Microsoft that scales up to fit the screen they are opened in.

When a Windows phone is connected to a PC, it acts as the main gadget with power to access everything that you do on a full-sized computer. With Continuum on a smartphone, all the keyboard shortcuts of a PC work will work exactly the same way on your Windows smartphone. This way, users can get their work done using their phone like a PC.

It also comes with dual-screen capabilities, which means users can continue using their phone while it is plugged into external peripherals like a TV or a desktop. This allows the handset to be used independently, and both the screens can perform different functions at the same time. Joe Belfiore from the Microsoft Team announced that new processors from Qualcomm are being used which can help drive two displays separately.

Continuum has given a boost to Windows Phones and has made it somewhat like an Apple iPhone, which works better in conjunction with other gadgets in its ecosystem. For now, Continuum is built to provide limited access, but the hardware will be modified to deliver full-on desktop features in the future. With this, Microsoft has secured its current customers and may even lure more with its new tool.

Watch the below clip for more information about Continuum for Phones:

https://youtu.be/-oi1B9fjVs4

April 30, 2015
It’s Official! Microsoft Extends Android and iOS App Support for Windows 10

The day before, the news of Microsoft planning to roll out a fresh feature came to light, which could bring the plethora of Android apps for Windows users. Now at the Annual Build Conference, Microsoft confirmed the authenticity of the reports. Last night, Microsoft revealed its plan to bolster the piddling share of its Windows Phone market and announced that the new Windows 10 can run the reworked Android and iOS apps. The company unveiled Software Development Kits (SDKs) that allows developers of Android and iOS to port their apps on the Windows platform.

Microsoft wants to offer the 1 billion associated loyal Windows customers the vast apps ecosystem that the company had not been able to develop since long. Two new SDKs will do the porting of apps. For the Android developers, American tech behemoth is allowing to leverage Java and C++ code to make Windows apps, and iOS developers will use the Objective-C code developed by Microsoft.

Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Operating Systems Terry Myerson commented at the event –

Windows 10 is going to enable you to reuse your Web code, your .NET and Win32 code, your Android, Java and C++ code, to build amazing new applications, bringing the code over, extending it, putting it in the Windows Store, and reaching 1 billion Windows 10 customers.

Today, we’re announcing that you will be able to compile the same Objective-C code that’s being used in iOS applications within Visual Studio on Windows. Enabling you to leverage that code and extend it with the capabilities only found on the Windows platform.

Developers don’t have to put much effort in making apps from scratch. Just a few tweaks in codes and the apps will be ready to run on all Windows devices, automatically fitting the different screen sizes. Microsoft is also looking towards shifting the existing apps on Windows 7 and Windows 8 to the latest Windows 10. The firm mentioned that 16 million .NET and Win32 apps were still being used every month on Windows 7 and Windows 8, so their importance cannot be overlooked.

On the first day of the conference, Microsoft previewed the .NET Core for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. ‘Visual Studio 2015 Release Candidate’ was also released that makes it easier for developers to build universal applications and deploy them to Windows, Linux, iOS and Android platforms.

The company hasn’t come up with the release date of Windows 10 yet, but it is speculated to release in or before fall.

April 30, 2015
Report: Android Apps Might Soon Be Available for Windows Users

Windows Phones have been in the smartphone race since long, but their App Store is still remains constrained. Microsoft is committed to eliminating the glitch and is ready to offer its users the luxury of the Android app ecosystem. The company is reportedly working on a feature that will open the doors of the Android app store for Windows users.

A trusted blogger Paul Thurrot has commented on Microsoft’s plans that they might come out with at the BUILD conference scheduled for tonight. He revealed that Microsoft is likely to introduce a feature that will let users run Android apps on Windows 10 devices like smartphones, tablets and PCs.

This means the confined app network will now grow to the maximum by encompassing all the apps that are developed for Android till date. It will give a major push to the Windows Phone market, which was till date lagging because of its limited App Store.

It is still unclear how Microsoft will integrate the change. It remains to be seen if it will create a new app store for Android apps or allow support for Android stores by third-party developers. The move will help the company in the long run, but it is dubious how it will go with Microsoft’s Universal App strategy.

April 29, 2015
Microsoft Might Set Up a Smartphone Manufacturing Unit in India

The smartphone landscape in India is rapidly flourishing. Previously Xiaomi expressed its view to build a manufacturing unit in the country and now, Microsoft is mulling over the same thought. The US-based firm Microsoft is pondering over establishing a local manufacturing unit in India after the government’s decree on import. The company says that post the Indian government’s rigorous take on international organizations, it would be expensive to bring phones to the country.

Corporate Vice-President at Microsoft Mobile Device Sales, Chris Weber reiterated the same, “We’re evaluating local manufacturing in terms of what our local footprint is. There are some new regulations and tax duties, etc., about local manufacturing and certainly we’re looking at them to make sure that we remain competitive.” He further mentioned that the evaluation is underway for all nations including India.

Microsoft got a boost in the smartphone business with the buyout of Nokia’s device business for $7.5 billion last year. The firm has a foothold in the market, but to stay ahead of its competitors like Samsung, Xioami, Micromax and more, Microsoft needs to offer phones at an unbeatable price point.

As an Indian origin firm, Micromax has added benefits. It can retail its handsets at comparatively lower prices as the Indian government has relieved the home-grown companies from many taxes to give them a push. On the other hand, the current budget puts excessive load on foreign tech companies since it has made import even more pricey. It has led global companies to consider establishing a manufacturing unit in India.

Weber said that Microsoft will update its 4G devices portfolio in India and make a comeback in the premium smartphone market this year. The hardware and software beast now has several budget and mid-range smartphones in its portfolio. Seeing people’s inclination to high-end devices like Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Microsoft is planning to throw its top-notch devices in the marketplace and enter the premium smartphone battle.

The American multinational technology firm is presently rebranding the brick-and-motor stores of Nokia all over the world. The rebranding will be held in two categories – Microsoft Priority Resellers and Microsoft Mobile Sellers. The former one will keep all the company products, and the latter will be an experience store.

April 29, 2015
Microsoft Expected to Roll Out Windows 10 by July End

Back in March, Microsoft announced the release of the highly-anticipated Windows 10. The company said that the latest OS would come this summer in over 190 countries and 111 languages. Microsoft hasn’t yet disclosed when the latest Windows is going to debut, but we have some details about its arrival.

As stated by TechCrunch, Windows 10 will release at the end of July. The online tech publisher contacted some officials who disclosed the release date of the next Windows OS.

In October 2014, Microsoft released the Technical Preview of Windows 10 that allowed users to view and test the new OS first hand. The Redmond-based firm has high expectations from its latest operating system and is offering it free for its Windows 7, 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 users for one year. The new Windows marks the comeback of the Start Menu, which was absent in the previous Windows 8 version. It has some exceptional features like Project Spartan and Cortana. With Project Spartan, users can have an all-new experience while browsing the web. Further developments include tweaks and enhancements to its menu, screen, and other features like Cortana.

For more information on the unique features of Windows 10, click here.

April 21, 2015

Tag: microsoft

Specifications

Microsoft Lumia 430

So, how does Continuum work and what does it means to Windows Phone users?