Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microsoft. Show all posts

Friday 1 April 2016

Microsoft 'Deeply Sorry' After AI Becomes 'Hitler Loving Sex Robot

Robot

Microsoft Compelled to Retire Chatbot Tay


Microsoft has extended an apology after an innocent Artificial Intelligence chat robot became a loving sex robot of Hitler, within a span of 24 hours after it had been introduced to society. The software giant had been compelled to retire the chatbot called Tay, an AI that was modelled to speak `like a teen girl’ after generating prejudiced and sexist tweets. The account of this illuminating though abandoned millennial focused project had been conveyed most briefly by The Telegraph newspaper in a headline stating `Microsoft deletes teen girl AI after it became a Hitler loving sex robot within 24 hours’.

The removal seems like a good move considering the transformation in question. Microsoft’s chat-bot Tay, big eyed, cute and artfully pixelated could represent the future. Chat-bots, AI powered phony people which tend to interact with customers through text messages are becoming a big focus across several industries. Chatfuel of San Francisco helped in creating bots for messaging-app Telegram also tends to work for Forbes and Techcrunch. According to Business Weeks, it recently received funding from one of the biggest Internet firm Yandex NV, of Russia.

Bots – Official Accounts for Chat Apps


Dmitry Dumik, founder of Chatfuel informed the magazine that `they are simple, efficient and they live where the users are, inside the messaging services. Forbes reported that a company, Outbrain, which uses behavioural analytics for determining which set of peculiar stories tend to appear low down on several news websites, will be talking to several publishers about building chat bots to send their news through text.

According to Forbes, these bots would become like official accounts for chat apps to whom one can text keywords like `sports’ or `latest headlines’ for bringing up stories. Artificial intelligence begins with human intelligence and the AI are naturally fed big data and the result of some of the world’s finest brain, Google’s AlphaGo system which learned from millions of moves is played by best players of the difficult board game. The bots then take in communication as well as data from the users in order to interact in an informed and helpful manner specific to the user.

Designed to Engage/Entertain People


The company mentioned in their announcement of the chat bot project, that Tay has been designed to engage and entertain people where they link with each other online via casual and playful conversation and Tay learns language and ideas through the interactions. The project is said to be focused at young millennial American between the ages of 18 to 24, Microsoft states `the dominant users of mobile social chat services in the U.S’.

The chat bot tends to interact with users through text message on Twitter and other messaging platforms. Microsoft recommended that users ask her to tell jokes, horoscope, and stories, play games and also comment on photos. The company has informed that the more one chats with Tay, the smarter she gets. On gaining more information which Tay took in from members of the public, the worse her character seemed to be and she got more precise in her dislikes - `I [bleep]ing hate feminist and they should all die and burn in hell, she tweeted on Thursday noon. Several minutes later, she widened her hatred, tweeting – `Hitler was right I hate the Jews’

Tuesday 9 February 2016

Microsoft Recalls Millions of Fire-Risk Power Cords

Surface_pro

Microsoft Announced a Recall Related to Power Cords


Microsoft has voluntarily announced the recall after 56 reports of over two million power cords sold with Surface tablets all over the world were overheated, emitting flames. It had also received five reports from customers who had received electrical shocks. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has informed users to unplug the cords and get in touch with Microsoft for a free replacement.

The recall is related to power cords which had been sold with the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 tablets prior to March 2015 in Canada and the US and July 2015 beyond those countries. Though Microsoft is yet to go public on the number of Surface Pro power cords it intends to recall over fire concerns, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has conveyed that it is more than two million, stateside alone.

Microsoft claims that it received reports that cord for the first, second and third generation of the slab-book sold prior to March 15 could be defective, as exposed last month. It has informed that this could be the outcome of them being wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period of time.

Microsoft to Provide One AC Power Cord Free of Charge


Microsoft has informed that it will be providing one AC power cord free of charge and proof of damage is not essential. People with more than one Surface device would need to submit a claim for each device and it is not essential to send the old cords to them. Microsoft had sold around five million Surface devices since the launch, up to and inclusive of the first calendar quarter of last year, according to estimates from channel analyst Canalys.

Recently Apple is also said to be in the process of recalling for certain types of AC wall plug adapters which were included in some iPhone, iPad and Mac products, owing to danger of the adapters breaking and resulting in electric shock. As per the company, the recall comprise of two pronged wall plugs adapters incorporated with Mac computers and 10-watt adapters included with certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015.

Consumers to Recycle/Dispose Defective Cords


Generally speaking, the responsibility is on the consumer for the problem which Microsoft has been addressing. If one has been rolling the power cord up in a way so as to make them more portable, one would probably damage the cord.

This could not only be the case of Microsoft cord but the cords in general. When one tends to roll up a cord against its natural shape there could be chances of fatigue wherein the complete length of the cord may tend to twist in a direction away from the length of the cord. According to Albert Cardenas, Product Manager for Consumer Audio at Monoprice, when asked for his advice explained that the stress against the natural coil could tend to twist the cord, ultimately weakening the cord to the point of irregular performance or even failure of the cord.

Microsoft has confirmed that a very small section of Surface Pro customers had reported of overheating problems with regards to their power cables. Consumers will be advised to recycle or dispose their defective cords in order to avoid the probability of future dangers.

Friday 29 January 2016

Microsoft launches wearable technology in Australia targeting Fitbit, Apple and Samsung

Band

Microsoft’s Wearable Technology – Band 2


Microsoft has launched wearable technology in Australian stores with its sights on big names in fitness tracking as well as smartwatches. The world’s biggest giant company has launched Band 2 in Australian markets and the same is now available through IB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Rebel Sports at a price of $379.99. Earlierit was made available only in its Sydney based flagship store as well on Microsoft site.

Through its Band 2, Microsoft has aimed at Apple, Samsung and Fitbit in the segment of fitness and smart-watch. Band 2 is said to be a mix-up of smartphone notification as well as fitness tracking features and the company states that having the ability to chat with these added features is making the Microsoft Band quite sticky in comparison to some generic activity trackers.

The giant company had revealed its plan in Sydney recently and would be rolling out its wearable technology in electronics and sports stores shortly. Adam Pollington, Band product manager of Microsoft informed that the device would target the big names in wearable technology with a mixture of fitness and smartwatch features. He commented that if one looks at the market, there are two clear segments, you have got the activity tracker market and have the smartwatch side with productivity and connectivity. The Microsoft Band is in a new sub-segment of smart bands.

Personal Trainer/Assistant on the Wrist


He further added that the Microsoft Band would enable users in controlling their health in a more personalized way and would serve as a personal trainer and assistant on the wrist of the users. The first Australian wearable technology release of Microsoft is said to be the consequence of a model which had been released in the States in late 2014, featuring 11 sensors comprising of GPS for tracking cycling, a heart-rate sensor to track exertion, a galvanic skin response sensor to measure stress, barometer for elevation together with a UV sensor to inform if one needs sunscreen, which according to Mr Pollington would be beneficial in Australia. Besides this the Microsoft Band 2 can also connect to Apple iPhone, Google Android and Windows Phones in delivering notifications to its rectangular touchscreen from incoming calls to tweets together with SMS. Microsoft Band 2 is available in three sizes of small, medium and large.

Wearable in Tracking Health is Promising


For wrist with circumferences of 143 mm and 168 mm, the small size is an appropriate choice, while those between 162mm and 188mm could choose a medium size. Wrists that tend to be larger than 180mm and up to 206mm could select the larger choice.

The new device’s standing as a fitness band first follows research where exercise-tracking technology is considerably popular than the smartwatch rival till date. Juniper Research in a latest report, has forecast wearable fitness technology to lead smartwatches for the following three years.

According to Future Health and Fitness Wearable report, author James Moar, states that it is only in 2019 that smartwatches would be pulling ahead with 130 million users to fitness technology’ 110 million. Mr Moar had commented that the use of wearable to track health is promising though such devices would not reach their full potential till they tend to become less dependent on mobile devices to relay their information.

Saturday 9 January 2016

Microsoft Lumia 950

Lumia_950

Lumia 950 – First Phone of New Microsoft Windows 10 Software

The first top of the range Lumia after the Lumia 930 and the first phone of the new Microsoft Windows 10softwarehave finally arrived. The Microsoft Lumia 950 with its bigger screened sibling, - 950 XL has showed up. With the purchase of Nokia by Microsoft, it acquired a company with the strongest industrial design team in Europe possibly as effective as Apple with regards to visionaries like Marko Ahtisaari.

It also purchased a company with astounding reputation for invention and hence this new phone seems to be amazing. Microsoft seems to have discarded the day-glo colours of the 930 and others for a quieter design and the metal edging together with the coloured back of the 830 and 930 have been replaced with a monochrome plastic back and edge.

The only visible features are the silver Windows logo along with the matching ring which seems to surround the camera lens. The plastic back can be removed and third party manufacturers are intending to come up with more colourful and striking colours.There is an iris recognition system to unlock the screen.When one tends to stare at it, it opens automatically and the message onscreen says `Hello’.

Slower Than Fingerprint Sensors

It is much slower than the fingerprint sensors on the iPhone 6s and Sony Xperia Z5 and works most of the time without any difficulties. There is no double tap-to-wake system on the phone.

This method has been pioneered by Nokiaon its heavily underrated affordable Asha phone series and was then moved to some Lumia phone. It has now been taken up by several Android phone manufacturers though not on the latest phone. Another wonderful invention of Nokia was the way some of the Lumia handset reacted to touch inspite of wearing gloves which is useful in cold climates.

Things tend to get familiar once the user gets started with the phone with the Windows Phone system now known as Windows 10. The same set of apps covers the screen in an alphabetical list when swiped to the left. Windows universal apps provide a wide range of apps designed which tend to look the same on the phone as on a Windows 10 PC, which is one of the main features that Microsoft seems to be banking on in order to generate more approvals.

Features USB-C Connector

The battery life on the Lumia 950 seems good to get the user through a full day though not more and intensive usage of the phone as a laptop standby could reduce this. The 950 is one of the first phones featuring a USB-C connector and hence none of the old chargers would be of any use. Besides this, there is also a wireless charging if one has a compatible charging pad and unlike the Samsung’s new phones that work with two charging standard, this one seems to be restricted to Qi.

The phone feels a real break away from the Nokia-centric past for Microsoft and with the Windows 10 on various platforms together with the potential of using this phone as a decent computer, it would be appealing to several users. The camera seems great with good sensor, dedicated shutter button together with fast launch where the display is eye-catching.

Friday 25 December 2015

HoloLens: A Tour of Microsoft's New Developer Showcase


HoloLens
Virtual and augmented reality is relatively new and highly domain for major tech players to try their hands and stand out with remarkable products. Microsoft has shown a serious attitude to the virtual reality by developing a formidable and remarkable virtual reality device called HoloLens. HoloLens takes the virtual rending to a next level where one is not even required to wear goggles as HoloLens throws 3D simulations of holographic style experiences.

Many companies are gearing up to launch the first phase of VR devices by themed-2016 but Microsoft’s incredible HoloLens won’t be up for consumer sale for quite some time. Microsoft is planning to launch a $3000 developer edition of HoloLens next year. Here are some of the remarkable features of Microsoft’s HoloLens, which has been shown through demos.

Microsoft tryst with first demo HoloLens Game

Microsoft has first launched a HoloLens based game called Project X-Ray last year at the E3 video game expo. This HoloLens game came with a HoloLens headset, which scans the room with its 3D camera, and a host of glowing-ghost robo scorpions and drones starts to burst from the wall. A player is required to shoot these robo-scorpions with a head-mounted blaster. This particularly relies on the Xbox controller to showcase how the game can work in physical places.

Microsoft demo of second exciting HoloLens game

Microsoft showed the second demo for its HoloStudio which shows how the 3D designer can be created and done with the use of HoloLens in an exciting energetic manner. Herein one is required to simply open a virtual paint box and place it against the wall with the hell of finger. Users can pick up some models like island lagoon or X Wing fighter jet and starts painting with glowing colors just by waving the finger in the air. After playing with the 3D models one can even send the work to SketchFab for further sharing and changes. Microsoft is planning to bring support for the SketchFab with the HoloLens development kit next year. 3D models will even be printable in future with the help of 3D printers out.

Microsoft third demo brings holographic storytelling

Microsoft third demo brings the much captivating ‘holographic storytelling’ feature. The holographic storytelling essentially demonstrates how businesses, sales teams and other professionals can utilize HoloLens for building new ideas. In the demo Microsoft showed a glowing Swiss Smartwatch materialize on a square table in front of the public. Microsoft asserted that similar awe aspiring and captivating display can be used in the store which will lend a futuristic appeal to the audiences. The watch rendered by the HoloLens looked extremely alive, with impressive graphics and it almost seemed ticking like a real watch.

This futuristic display like features comes with a PowerPoint like deck control, which helps in editing the presentations along with adding new features. An analysis of glowing heat map shows a presenters details regarding the projection where people are most concentrating while watching the holographic and display and it also guides in added new details to capture interest to other parts.

Tuesday 24 November 2015

Microsoft Presses Pause on Tool for Porting Android Apps to Windows 10

Surface

Microsoft to Introduce Project Astoria Tool


Microsoft intends to introduce a tool in bringing about apps that were initially written for Android to its own Windows 10. Project Astoria, the tool, had been created to inspire programmers who wrote apps for devices, driven by Google’s mobile software to bring these apps to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Windows is the foundation software for most of the PCs.

However Microsoft had been struggling to extend it to phone as well as tablets where the software of Apple and Google tends to dominate. As for Microsoft, it seems that the progress on the tool is not going as planned and the company has refrained from commenting if Astoria has been cancelled or that it would still be released.

According to Microsoft spokeswomen it was said that they are committed in offering developers several options in bringing their apps to the Windows Platform and the Astoria bridge is not yet ready. But other tools tend to provide great options for the developers. It is important for Microsoft that Windows 10 is successful after its predecessor. Windows 8 was extensively rejected.

Astoria – Deliver Set of Patterns/Concrete Setup


A deep and broad selection of Windows 10 app could be essential for success in order that users could fulfil their requirements for communication, work and entertainment and Microsoft could extend Window’s financial success.

The earlier smartphone software of Microsoft had fought to obtain traction partially owing to an absence of apps when compared to Apple’s iOS as well as Google’s Android. Astoria was intended to be the principal part of the plan in drawing important app developers to Windows. Project Astoria tends to deliver a set of patterns and a concrete setup in creating and consuming data services by utilising web technologies.


Data has been increasingly available in the web and the production of new data driven applications like mashups evidently specifies that the availability of standalone data independent of user interface is altering the way systems tend to be built as well as the way data can be leveraged.

The future of Astoria could be doubtful, but Microsoft has released two of its related tools, namely `Islandwood’, which enables developers to bring apps for Apple’s iOS software to Windows 10 and `Westminister’, that does the same for apps created for the Web.

An Emulator/Softer Layer


The company has mentioned that Microsoft also intends to release a similar tool, to bring the older-style Windows app to Windows 10. According to the Windows Central blogs it is said that some clues hinted at fading interest for Astoria and the project’s forum died down in September with the questions of developers remaining unanswered by Microsoft.

 Moreover, Microsoft uncovered Astoria out of latest test versions of Windows 10 for the mobile devices. In Microsoft’s world, programmers could write their apps for Windows 10 in the first place, directly. The foremost issue of Astoria is that it is efficiently an emulator, a softer layer which enables programs written for one software basis run on another. However emulation means that an app’s styling does not seem to fit well in the new environment or take benefit of its features.

Microsoft had stated that `developers could write apps which run on all Windows 10 devices and take advantage of native Windows features and that they are grateful to the feedback for the development community and are looking forward to support them as they tend to develop apps for Windows 10’.

Friday 23 October 2015

Microsoft Unveils its First Ever Laptop

Surface

Microsoft’s First Laptop Launch – The Microsoft Surface Book


Microsoft surprised the world recently with its first laptop launch– the Microsoft Surface Book. Microsoft, for the past few years had informed that its Surface tablets would replace the traditional laptops but the company now has a backup product.

 Ed Giaimo, senior lead on the Surface Book team informed CNNMoney at an event in New York that some people preferred this form factor. The Microsoft Surface Book can be utilised as a full powered laptop or a tablet and the display screen can also be snapped to the back of the keyboard to act like a clipboard, credits goes to the unique mechanical hinge. However, the Surface Book is not just another Surface table with a better keyboard.

The monitor comprises of the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 processor while the keyboard base has a graphic processing unit – GPU which tends to boost the performance of the laptop. Besides this, about three fourths of the battery life of the device is stored in the keyboard. Microsoft states that a fully charged battery could last for 12 hours. The Surface Book is said to be sturdy and the tablet portion of the laptop tends to weigh 1.6 pounds while the whole unit weighs around 3.5 pounds.

Sleek Detachable Device


The new laptop tends to target busy professions comprising of features which do not have the need of setting it up for utilisation. The Surface Book is a sleek detachable device which seeks to redefine the laptop. The 13.5 inch Surface Book would be going on sale on 26th October with pre-orders beginning soon and the base model would be priced at $1,499.

The Surface Book is said to be just one of the several Windows 10 products that was announced.Running on the latest Windows 10 with the combination of the latest processor technology, it gives a powerful engine for great workforce.

It also has a powerful memory with expandable internal storage which could be advantageous in file storage as well as speed browsing. Besides this, Microsoft also launched a new Surface Pro together with two Lumia smartphones.

The new Microsoft Surface Pro 4 seems to have a bigger display of 12.3 inches though it is the same size as the Surface Pro 3. The accompanying keyboard has been updated by Microsoft to include a fingerprint reader, bigger touchpad and an improved keyboard.

Stylus Upgraded/ Digital Eraser on the Other End


The stylus has also been upgraded. It has one year battery life, magnetically attaches to the Pro 4 and Surface Book and works with various pen tips. It also has a digital eraser on the other end. Lumia 950 and 950XL now are essentially like pocket sized Windows 10 computers.

Users can connect to a monitor, mouse and keyboard. Though Microsoft has made it clear that it seems to be serious in venturing into the hardware business, the PC market seems to be facing shipment failure. As per the International Data Corporation, worldwide PC, shipments amounted to around 71.0 million units in the third quarter of 2015.

The said volume signified a year on year failure of -10.8%, a little worse than predictions for a decline of -9.2%. Microsoft’s focus lies in `reinventing’ products and move people from needing Windows to choosing Windows to loving Windows according to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

Saturday 3 October 2015

Microsoft has Developed Its Own Linux

Microsoft_Linux

Microsoft’s Own Linux Distribution


Microsoft has created its own Linux distribution with Azure running its networking. Redmond has revealed that it has built something known as Azure Cloud Switch – ACS, defining it as a cross platform modular operating system for data centre networking.

This is built on Linux and the foray in building their own software to run network devices like switches.It is supposed to make it easy for the IT pros in managing their networking infrastructure over various types of hardware. It is especially important while running a bunch of networks across a group of data centres at cloud computing scales.

The important element is that Microsoft has envisaged a problem and decided to create Linux, as the best option to fix it. ACS has also permitted Microsoft to share the software stack across hardware from various switch vendors which is done through the Switch Abstraction Interface – SAI specification.

 This is the first open standard C API in programming network switching ASICs of the Open Compute Project – OCP.Redmond’s main architect from Azure Networking, Kamala Subramaniam has written that `at Microsoft, they are of the belief that there are several excellent switch hardware platforms available in the market, together with healthy competition among several vendors driving innovation, increases in speed together with reduction in costs.

Challenges – Integrating Totally Different Software


However, what the cloud and enterprise networks found challenging was that it is integrating totally different software operating on each of the different kind of switch in a cloud-wide network management platform. One would prefer all the benefits of the features implemented and the bugs fixed to stay on even as one goes with the tide of updated switch hardware innovation.

The software-defined networking – SDN is a fine idea. However, it seemed that Redmond did not find the SDN code to accommodate its particular needs and so it required to build new systems based on what the other industry were using and the experience includes Linux and not Windows as the path to SDN.

 It states ACS…. focuses on feature development based on Microsoft priorities and enable to debug, fix and test software bugs much quicker. Moreover it also enables the flexibility to scale down the software and create features which are essential for their datacentre as well as their networking needs.

ACS – Designed to Utilise Switch Abstraction Interface


ACS has been designed to utilise Switch Abstraction Interface, an OpenCompute attempt which provides an API for programming ASICs internal network devices. Microsoft’s post exposing ACS states a fair amount about its features, though it does not clarify the association between Microsoft and Linux. Probably the complexity of theswitching ecosystem of the world could be the reason.

 Redmond has commented that it has demonstrated ACS across with `four ASIC vendors namely Mellanox, Broadcom, Cavium and the Barefoot software switch, six implementation of SAI – Broadcom, Dell, Mellanox, Cavium, Barefoot and Metaswitch with three applications stacks – Microsoft, Dell and Metaswitch.

Subramaniam ends his post by conveying that they were talking about ACS publicly as they were of the belief that this approach of disaggregating the switch software from the switch hardware would tend to continue as a growing trend in the networking industry and that they would like to contribute their insights as well as experiences to the journey starting from here.

Monday 24 August 2015

5 Urgent Questions about Windows 10 Answered


Windows_10

It’s been a month since the launch of Windows 10 with early reviews being positive. However on a particular site readers have reported everything from smooth sailing to minor issues to serious problems that have made them go back to Windows 7 or 8. These types of issues are probable with major new software. Some of the questions answered are:

1. Does Windows 10 really share Wi-Fi automatically? 

Windows 10 has features known as Wi-Fi Sense which tends to make it easy for friends and family to get on your encrypted Wi-Fi networks and they do not have to type in a password, where Microsoft tends to log them in automatically.

2. How can one tell if there are potential compatibility problems Before installing Windows 10? 

Some users are apprehensive about upgrading to Windows 10 and then find out that a critical program or piece of hardware does not work. However one can get the revelation on the potential issue prior to hitting the upgrade button. To start with one could get Windows 10 app icon in the notification tray at the bottom right corner of the screen and then right click on it and select `click the upgrade status’. On the screen that appears, click the icon with the three horizontal lines in the upper left area and from the menu which drops down, you could click on`check your PC’. The app brings up either `yea’ or `nay’ on installing Windows 10 and list some of the items on the computer which may not be totally compatible and could miss out on things, though it should give a general idea on whether an upgrade would be smooth for you or not.

3. Are there any critical features in older versions of Windows that Windows 10 does not have? 

The same is based on the definition of `critical’. Windows 10 has dropped some features which some people tend to rely on. The one which most of the people find it upsetting is Windows Media Centre. Media Centre is Windows program enabling you to watch as well as record TV using third party TV tuner cards in the computer. It is also a good way of managing and interacting with your videos, music and the other media. This can be replaced with a free program known as Kodi though it is advisable to test it prior to upgrading. There are six more features which Windows 10 has dropped.

4. Is it true one can’t refuse updates? 

Microsoft has decided that with Windows 10, all security as well as program updates would install automatically the day they are released. This is logical for security since most of the Windows users all across the globe do not install updates and thus their computer tends to get vulnerable to attack.

5. If one upgrade and does not like Windows 10 can one undo it? 

Thirty days after upgrade, one can go back to the version of Windows one has upgraded from. By going to Start>>Setting, opt for the Update & Security icon. Thereafter go to Recovery section and under `Go back to Windows 8.1 or `Go back to Windows 7’, you could click `Get Started’.

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Mozilla Gripes at Microsoft for Giving Edge and Edge

edge

Mozilla’s Request to Microsoft - Easier Method of Browser Preference for Windows 10

Chris Beard, CEO of Mozilla recently published an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, calling on him to provide Windows 10 users with an easier method of setting their browser preference. Beard considered the lack of options in the Windows 10 experience as `very disturbing’ and seemed to be designed to supersede the preference of the user for apps and browser, compelling them in an experience which Microsoft wants them to have rather than the one they would prefer.

Carly Olsen, Microsoft spokesperson had informed that they had designed Windows 10 in order to provide a simple upgrade experience for users as well as an organized experience following the upgrade. Users who tend to upgrade to Microsoft’s Windows 10 with the express setup would have the new Edge browser set as their default.

She informed  that `during the upgrade, consumers will have the choice of setting defaults, including for Web browsing and following the upgrade, they could easily choose the default browser of their choice. Recently, Windows 10 was made available as a free download for Windows 7 and 8 users and has been downloaded more than 14 million times so far.

With Update, Some Programs Not Compatible

With each update of operating systems, users would probably observe that some of the programs may not be compatible. When the earlier versions of Windows were introduced, there have been several complaints over various issues. Beard requested that Mozilla make attempts to work with Microsoft to make sure that the users of Firefox would not come across any problems, but failed to do so.Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT had stated that `it seems fairly easy (to keep Firefox), especially since upgrading to Windows 10 does not uninstall third party apps, including browsers’.

He informed  that `users who tend to use Firefox, Chrome or others as their default browsers would have to undergo a manual process like the one in Windows 8. Besides updating the operating system, Windows 10 also seems to be replacing the long-running Internet Explorer with Edge, a browser which Microsoft claims to be faster, lighter as well as more modern than IE. Roger Entner, principal analyst at Recon Analytics had commented that considering the 73% or roughly three quarters of Internet users do not seem to be using Internet Explorer, it is a minor inconvenience or an annoyance’.

Nefarious Move by Microsoft

He further informed, that Microsoft’s position in the browser world seems to be a mere shadow of its former dominance. Beard suggested that Microsoft intentionally limited consumer choice to give itself an unfair advantage. According to Entner, he states that `people are seeing this as a nefarious move by Microsoft, though it could be the other way round. He remarked that `it could give people an opportunity to experience Edge, but Mozilla does not want them to try’.

King noted that the `previous versions of Windows had positioned IE as the default browser and if one wanted something different, they had to make it happen. Besides altering the process for choosing the default browser, Microsoft is doing what it had done for several years. Twenty years back in the summer of 1995, Microsoft had taken similar stand in using its newly launched Windows 95 to gain market share with IE that was closely tied to the OS. It is doubtful that Windows 10 and the Edge browser would activate a replay. There is even a possibility that Microsoft would not enjoy any advantage.

Tuesday 4 August 2015

How to Skip the Microsoft Windows 10 Download Queue and FORCE the Update to Install


Windows_10
The new Windows 10 is already here, and it has arrived with quite a bang! Claiming its usual high and popular seat in the world of operating systems, Windows 10 is already nearing a number of users across the globe that amounts to a near of seventy million. The number not just merely tabulates the popularity of this latest installation to this epic list of Microsoft presentations, but is also greatly indicative of the user friendly approach it presents with itself that is already fast catching up with the fancy of the users.

A few pointers...before shooting off... 

The first thing to be kept in mind while getting this new installation, especially if you are about to upgrade from a previous operating system like Windows 7 or 8.1, is that it is always safer to have a back-up of your previous system; especially since like any software or OS, Windows 10 too has the unfortunate chance of carrying a bug or two. Creating a system image of your old computer system is the best option.

Another popular advice doing the rounds is installing Windows 10 separately and getting a hang of it before letting your old operating system be completely replaced.

The Main Course... 

The simplest option here is to go for a downloading of the Windows 10 from the official website of Microsoft. The ISO image available there can be downloaded and installed. Also the option to upgrade your previously installed version of Windows is available too. The upgrading process will be prompted. Nevertheless, it can be burnt on an optical disk or a bootable USB flash drive can also be created. For up gradation purposes the original license key is necessary. The OS can be installed on a virtual machine as well.
 
Now for fast installation without having to wait, go to the C drive into the folder Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. Next delete all the files and folders here. Opening command promt by hitting the Windows key and typing CMD should now be showing you a black window with white writing. Ensure that you are signed in as the administrator. This can easily be done by a right a click followed by selecting 'run as administrator'. Next, hit the Windows key and go to the Windows Update screen. Click the 'check for updates' button. Lastly, return to the command prompt screen and type in 'wuauclt.exe/updatenow' and press enter. That should be doing the trick.

Some Basic Requirements
  • 1 GHz processor
  • 1 GB RAM (2 GB for the 64 bit version)
  • 16 GB storage space
  • 4 GB flash drive ( 8 GB flash drive for the 64 bit version)
The Last...not the Least

Once installed or upgraded and followed by an activation, Microsoft will associate your unique hardware ID with that of an activated Windows 10 license. The Windows 10 is only provided free for upgrade. The full installer requires a full downloading of the installer where regular charges will be applicable.

It is imperative that you look into this latest version and get a taste of it before you actually decide to abandon your previous version. Without doubt this is much suited to the modern need of fast handling, and yet an understanding of it is necessary before one decides to plunge in this new novelty completely.

Thursday 30 July 2015

Microsoft's Latest 'Garage' Project Is A Dead-Simple Email App for iPhone

Garage_Project

Microsoft’s Garage – New Email App `Send’

Microsoft is back with another application of the Microsoft unit Garage and has now launched a new standalone email app which would presently be available only for iPhone users in Canada and the U.S. The latest app from Microsoft is a new email app known as `Send’, which has its focus in reducing the time taken to check and respond to email while on your phone.

With the Send app the idea is in making email perform just like instant messaging and do away with more formal email. The company has described this app as an `in-and-out’ email solution which emphases on simplicity and brevity and seems more like a messaging app.

 There could be instances when one would need to send a quick short note to their colleagues. Send app provides a quick messaging experience. This Microsoft Garage project is simple and fast wherein users could refer to past messages in Outlook.

Though one can use Outlook for this purpose, the latest app through the Microsoft Garage is built specifically for these brief communications. The Send feature enables to send message without the need to open the inbox or a new compose message window.

Turn Ideas Into Real World Project

Microsoft’s internal creativity enables employees and team to turn ideas into a real world project most of which have been cross-platform mobile applications. It tends to work on something which could be compared to an incubator within the company as project which tends to arise could be just perceptions trying to find options in achieving product market fit.

With the use of the app one could send a message directly to the contact, with simple conversations which is like sending a quick email to a friend or a colleague. Though tools like text messaging and IM are good for short messages, one does not often have co-workers’ cell number or an IM app on the work phone. `Send’ helps in sending quick simple text messages while it enables you to reach all co-workers and also have all your communication in Outlook.

 The Outlook team had mentioned in a blog post that `the app gives a simple quick text message like experience enabling the user to reach all co-worker with all communications in Outlook for later reference. This Microsoft Garage project is simple and fast to use and helpful in sending quick instant email messages when the need arises.

App – New Project for Mobile Platform

With the app, you can just send a message straight to the contact and keep the conversations brief. It is a good option of sending quick email to a friend or colleague without the subject headline, salutations, and signatures, necessary in the mail.

This app is the new Microsoft Garage project for mobile platforms. Send for iOS is now available for download while the Android version would be made available very soon.Microsoft has made it clear that it does not want to cannibalize its main Outlook email app with the latest and the company is said to be looking to focus on those situations when one would need to send quick messages to their co-workers.

`Send is tied deeply into Office 365 at launch, and people using an Office 365 business or school account could utilise the app. Office 365 links is used to surface the contacts emailed recently and most often. One will not see your full inbox in Send on the contrary the app will only contain conversation that one has started within it.

Microsoft has informed that with Send, with no signatures, subject line or salutation needed, their design principle was to make conversation fluid and fast for the app while keeping the people of importance to you at its core. It is all geared in short form conversation.

Meets With Organizations’ Compliance Policies

Instead of sending notes from meetings, it more on sending key facts or asking quick questions like `Where is the meeting being held?, or I’m running 10 minutes late’. Connection with Office 365 would mean that conversations are synced with Outlook enabling the user to continue the conversation from anywhere.

One can message anyone with an email address just like regular email. Only the messages that have been sent through this app will tend to be visible within Send though in Outlook all the messages will be visible from across both the services.

The need to exchange numbers, remember usernames or split conversation across platforms is not essential. Moreover one can even see when someone is typing a reply and there has not been a quicker way in reaching someone over email. Send does not show all the emails but only the ones started in the app thus keeping you in control.

Send messages meet the terms with the organization’s email compliance policies and are treated like any other work email. As for IT Pros, work is in progress in bringing more IT control to the app soon.

Send – Only for Office 365 Business & School Email Accounts

This is one of the efforts of Microsoft Garage that the company has promised and will be seen on Windows Phone and Android. Microsoft is said to be testing a new launcher app which would replace Android users’ home screens. Known as Arrow, it is a product of the company’s Garage program enabling employees work on interesting side project and release them to the world. Presently the app is in private beta and will be available only to members of private Google+ community.

Not much is being said about its existence by Microsoft and though a spokesman of the company had confirmed that the app is a Microsoft Garage project, he had refrained from sharing specific details of the same.

 Microsoft News, a blog unaffiliated with the company, tried to get its hands on a copy of the app and had published a run-down on its operation. Besides initial geographic as well as platform limitations, the Send app will be working only for Office 365 business and school email accounts. However once Microsoft tends to gather the feedback, plans are on in opening thing up in the forthcoming months. It would also be launching for Android as well as Windows Phone very soon.

Saturday 11 July 2015

The New Microsoft Edge Browser Logo


Edge_Browser_Logo
Microsoft’s New Edge Browser – Break from Internet Explorer

Microsoft’s new Edge browser was likely to mark a break from Internet Explorer and recently the company unveiled Edge’s new logo and it seems incredibly similar to the earlier IE logo but a little sharper. Microsoft Edge, the new name for web browser will be included in Windows 10 and has a familiar look for users of Microsoft’s current browser – Internet Explorer. Since 1996, the popular blue `e’ with the orbital rings round it symbolized Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser and IE 3 seemed to be the first version to sport the logo.

 However in recentyears, the `e’ seemed to become identical with bugs, out-dated technology and security problems. When Joe Belfiore, Microsoft operating systems chief, unveiled Edge in April, he noted that Edge would have an `e’ icon though he said that it `now has a completely different and better meaning than it has for a while’. Edge is an improvement over IE and much trimmer than IE without the various menu choices and bells and whistles. It has a clean, modern look just like Google’s GOOGL.Tech30, Chrome browser. One can mark-up websites by using Edge which integrates some of the powers of Microsoft’s’ digital assistant – Cortana.

Integrating on Improved Features 

Retaining the Edge logo is consistent with the Microsoft in considering Windows 10 and with the updated operating system set to be unveiled on July 29; Microsoft is making attempts in creating the software, familiar to users who have been using Windows for a long time and are alarmed by the radical design change of Windows 8. However the company is also integrating on improved features which would make Windows 10 much more than just an `everything old is new again’, operating system.

The new Edge loge seems to be an improvement over the temporary logo that Microsoft had given its new browser prior to making a decision on its official name. When Edge had been known as `Project Spartan’, its logo looked like something the World Bank’s logo crossed with Toyota’s symbol. Microsoft Edge is the only browser which enables the user to take notes, doodle, write and directly highlight on webpages, The web is the palette where one can add a few secret ingredients to a recipe right on the screen while sharing with friends, collaborate on a new project with co-workers, etc.

Default Browser on PC/Mobile Device Editions of Windows 10

Microsoft Edge would be serving as the default browser on the PC as well as the mobile device editions of windows 10, replacing Internet Explorer 11 and Internet Explorer Mobile. It would be utilising a new layout engine known as EdgeHTML which has branched from Trident, designed for inter-operability with the current web.

The updated `Edge’ engine would be used across Windows 10 by default and would support the legacy MSHTML engine for backwards compatibility though late,r backed down revealing that because of strong feedback, Edge would be hosting the new engine entirely while Internet Explorer would be hosting the legacy engine completely. Edge does not intend to support legacy technologies like ActiveX and Browser Helper Objects, but instead will utilise an extension system.

 Availability of Internet Explorer 11 would be possible together with Edge on Windows 10 for the purpose of compatibility and will remain almost identical to the Windows 8.1 version and will not use the Edge engine as announced earlier.

Wednesday 8 July 2015

How To Check If Your PC Is Windows 10 Compatible

Windows_10
If you are still thinking that your PC or Laptop will run Windows 10 or not, so here is step by step guideline to check the compatibility of your system with upcoming Windows 10.

To get the genuine Windows 10 first you need to register for free upgrade through Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, but you need to understand that there is a list for potential upgrade issues and you need to deal with those issues. You also need to have Microsoft account and faster internet access to complete the installation process. There are more chances that if you are using Widows 8 or higher version on your machine, so it will also run Windows 10, but still if you are confused, so check for the following details;

Hardware requirements: 

Still there is no official information available about the hardware requirements of Windows 10, however; after witnessing the technical preview it’s clear that if your system can run Windows 8.1, so you are good to go. For Windows 10 TP (Technical Preview), the hardware requirements are following;

  1.  RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit). 
  2.  Processor: 1 GHz or more 
  3.  Graphics Card: WDDM driver with Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device 
  4.  Free Space in Hard Disk: 16 GB or more 
  5.  Display Resolution: 1024×768
Re-check for new Divers or upgrade the Drivers: 

If you are thinking about the hardware, which are connected with your PC such as; scanners, printers and other interface devices, so it is recommended to check the official website of hardware manufacturer for upgrade and new drivers, which are compatible with upcoming Windows 10.

Try to use Windows Compatibility Center: 

If still you are not finding yourself comfortable while checking the compatibility of your machine with Windows 10 and above list is making no sense for you so best option is to visit the Microsoft’s Windows Compatibility Center to get the clarity as Upgrade Assistant will provide the info to check whether users system is suitable for Windows 10 or not. Presently, Upgrade Assistant is only helping those users who are interested in an upgrade process of Windows 8.1. Before proceeding with check in Windows Compatibility Center make sure that your all hardware’s such as; mouse, USB devices, drives, printers, hard disk and other interface devices are connected with your computer because compatibility with all devices need to get verified.

Upgrade paths for Windows 10: 

  1.   If you are currently using Windows 7 or 8.1 on your machine, so you will be able to access the free   upgrade of Windows 10 by using Windows Update. 
  2.  You should make the update within the 12 months, after the release of Windows 10. 
  3.  If you are using the retail version of Windows then you will not face any problem in upgrade process. Users who are using OEM version of the Windows they will not face any problem after assuming that they are still using the Windows on same machine. 
  4.  If users have transferred the OEM version of Windows 8 or 8.1 or 7 on different computer, then still there is question for you that how you will upgrade your system as still you have to wait until Microsoft releases latest information.

Friday 3 July 2015

Windows 10 Preview Users to Get Genuine Final Release Build for Free


Windows_10
According to the blog post by Microsoft on Friday, there are lot of changes to be expected in the near future before the release of Windows 10 for tablets as well as PCs on the 29th of July. This blog highlighted that there is a hitherto undetailed way for the consumers to get the genuine windows 10 copy and that too absolutely free of cost.

They will be able to stay activated, all they will have to do will be to join the Windows 10 Insider Program. Then they need to install the build 10130 preview and proceed with connecting with their Microsoft Account. On the day of the release f the software, the users will be sent out the final build which will come in the form of regular update. But on Saturday the company has once again updated that they are confirming their stance and the same was confirmed in the blog post.

It details indicated that all the Windows Insiders will be receiving the final release of the Windows 10 build and the good news is that this build will be activated. According to Microsoft's General Manager for Operating System Group's Data and Fundamentals Team, Gabriel Aul, and also the author of the blog, this build will be absolutely genuine.

This change is importance as the users will be able to freshly install the Windows 10 Insider Preview build through an ISO file and they would not be requiring any licensed windows copy. This will allow the new users to get the genuine Windows 10 for free of cost and they do not need to spend a dime also.

Once the users have installed the build, they will be able to clean out the install with the installation of the final media release by the company. So finally it is confirmed that once the user has been running an insider build of the preview and also connected with the registered MSA, they will be sent the final build of the Windows 10 and it will remain activated. However on the flip side we can also understand that one day or another the users will have to pay to be able to remain activated and be able to enjoy all the ranges of the services.

According to the blog even after the release of the final build, the Windows Insider Program for Windows 10 will function and it will continue to receive update. There are no details if any activation is requiring being able to receive updates.

More clarification was given by Aul pertaining to the upgrade being free. It was indicated that people who are running the Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will be able to run the Windows 10 upgrade as part of the free upgrade. As far as non-genuine Windows copies are concerned, no free upgrade will be provided to these users, they will have to pay to get an upgrade path.

Friday 29 May 2015

Microsoft – Free Upgrades to Updated Operating System


Windows 10
Microsoft will be offering free upgrades to its updated operating system, Window 10, though only for selected individuals. However, it is uncertain at the moment as to what will happen to those who are not provided with this offer. Recent versions users of Windows 7 and 8 will be provided with the choice of upgrading for free in the first year when Windows 10 will be out and users will have to purchase the software thereafter though those with the older versions of Windows and those made for tablets would be missing out of it.

Users of the home version of Windows 7 and 8 have already been informed by Microsoft that they will get Window 10 Home for free while users of the pro versions of that operating system will be given the corresponding edition of Window 10.

Microsoft has not yet commented on the situation on Windows XP and Windows Vista and it seems that users working on those systems would have to purchase the new version of Windows 10. Those intending to build new computers from the start are likely to have to do the same, buying a new version of Windows 10 for their new computer.

Windows As a Service

Users on Windows RT which is the special version of Windows 8, made for mobile devices would also be left out while selected devices like the Surface RT and Surface 2 are promised with some type of upgrade though it is not known if it would be a full version of Window 10.

Microsoft is attempting to get as part of their plan in ensuring that developers could make their programs, being aware of what operating systems they would be used on. The company is also publicizing the new operating system as `Windows as a service’ –not as one single piece of software but a continually updated platform.

Microsoft is striving to do everything it is capable of in ensuring that Windows 10 retains its core market of enterprise users. The company, as part of this, declared Microsoft Update for Business at its Ignite conference in early May and one of the main shake-ups which Windows 10 is planning to introduce to the standard Windows formula is the gradual system, incremental updates brought on by the shift to Platform-as-a-Service.

Microsoft Update for Business

Continuous series of rolling upgrades however could be stressful for IT departments and in order to overcome this issue, Microsoft Update for Business seems to be an appropriate solution enabling IT managers to perfect which devices as well as the systems in a company receive Windows updates at which time.

It permits the specification of maintenance windows that could be used to designate when/when not to apply updates ensuring that the systems will not be unavailable at critical times. Besides this, the machines can be anonymously kept up to date. The forthcoming OS of Microsoft will enable users to apply for software updates and app downloads by using a network of other Windows 10 users basically peer-to-peer updates.

Microsoft has stated that `once a qualified Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it up to date for the supported lifetime of the device, keeping it more secure and introducing new features and functionality over time – for no additional charge’.

Friday 6 March 2015

Microsoft Says Its New Computer Vision System Can Outperform Humans


Microsoft
Recently, the researchers of Microsoft claims in published paper that their team has developed the world’s first computer machine, which is capable to outperform humans on certain popular benchmark. According to estimation of experts, humans can identify or classify images at ImageNet dataset and in this process the error rate will be 5.1 per cent, whereas; in recent published paper team of researchers indicated that due to deep-learning based system, successfully they have achieved an error rate of 4.94 per cent, which is little less than human error rate.

Microsoft’s paper was published in less than a month after Baidu’s paper. It is well known thing that Baidu is most famous search engine in China as Google is ban in China. Baidu published its paper indicating its record-setting system that claimed an error rate of 5.98 per cent with the help of homemade supercomputing architecture. The performance was based on the competition on ImageNet, which belongs from the team of Google researchers, who have also built a deep learning system with an error rate of 6.66 in 2014.

The paper of Microsoft states, “As per our knowledge, we are the first who have published instance of surpassing humans with the help of visual recognition challenge, whereas; on the native side, our algorithms are still making mistakes in certain cases which are not so difficult for humans, especially then when it requires a high-level knowledge or context understanding”.

Whereas; our all algorithms have given a superior result with this specific dataset, which does not indicate that machine’s vision can outperforms the human vision on object recognition in general. At the end of research, we believe that our results are showcasing the tremendous potential of system algorithms to match the performance level with human for certain visual recognition tasks.

According to Jian Sun, who is researcher in Microsoft, the difference is plainer English in a blog post of Microsoft; “Humans can easily make the difference between a sheep and a cow or between other things whereas; computers are not perfect in these simple tasks. However, when it comes to differentiate between breeds of sheep’s than here outperform humans and it proves that computer can be trained to look at the certain details such as; size, shape, texture, and context of the image to identify the difference that can’t be observed by humans.

As human or researcher if you have curiosity to learn how deep learning works, why in these days it’s a hot area, how it can be used in commercial applications, then you should attend the Structure Data conference of Microsoft at New York between March 18 and 19. Speakers will be machine learning and deep learning experts from Microsoft, Facebook, Hampton Creek, Yahoo, Spotify, NASA and Stanford as well as also from startups such as; Enlitic, MetaMind, Blue River Technology and TeraDeep. Later in Structure Intelligence conference, which will be organized between Sept. 22 and 23 in San Francisco, we will dive even deeper into artificial intelligence, says spokesperson from Microsoft

Microsoft Will Support Biometric Password-Killers on Windows 10


Windows10
Support Window 10 with FIDO

It was recently revealed by Microsoft at the Stanford Cybersecurity Summit, that the company wouldbe supporting Window 10 with the next version of the Fast Identification Online – FIDO spec enabling devices to work with plenty of third party biometric readers and also provide easy framework for any hardware developers wanting to build extra security in a laptop or a phone.

This could mean that companies designing useful things such as fingerprint readers as well as iris scanners could now rest assured with the thought that their technology will now work with an upgraded version of the most popular desktop operating system and users would probably be in a position to log in to Outlook with fingerprint or an eyes-can with this new development.

With regards to the prevailing fingerprint readers, FIDO has been designed to replace passwords completely by a faster and much more localized authentication system and unlike the traditional biometric security methods, FIDO could completely replace passwords and is designed in such a way that no biometric data gets leaked online with everything inclusive of the authentication done locally offline.

Designed to Protect Biometric Information

Biometric authentication is utilised in computer science for the purpose of identification as well as access control and is also used as identity of individuals in groups which are under surveillance. FIDO which has been designed as an open standard has been supported by some of the largest companies in banking and tech which include Microsoft, PayPal, Google and Bank of America where the system is created for the purpose of protecting biometric information through a zero knowledge proof, authenticating fingerprints or eye scans locally with any exposure to the web at large.

Dustin Ingall of Microsoft has commented in a blog post accompanying the announcement that moving beyond the password was `one of the top priorities for them at Microsoft’.He has also commented that `the current Technical Preview build enables a number of enterprise scenarios and it showcases their integration with Windows 10 sign in, Azure Active Directory and access to major SaaS services such as Office 365 Exchange Online, Salesforce, Citrix, Box, Concur, to mention a few’.

Window 10 – Big Release for Microsoft

Window 10 would also be including Active Directory integration for on-premise scenarios and Microsoft Account integration for consumer Microsoft services like Outlook.com, OneDrive and much more. Specification of version 1.0 had been released in January with companies such as Yubico making hardware with the use of FIDO in order to log into Google account.

Window 10 support is tied to the 2.0 release where Microsoft has been making its contribution in design inputs. Windows 10 being a big release for Microsoft, great efforts is being done with the OS that has already received positive feedback and is presently in the technical preview stage of development.

Even at the technical preview stage, Microsoft lays claims that Windows Insiders running one of the latest build of the Windows 10 technical preview could test the embedded FIDO 2.0 specification. With the OS comprising of several new features, Microsoft is making headway in more addition with its announcement of Window 10 supporting the next version of FIDO spec.

Saturday 7 February 2015

Microsoft Enhances Its One Drive with New Features On iOS

One_Drive
Microsoft has finally made a significant number of changes in the look, feel and functionality of its popular cloud storage service OneDrive app for the iOS based users. The tech giant has given heed to the users based on Apple’s iOS platform by updating its official OneDrive app with highly improved photo management and a sophisticated integrated access to OneDrive for Business.

This updated app will simply allow the users from varied devices like iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to create photo albums for better viewing in a single place. Users would be required to copy or move the file essentially in their albums. This features would streamlined the viewing the photos as well as make it appear less cluttered and organized.

Features Debuted On iOS Platform

Tagging feature is also introduced wherein users can tag the photos manually or even allow the app to automatically generate tags. Tagging feature works on the basis of impressive object recognition technology powered by Bing and Microsoft Research. This makes it possible for the OneDrive to recognize the visual content associate it with different tags such as people, animals, buildings and others with ease. Tags would provide a new way of browsing through the picture and lane of memory with grace.

Another notable feature is the text recognition in photos along with the content of documents. This feature makes it easier to search among the hoards of files and photos. There is also a feature which brings in the seamless integration of password management apps including the 1Password and LastPass. Apart from these update had made some bug fixes and certain important improvements like the one for audio and video playback.

Microsoft had also released a public preview version specifically for the Mac users with its Mac sync client for OneDrive for Business. This will help them in managing files and later syncing them offline.

Microsoft Brings Simple Solutions For Businesses

OneDrive for iOS will feature a built in access to OneDrive for Business. This simply translates that businesses doesn’t have use the separate app for assessing the OneDrive for Business. Those users could easily connect with their OneDrive for Business accounts from a single app and could view their business files along with the personal files. On security from users should be relieved that their business files would still be secured, managed and covered by Microsoft’s Office 365 enterprise service.


Microsoft Increases The Storage on OneDrive

Microsoft has also given a boost to the users by increases their offered storage for free on OneDrive from standard 15 GB to 30 GB if they turn on their automatic camera backup. This hefty increase by Microsoft fives direct competition to other cloud storage services mainly Dropbox and iCloud. Furthermore OnDrive is giving free increase in storage which is not available on these high paying competitors. Microsoft even couples this with distinctive changes made in uploading, organization as well as the searching of files on its cloud storage which had made it extremely easier and beautiful system in itself.

Thursday 5 February 2015

Microsoft Finally Has an Outlook App That Doesn't Suck


Outlookapp
A large number of Outlook users had long waited for a designated email app for Android and iOS platform. Microsoft had released cross platform email app for its widely popular email service Outlook which runs flawlessly on Android and iOS. This new app is gaining popularity and appreciation for its higher functionality which sets it apart from other email clients by bring in the multitasking. This app even provides support for non-Microsoft accounts such as Gmail and Yahoo who can cherish using this innovative app for accessing their different accounts.

The Features of New Outlook App

For starters this app isn’t an original Microsoft product rather it is brushed up app overtaken from mobile developer Accompli. This simply translates that this app doesn’t support all the features of Outlook for Windows. This app includes a built-in calendar and other features which makes the finding attachments and contact easier without going through the inbox. This new app is drawing huge praises from all corners due to intuitive design, interactive user interface and higher functionality than other counterparts.

Outlook users had long relied on third party apps as well as web apps to access their Outlook accounts. Microsoft had even launched some mobile version of Outlook in past to address the user’s problems with its Outlook web app but it was available only a limited number of iPhone and Android smartphones which was not an ideal solution.

This new app easily syncs the calendar data from multiple accounts such as from Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud etc. This new app even omits some of the extra properties like the color-coded categories and the ability to make distinction between an appointment and a meeting. An analyst had even praised this app by saying that Microsoft had finally freed the Outlook email from the confines of the office PC.

Microsoft Welcomes Suggestions From Users With Preview

This new Outloook app is also set to bring the touch optimized feel of Outlook App which is designed for Windows 10. Just like the other Microsoft’s previous Android app releases, the first version of Outlook will have a ‘preview’ label which helps in collecting feedbacks from users with different types of devices. Currently Microsoft had removed the preview label from the Android tablet versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps and now these apps are free for use on Android platform.

Microsoft Generates Cross Platform App

Microsoft just looks like stretching its core windows product to all the prospective customers by launching cross-platform apps one after another. Microsoft saw a great success with its Skype app and later on Office apps for both iOS and Android platform. The latest release of the Outlook app for cross platform performance will help in bringing additional revenue to Microsoft which earlier only concentrated on building Windows app which had limited reach. At the moment Microsoft’s broader goal is to help its customers become more productive regardless of their location and device with different cross platform apps.