Over 200 MILLION devices have already downloaded Windows 10 - Microsoft

Over 200 MILLION devices have already downloaded Windows 10 - Microsoft

Windows   09:59:00

Software giant Microsoft has made the announcement that its Windows 10 operating system is now active in over 200 million devices worldwide. These includes PC's, Tablets and Smartphones according to the Company and that Windows 10 remains its fastest adoption in history.

Microsoft stated that the uptake of the new operating system is 140% faster than it was when Windows 7 launched and a massive 400% improvement on Windows 8.

However, the goal for the new operating system as stated by Microsoft is to have it running on one billion devices within two to three years. Roll-out of the new OS has been highly visible, with some users getting frustrated at the repeated prompts appearing on their desktop screens.

Part of the appeal of the update is that it was made available for free for users of Windows 7 or Windows 8. Although that offer is slated to run out this year.

The new operating system will be the first to work across all Windows-powered devices, from smartphones to tablets and desktop computers, as well as its gaming device, Xbox One games console.

The Company has also introduced a new web browser - Edge - to replace the popular Internet Explorer, while its voice assistant Cortana will also move to desktop computers for the first time.

The much accepted Start menu, which was removed in Windows 8 to much public outcry, is also making a return in the new OS, as Microsoft looks to modernise and appeal to a new range of customers.

Windows 10 officially launched today

Windows 10 officially launched today

Windows   20:44:00

The most anticipated tech release for this year has been unveiled. The new Windows 10 was launched today in over 190 countries worldwide.

So, if you are using windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you can check the notification bar at the right side of your PC/Laptop for the notification of an available free upgrade for you.
Microsoft has emphasized on an unparalleled level of security and backward compatibility with both software and hardware and seeing how the new Window is lighter on resources, it should run even better than your present OS. The new Windows 10 experience is built for any screen and device. Touch controls and gestures have been upgraded and the interface should look nicely scale to almost any screen, resolution and form factor.

Some of the apparent features in Windows 10 are Microsoft's new Cortana, Edge browser, multiple desktop environments, a unified notification center and tight integration of Skype and Microsoft Office into the system. Cortana now has a new home on the PC and promises to become a close and personal assistant of yours across all of your devices. Note that Cortana will not be initially available in all countries, so you might have to wait a bit to get acquainted.

Edge browser

We are still not sure when the mobile version of Windows 10 will be released. However, a user who install Windows 10 on his/her PC, will have a new Phone Companion platform to explore, which will take the user through the steps required to seamlessly sync your iPhone, Lumia or Android phone to Windows 10. In other words, it means getting Cortana on your smartphone, which happens to work surprisingly well on Android.

Windows 10 will be sold on bootable flash drives - Microsoft

Windows 10 will be sold on bootable flash drives - Microsoft

Windows   15:45:00

Microsoft has made it known that it will be selling its anticipated Windows 10 operating system on bootable USB flash drives other than the popular optical media or discs.

This new step will enable consumers to install the OS even on gadgets that do not have an optical disc drive built-in, for example an ultraportable notebooks. The USB drives as predicted by Tech analysts would also likely be a bit faster and smarter than the normal discs, making the whole process faster.

Windows 10 can be pre-ordered from Amazon store at $119.99 for home edition and $199.99 for Pro Edition. This is for those whose PC/Laptop is not running Windows 7,8 and 8.1. If your PC/Laptop runs any of these versions, then wait for the official release on 29th of this month to get a free update.

Microsoft Xbox Music is now Groove on Windows 10

Microsoft Xbox Music is now Groove on Windows 10

Windows   09:35:00

Software giant Microsoft has renamed its popular music service - XBOX to GROOVE. Groove is expected to be in-built default music app for the anticipated windows 10 when it is released later this month.

The company also said along with Groove, users will also find Xbox Video has also been renamed to Movies & TV, making the content in the app more identifiable for our broad customer base.

For the music and video apps, users will see the changes come through first on Windows 10 PC’s before rolling out to other devices in the coming months.
Aside from the renaming, everything else seems to the same, as users can either stream from the 40 million music library or upload your own music to OneDrive, which can then be accessed by the user from anywhere, with Android and iOS apps arriving in future.

The normal  monthly subscription which is $9.99 per month or $99 for a year remains the same, and if you have an existing Xbox Music user then do not worry as the app will continue to work as before.

Source: Microsoft blog

Anticipated Windows 10 Mobile may feature native call recording

Anticipated Windows 10 Mobile may feature native call recording

Windows   14:26:00

The anticipated Windows 10 Mobile might come with call recording service. This was observed by tech analysts in the latest Windows 10 Mobile build number 10149 which gives a hint about the heavily demanded feature.

Giants like Apple, Blackberry and Android are yet to add this feature to their iOS, OS10 and Android platforms respectively.   

In Microsoft's latest build, a new folder tagged Recorded Calls was found in the Files file management app. The folder sits alongside the Pictures, Recorded calls and other folders. Tech enthusiasts have suspected that Microsoft may be testing out the Call Recording feature using the Voice Recorder app packaged in the update.

With this new feature, it is paramount that Microsoft consults some Countries who have strict laws regarding call recording before shipping this particular product their.

Microsoft is planning to release Windows 10 on July 29. However, there is no official word on the arrival for Windows 10 Mobile version.

Source: GSMarena

Microsoft reveals what you’ll lose by upgrading to Windows 10

Microsoft reveals what you’ll lose by upgrading to Windows 10

Windows   14:31:00

Microsoft announced yesterday that it will be launching Windows 10 on July 29th, creating a platform for Windows 7 and 8.1 users to reserve their free upgrade with a notification in their task bar. 

However, while Microsoft has been quick in highlighting all the attractive new features in the upcoming OS, it's been a bit stealth when it comes to spelling out the limitations, including making updates automatic for Windows 10 Home users.

Among the most apparent loss is the software losses for the old platforms. Although most of these will only affect a handful number of users, but upgrading will mean saying goodbye to following software; 

i. If you have Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8 Pro with Media Center, or Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center and you install Windows 10, Windows Media Center will be removed.
ii. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software
iii. Windows 7 desktop gadgets will be removed as part of installing Windows 10.
iv. Windows 10 Home users will have updates from Windows Update automatically available. Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise users will have the ability to defer updates.
v. Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Hearts Games that come pre-installed on Windows 7 will be removed as part of installing the Windows 10 upgrade. Microsoft has released our version of Solitaire and Minesweeper called the “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” and “Microsoft Minesweeper.”
vi. If you have a USB floppy drive, you will need to download the latest driver from Windows Update or from the manufacturer's website.
vii. If you have Windows Live Essentials installed on your system, the OneDrive application is removed and replaced with the inbox version of OneDrive.

System requirements for the new Operating system have also been released

i. Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
ii. RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
iii. Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
iv. Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
v. Display: 1024x600

Not sure about your system operating system click here  to know yours

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 10 to be released on July 29th, 2015

Microsoft Windows 10 to be released on July 29th, 2015

Windows   12:52:00

Software giant Microsoft announced yesterday that the official release date for the upcoming Windows 10 is July 29th.

According to Microsoft's official Blog

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 favorite 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.
The Windows 10 upgrade is designed to be compatible with your current Windows device and applications. We are hard at work to make this upgrade process a great experience. You can reserve your free Windows 10 upgrade now through a simple reservation process.

Look for this icon in your system tray at the bottom of your screen as above in the picture, simply click on the icon, and then complete the reservation process. You can find more details on how this works at Windows.com.

Windows 10 re-introduced the Start menu you know. The new Windows 10 is faster with quick startup and resume. It also provides the most secure platform ever, including Windows Defender for free anti-malware protection, and being the only platform with a commitment to deliver free ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of the device.

Windows 10 according to Microsoft will introduce universal apps, Cortana, Microsoft Edge browser (spartan) to replace the Internet Explorer, new multimedia apps, new Office 2016 included in Windows 10 for free, Xbox Live app and integration among others.

The OS update will also have in it a better Windows Hello login, Windows Store and continuum functionality for easy switching between PC and Tablet interfaces on convertibles.

Presently, if you use a Windows smartphone you can ask Cortana about the Windows 10 release date and she’ll give you an answer.

Windows 10 comes on July 29 and will be a free upgrade. Watch the promo video below

Microsoft to release Cortana for Android and IOS operating system

Microsoft to release Cortana for Android and IOS operating system

Windows   16:44:00

I don't know why they keep leaving Blackberry out or the least to consider, as Microsoft has said its been working tireless to make its Windows 10 platform the best ever. The company stated that it will be branching out its apps as well as other services to rival platforms, this was made known today when the company officially announced it will release its Cortana companion app for the iOS and Android platforms. Read the statement from Microsoft's official blog

Microsoft says it realizes that many people use iPhones or Android phones, and would want them to enjoy some of their Windows experience and content while away from their Windows 10 PC. ''Regardless of the operating systems you choose across your devices, everything important to you should roam across the products you already own – including your smartphone'', Microsoft stated. 

That’s why we’re announcing a ‘Phone Companion’ app built-in to Windows 10, which will help you connect your Windows PC to whatever phone you own– whether it’s a Windows phone, Android phone, or iPhone. 

When you launch the Phone Companion app on your PC, you pick which type of phone you own –Windows phone, Android phone, or iPhone. With a Windows phone, there’s nothing extra needed. But for an Android phone or iPhone you need to follow a few easy steps to get the right apps on your phone to make it work great in conjunction with your Windows 10 PC. 

All your files and content will be magically available on your PC and your phone: 

i. With the OneDrive app setup correctly on your phone, every photo you take on your phone will show up automatically in the Photos app on your Windows 10 PC.
ii. With the latest upcoming version of the Music app, you’ll be able to store and access your music from OneDrive not only on your PC but now also play it anywhere, for free, on your iOS or Android phone (this already works on Windows phones). This means the music playlists you spend hours putting together on your Windows 10 PC will now show up and be playable on your phone, automatically.
iii. Take a note wherever you are—notes you write on your PC in OneNote will show up on your phone. And any note you tweak on your phone will get synced to your PC.
iv. And you can work on your Office documents from any of your devices, without worrying about moving files around.

Source: Microsoft Blog

Candy crush is coming pre-installed in Windows 10

Candy crush is coming pre-installed in Windows 10

Windows   20:02:00

In-built games has always been an important part of the Windows experience - with titles like Minesweeper, Solitaire and Hearts each being played millions users over the years. 

While all these arel returning in Windows 10, a new game is to be added to this collection. In fact, game lovers will love this news as, King.com announced today that it will be bringing Candy Crush Saga to Windows 10.

If you have been in the gaming world for a while now, chances are pretty high that you've heard of King's smash mobile hit Candy Crush Saga.

 

Candy Crush Saga is presently available on Android, Windows Phone, IOS and through the Facebook website as a Flash based game but this will be the first time we will be seeing it as a native app on desktop. Candy crush uses your Facebook account to sync progress across all versions of the game so you can pick up right where you left off regardless of where you last played it.

Windows Phone users have been already been enjoying Candy Crush Saga since its launch on the platform last year December. Now Kings has stated that all Windows 10 owners will be able to experience the hit game that's swept the mobile world like wildfire. 

So as an added bonus for its PC windows users, Candy Crush Saga will automatically be installed for customers that upgrade to or download Windows 10 for periods of time following the game launch. The game will even have cross-play options for your iOS and Android devices.

Wait there is more good news as Kings.com has stated that its other titles will also be coming to Windows 10, which should translate to more fun for all sorts of gamers. 

Windows BBM Update: BBM Channels Now Available on Windows Phone

Windows BBM Update: BBM Channels Now Available on Windows Phone

Windows   10:51:00

BBM just keeps getting better by the day with its updates. I doubt any messaging app can stand side by side with this giant messaging app.

Just few weeks after debuting it in the beta version of the application, BlackBerry has introduced support for Channels in the latest update to its main BBM for Windows Phone application. The new feature has already been added to the iOS and Android versions of the messaging app.

“Beginning today, Windows smartphone users have a new place to join conversations happening right now between brands, people and communities,” the Canadian company stated in a blog post. “In real-time you can discover and connect with other #TeamBlackBerry members on subjects that interest you.”

You can download the latest version of the app (2.1.0.16) from the Windows Phone Store. Also watch update video below...

“Windows 10 is the last version of Windows Operating system”, says Microsoft

“Windows 10 is the last version of Windows Operating system”, says Microsoft

Windows   10:34:00

Could this be Microsoft's last straw as the software giant's employee and developer evangelist Jerry Nixon has hinted at Microsoft’s Ignite conference, that “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.” The statement seems like Microsoft won’t be releasing any more versions of Windows 10, which is true more or less.

Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows, in this sense there will not be any major releases of Windows hereafter. The software giant plans to turn Windows into a service, where it will only continue to get updates but there won’t be any major releases. The OS has now become so broad to the point where Microsoft can update parts of the OS individually, which is exactly it plans. The next update is predicted to be in 2016, code-named Windows Redstone, but it will still be Windows 10, and not 11 or anything else. Basically, no more new Windows releases.

As a user or customer, this new policy probably doesn’t change much. Users will continue to get free updates on a monthly basis to ensure your Windows experience continues to work perfectly. There may not be big numbered releases to expect, but Windows itself will continue to evolve and get better.

Microsoft: Mobile Windows 10 will run iPhone and Android apps

Microsoft: Mobile Windows 10 will run iPhone and Android apps

Windows   10:25:00

Microsoft recently made the announcement that its anticipated windows 10 for mobile will allow Android and iOS apps to run in the operating system.

While making a keynote speech at the Build 2015 event, Microsoft’s Terry Myerson stated that his company (Microsoft) would offer developers the option to easily transfer apps onto Windows 10.

The Software giant has been working closely with King, makers of the hit game Candy Crush, to design a system which can easily allow mobile apps to run on the desktop.

All designers will need to do is 'port over' their existing designs, which should be a relatively simple process.

Tech geeks were fiiled with cheers in the auditorium as Myerson spoke.

Many tech geeks took to internet to express their delight and surprise at the announcement.

What do you think of this development? Share your comment...

Microsoft rolls-out a new ‘contacts+message backup’ app for Windows Phone 8.1 users

Microsoft rolls-out a new ‘contacts+message backup’ app for Windows Phone 8.1 users

Windows   09:55:00

Software giant Microsoft has recently released an application that enables users to backup all your contacts and messages and store it in your phone’s SD card. Called the contacts+message backup, the new application is compatible with Windows Phone 8.1 devices.

After installing, users can access the application by heading to Settings on your windows phone, as the application doesn’t appear in your regular list of installed apps. The backup for your contacts+message it creates is  in-turn stored in a folder called backup+restore.

Important points users should note are: 

i. The application backs up contacts in VCF format and messages (SMS & MMS including attachments) in XML format.

ii. For dual-SIM windows phones, it works only for the first SIM. 

Users can download the app from the Windows Phone Store for free.

Activate Whatsapp voice calling service on your Windows and Blackberry device

Activate Whatsapp voice calling service on your Windows and Blackberry device

Windows   10:11:00

WhatsApp has recently added the voice calling service to its update in the latest version of the Android app. The voice calling feature is available on the 2.12.19 update and for now has to be downloaded through the company’s official website, although it should soon be available for download in the Play Store as well. Android users can download it here.


For Blackberry and Windows users to get this feature -


Make sure you have the latest version of Whatsapp installed on your BB10 and Windows phone.

Next step is to look for a friend who has the voice calling service feature already on his/her device and give him your number to put a call to you through Whatsapp and gbam the service will be activated on your device too, be it Blackberry or Windows phone. Also do you know you can save call credits by using whatsapp call service regardless of any region you are.

Whatsapp initially rolled out the voice calling feature a while back but instead of making it available to all users at once, they implemented a sort of an invite system, where a user who already has the voice calling feature has to call you for you to get the calling feature.

The latest update now gets rid of all that hassle and any user who installs it will get the feature automatically. Also with the calling tab is the settings to customize the ringtone for voice calls the way you had for chats and group messages.

Hurry now and leave a comment

Know all about Windows 10 for PC and Phone

Know all about Windows 10 for PC and Phone

Windows   17:35:00

Example of Startscreen for Windows 10 

Software giant Microsoft is giving final touch to the much anticipated launch of the Windows 10 operating system. Microsoft has officially announced it will make Windows 10 available across 190 countries and in 111 different languages. No date has been given yet for the official release.

Having over 1.5 billion users around the world, the software giant aims to make Windows 10 a desirable upgrade for all. The most interesting part is that, existing users of Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone 8.1 will get a free upgrade to Windows 10 OS for a uniform seamless experience across devices.

Microsoft introduced two new security and personalization features which are; Windows Hello is the new biometric authentication system that uses specialized hardware which includes a fingerprint reader, illuminated IR Sensor and couple of other biometric sensors.

Other than the above mentioned, Microsoft will also introduce a new feature called Microsoft Passport which behaves like a single password based gateway to securely authenticate your access to different websites, networks and web apps without having to send a password every time.

Cortana on PC and Phone

The layman's feature upgrades includes Cortana

''Cortana is your truly personal digital assistant who works across all your devices to help get things done''. This serves as Windows own version of Siri for IOS and Blackberry Assistant for Blackberry.

Spartan on PC and Phone

Another feature is the newly introduced Spartan browser
Project Spartan is an all‑new browser built to deliver a better web experience. You can write directly on webpages from your PC, read articles distraction‑free, and save your favorites to read offline later.

Xbox on PC and Phone 

Better gaming experience for game lovers. With Xbox on Windows, play and connect with your games and friends. Everywhere.

Improved Windows store 

The application or software Store in Windows 10 is a one-stop shop for hundreds of thousands of apps including games, music, videos, as well as a new version of Office. What do you think? please leave a comment

Microsoft introduces 'Spartan' as its new official web browser for windows 10

Microsoft introduces 'Spartan' as its new official web browser for windows 10

Windows   10:27:00

Great news as software giant Microsoft has officially confirmed it is taking off the Internet Explorer web browser to pave way for a faster, cleaner browser for its upcoming Windows 10 operating system.

Microsoft's new browser, codenamed Project Spartan, will compete with the likes of Google's popular Chrome browser and Mozilla's Firefox.

The old Internet Explorer brand has been Microsoft's browser since 1995, but over time it has depreciated in favour due to being prone to bugs and slower than its rivals.

"We're presently researching what the new brand, or the new name, for our web browser should be in Windows 10," Microsoft’s marketing chief Chris Capossela mentioned at a conference yesterday.

The software giant has already shared some of the details surrounding the new "Spartan" browser. Mainly that it will be able to support Chrome extensions developed for Google's browser.

Also, like Google's offering, it'll be stripped down for speed and will be available for use on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.

The software giant isn't limiting it to Windows Phone either as it will appear on Android and iOS devices before the end of the year.

The new web browser is part of Microsoft's grand plans for Windows 10 in 2015.