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

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Source: Microsoft