Category: microsoft

Windows10 will be the only fully supported OS for newer hardware By @VicenteA_George #Intel #AMD #W10

As the year is starting many of you are planning on upgrade you PC’s or laptops but if you’re thinking of getting the latest and greatest specs the only version of Windows you can use is Windows 10

Although as today, there’s more than 200 millions devices running Windows 10 there’s also millions of other that still prefer to use the old but reliable Windows 8/8.1 or even Windows 7, (specially companies)

And given the fact this versions of the OS are going to get updates ’till 2020 and 2023 is not a bad idea at all, but there’s a catch.

After CES las week, Microsoft has made official their commitment to Windows 10 as a “One OS to rule them all” therefore, they want to W10 to be on more and more devices.

So with the announcements of the upcoming silicon such as :

Intel’s “Kaby Lake”

Qualcomm’s “8996” 

and AMD’s “Bristol Ridge”

Microsoft is planning on rely on this manufactures “a better integration between software and hardware to improve performance” on every device.

How? There’s going to be limitations on how the devices will perform under certain OS, if you have W7 or W8 your system is not going to be well optimize, but if you have W10 you will get up to 30x better graphics and 3x battery life (which is certainly unfair as it’s a really big difference in graphics)

You still are going to be able to install any of the former versions but without the proper optimizations your system will be very vulnerable.

Actually, even the recently announced Skylake silicon is going to have a downfall as those who are still on W7 or W8.1 just going to get security updates until July 17th of 2017.

So this is one of those situation in which you have to choose between to two worst options.

But, what are your thoughts on this matter? Are you happy with this decision?

Or do you think is worth the risk keeping up the old W7 or the not so old W8.1 around?

Let us know in the comment below or tweet us at @jimboireland or @VicenteA_George

Source: Microsoft

 

Word Flow keyboard is coming to iPhone By @VicenteA_George #Windows #iPhone #Keyboard

Windows fans all over the world has always been proud of the built-in keyboard of W8 and W8.1 as it broke a Guinness World Record for the fastest typing when it was launched.

But ever since Microsoft took over the Nokia Cell phone Division some of those key features of WP are starting to be ported to other platforms, one of the “most infamous moves” was when Cortana became available in other platforms even before being completely available on the WP ecosystem.

Well, this time is the same famous keyboard the one being ported, as accordingly to an e-mail sent to some Windows insiders, they want to have the app available on iOS and possibly on Android.

What does this mean to the WP ecosystem?

Well, it depends on you and if you see the glass half full or half empty.

The Word Flow keyboard resembles what third party apps like Swipe or SwiftKey can do on both operative systems, which is not a warm welcome.

The app is apparently being developed for iPhone 5s and above, although the real question is:

Would you use the WP Keyboard on your device if you already have some of the aforementioned apps?

What’s you opinion on Microsoft and multiple apps going outside of their “home”? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us using #techbuzzireland

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India to get the Surface Pro 4 on January 7th By @VicenteA_George #Surface #Windows

This year was great for gadgets that boost up our productivity on he go, like the IPad Pro, the stunning Surface Book and last but not least the Surface Pro 4 which was unveiled earlier this year and you can see our full coverage here.

But back then it wasn’t available everywhere to buy but today we received the news that is going to be officially available in India as soon as next week on January 7th

As you can see after all the wait is finally going to happen for our Indian readers the very next week.

There’s no word about full prices and available along the country but as a far as we know the “lower 128GB an Intel Core m3 with 4GB RAM model” could go for Rs. 67,999 and the powerhouse variant with 256GB an Intel Core i7 and 16GB of RAM could go for somewhere around Rs. 1,32,99 which means the other variants are going to be in between these prices.

The Surface Pro line is a well known productivity tool and made ir widely available is great, paired with Windows 10 this thing is a beast.

From consuming media to full work presentations the Surface Pro 4 packs everything you could need in a beautiful portable size.

We’ll bring more info once the day comes, but till then, let us know! Will you pick one for yourself? Sound below in the comments or Tweet us using #techbuzzireland

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Use 1 number across all your devices with AT&T #NumberSync By @VicenteA_George #AT&T #Carrier

One usual complaint from people who own more than one mobile device is that normally they need to carry two cell phone numbers.

Something that all of us dream in the ability to have the same number across multiple device’s , why? Well, maybe we use a Samsung for work because of the OS but we prefer to shoot photos with our Lumia phones for example.

Now that could actually be possible thanks to the folks at AT&T and their new feature NumberSync a new service that aims to share ONE Phone Number and Data Plan across all your mobile devices.

Using their wireless network alongside the pre-existing methods for sharing data plans across devices, AT&T will enable you “basic phone” functions to all your other accessories like tablets or 2-in-1‘s

And it doesn’t need to be connected through Bluetooth or anything you don’t even need to carry your phone, (it doesn’t even have to be turned on!!)

This feature is not manufacturer nor OS restricted they only need to “enable” this ability on the devices in order to work.

Something that happens a lot is forgetting our phones everywhere, now imagine you’re running out of home with your bag and in the middle of the road realize you left your phone out and you need to do and important call, this feature will let you use your tablet (assuming you have one on your bag) to make the call and even send and received messages. Cool isn’t it?

In case you’re wondering about prices, NumberSync will be completely free (the feature, you’ll need to pay you mobile plan).

According to AT&T the first compatible device will be available “Soon” with more coming over the holidays season. They plan to make this feature “the norm” to future connected devices.

What do you think of this? Do you like the idea of using your same phone number on all your gadgets?

Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: AT&T

#Microsoft launch a powerful #SurfacePro4 with new Surface Pen & Type Cover by @Tiwaash #Windows10Devices

Last year Microsoft had shown the new way of how a tablet can replace your laptop with the formidable Surface Pro 3. The transformation of tablet into a full fledged was aided with the sleek Type Cover and the Pen. The Surface Pro 3 has been a top choice for consumers ever since it was launched. Improvising on the successful Surface Pro 3, Microsoft today announced the Surface Pro 4 which had taken the game to a level of its own.

Surface Pro 4 has evolved from the Surface Pro 3 and following the same design ques, the former resembles the latter in many ways. Microsoft refined its design from last year to create a hybrid tablet that’s slightly thinner and more powerful.It also managed to include a slightly larger 12.3-inch screen in the Surface Pro 4 (0.3 inch bigger than the SP3) without making the case bigger.

There’s a fingerprint sensor on the keyboard and Cortana integration inside the new tablet. Microsoft has done a lot of upgrades to its keyboard covers this year. There’s an all-new Surface Pen as well, which also has an eraser on the end of it. The new pen has 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity and attaches magnetically to the side of the Surface Pro 4 when not in use. It comes in a variety of colors and even has Cortana integration: you can activate Microsoft’s voice assistant by holding the button on the Surface Pen.

Microsoft claims Surface Pro 4 to be 50 percent faster, against Apple’s MacBook Air, however, it also has high-end specs that wouldn’t be out of place on an ultrabook laptop. Storage goes all the way up to 1TB and you can get 16GB of memory to go with that Intel 6th-gen processor.

The Surface Pro 4 is available to preorder now, starting at $899 or £749. It will be available on October 26th.

Tech Specs of Surface Pro 4:

    • Windows 10 Pro OS
    • 12.3” PixelTouch display with a Resolution of 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI)
    • 10 point multi-touch
    • New gen Surface Pen
    • 6th Gen Intel Core M3/i5/i7 processor with Intel graphics
    • 4/8/16 GB RAM
    • 128/256/512 GB SSD Storage
    • Full-size USB 3.0 port
    • microSD™ card reader
    • Headset jack
    • Mini DisplayPort
    • Cover port
    • SurfaceConnect™
    • 5.0 MP front-facing HD camera
    • 8.0 MP rear-facing autofocus camera, with 1080p HD video recording
    • Stereo microphones
    • Stereo speakers with Dolby® audio
    • Battery- Up to 9 hrs of video playback
    • Magnesium casing

I’m really excited about this handsomely crafted Surface Pro 4 and Microsoft already has a winner under its products.

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

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#Google #Microsoft #Mozilla & #Netflix are just some members of “AllianceForOpenMedia” By @VicenteA_George #Media #Codecs

We live in an age when almost everything is located on Internet and every day more and more of our Media are at some point, unplayable due to some “Format Restriction” of any kind.

Well, soon that’s about to end thanks to the recently announced Alliance for Open Media.

Starting on September 1st Seven of the most greatest Media creator have created this “Justice League” of Formats and Codecs for video and media in general.

“The Open and royalty-free format for next-generation
ultra high definition media”

Amazon, Cisco, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Mozilla and Netflix have made partnership into this Open-Source Project to reach to ultimate goal of “develop next-generation media formats, codecs and technologies in the public interest.”

Something that really complicate media consumption in the format of the video we’re trying to see.

For example:

For using MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 formats, a royalty must be paid to MPEG LA.

Mozilla has Daala

Google is has on VP9 and 10

Etc.

That’s why should not come as surprise that this guys wanna save some money and as result we have a more persistent and pleasant usability of video formats.

What they want to do as main task is to create media:

Interoperable and open.

Optimized for the web.

Scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth.

Designed with a low computational footprint and optimized for hardware.

Capable of consistent, highest-quality, real-time video delivery.

Flexible for both commercial and non-commercial content, including user-generated content.

(Something worth the mention is Apple absence in the group, which is easily explainable.

Apple owns QuickTime and they need to pay anyone to implement videos on  iTunes or Apple TV.)

The license name will be Apache 2.0 and will work under the W3C patent rules.

If you want to know more about the project you can go HERE or follow them at @a4omedia

What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments or Tweet us using #techbuzzireland

Stay tuned for more Buzz and everything TECH

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Upgrade your kids for school with the new 2-in-1 #KurioSmart for students By @VicenteA_George #Windows #Tablet #Kids

In this “modernized” world we live now, things are a lot different from what they were when we where kids. For example our biggest success used to be owning the highest score on the Snake Game.

Now, some children do not even use a notebook (the classic one) to take notes, they use their phones, their tablets or even their laptops to get the job done.

And its not always easy seeing our child carrying  expensive gadgets to take a walk.

Well, enter the Kurio Smart the Windows Hybrid specifically designed for kids.

The 2-in-1 Kurio Smart is like having a small Surface or an ASUS Transformer, our kids can play and work with.

Take a look at the specs:

DISPLAY: 8.9 inch IPS capacitive touch screen
RESOLUTION: 1280 x 800 pixels
CPU: Quadcore Intel® Bay Trail™ – T Z3735G
GPU: Intel® HD Graphic- Gen 7
OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 8.1
STORAGE MEMORY: 32GB
RAM: 1GB
CAMERA: 0.3Mpx Front / 2Mpx Rear
CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi b/g/n – Bluetooth 4.0
LANGUAGES: Supports multi languages
CONNECTION: Micro USB – Micro HDMI
MICRO SD CARD SLOT: Up to 32GB of extra memory
BATTERY: 4900mAh

Apart from all that (as you can imagime from the title and part of the reading) there’s also a Detachable Keyboard include that also acts as screen protector and stand, transforming your Tablet into an small notebook (a modern one)

It also packs the proprietary Kurio Motion Technology which allows the kids to play with 18 games that tracks the motion from the tablet itself (Like a small Nintendo Wii)

With Windows 8.1 and  Office 365 personal subscription and Free Unlimited storage on OneDrive! The Kurio Smart is ready to go and help your children in whichever task they might need.

The device packs Windows 8.1 but as you’d expect is upgradable to Windows 10 and by the end of September, the tablet will then come with Windows 10.

The Kurio Smart has a price tag of £180 for U.K  and  $200 for the U.S  (Keyboard included)

Take a look

As you can see is a pretty solid buy, Let us know in the comments what do you think of it .

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Microsoft teases with prototype called #DisplayCover to enhance productivity by @Tiwaash #MicrosoftAppliedSciences

Everyone loves a smart, stylish, compact and powerful device which surely adds to the productivity manifolds and this is where tablets came in and then there came powerful tablets to ease the work and this resulted in Surface Pro 3 a powerhouse. Well you might be wondering why am I talking about this, it’s because of the latest research from the folks at Microsoft Applied Sciences.

Looking to further bridge the gap between slate and laptop, Microsoft Applied Sciences built a prototype device it calls the DisplayCover: a keyboard cover that houses an e-ink touchscreen display. The 1,280 x 305 resolution panel not only provides access to app shortcuts, but it can also handle touch gestures for navigation and accept stylus input. The e-ink display material was selected because it wouldn’t put too much added strain on battery life like a full-color touch panel would. It’s interesting to take a look at what companies are doing to make efficient use of small screen sizes for maximizing productivity.

The stylus feature seems to make things like signing documents and scribbling notes a breeze, based on the demo video. In the case of an app like Photoshop where you need constant access to tool palettes, those items can be parked at the top of the keyboard so they don’t take up valuable space on the tablet’s display.

Really looking forward to this awesome feature rich display which is very handy. Let us know what you feel about this in the comments below.

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

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#Windows10 Insider Program scores the best ever build yet for Fast Ring by @Tiwaash #Microsoft

Microsoft is on a roll with the development and refinement of the upcoming Windows 10 OS. On Tuesday Microsoft had announced the Build 10159, for the users who have signed up for the Insider Program, with the very futuristic logo and wallpaper, today its a surprise for the fast ring (ones who have opted to get the unpolished and raw OS even before it is made available to everyone).

The head of OD development for Microsoft, Gabriel Aul tweeted

In the official blog Gabriel Aul said that since it’s going to be an extended weekend in the USA he was excited to unveil the Build 10162 to the fast ring and then to slow ring if there aren’t any issues detected.

Gab Aul added

Build 10162 is another great one. In fact, our testing and internal telemetry metrics show it has better reliability, performance, battery life, and compatibility than any Windows 10 Insider Preview build so far.

It’s good to see that Windows10 is getting in shape in good time and we are hopeful that the final OS should be ready soon and are very excited.

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

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