The iPad Air and new Retina-display iPad Mini are among the hottest gadgets
this holiday season, and of course many people will want to get the
cellular-enabled versions so they can browse without looking for Wi-Fi. Here's
how you can get the most for your money — or no money at all.
First, we have to look at the elephant in the room: T-Mobile's absolutely
free plan, which gets you 200 MB of high-speed data for life. If you really want
to save money, this is really the only option — it even makes that extra $130
for the cellular iPad seem reasonable. For that matter, there's no need to even
buy a new iPad — you can bring in any compatible tablet and T-Mobile will
activate it gratis.
If, however, you want to do more than check email, download some books and
apps and browse Wikipedia, you'll need more that 200 MB of data, and for that
you must pay.
Getting cellular data with your iPad can be done in two ways: add the iPad
to your existing plan, or sign up for an iPad-specific one.
If you're already paying for unlimited data for your smartphone, it might
be best to take door number one and pay whatever it costs to let your iPad share
that connection. On AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, it'll cost you $10 to add a
tablet to your plan; at Sprint, you'll have to pay $15 for a tablet plan, but it
adds 2 GB to your limit (and their unlimited plans are cheaper to begin
with).
But if you'd like to be able to switch the cellular data on your iPad on
and off month by month, you'll want to get one of the special iPad plans. The
goal of these plans is maximum mobility and a decent amount of data; if 200 MB
isn't enough, 1 gig probably isn't, either. But who wants to pay an extra $50 a
month?
The $30-a-month plans offer the most basic and flexible value, then, and of
those we recommend AT&T's for the following reasons:
You're not bound by contracts, so you can jump on and off at will (unlike
AT&T's ordinary tablet plans)
Verizon offers less data for $30, and on top of that their and Sprint's
network hardware isn't as compatible internationally
AT&T generally has better coverage than Sprint or T-Mobile
But wait. Here's the best part. After you activate with AT&T, stop by
T-Mobile and start an account with them, too! T-Mobile told NBC News before that
an AT&T iPad (and many other phones and tablets) should work fine on their
network and vice versa. We haven't tested it out (yet), but there's no technical
reason it shouldn't work like a charm. And the price is right.
That way, you can subsist on the free plan during months when you just need
to check email on the train — but can reactivate your $30 AT&T plan quickly
and easily should you want to stream music during a day at the park. All you
need to to is pop open the SIM slot (you may need a paper clip) and swap cards.
The rest should take care of itself, since there's no hardware difference
between T-Mobile and AT&T iPads.
The same advice should apply to the new iPad Mini whenever it comes out,
and also for other iPads and tablets that support both AT&T and
T-Mobile.
2013年10月31日星期四
Windows 8 apps to the Xbox One particular
Subsequent week, on October 18, Microsoft will release Windows eight.1, a
fairly massive update that Microsoft hopes will ultimately give it relevance
within the tablet space, and at the very same time make Windows eight much less
abhorrent for desktop and laptop users. Microsoft is deluding itself, even
though: Windows eight.1 certainly improves upon the horrid state of affairs that
has persisted since the 1st public preview greater than two years ago, but
there’s no way that it'll unseat iOS or Android inside the mobile arena. At
best, the modifications created to Windows eight.1 will let the OS to continue
along the incredibly gradual incline treaded by Windows 8. Subsequent year, even
though, when Windows 9 is released across every single kind issue and unifies
the app ecosystem across smartphones, tablets, and desktops, then Microsoft
truly stands a likelihood against Google and Apple.
Ever due to the fact Windows Phone 7 limped out the gate in 2010, then the lackluster launch of Windows 8 a year later, it has been clear that Microsoft has been moving to merge the touch, mobile, and desktop ecosystems. From an early date, Microsoft was talking up how Windows 8′s Metro apps have been nearly compatible with Windows Telephone 7 - and after that, a little later, Microsoft produced lots of noise about how Windows Phone 8 would use the similar kernel and also other low-level libraries as Windows eight. Most recently, with Windows eight.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft will edge yet closer to cross-platform compatibility having a shared app store.
Over the years, it seems just about every Microsoft vice president has discussed how Windows and Windows Phone apps are just about compatible - but, as evidenced by the slow development of Windows eight, Windows Phone, and their respective ecosystems, nearly compatible just is not great enough. The factor is, every person knows how great comprehensive cross-platform compatibility will be. Everyone knows that it would be the magic bullet that would instantaneously give Microsoft a possibility at competing against Apple and Google. This is the reason Microsoft keeps teasing us, keeps spinning a yarn, to assure everybody - customers, developers, and tech pundits - that it knows how important a unified ecosystem is.
With Windows 9, I bet that Bill Gates’ 1980s dream of Windows Everywhere will finally come to fruition. Barring a further civil war, I strongly anticipate that Windows 9 will run on smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and everything else in amongst, and developers might be capable to create a single Windows app and have it run across each form aspect.
Hopefully, Windows 9′s unified ecosystem will resemble iOS: You pay a visit to the new app retailer (presumably becoming debuted in Windows 8.1), then you are only shown the apps that should work effectively on the type issue of your existing device. Developers will have the choice of having the ability to create one particular app that scales to distinctive screen sizes/resolutions, or one app with many views/layouts which are optimized for each and every screen size/resolution - however the primary factor is that the identical code will operate on any Windows 9 device, due to the fact the underlying kernel/libraries/abstraction layers are the same.
In one fell swoop, as an alternative to becoming coerced and cajoled by Microsoft into publishing apps for its distant-third platforms, the combined user bases and ecosystems will really make Windows 9 a desirable platform that could compete with iOS and Android when it comes to attain and money-making possible.
But what about game consoles? Effectively, when it comes to sheer numbers, consoles are nevertheless compact fry; over their whole seven-year span, Microsoft and Sony have only sold around 160 million Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles combined. By comparison, analysts estimate that 700 million smartphones and around 400 million PCs have been shipped in 2012 alone. Nevertheless, even though the absolute numbers are relatively modest, Microsoft knows full well that the usefulness and desirability of a application ecosystem grows exponentially using the addition of new type elements and use situations. Imagine should you could buy a single app on your Windows 9 smartphone, then have it automatically installed in your Windows 9 desktop and Windows 9 game console, or have your gameplay videos automatically sync out of your console for your smartphone and Pc - that’d be fairly amazing, suitable?
The fantastic news is that the Xbox 1 already seems to be compatible with Windows 8 apps, by virtue of operating a cut-down version of Windows eight for apps, alongside the Xbox OS for games. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that you’ll be capable of run Windows 8 apps directly on the Xbox One particular, but we’d be surprised if that wasn’t the case. In the incredibly least, there will probably be an update for the Xbox A single - perhaps around the exact same time because the unified Windows 8 and WP8 app store is launched - that brings Windows 8 apps to the Xbox One particular. Then, by the time Windows 9 rolls about for smartphones/tablets/PCs, we really should have apps that run across the whole gamut of devices, including consoles.
If Microsoft had unified its mobile device, Computer, and console operating systems final year, together with the release of Windows eight, then I think the consumer computing landscape will be very, extremely various. Microsoft would almost certainly be on leading and calling the shots, as an alternative to trailing behind the large boys, squeaking tremulously for focus and not having it. As a consequence of prevarication, internal strife, gutless equivocation, and most likely a slew of other causes that we’ll never ever get for the bottom of, Microsoft has had three of its weakest OS releases in history: Windows Telephone 7 and 8, and Windows eight.
If Windows 9 is released subsequent year, Microsoft could stand a likelihood, specially if Windows 8.1 and the acquisition of Nokia can bolster its mobile efforts inside the meantime. Regardless of whether such a utopian unified platform can unseat iOS and Android, though, remains to become noticed. Apple and Google are not standing nonetheless, and continue to solidify their market share regardless of Microsoft’s finest efforts to keep relevant. If Windows 9 doesn’t come out in the subsequent 12 months, or if Microsoft doesn’t have some other super-secret plan up its sleeve, the company’s future will creep ever closer towards complete untenability.
Ever due to the fact Windows Phone 7 limped out the gate in 2010, then the lackluster launch of Windows 8 a year later, it has been clear that Microsoft has been moving to merge the touch, mobile, and desktop ecosystems. From an early date, Microsoft was talking up how Windows 8′s Metro apps have been nearly compatible with Windows Telephone 7 - and after that, a little later, Microsoft produced lots of noise about how Windows Phone 8 would use the similar kernel and also other low-level libraries as Windows eight. Most recently, with Windows eight.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft will edge yet closer to cross-platform compatibility having a shared app store.
Over the years, it seems just about every Microsoft vice president has discussed how Windows and Windows Phone apps are just about compatible - but, as evidenced by the slow development of Windows eight, Windows Phone, and their respective ecosystems, nearly compatible just is not great enough. The factor is, every person knows how great comprehensive cross-platform compatibility will be. Everyone knows that it would be the magic bullet that would instantaneously give Microsoft a possibility at competing against Apple and Google. This is the reason Microsoft keeps teasing us, keeps spinning a yarn, to assure everybody - customers, developers, and tech pundits - that it knows how important a unified ecosystem is.
With Windows 9, I bet that Bill Gates’ 1980s dream of Windows Everywhere will finally come to fruition. Barring a further civil war, I strongly anticipate that Windows 9 will run on smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and everything else in amongst, and developers might be capable to create a single Windows app and have it run across each form aspect.
Hopefully, Windows 9′s unified ecosystem will resemble iOS: You pay a visit to the new app retailer (presumably becoming debuted in Windows 8.1), then you are only shown the apps that should work effectively on the type issue of your existing device. Developers will have the choice of having the ability to create one particular app that scales to distinctive screen sizes/resolutions, or one app with many views/layouts which are optimized for each and every screen size/resolution - however the primary factor is that the identical code will operate on any Windows 9 device, due to the fact the underlying kernel/libraries/abstraction layers are the same.
In one fell swoop, as an alternative to becoming coerced and cajoled by Microsoft into publishing apps for its distant-third platforms, the combined user bases and ecosystems will really make Windows 9 a desirable platform that could compete with iOS and Android when it comes to attain and money-making possible.
But what about game consoles? Effectively, when it comes to sheer numbers, consoles are nevertheless compact fry; over their whole seven-year span, Microsoft and Sony have only sold around 160 million Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles combined. By comparison, analysts estimate that 700 million smartphones and around 400 million PCs have been shipped in 2012 alone. Nevertheless, even though the absolute numbers are relatively modest, Microsoft knows full well that the usefulness and desirability of a application ecosystem grows exponentially using the addition of new type elements and use situations. Imagine should you could buy a single app on your Windows 9 smartphone, then have it automatically installed in your Windows 9 desktop and Windows 9 game console, or have your gameplay videos automatically sync out of your console for your smartphone and Pc - that’d be fairly amazing, suitable?
The fantastic news is that the Xbox 1 already seems to be compatible with Windows 8 apps, by virtue of operating a cut-down version of Windows eight for apps, alongside the Xbox OS for games. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that you’ll be capable of run Windows 8 apps directly on the Xbox One particular, but we’d be surprised if that wasn’t the case. In the incredibly least, there will probably be an update for the Xbox A single - perhaps around the exact same time because the unified Windows 8 and WP8 app store is launched - that brings Windows 8 apps to the Xbox One particular. Then, by the time Windows 9 rolls about for smartphones/tablets/PCs, we really should have apps that run across the whole gamut of devices, including consoles.
If Microsoft had unified its mobile device, Computer, and console operating systems final year, together with the release of Windows eight, then I think the consumer computing landscape will be very, extremely various. Microsoft would almost certainly be on leading and calling the shots, as an alternative to trailing behind the large boys, squeaking tremulously for focus and not having it. As a consequence of prevarication, internal strife, gutless equivocation, and most likely a slew of other causes that we’ll never ever get for the bottom of, Microsoft has had three of its weakest OS releases in history: Windows Telephone 7 and 8, and Windows eight.
If Windows 9 is released subsequent year, Microsoft could stand a likelihood, specially if Windows 8.1 and the acquisition of Nokia can bolster its mobile efforts inside the meantime. Regardless of whether such a utopian unified platform can unseat iOS and Android, though, remains to become noticed. Apple and Google are not standing nonetheless, and continue to solidify their market share regardless of Microsoft’s finest efforts to keep relevant. If Windows 9 doesn’t come out in the subsequent 12 months, or if Microsoft doesn’t have some other super-secret plan up its sleeve, the company’s future will creep ever closer towards complete untenability.
2013年10月14日星期一
Windows Phone 8 BLOWN UP by Microsoft ... for phablets upgrade
Microsoft has revealed its third Windows Phone 8 update, which is supposed
to make the mobile operating system easy to use on beefy smartphones with
six-inch screens.
Windows Phone 8 Update 3, which will be rolled out over the next few months, will have a larger start screen with sizable tiles suitable for five and six-inch displays (used by the so-called phablet phones) in 1080p. Redmond is also adding support for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor that is expected to be used in Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 1520.
Phone 8 is already optimized for five-inch displays and smaller, but big-screen phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Note are proving increasingly popular and Microsoft needs to at least be able to match Android in this area (a six-inch iPhone is still a distant dream.)
Don’t expect any more changes of this type however; Redmond has indicated that if people want a bigger display than six inches then they'll have to get a Windows 8 tablet.
The Phone 8 update will also include a driver mode, where the phone limits new information displayed on the start screen to avoid distractions and can be configured to alert callers that you can't answer them right now because you're keeping your hands (and mind) on controlling the car.
Microsoft also says it will be easier to allow handsets to act as wireless hotspots with Windows 8.1 devices via Bluetooth. El Reg would imagine this feature will be promptly limited by mobile network providers, who prefer to sell this as an add-on rather than bundle it in free.
Other tweaks include a screen-orientation lock button, improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, customizable ringtones for things such as instant messaging and email, better tools for managing storage space, and a new screen reader that will make it easier for blind and visually impaired phone users to read their handsets.
"The rollout initially kicks off in the coming weeks and will continue over several months. Specific timing depends on a number of factors including your carrier and phone model," said Darren Laybourn, Redmond's VP for Windows Phone.
To make sure that coders can avoid having their apps borked by the update Microsoft is also opening up a new program called Windows Phone Preview for Developers. Registered Phone Store developers, or those signed up for Phone App Studio, can choose to get preview copies of operating system updates, provided they have an unlocked handset.
Once it is installed, however, developers won’t be able to remove the OS build and are stuck with it until the final upgrade is released to the general public.
In the next three weeks Microsoft will make an emulator for the update available, but there will be no new APIs or a software development kit for the new code. Developers will get an extra 5MB of audio memory and there are also some changes to the Internet Explorer browser and WebBrowser control viewport.
To get 1080p displays working, Microsoft says it will assume display sizes are set for 720p and then scale software up to 1080p using its own code - but an emulator for the upgraded resolution is expected in the next few weeks for user-interface designers who wish to avoid this automatic resizing.
Windows Phone 8 Update 3, which will be rolled out over the next few months, will have a larger start screen with sizable tiles suitable for five and six-inch displays (used by the so-called phablet phones) in 1080p. Redmond is also adding support for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor that is expected to be used in Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 1520.
Phone 8 is already optimized for five-inch displays and smaller, but big-screen phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Note are proving increasingly popular and Microsoft needs to at least be able to match Android in this area (a six-inch iPhone is still a distant dream.)
Don’t expect any more changes of this type however; Redmond has indicated that if people want a bigger display than six inches then they'll have to get a Windows 8 tablet.
The Phone 8 update will also include a driver mode, where the phone limits new information displayed on the start screen to avoid distractions and can be configured to alert callers that you can't answer them right now because you're keeping your hands (and mind) on controlling the car.
Microsoft also says it will be easier to allow handsets to act as wireless hotspots with Windows 8.1 devices via Bluetooth. El Reg would imagine this feature will be promptly limited by mobile network providers, who prefer to sell this as an add-on rather than bundle it in free.
Other tweaks include a screen-orientation lock button, improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, customizable ringtones for things such as instant messaging and email, better tools for managing storage space, and a new screen reader that will make it easier for blind and visually impaired phone users to read their handsets.
"The rollout initially kicks off in the coming weeks and will continue over several months. Specific timing depends on a number of factors including your carrier and phone model," said Darren Laybourn, Redmond's VP for Windows Phone.
To make sure that coders can avoid having their apps borked by the update Microsoft is also opening up a new program called Windows Phone Preview for Developers. Registered Phone Store developers, or those signed up for Phone App Studio, can choose to get preview copies of operating system updates, provided they have an unlocked handset.
Once it is installed, however, developers won’t be able to remove the OS build and are stuck with it until the final upgrade is released to the general public.
In the next three weeks Microsoft will make an emulator for the update available, but there will be no new APIs or a software development kit for the new code. Developers will get an extra 5MB of audio memory and there are also some changes to the Internet Explorer browser and WebBrowser control viewport.
To get 1080p displays working, Microsoft says it will assume display sizes are set for 720p and then scale software up to 1080p using its own code - but an emulator for the upgraded resolution is expected in the next few weeks for user-interface designers who wish to avoid this automatic resizing.
Skype integration in the really least
The optimist would say that Windows Phone's prospects have by no means been
brighter. The pessimist would disagree.
Around the vibrant side, Microsoft just announced Windows Phone eight Update three, which includes new help for quad-core CPUs and phablets that aids retain its spec lists hunting fresh. In addition, the buyout of Nokia's smartphone arm will bring Redmond's biggest hardware ally absolutely in to the fold, all whilst BlackBerry's apparent demise topples the competitors for third-largest ecosystem. All this provides the application giant a possibility to at least double Windows Phone growth by 2017.
On the other hand, Windows Telephone adoption has been slow, together with the OS fighting for less than 10 % of mobile's worldwide market place share, even though Android and iOS gobble up the overwhelming majority.
Additionally, Microsoft features a trouble with partners. At the moment it really is looking to woo back HTC to when once more expand the Windows Telephone ecosystem. If that fails, Microsoft could possibly be the only outfit producing Windows phones. That single-source approach may possibly work for Apple, but even the iPhone is obtaining a challenging time standing as much as Android's diverse and seemingly inexhaustible players.
Back in 2010, and once more in 2011, Microsoft pleaded for patience in getting its Windows Phone off the ground. But this year, the latest update's most visible enhancements are a modified interface for extra-large phones along with the ability to close apps in multitasking mode. You also can customize text tones by get in touch with.
This can be hardly hearty fare, but Microsoft points out that they are the most-wanted additions requested by fans.
Having said that, Windows Telephone buyers also clamor for a notification center, a file manager, a personal assistant, far better storage assistance for microSD cards, and indicator lights that signal missed calls and alerts. Numerous of those have been requested because the OS debuted and have lengthy existed on Android and iOS.
Then there is Skype, the other organization that Microsoft purchased in 2011 (and for 1.3 billion greater than Nokia), but the company has but to integrate it into Windows smartphones by default to counter Apple's FaceTime and even Google Plus Hangouts. Yes, Windows Telephone 8 Skype customers can spot calls from the Persons hub, soon after 1st downloading the app. What I am talking about is creating this an out-of-the-box function.
We do know, no less than, that Microsoft is really hard at function on a individual assistant of its own known as Cortana, which understands all-natural language office 2010 professiona retail pack and will replace the legacy TellMe voice input at the moment in use.
Microsoft's subsequent update really should be a major 1 that includes this personal assistant, notification center, and Skype integration in the really least. Following the Nokia acquisition is complete (assuming it gets shareholder and regulatory approval), Windows Telephone should really rapidly incorporate Nokia-designed software program tools, like its camera add-ons, into the native OS practical experience.
From where I sit, Microsoft's biggest asset -- and challenge -- would be to take the huge risks that make a company stand out as a player worth paying focus to. Just after the transition, the Windows Phone team really should not just use, but push Nokia's venerable design and style philosophy into edgier territory.
Microsoft really should waste no time funding projects that explore and apply new finishes and supplies (like continuing its perform on graphene), publish a number of wacky proofs of notion (like this a single from 2011, also under), and probably build a high-end luxury phone of its own.
Why? Microsoft's Windows Telephone project has spent its lifetime being reactionary, looking to catch up to Apple and Google without having genuinely managing to keep pace. This is not the time to be conservative with cookie-cutter design and capabilities which can be just great enough.
Around the vibrant side, Microsoft just announced Windows Phone eight Update three, which includes new help for quad-core CPUs and phablets that aids retain its spec lists hunting fresh. In addition, the buyout of Nokia's smartphone arm will bring Redmond's biggest hardware ally absolutely in to the fold, all whilst BlackBerry's apparent demise topples the competitors for third-largest ecosystem. All this provides the application giant a possibility to at least double Windows Phone growth by 2017.
On the other hand, Windows Telephone adoption has been slow, together with the OS fighting for less than 10 % of mobile's worldwide market place share, even though Android and iOS gobble up the overwhelming majority.
Additionally, Microsoft features a trouble with partners. At the moment it really is looking to woo back HTC to when once more expand the Windows Telephone ecosystem. If that fails, Microsoft could possibly be the only outfit producing Windows phones. That single-source approach may possibly work for Apple, but even the iPhone is obtaining a challenging time standing as much as Android's diverse and seemingly inexhaustible players.
Back in 2010, and once more in 2011, Microsoft pleaded for patience in getting its Windows Phone off the ground. But this year, the latest update's most visible enhancements are a modified interface for extra-large phones along with the ability to close apps in multitasking mode. You also can customize text tones by get in touch with.
This can be hardly hearty fare, but Microsoft points out that they are the most-wanted additions requested by fans.
Having said that, Windows Telephone buyers also clamor for a notification center, a file manager, a personal assistant, far better storage assistance for microSD cards, and indicator lights that signal missed calls and alerts. Numerous of those have been requested because the OS debuted and have lengthy existed on Android and iOS.
Then there is Skype, the other organization that Microsoft purchased in 2011 (and for 1.3 billion greater than Nokia), but the company has but to integrate it into Windows smartphones by default to counter Apple's FaceTime and even Google Plus Hangouts. Yes, Windows Telephone 8 Skype customers can spot calls from the Persons hub, soon after 1st downloading the app. What I am talking about is creating this an out-of-the-box function.
We do know, no less than, that Microsoft is really hard at function on a individual assistant of its own known as Cortana, which understands all-natural language office 2010 professiona retail pack and will replace the legacy TellMe voice input at the moment in use.
Microsoft's subsequent update really should be a major 1 that includes this personal assistant, notification center, and Skype integration in the really least. Following the Nokia acquisition is complete (assuming it gets shareholder and regulatory approval), Windows Telephone should really rapidly incorporate Nokia-designed software program tools, like its camera add-ons, into the native OS practical experience.
From where I sit, Microsoft's biggest asset -- and challenge -- would be to take the huge risks that make a company stand out as a player worth paying focus to. Just after the transition, the Windows Phone team really should not just use, but push Nokia's venerable design and style philosophy into edgier territory.
Microsoft really should waste no time funding projects that explore and apply new finishes and supplies (like continuing its perform on graphene), publish a number of wacky proofs of notion (like this a single from 2011, also under), and probably build a high-end luxury phone of its own.
Why? Microsoft's Windows Telephone project has spent its lifetime being reactionary, looking to catch up to Apple and Google without having genuinely managing to keep pace. This is not the time to be conservative with cookie-cutter design and capabilities which can be just great enough.
2013年8月29日星期四
Best Buy Serves Up Half-Off iPhone 5 Trade-In Deal
Best Buy is slashing the price of an iPhone 5 in half for customers
bringing in a working iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S during a promotion this Labor Day
weekend.
The retail giant's trade-in deal starts on Friday and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. Best Buy is offering "at least 50 percent off" the standard purchase price of both 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5s to customers bringing in their older models to trade in, Best Buy said.
The hitch—customers will have to sign two-year contracts with either AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon to take advantage of the deal.
Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone on Sept. 10 with signs pointing towards Cupertino's latest smartphone being released in the U.S. on Sept. 20, so Best Buy may be getting a jump on clearing out its iPhone 5 inventory in anticipation of the next device arriving.
Customers purchasing a $199, 16GB iPhone 5 after trading in an iPhone 4 or 4S will receive a "guaranteed minimum $100 trade-in credit," dropping the price to $99. Those opting for the $299, 32GB version get at least $150 knocked off the price when they activate their new phone, meaning they'll be paying $149 for the handset.
To be eligible for the deal, an iPhone 4 or 4S "must power on, be free from water damage and screen cracks," Best Buy said.
"If a customer's iPhone 4 or 4S is worth more than the guaranteed credit, they will receive the additional amount in the form of a Best Buy gift card," the retailer added.
Interested iPhone owners can utilize Best Buy's trade-in pricing tool on the company's website to get an idea about what their phone is likely to fetch in trade-in credit from the retailer.
Customers must be eligible for an upgrade and activate the iPhone 5 on a two-year contract with AT&T, Sprint or Verizon to take advantage of this offer. The iPhone for Trade-In must power on, be free from water damage and screen cracks.
Trade-In value varies depending on the model and condition. If a customer's iPhone 4 or 4S is worth more than the guaranteed credit, they will receive the additional amount in the form of a Best Buy gift card. An online Trade-In pricing tool is available at www.bestbuy.com/tradein to help customers estimate the amount they'd receive for their eligible device. With this specific offer, a customer is guaranteed a minimum Trade-In credit of $100 for an iPhone 4 or 4S when upgrading to an iPhone 5 16GB and a minimum Trade-In credit of $150 when upgrading to an iPhone 5 32GB.
Customers can take advantage of this offer at the 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide that offer Trade-In. To find local Best Buy stores that offer Trade-In, visit www.bestbuy.com/tradein. The offer is not valid online and is not valid on iPhone 5 64 GB models, T-Mobile and No Contract iPhones.
Best Buy's Labor Day deal is being honored at any of the 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores in the U.S. which offer Trade-In services.
The retail giant's trade-in deal starts on Friday and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. Best Buy is offering "at least 50 percent off" the standard purchase price of both 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5s to customers bringing in their older models to trade in, Best Buy said.
The hitch—customers will have to sign two-year contracts with either AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon to take advantage of the deal.
Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone on Sept. 10 with signs pointing towards Cupertino's latest smartphone being released in the U.S. on Sept. 20, so Best Buy may be getting a jump on clearing out its iPhone 5 inventory in anticipation of the next device arriving.
Customers purchasing a $199, 16GB iPhone 5 after trading in an iPhone 4 or 4S will receive a "guaranteed minimum $100 trade-in credit," dropping the price to $99. Those opting for the $299, 32GB version get at least $150 knocked off the price when they activate their new phone, meaning they'll be paying $149 for the handset.
To be eligible for the deal, an iPhone 4 or 4S "must power on, be free from water damage and screen cracks," Best Buy said.
"If a customer's iPhone 4 or 4S is worth more than the guaranteed credit, they will receive the additional amount in the form of a Best Buy gift card," the retailer added.
Interested iPhone owners can utilize Best Buy's trade-in pricing tool on the company's website to get an idea about what their phone is likely to fetch in trade-in credit from the retailer.
Customers must be eligible for an upgrade and activate the iPhone 5 on a two-year contract with AT&T, Sprint or Verizon to take advantage of this offer. The iPhone for Trade-In must power on, be free from water damage and screen cracks.
Trade-In value varies depending on the model and condition. If a customer's iPhone 4 or 4S is worth more than the guaranteed credit, they will receive the additional amount in the form of a Best Buy gift card. An online Trade-In pricing tool is available at www.bestbuy.com/tradein to help customers estimate the amount they'd receive for their eligible device. With this specific offer, a customer is guaranteed a minimum Trade-In credit of $100 for an iPhone 4 or 4S when upgrading to an iPhone 5 16GB and a minimum Trade-In credit of $150 when upgrading to an iPhone 5 32GB.
Customers can take advantage of this offer at the 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide that offer Trade-In. To find local Best Buy stores that offer Trade-In, visit www.bestbuy.com/tradein. The offer is not valid online and is not valid on iPhone 5 64 GB models, T-Mobile and No Contract iPhones.
Best Buy's Labor Day deal is being honored at any of the 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores in the U.S. which offer Trade-In services.
A college student version will run $40
Enjoyment of managing Home windows or Linux purposes in your Mac? That is
proper in Parallels Desktop’s wheelhouse, and version nine, which debuted on
Thursday, provides much more functions for the virtualization program. But when
the program is now offered as an upgrade for current customers of Parallels
Desktop 7 or 8, the complete model won’t go on sale until future 7 days.
Among the the foremost new attributes of Parallels Desktop nine is optimized assistance for cloud storage companies like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Generate, Microsoft’s SkyDrive, and a lot more. You could sync files involving your Mac and your Home windows digital equipment without the need of having the data files duplicated, therefore conserving you important disk space. And speaking of sharing characteristics amongst your Mac and Home windows VM windows 7 home premium product key, there is now an individual Safety Middle for working with a complimentary stability computer software subscription for both equally your Mac and Windows VM.
Mac aficionados can now profit from the quantity of Apple-like options in their Windows virtual machines, likewise. Such as, there is assistance for Mountain Lion’s Ability Nap characteristic on Retina MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs, permitting you retain your Windows digital machine’s apps up-to-date even though your personal computer is sleeping. Additionally, you may now utilize the three-finger-tap in Home windows apps to look up words in OS X’s Dictionary, join storage volumes in your Windows VM by means of Thunderbolt and FireWire, and print into a PDF with your Mac desktop appropriate from any Home windows software.
Also current is improved assist for Home windows eight and eight.one, such as the return with the actual Commence menu, plus the power to run contemporary UI applications in the window, relatively than just fullscreen. Enhancements for the Digital Machine wizards simplify setting up a completely new VM, even when you really don't have a very DVD travel on your own Mac; there is also much better aid for connecting to an external monitor while functioning Parallels Desktop in fullscreen manner, and editable keyboard shortcuts ensure it is less difficult for buyers to tweak their Windows setup.
Parallels Desktop is at the moment available like a $50 enhance for present people of Parallels Desktop 7 or 8; those that bought Parallels Desktop 8 on or after August 15 can enhance totally free.
New users, nevertheless, will likely have to attend right until September five, after they can pick the application up for $80. A college student version will run $40, whilst the Swap to Mac Edition, which include extra tools emigrate from a Computer system into a new Mac, charges $100. Also integrated with Parallels Desktop nine, for the confined time only, is actually a cost-free six-month demo membership towards the company’s lately introduced Parallels Entry, which helps you to entry your Mac apps from a iPad.
Among the the foremost new attributes of Parallels Desktop nine is optimized assistance for cloud storage companies like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Generate, Microsoft’s SkyDrive, and a lot more. You could sync files involving your Mac and your Home windows digital equipment without the need of having the data files duplicated, therefore conserving you important disk space. And speaking of sharing characteristics amongst your Mac and Home windows VM windows 7 home premium product key, there is now an individual Safety Middle for working with a complimentary stability computer software subscription for both equally your Mac and Windows VM.
Mac aficionados can now profit from the quantity of Apple-like options in their Windows virtual machines, likewise. Such as, there is assistance for Mountain Lion’s Ability Nap characteristic on Retina MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs, permitting you retain your Windows digital machine’s apps up-to-date even though your personal computer is sleeping. Additionally, you may now utilize the three-finger-tap in Home windows apps to look up words in OS X’s Dictionary, join storage volumes in your Windows VM by means of Thunderbolt and FireWire, and print into a PDF with your Mac desktop appropriate from any Home windows software.
Also current is improved assist for Home windows eight and eight.one, such as the return with the actual Commence menu, plus the power to run contemporary UI applications in the window, relatively than just fullscreen. Enhancements for the Digital Machine wizards simplify setting up a completely new VM, even when you really don't have a very DVD travel on your own Mac; there is also much better aid for connecting to an external monitor while functioning Parallels Desktop in fullscreen manner, and editable keyboard shortcuts ensure it is less difficult for buyers to tweak their Windows setup.
Parallels Desktop is at the moment available like a $50 enhance for present people of Parallels Desktop 7 or 8; those that bought Parallels Desktop 8 on or after August 15 can enhance totally free.
New users, nevertheless, will likely have to attend right until September five, after they can pick the application up for $80. A college student version will run $40, whilst the Swap to Mac Edition, which include extra tools emigrate from a Computer system into a new Mac, charges $100. Also integrated with Parallels Desktop nine, for the confined time only, is actually a cost-free six-month demo membership towards the company’s lately introduced Parallels Entry, which helps you to entry your Mac apps from a iPad.
2013年8月18日星期日
HTC One Arrives on Verizon Aug. 22
Verizon customers looking to upgrade their smartphone might want to hold
off until next week: The HTC One will hit Verizon on Thursday, Aug. 22 for $199
with a two-year contract.
The mobile carrier made the announcement todayon Twitter, promising Verizon's 4G LTE speeds on the new flagship device.
HTC's new smartphone launched in April on Sprint and AT&T, which carry the 32GB version for $199.99; AT&T also offers an online-only 64GB model for $299.99. T-Mobile, meanwhile, began selling the 32GB device online for $99.99 down, plus monthly payments of $20 for 24 months (or $579.99 total), with no contract.
The manufacturer unveiled the One smartphone in February, boasting a 4.7-inch full HD 1080p display with 468 ppi, a 1.7GHz, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, and HTC Sense — a customized version of Android.
The phone supports NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and DLNA for wireless streaming to a computer or TV; it also serves as a remote control for supported devices. Included is a microUSB 2.0 port with mobile high-definition video link for USB or HDMI hookup.
Struggling smartphone maker HTC is hoping to boost its appeal with more than a beautiful wraparound aluminum device. This week, the company revealed a new campaign starring Robert Downey Jr. in full-on Tony Stark mode. Each clip ends with HTC's new motto: "Here's to change."
For more, see PCMag's review of the HTC One and the slideshow above.
If you like the look of the One, but not the size or price tag, HTC is gearing up to launch a miniature model. The HTC One Mini sports a 4.3-inch, 720p SuperLCD screen with 341 ppi, as well as duel front-facing speakers and the same Android skin as its bigger brother.
The mobile carrier made the announcement todayon Twitter, promising Verizon's 4G LTE speeds on the new flagship device.
HTC's new smartphone launched in April on Sprint and AT&T, which carry the 32GB version for $199.99; AT&T also offers an online-only 64GB model for $299.99. T-Mobile, meanwhile, began selling the 32GB device online for $99.99 down, plus monthly payments of $20 for 24 months (or $579.99 total), with no contract.
The manufacturer unveiled the One smartphone in February, boasting a 4.7-inch full HD 1080p display with 468 ppi, a 1.7GHz, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, and HTC Sense — a customized version of Android.
The phone supports NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and DLNA for wireless streaming to a computer or TV; it also serves as a remote control for supported devices. Included is a microUSB 2.0 port with mobile high-definition video link for USB or HDMI hookup.
Struggling smartphone maker HTC is hoping to boost its appeal with more than a beautiful wraparound aluminum device. This week, the company revealed a new campaign starring Robert Downey Jr. in full-on Tony Stark mode. Each clip ends with HTC's new motto: "Here's to change."
For more, see PCMag's review of the HTC One and the slideshow above.
If you like the look of the One, but not the size or price tag, HTC is gearing up to launch a miniature model. The HTC One Mini sports a 4.3-inch, 720p SuperLCD screen with 341 ppi, as well as duel front-facing speakers and the same Android skin as its bigger brother.
The problem that some XP customers have is the fact that they’re so in really like
Microsoft has reminded, cajoled, and pleaded with users to move off of
Windows XP ahead of support for its old OS expires subsequent year. Now
Microsoft warns users that they may be topic to “zero-day” threats for the rest
of their lives if they do not migrate.
“The pretty initial month that Microsoft releases safety updates for supported versions of Windows, attackers will reverse engineer those updates, come across the vulnerabilities, and test Windows XP to view if it shares those vulnerabilities,” he wrote. “If it does, attackers will attempt to create exploit code that may make the most of those vulnerabilities on Windows XP. Considering the fact that a safety update will by no means develop into available for Windows XP to address these vulnerabilities, Windows XP will essentially possess a ‘zero-day’ vulnerability forever.”
Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to the way in which hackers can attack an operating method or other code prior to a patch is released, fixing the vulnerability. Considering the fact that Microsoft will under no circumstances patch Windows XP again following April 2014, eventually some vulneability that affects XP will be identified.
Between July 2012 and July 2013, Windows XP was an affected product in 45 Microsoft safety bulletins. Thirty of these also impacted Windows 7 and Windows 8, Rains wrote.
Rains acknowledges that some protections in XP will assist mitigate attacks windows 7 enterprise activation key, and third-party antimalware software may give some protection.
“The challenge here is the fact that you will in no way know, with any self-assurance, in the event the trusted computing base from the method can really be trusted for the reason that attackers will be armed with public knowledge of zero day exploits in Windows XP that could allow them to compromise the method and possibly run the code of their decision,” Rains wrote.
That is precisely the same argument that some have lately utilised, claiming that hackers will “bank” their zero-day XP attacks until after next April, then unleash them on the unprotected herds of XP machines. As Rains notes, the sophistication of malware has only enhanced, meaning that your XP machine is even more vulnerable, not significantly less. PCWorld’s Answer Line columnist, Lincoln Spector, agrees.
The problem that some XP customers have is the fact that they’re so in really like using the way that Windows XP does points that they’re reluctant to migrate, specifically to Windows eight. Properly, Windows 7 machines do exist, that offer functionality similar to XP: here’s tips on how to find them.
The bottom line is this: though Microsoft stands to acquire from arguing that customers have to upgrade, the truth is: they do. So in case you are still on Windows XP, begin contemplating a migration strategy.
http://www.windows7prokeys.com/windows-7-enterprise-activation-key-p-3529.html
“The pretty initial month that Microsoft releases safety updates for supported versions of Windows, attackers will reverse engineer those updates, come across the vulnerabilities, and test Windows XP to view if it shares those vulnerabilities,” he wrote. “If it does, attackers will attempt to create exploit code that may make the most of those vulnerabilities on Windows XP. Considering the fact that a safety update will by no means develop into available for Windows XP to address these vulnerabilities, Windows XP will essentially possess a ‘zero-day’ vulnerability forever.”
Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to the way in which hackers can attack an operating method or other code prior to a patch is released, fixing the vulnerability. Considering the fact that Microsoft will under no circumstances patch Windows XP again following April 2014, eventually some vulneability that affects XP will be identified.
Between July 2012 and July 2013, Windows XP was an affected product in 45 Microsoft safety bulletins. Thirty of these also impacted Windows 7 and Windows 8, Rains wrote.
Rains acknowledges that some protections in XP will assist mitigate attacks windows 7 enterprise activation key, and third-party antimalware software may give some protection.
“The challenge here is the fact that you will in no way know, with any self-assurance, in the event the trusted computing base from the method can really be trusted for the reason that attackers will be armed with public knowledge of zero day exploits in Windows XP that could allow them to compromise the method and possibly run the code of their decision,” Rains wrote.
That is precisely the same argument that some have lately utilised, claiming that hackers will “bank” their zero-day XP attacks until after next April, then unleash them on the unprotected herds of XP machines. As Rains notes, the sophistication of malware has only enhanced, meaning that your XP machine is even more vulnerable, not significantly less. PCWorld’s Answer Line columnist, Lincoln Spector, agrees.
The problem that some XP customers have is the fact that they’re so in really like using the way that Windows XP does points that they’re reluctant to migrate, specifically to Windows eight. Properly, Windows 7 machines do exist, that offer functionality similar to XP: here’s tips on how to find them.
The bottom line is this: though Microsoft stands to acquire from arguing that customers have to upgrade, the truth is: they do. So in case you are still on Windows XP, begin contemplating a migration strategy.
http://www.windows7prokeys.com/windows-7-enterprise-activation-key-p-3529.html
2013年8月2日星期五
Computer makers will have to convince the masses
Windows 8 keeps clawing its way up the market share charts, but not in the
expense of Windows 7 or Windows XP.
In line with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s market share now stands at five.four percent, up 0.three percent from a month ago when it finally surpassed Windows Vista. Once again, Vista’s market share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of four.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding robust. In fact, Windows 7’s industry share elevated last month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in market share despite the looming end of XP assistance by Microsoft. Both Windows 7 and XP stay one of the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 % of your market, respectively, based on Netmarketshare.
In other words, any market place share that Windows 8 gained last month appears to become in the expense of Windows Vista.
Though it is not surprising that users are eager to upgrade from the widely-panned operating program, having people to switch from XP or Windows 7 might be tougher for Microsoft, in particular amongst customers who desire to stick having a conventional desktop interface.
Windows eight.1 will make some concessions for all those users, together with the return in the Start out button, a boot-to-desktop solution, quicker access to advanced desktop functions, and also a way to prevent modern-style menus from popping up for the duration of desktop use.
But in the end, Microsoft and Computer makers will have to convince the masses that they need to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less costly touchscreen devices could assistance on that front, but it’ll most likely be a even though prior to the market share needle moves considerably for Windows XP and Windows 7.
In line with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s market share now stands at five.four percent, up 0.three percent from a month ago when it finally surpassed Windows Vista. Once again, Vista’s market share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of four.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding robust. In fact, Windows 7’s industry share elevated last month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in market share despite the looming end of XP assistance by Microsoft. Both Windows 7 and XP stay one of the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 % of your market, respectively, based on Netmarketshare.
In other words, any market place share that Windows 8 gained last month appears to become in the expense of Windows Vista.
Though it is not surprising that users are eager to upgrade from the widely-panned operating program, having people to switch from XP or Windows 7 might be tougher for Microsoft, in particular amongst customers who desire to stick having a conventional desktop interface.
Windows eight.1 will make some concessions for all those users, together with the return in the Start out button, a boot-to-desktop solution, quicker access to advanced desktop functions, and also a way to prevent modern-style menus from popping up for the duration of desktop use.
But in the end, Microsoft and Computer makers will have to convince the masses that they need to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less costly touchscreen devices could assistance on that front, but it’ll most likely be a even though prior to the market share needle moves considerably for Windows XP and Windows 7.
Microsoft and Pc makers need to convince the masses
Windows 8 keeps clawing its way up the industry share charts, but not at
the expense of Windows 7 or Windows XP.
In accordance with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s marketplace share now stands at five.four percent, up 0.three percent from a month ago when it ultimately surpassed Windows Vista. As soon as again, Vista’s industry share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of 4.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding powerful. In truth, Windows 7’s market place share improved last month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in market share despite the looming finish of XP support by Microsoft. Each Windows 7 and XP stay the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 percent with the market, respectively, in line with Netmarketshare.
In other words, any industry share that Windows 8 gained last month seems to be at the expense of Windows Vista.
While it is not surprising that customers are eager to upgrade from the widely-panned operating method, getting men and women to switch from XP or Windows 7 may perhaps be tougher for Microsoft, particularly amongst users who choose to stick with a classic desktop interface.
Windows 8.1 will make some concessions for those users, with all the return of your Commence button, a boot-to-desktop alternative, faster access to advanced desktop functions, plus a solution to protect against modern-style menus from popping up in the course of desktop use.
But in the end, Microsoft and Pc makers need to convince the masses that they will need to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less expensive touchscreen devices could assist on that front, but it’ll probably be a whilst just before the market place share needle moves significantly for Windows XP and Windows 7.
In accordance with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s marketplace share now stands at five.four percent, up 0.three percent from a month ago when it ultimately surpassed Windows Vista. As soon as again, Vista’s industry share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of 4.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding powerful. In truth, Windows 7’s market place share improved last month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in market share despite the looming finish of XP support by Microsoft. Each Windows 7 and XP stay the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 percent with the market, respectively, in line with Netmarketshare.
In other words, any industry share that Windows 8 gained last month seems to be at the expense of Windows Vista.
While it is not surprising that customers are eager to upgrade from the widely-panned operating method, getting men and women to switch from XP or Windows 7 may perhaps be tougher for Microsoft, particularly amongst users who choose to stick with a classic desktop interface.
Windows 8.1 will make some concessions for those users, with all the return of your Commence button, a boot-to-desktop alternative, faster access to advanced desktop functions, plus a solution to protect against modern-style menus from popping up in the course of desktop use.
But in the end, Microsoft and Pc makers need to convince the masses that they will need to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less expensive touchscreen devices could assist on that front, but it’ll probably be a whilst just before the market place share needle moves significantly for Windows XP and Windows 7.
icrosoft and Computer makers have to convince the masse
Windows eight keeps clawing its way up the marketplace share charts, but
not in the expense of Windows 7 or Windows XP.
In accordance with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s market share now stands at 5.4 percent, up 0.3 percent from a month ago when it finally surpassed Windows Vista. When once more, Vista’s marketplace share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of 4.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding powerful. In fact, Windows 7’s market place share improved final month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in marketplace share in spite of the looming finish of XP assistance by Microsoft. Each Windows 7 and XP stay by far the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 % of the market place, respectively, according to Netmarketshare.
In other words, any market place share that Windows 8 gained final month seems to become at the expense of Windows Vista.
When it is not surprising that customers are eager to upgrade in the widely-panned operating technique, acquiring men and women to switch from XP or Windows 7 may well be tougher for Microsoft, specially amongst users who choose to stick having a classic desktop interface.
Windows 8.1 will make some concessions for all those customers, using the return with the Get started button, a boot-to-desktop alternative, faster access to sophisticated desktop functions, plus a strategy to stop modern-style menus from popping up in the course of desktop use.
But eventually, Microsoft and Computer makers have to convince the masses that they have to have to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less expensive touchscreen devices could help on that front, but it’ll likely be a while just before the market place share needle moves considerably for Windows XP and Windows 7.
In accordance with Netmarketshare, Windows 8’s market share now stands at 5.4 percent, up 0.3 percent from a month ago when it finally surpassed Windows Vista. When once more, Vista’s marketplace share declined final month, this time by about 0.38 %, to a total of 4.24 %.
Meanwhile, Windows 7 and Windows XP are holding powerful. In fact, Windows 7’s market place share improved final month by 0.12 %, and Windows XP saw a 0.02 percent bump in marketplace share in spite of the looming finish of XP assistance by Microsoft. Each Windows 7 and XP stay by far the most widely-used operating systems by far, with 44.49 percent and 37.19 % of the market place, respectively, according to Netmarketshare.
In other words, any market place share that Windows 8 gained final month seems to become at the expense of Windows Vista.
When it is not surprising that customers are eager to upgrade in the widely-panned operating technique, acquiring men and women to switch from XP or Windows 7 may well be tougher for Microsoft, specially amongst users who choose to stick having a classic desktop interface.
Windows 8.1 will make some concessions for all those customers, using the return with the Get started button, a boot-to-desktop alternative, faster access to sophisticated desktop functions, plus a strategy to stop modern-style menus from popping up in the course of desktop use.
But eventually, Microsoft and Computer makers have to convince the masses that they have to have to upgrade their hardware to touch-enabled laptops, hybrids, or desktops. Less expensive touchscreen devices could help on that front, but it’ll likely be a while just before the market place share needle moves considerably for Windows XP and Windows 7.
2013年7月21日星期日
But only 15 years following the government went following
In the late 1990s, a single technology corporation became so unfathomably
wealthy and powerful?aand so hellbent on dominating not just its personal
industry but a huge and rapidly growing new one?athat the U.S. government
dragged the enterprise into court and threatened to break it up over anti-trust
violations.
The case was settled, and the business, Microsoft, agreed to play nicer. Nevertheless it turned out that the globe had nothing at all to worry about. As frequently happens in the technology business, what has genuinely destroyed Microsoft's choke hold around the global private computing marketplace more than the previous 15 years hasn't been a legal threat but a marketplace shift.
Just when it looked like Microsoft's vision in the Pc because the center on the tech globe would result in the creation in the world's initial trillion-dollar firm, the net came along. And it washed more than the Pc industry like a tidal wave swallowing a pond.
When it comes to market value, Microsoft's loss of energy has extended been visible: The stock continues to be trading at about half the level it hit at the peak from the tech boom 13 years ago. The effects on the actual Computer industry fundamentals have taken longer to create, however they are also now crystal clear. Microsoft's ?°Windows monopoly?± hasn't been a lot destroyed as rendered irrelevant. That mainly because, thanks to the explosion of Internet-based cloud computing and smartphones, tablets, and other mobile gadgets, the when all-powerful platform from the desktop operating system has now been decreased to small more than a device driver. So long as your gadget can connect to the Online and run some apps, it does not matter what operating program you use.
3 charts actually bring household the challenges that Microsoft and other PC-powered giants like Intel, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard face in adapting to this new Internet-driven world. Initial, appear at international device shipments. For the two decades via 2005, the individual computer system was the only game in town, selling about 200 million units a year. But then smartphones and tablets came along. And now they dwarf the Computer market.
This shift in personal computing device adoption, meanwhile, has radically diminished the power on the Windows operating program platform. As lately as 3 years ago, Microsoft's Windows was still totally dominant?athe platform ran 70% of personal computing devices. Now, because of the rise of Google's Android and Apple's iOS, Windows' worldwide share has been cut in half, to about 30 percent. A lot more remarkably, Android is now a bigger platform than Windows.
Lastly, and most not too long ago, this chart from analyst Horace Dediu of Asymco illustrates that the Pc company is no longer just having dwarfed by the explosion of smartphone and tablet sales ... it has now actually begun to shrink. Now that people have a decision of devices, it turns out that a full-blown personal personal computer is usually not by far the most cost-effective, easy, or simplest strategy to do what a user wants to do. Rather than getting the center of the individual computing world, in other words, the Computer is becoming a specialized office-productivity device.
The news for Microsoft isn't all undesirable. The business has been pretty productive at moving from a "unit-driven" sales model to a licensing model, in which organizations pay a charge per user per year as opposed to purchasing a perpetual license with every new laptop or computer. And Microsoft's Workplace franchise continues to be extraordinarily lucrative and dominant, in portion mainly because Google, Apple, as well as other a lot more Internet-centric businesses have produced so small investment in their competitive items.
But only 15 years following the government went following Microsoft for anti-trust violations, the idea that the enterprise ever had a "monopoly" on anything is tough to even understand. Along with the outlook for Windows, and also the conventional Pc small business in general, appears confident to obtain even worse going forward.
The case was settled, and the business, Microsoft, agreed to play nicer. Nevertheless it turned out that the globe had nothing at all to worry about. As frequently happens in the technology business, what has genuinely destroyed Microsoft's choke hold around the global private computing marketplace more than the previous 15 years hasn't been a legal threat but a marketplace shift.
Just when it looked like Microsoft's vision in the Pc because the center on the tech globe would result in the creation in the world's initial trillion-dollar firm, the net came along. And it washed more than the Pc industry like a tidal wave swallowing a pond.
When it comes to market value, Microsoft's loss of energy has extended been visible: The stock continues to be trading at about half the level it hit at the peak from the tech boom 13 years ago. The effects on the actual Computer industry fundamentals have taken longer to create, however they are also now crystal clear. Microsoft's ?°Windows monopoly?± hasn't been a lot destroyed as rendered irrelevant. That mainly because, thanks to the explosion of Internet-based cloud computing and smartphones, tablets, and other mobile gadgets, the when all-powerful platform from the desktop operating system has now been decreased to small more than a device driver. So long as your gadget can connect to the Online and run some apps, it does not matter what operating program you use.
3 charts actually bring household the challenges that Microsoft and other PC-powered giants like Intel, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard face in adapting to this new Internet-driven world. Initial, appear at international device shipments. For the two decades via 2005, the individual computer system was the only game in town, selling about 200 million units a year. But then smartphones and tablets came along. And now they dwarf the Computer market.
This shift in personal computing device adoption, meanwhile, has radically diminished the power on the Windows operating program platform. As lately as 3 years ago, Microsoft's Windows was still totally dominant?athe platform ran 70% of personal computing devices. Now, because of the rise of Google's Android and Apple's iOS, Windows' worldwide share has been cut in half, to about 30 percent. A lot more remarkably, Android is now a bigger platform than Windows.
Lastly, and most not too long ago, this chart from analyst Horace Dediu of Asymco illustrates that the Pc company is no longer just having dwarfed by the explosion of smartphone and tablet sales ... it has now actually begun to shrink. Now that people have a decision of devices, it turns out that a full-blown personal personal computer is usually not by far the most cost-effective, easy, or simplest strategy to do what a user wants to do. Rather than getting the center of the individual computing world, in other words, the Computer is becoming a specialized office-productivity device.
The news for Microsoft isn't all undesirable. The business has been pretty productive at moving from a "unit-driven" sales model to a licensing model, in which organizations pay a charge per user per year as opposed to purchasing a perpetual license with every new laptop or computer. And Microsoft's Workplace franchise continues to be extraordinarily lucrative and dominant, in portion mainly because Google, Apple, as well as other a lot more Internet-centric businesses have produced so small investment in their competitive items.
But only 15 years following the government went following Microsoft for anti-trust violations, the idea that the enterprise ever had a "monopoly" on anything is tough to even understand. Along with the outlook for Windows, and also the conventional Pc small business in general, appears confident to obtain even worse going forward.
2013年7月13日星期六
Meet the Moto X face-to-face in new leak
The Moto X leaks are coming fast and furious now as the first (hopefully)
great phone created by Motorola as a wholly "Google company" inches toward the
market.
This past week we saw what was believed to be a Moto X in the hands of Google chairman Eric Schmidt, showing off the curved backside that's been part of the rumored design for months now.
Another leak has the new Android flagship landing on Verizon's 4G network at the end of August.
Now comes this new glare-filled but still intriguing photo from Android Central of what looks to be the home screen of a Moto X running on Verizon.
There's not a whole lot to see here, but worth noting is what seems to be a sub-5-inch phone sporting soft buttons and perhaps the next version of Android.
What do you think of what you're seeing so far of the Moto X? Will it be the first Motorola phone since the Razr Maxx to be more "x-cellent" than "x-asperating?"
Let us know in the comments and check out our own wish list for the Moto X.
This past week we saw what was believed to be a Moto X in the hands of Google chairman Eric Schmidt, showing off the curved backside that's been part of the rumored design for months now.
Another leak has the new Android flagship landing on Verizon's 4G network at the end of August.
Now comes this new glare-filled but still intriguing photo from Android Central of what looks to be the home screen of a Moto X running on Verizon.
There's not a whole lot to see here, but worth noting is what seems to be a sub-5-inch phone sporting soft buttons and perhaps the next version of Android.
What do you think of what you're seeing so far of the Moto X? Will it be the first Motorola phone since the Razr Maxx to be more "x-cellent" than "x-asperating?"
Let us know in the comments and check out our own wish list for the Moto X.
Windows 7. Several have released updates for the Windows
When Microsoft added assistance for the revamped Start off web page into
Windows 8.1, that eliminated the will need for devoted third-party Get started
menus, ideal? Wrong, say developers like Stardock, Classic Shell, and
others.
Probably not surprisingly, the third-party devs say windows 7 professional 64 bit there is nonetheless a want for their products, even though Windows eight.1 will likely be a lot more friendly to those made use of to the traditional, or legacy, Start off menu identified in Windows 7. Several have released updates for the Windows eight.1 preview, but none that spoke to PCWorld said that they've thrown in the towel.
These items fill a require: to ease the transition to Windows eight and its unfamiliar Commence web page. In numerous approaches, Windows eight is just Windows 7 with a tablet interface layered on best of it, but?asorry!?ano Get started button. Customers upset by the jarringly unique Start off web page had no refuge from it apart from third-party alternatives.
"The commence button shortcut to the get started screen that Microsoft is offering with Windows 8.1 doesn't replace the start menu in the eyes of our developing buyer base," Robert McElroy, the advertising and sales manager at Stardock Corp., stated in an email. "Customers in search of the functionality in the classic start out menu to help them navigate Windows eight within a way that has been familiar to them for years will still obtain Start8 from Stardock enables that capability seamlessly."
Microsoft, for its part, has stated that Windows 8.1 represents a "heck of a whole lot of movement, a heck of quite a bit of innovation, in addition to a heck of a whole lot of responsiveness, all coming to marketplace in a very extremely rapid timeframe," in the words of Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer for the duration of the company's Create 2013 conference in June.
Some of the functionality that the third-party applications added for Windows eight users, on the other hand, now overlaps with a number of what Microsoft has added for the upcoming Windows eight.1. Start8, Classic Shell, and StartMenu8 all boot straight to the desktop, which means that piece of your puzzle, at the very least, is duplicated by Microsoft. But all three also offer the regular Get started menu, with Classic Shell offering either a "classic" menu, or 1 inside the style of either Windows XP or Windows 7. (Classic Shell's version three.6.eight, released in June and compatible with Windows eight.1, was asked to eliminate its version of the Windows flag, which it calls the "Metro button", at the behest of Microsoft.) For its component, Start8 also offers an choice to shut down in the desktop, which is now in Windows eight.1 also.
Nonetheless, the developer of Classic Shell mentioned that his item was as viable as ever. "Nobody killed something," office mac 2011 product key he stated, through an exchange even though his Facebook web page. "The only function they added that Classic Shell (and other individuals like it) has, may be the instant boot to Desktop."
The query now is regardless of whether or not Microsoft's Windows 8.1 update, and also the functionality it added, delivers however additional opportunities for developers like Classic Shell to add options. They will have some time; Microsoft has mentioned that it can hand more than Windows 8.1 to OEMs in the end of August, with a consumer update at some point thereafter. PCWorld asked the developers what their plans are, however the Begin developers are not speaking.
"Too early to inform. It truly is nevertheless a preview, not even a beta," the Classic Shell developer said. "Even without the need of it I've my hands complete in the moment."
Probably not surprisingly, the third-party devs say windows 7 professional 64 bit there is nonetheless a want for their products, even though Windows eight.1 will likely be a lot more friendly to those made use of to the traditional, or legacy, Start off menu identified in Windows 7. Several have released updates for the Windows eight.1 preview, but none that spoke to PCWorld said that they've thrown in the towel.
These items fill a require: to ease the transition to Windows eight and its unfamiliar Commence web page. In numerous approaches, Windows eight is just Windows 7 with a tablet interface layered on best of it, but?asorry!?ano Get started button. Customers upset by the jarringly unique Start off web page had no refuge from it apart from third-party alternatives.
"The commence button shortcut to the get started screen that Microsoft is offering with Windows 8.1 doesn't replace the start menu in the eyes of our developing buyer base," Robert McElroy, the advertising and sales manager at Stardock Corp., stated in an email. "Customers in search of the functionality in the classic start out menu to help them navigate Windows eight within a way that has been familiar to them for years will still obtain Start8 from Stardock enables that capability seamlessly."
Microsoft, for its part, has stated that Windows 8.1 represents a "heck of a whole lot of movement, a heck of quite a bit of innovation, in addition to a heck of a whole lot of responsiveness, all coming to marketplace in a very extremely rapid timeframe," in the words of Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer for the duration of the company's Create 2013 conference in June.
Some of the functionality that the third-party applications added for Windows eight users, on the other hand, now overlaps with a number of what Microsoft has added for the upcoming Windows eight.1. Start8, Classic Shell, and StartMenu8 all boot straight to the desktop, which means that piece of your puzzle, at the very least, is duplicated by Microsoft. But all three also offer the regular Get started menu, with Classic Shell offering either a "classic" menu, or 1 inside the style of either Windows XP or Windows 7. (Classic Shell's version three.6.eight, released in June and compatible with Windows eight.1, was asked to eliminate its version of the Windows flag, which it calls the "Metro button", at the behest of Microsoft.) For its component, Start8 also offers an choice to shut down in the desktop, which is now in Windows eight.1 also.
Nonetheless, the developer of Classic Shell mentioned that his item was as viable as ever. "Nobody killed something," office mac 2011 product key he stated, through an exchange even though his Facebook web page. "The only function they added that Classic Shell (and other individuals like it) has, may be the instant boot to Desktop."
The query now is regardless of whether or not Microsoft's Windows 8.1 update, and also the functionality it added, delivers however additional opportunities for developers like Classic Shell to add options. They will have some time; Microsoft has mentioned that it can hand more than Windows 8.1 to OEMs in the end of August, with a consumer update at some point thereafter. PCWorld asked the developers what their plans are, however the Begin developers are not speaking.
"Too early to inform. It truly is nevertheless a preview, not even a beta," the Classic Shell developer said. "Even without the need of it I've my hands complete in the moment."
2013年7月8日星期一
Online privacy tools can curtail PRISM tracking
Powerful privacy tools you can use to curtail how big tech companies — and
sometimes the federal government — track your every step on the Internet have
been available for years.
Thanks to whistle-blower Edward Snowden these privacy tools have emerged from the fringes of the Internet into the limelight.
Snowden disclosed how Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Yahoo and AOL turn over consumer tracking data to the U.S. National Security Agency, under a program known as PRISM. That opened people's eyes, says Sarah Downey, privacy analyst at Abine, maker of DoNotTrackMe, a free browser add-on designed to foil tracking.
"It's not just the government," Downey says. "It's the private companies people use every day, like Google, Facebook and Apple. They collect the data that the government gets."
Before PRISM, U.S. consumers were lulled into complacency regarding online privacy, says Jeff Bermant, CEO of Virtual World Computing, maker of Cocoon, another free browser add-on that disrupts online tracking.
"Most people just think that giving up their privacy is the cost of using the Internet," Bermant says. "They don't know that there are ways they can protect their data while online."
Both Cocoon and DoNotTrackMe are free browser add-ons that enable you to isolate and deflect the tracking cookies tech companies and advertisers place in your browser. The cookies are identifiers that enable the tech giants to harvest rich data about where you go, what you're interested in and who you associate with online. GPS data from your smartphone and touch tablets are being increasingly added to this mix.
This tracking information gets correlated to the personal information and preferences you disclose at websites for shopping, travel, health, jobs and, of course, on Facebook and other social networks. Employers, insurance companies and attorneys can use this information. And Snowden revealed that the government's top spy agency has been regularly tapping in.
"Companies have our data and the government gets it all from them, that's the message that seems to stick with people," says Jules Polonetsky director of the Future of Privacy Forum.
Before Snowden became an international cause cèlébre, DoNotTrackMe usage typically increased about 3% week to week. That growth rate soared for three days following Snowden's initial disclosures, says Downey. Cocoon saw a similar rise in downloads and installs during the same period, says Bermant.
So did a couple of other free privacy tools worth checking out: AVG's Privacyfix and AnchorFree's Hotspot Shield.
Privacyfix evaluates the privacy settings you set in your browser and on Facebook and other social networks, letting you know in plain terms what you're sharing and how to stop — if you so choose. "Once folks know they can make simple adjustments that vastly curtail what they share, they're less fearful when they hear news of breaches," says Jim Brock, AVG's vice president of privacy products.
Hotspot Shield is a free virtual private networking tool for consumers. It keeps all of your online activity private by establishing a secure tunnel between your computing device and the Internet. Your information remains inside this tunnel, which also protects your computer or mobile device from malware and phishing scams.
Thanks to whistle-blower Edward Snowden these privacy tools have emerged from the fringes of the Internet into the limelight.
Snowden disclosed how Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Yahoo and AOL turn over consumer tracking data to the U.S. National Security Agency, under a program known as PRISM. That opened people's eyes, says Sarah Downey, privacy analyst at Abine, maker of DoNotTrackMe, a free browser add-on designed to foil tracking.
"It's not just the government," Downey says. "It's the private companies people use every day, like Google, Facebook and Apple. They collect the data that the government gets."
Before PRISM, U.S. consumers were lulled into complacency regarding online privacy, says Jeff Bermant, CEO of Virtual World Computing, maker of Cocoon, another free browser add-on that disrupts online tracking.
"Most people just think that giving up their privacy is the cost of using the Internet," Bermant says. "They don't know that there are ways they can protect their data while online."
Both Cocoon and DoNotTrackMe are free browser add-ons that enable you to isolate and deflect the tracking cookies tech companies and advertisers place in your browser. The cookies are identifiers that enable the tech giants to harvest rich data about where you go, what you're interested in and who you associate with online. GPS data from your smartphone and touch tablets are being increasingly added to this mix.
This tracking information gets correlated to the personal information and preferences you disclose at websites for shopping, travel, health, jobs and, of course, on Facebook and other social networks. Employers, insurance companies and attorneys can use this information. And Snowden revealed that the government's top spy agency has been regularly tapping in.
"Companies have our data and the government gets it all from them, that's the message that seems to stick with people," says Jules Polonetsky director of the Future of Privacy Forum.
Before Snowden became an international cause cèlébre, DoNotTrackMe usage typically increased about 3% week to week. That growth rate soared for three days following Snowden's initial disclosures, says Downey. Cocoon saw a similar rise in downloads and installs during the same period, says Bermant.
So did a couple of other free privacy tools worth checking out: AVG's Privacyfix and AnchorFree's Hotspot Shield.
Privacyfix evaluates the privacy settings you set in your browser and on Facebook and other social networks, letting you know in plain terms what you're sharing and how to stop — if you so choose. "Once folks know they can make simple adjustments that vastly curtail what they share, they're less fearful when they hear news of breaches," says Jim Brock, AVG's vice president of privacy products.
Hotspot Shield is a free virtual private networking tool for consumers. It keeps all of your online activity private by establishing a secure tunnel between your computing device and the Internet. Your information remains inside this tunnel, which also protects your computer or mobile device from malware and phishing scams.
Microsoft didn't say when Windows eight.1 could well be launched
Microsoft will hand in excess of its most recent variation of your working
method, Windows 8.one, to OEMs in late August, Microsoft’s Windows internet
marketing main told its associates on Monday early morning.
Talking at its Worldwide Lover Meeting (WPC), Tami Reller, corporate vice chairman and chief internet marketing officer for Windows, reported that Microsoft would make the RTM (launch to production) variation of Home windows eight.one to OEMs by late August. Microsoft didn't say when Windows eight.1 could well be launched to shoppers in its closing form, but history indicates that Microsoft must at least be on course to ship by Oct.
Microsoft’s WPC, as its title indicates, is Microsoft’s opportunity to converse its roadmaps to its associates; Microsoft started its partner method about 20 years ago. According to main govt Steve Ballmer, ninety p.c of your earnings Microsoft realizes “in some way, shape or form” is created with the partners Ballmer dealt with these days as part of a 3.5-hour keynote tackle.
In combination, all those companions experienced “quite an excellent yr,” Ballmer said, with all of its companions escalating six.five % more than last calendar year, on base product sales of $650 billion.
Ballmer’s message, since it has long been, was that Microsoft has reinvented itself for a devices and companies enterprise, rather then simply a computer software agency. “Windows has normally been additional a tool than the usual piece of application; it described a category of system known as the Computer system,” he mentioned, whether or not they be, tablets, all-in-ones, convertibles, and a lot more.
Ballmer reported that Microsoft’s partners could well be demonstrated how Microsoft has enhanced within the cloud, exclusively how Microsoft straddles the general public and personal cloud; “big info,” like how Microsoft plans to share Bing research details with builders and provide community info to private clouds with all the Azure Info Marketplace; how Microsoft’s social initiatives straddle a variety of merchandise; and cellular, precisely how Microsoft supports its very own goods from by itself and other people.
Talking at its Worldwide Lover Meeting (WPC), Tami Reller, corporate vice chairman and chief internet marketing officer for Windows, reported that Microsoft would make the RTM (launch to production) variation of Home windows eight.one to OEMs by late August. Microsoft didn't say when Windows eight.1 could well be launched to shoppers in its closing form, but history indicates that Microsoft must at least be on course to ship by Oct.
Microsoft’s WPC, as its title indicates, is Microsoft’s opportunity to converse its roadmaps to its associates; Microsoft started its partner method about 20 years ago. According to main govt Steve Ballmer, ninety p.c of your earnings Microsoft realizes “in some way, shape or form” is created with the partners Ballmer dealt with these days as part of a 3.5-hour keynote tackle.
In combination, all those companions experienced “quite an excellent yr,” Ballmer said, with all of its companions escalating six.five % more than last calendar year, on base product sales of $650 billion.
Ballmer’s message, since it has long been, was that Microsoft has reinvented itself for a devices and companies enterprise, rather then simply a computer software agency. “Windows has normally been additional a tool than the usual piece of application; it described a category of system known as the Computer system,” he mentioned, whether or not they be, tablets, all-in-ones, convertibles, and a lot more.
Ballmer reported that Microsoft’s partners could well be demonstrated how Microsoft has enhanced within the cloud, exclusively how Microsoft straddles the general public and personal cloud; “big info,” like how Microsoft plans to share Bing research details with builders and provide community info to private clouds with all the Azure Info Marketplace; how Microsoft’s social initiatives straddle a variety of merchandise; and cellular, precisely how Microsoft supports its very own goods from by itself and other people.
2013年6月24日星期一
Has Windows 8.1 revived Windows app development?
In late March, the first builds of Windows 8.1 leaked to the Web. At about
the same time, the number of Windows 8 apps reversed several months of slowing
growth and charted four straight months of app increases.
Coincidence?
It’s certainly possible. And yet, the slowing Windows 8 development reversed course right around the time when Microsoft needed it most--when the Win 8.1 build was released. That trend is good news for Microsoft as it prepares for its BUILD developer conference on Wednesday, when the company will unveil the first preview of Windows 8.1.
Background
Windows 8 development started off strongly following the launch of Windows 8 in October—20,000 apps were launched in a month, followed by 15,000 the next—all apparent signs that developers were continuing the trend of Windows development and pumping out apps to the Windows Store.
But, following the holidays, app development slowed to a trickle: just 3,643 apps were added, according to MetroStore Scanner, which tracks the app development for the Windows 8 platform.
In the MetroStore Scanner chart shown below, the gray line tracks the absolute growth of the number of apps. The vertical bars track the rolling average number of apps added per month, broken down by the new apps, in blue, and the updated apps, in green.
So, the data below from MetroStore Scanner shows that the number of apps slowed down in January and February and picked back up in March.
Too late?
By then, however, the reputation of Windows 8 had taken a serious hit. Customers had begun turning up their noses at Windows 8’s unfamiliar interface, and the initial bloom of corporate licenses were withering.
To be fair, the first rumors of Windows Blue—a sweeping revamp not just of Windows 8, but of Windows Phone as well—first leaked out at the end of 2012. But the rumors began to catch fire in February and March when reports began putting a fine point on what Blue could offer. And then, in late March, we had the first concrete details of Windows Blue, within the first leak of the OS.
At that point, the drop in the average number of monthly apps changed course and began rising again. As of this writing, the total number of apps within the Windows Store stands at 94,298, after months of increasing growth.
Microsoft’s goal with BUILD is to keep the app momentum going.
Higher stature
While some of the features of Windows 8.1—better apps organization, a boot-to-desktop mode as well as a shortcut to the Start page from the Desktop—are an apology to the user, BUILD is designed to improve Microsoft’s stature among developers.
This is important, because developers who code for Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Windows 8-powered Surface tablets can leverage code written for each platform. But they still don’t necessarily create “one continuous Microsoft experience,” said Forrester analyst Frank Gillett last week. Compare that with, say, the Apple iPad and iPhone, which share a common code base and therefore a continuum of apps.
With that said, the transition to the next iteration of the Windows 8 OS can make a significant difference.
”Past experience shows that all operating systems become better after the version-point-one release, “ said Win app developer Christer Kaitila via email. “Mass adoption of Win 8 has enabled the QA and gears-greasing required for Win 8.1 to be ready for prime time."
”Some developers prefer to avoid being an early adopter of new tech to allow the tools and community to mature,” Kaitila added. “More importantly, the good news from braver souls helps encourage devs to come on board.”
Kaitila, who has said he has, to date, released ten freeware games on Windows 8, has also authored the Ludus platform game development kit for WIndows 8, allowing others to follow in his footsteps.
Kaitia also runs the #1GAM (One Game a Month) website, which Microsoft sponsored in a bid to bring more independent game development to Windows 8. (Ironically, Microsoft has drawn fire for what some have said are anti-indie attitudes toward its Xbox One game console.)
Better tools for developers
Nevertheless, Kaitila said that Microsoft has stepped up with better tools for app developers.
“I love the new Visual Studio for Win8 because it does all the things Javascript programmers have been waiting for in an IDE: code completing, automatic formatting and syntax highlighting, instant compile times, great game-worthy rendering performance, [and] mega-awesome debug tools like breakpoints, watches and stepping through Javascript,” Kaitila wrote.
n an infamous statement, Keith Lorizio, Microsoft's vice president of sales at Microsoft Advertising, said that the Windows Store would attract 100,000 apps in three months. Microsoft is now on pace to hit that milestone, but in nine months, not three.
Ironically, the recent surge in apps may have hurt Jeremiah Stoddard, whose Morse code app, CW Coach, was authored for Windows 8 precisely because the OS isn’t popular.
”I’ve been writing Windows 8 apps because it’s the path of least resistance,” Stoddard said via email. “It may not have the same market as the iPad or Android tablets, but the flip side is that there’s a lot less competition, which makes it easier for one’s app to get noticed. So, although I’m watching Windows 8.1 with curiosity, it wasn’t the reason for writing new apps for Windows 8.”
Coincidence?
It’s certainly possible. And yet, the slowing Windows 8 development reversed course right around the time when Microsoft needed it most--when the Win 8.1 build was released. That trend is good news for Microsoft as it prepares for its BUILD developer conference on Wednesday, when the company will unveil the first preview of Windows 8.1.
Background
Windows 8 development started off strongly following the launch of Windows 8 in October—20,000 apps were launched in a month, followed by 15,000 the next—all apparent signs that developers were continuing the trend of Windows development and pumping out apps to the Windows Store.
But, following the holidays, app development slowed to a trickle: just 3,643 apps were added, according to MetroStore Scanner, which tracks the app development for the Windows 8 platform.
In the MetroStore Scanner chart shown below, the gray line tracks the absolute growth of the number of apps. The vertical bars track the rolling average number of apps added per month, broken down by the new apps, in blue, and the updated apps, in green.
So, the data below from MetroStore Scanner shows that the number of apps slowed down in January and February and picked back up in March.
Too late?
By then, however, the reputation of Windows 8 had taken a serious hit. Customers had begun turning up their noses at Windows 8’s unfamiliar interface, and the initial bloom of corporate licenses were withering.
To be fair, the first rumors of Windows Blue—a sweeping revamp not just of Windows 8, but of Windows Phone as well—first leaked out at the end of 2012. But the rumors began to catch fire in February and March when reports began putting a fine point on what Blue could offer. And then, in late March, we had the first concrete details of Windows Blue, within the first leak of the OS.
At that point, the drop in the average number of monthly apps changed course and began rising again. As of this writing, the total number of apps within the Windows Store stands at 94,298, after months of increasing growth.
Microsoft’s goal with BUILD is to keep the app momentum going.
Higher stature
While some of the features of Windows 8.1—better apps organization, a boot-to-desktop mode as well as a shortcut to the Start page from the Desktop—are an apology to the user, BUILD is designed to improve Microsoft’s stature among developers.
This is important, because developers who code for Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Windows 8-powered Surface tablets can leverage code written for each platform. But they still don’t necessarily create “one continuous Microsoft experience,” said Forrester analyst Frank Gillett last week. Compare that with, say, the Apple iPad and iPhone, which share a common code base and therefore a continuum of apps.
With that said, the transition to the next iteration of the Windows 8 OS can make a significant difference.
”Past experience shows that all operating systems become better after the version-point-one release, “ said Win app developer Christer Kaitila via email. “Mass adoption of Win 8 has enabled the QA and gears-greasing required for Win 8.1 to be ready for prime time."
”Some developers prefer to avoid being an early adopter of new tech to allow the tools and community to mature,” Kaitila added. “More importantly, the good news from braver souls helps encourage devs to come on board.”
Kaitila, who has said he has, to date, released ten freeware games on Windows 8, has also authored the Ludus platform game development kit for WIndows 8, allowing others to follow in his footsteps.
Kaitia also runs the #1GAM (One Game a Month) website, which Microsoft sponsored in a bid to bring more independent game development to Windows 8. (Ironically, Microsoft has drawn fire for what some have said are anti-indie attitudes toward its Xbox One game console.)
Better tools for developers
Nevertheless, Kaitila said that Microsoft has stepped up with better tools for app developers.
“I love the new Visual Studio for Win8 because it does all the things Javascript programmers have been waiting for in an IDE: code completing, automatic formatting and syntax highlighting, instant compile times, great game-worthy rendering performance, [and] mega-awesome debug tools like breakpoints, watches and stepping through Javascript,” Kaitila wrote.
n an infamous statement, Keith Lorizio, Microsoft's vice president of sales at Microsoft Advertising, said that the Windows Store would attract 100,000 apps in three months. Microsoft is now on pace to hit that milestone, but in nine months, not three.
Ironically, the recent surge in apps may have hurt Jeremiah Stoddard, whose Morse code app, CW Coach, was authored for Windows 8 precisely because the OS isn’t popular.
”I’ve been writing Windows 8 apps because it’s the path of least resistance,” Stoddard said via email. “It may not have the same market as the iPad or Android tablets, but the flip side is that there’s a lot less competition, which makes it easier for one’s app to get noticed. So, although I’m watching Windows 8.1 with curiosity, it wasn’t the reason for writing new apps for Windows 8.”
Particulars concerning when exactly this integration are going to be available
Microsoft and Oracle nowadays declared that they are putting their
distinctions aside to strike a strategic partnership during the cloud enterprise
place. The offer handles equally the non-public cloud and the public cloud,
encompassing multiple new solutions.
Firstly, Oracle will certify and assist buyers who previously run its application on Home windows Server to run that same program on Windows Server Hyper-V or in Windows Azure. Oracle customers also obtain the benefit to run their Oracle software program licenses in Home windows Azure “with new license mobility.”
Hyper-V and Azure assist starts immediately, although the partnership doesn’t close there. Microsoft and Oracle have agreed to work together to “add effectively certified, and totally supported Java into Windows Azure.”
Microsoft may also add Infrastructure Companies occasions with preconfigured versions of Oracle Database and Oracle WebLogic Server for customers who do not need Oracle licenses whilst Oracle will permit customers to get and launch Oracle Linux images on Home windows Azure. Particulars concerning when exactly this integration are going to be available were not shared.
In the course of a convention simply call right now, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talked of the “tipping point” in regards into the partnership. “A large amount has transpired and we’re intending to continue to contend in areas,” he said. “I believe both firms have generally, at the least several many years, have had regard for one another.”
Oracle President Mark Hurd agreed: “I consider it just makes sense for us to carry on to boost our own abilities but in addition allow for buyers to leverage both of those of our capabilities with each other,” he mentioned to the exact same contact. “I believe this tends to make a great deal of sense for both equally of us…because it tends to make a great deal of perception for our shoppers.”
Oracle 1st hinted at today’s information for the duration of an earnings get in touch with on Friday. The business company said it experienced ideas to announce new technology partnerships with not merely Microsoft, but Salesforce and Netsuite as well.
Firstly, Oracle will certify and assist buyers who previously run its application on Home windows Server to run that same program on Windows Server Hyper-V or in Windows Azure. Oracle customers also obtain the benefit to run their Oracle software program licenses in Home windows Azure “with new license mobility.”
Hyper-V and Azure assist starts immediately, although the partnership doesn’t close there. Microsoft and Oracle have agreed to work together to “add effectively certified, and totally supported Java into Windows Azure.”
Microsoft may also add Infrastructure Companies occasions with preconfigured versions of Oracle Database and Oracle WebLogic Server for customers who do not need Oracle licenses whilst Oracle will permit customers to get and launch Oracle Linux images on Home windows Azure. Particulars concerning when exactly this integration are going to be available were not shared.
In the course of a convention simply call right now, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talked of the “tipping point” in regards into the partnership. “A large amount has transpired and we’re intending to continue to contend in areas,” he said. “I believe both firms have generally, at the least several many years, have had regard for one another.”
Oracle President Mark Hurd agreed: “I consider it just makes sense for us to carry on to boost our own abilities but in addition allow for buyers to leverage both of those of our capabilities with each other,” he mentioned to the exact same contact. “I believe this tends to make a great deal of sense for both equally of us…because it tends to make a great deal of perception for our shoppers.”
Oracle 1st hinted at today’s information for the duration of an earnings get in touch with on Friday. The business company said it experienced ideas to announce new technology partnerships with not merely Microsoft, but Salesforce and Netsuite as well.
2013年6月18日星期二
Google asks FISA court to lift gag order on NSA surveillance program
Google on Tuesday sharply challenged the federal government's gag order on
its Internet surveillance program, citing what it described as a First Amendment
right to divulge how many requests it receives from the government for data
about its customers in the name of national security.
The move came in a legal motion filed in the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and was aimed at mending Google's reputation after it was identified this month as one of nine U.S. Internet companies that gave the National Security Agency access to data on its customers. Revelations about the program, known as PRISM, by a former NSA contractor has cracked open a broader debate about the privacy of American's communications from government monitoring.
Yahoo says it received up to 13,000 data requests
Obama on NSA programs: Americans "not getting the complete story"
The publication of such data requests would answer questions about the number of Google users or accounts affected by U.S. intelligence activities. But it wouldn't answer more critical questions on how much data is being disclosed, including whether information belonging to Americans has been swept up into investigations on a foreign targets.
"Google's reputation and business has been harmed by the false or misleading reports in the media, and Google's users are concerned by the allegations," according to the company's motion. "Google must respond to such claims with more than generalities."
Google has previously disclosed the number of data requests it receives from civilian law enforcement.
A company statement Tuesday said that "lumping national security requests together with criminal requests — as some companies have been permitted to do — would be a backward step for our users."
Alex Abdo, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said all the technology companies should be allowed to release as many details as possible, and that the government should divulge its legal justification of the surveillance program.
"The public has a right to know more about the government's sweeping surveillance programs so that it can judge for itself whether they are necessary and legal," Abdo said in a statement.
Google is also being challenged in a nationwide lawsuit that charges Google with the "unlawful interception" of millions of Gmail accounts without a warrant. CBS News correspondent Wyatt Andrews recently reported the information allows Google to send its users targeted ads.
Scott Cleland, who wrote a book criticizing Google's ability to monitor its users' emails, told Andrews that he believes Google's power far surpasses that of the NSA's.
"The National Security Agency is focused by law, outside of the U.S. If an American knew that literally someone knew every place they went, everybody they were talking to, where, when, and however, they would freak out," he said.
The move came in a legal motion filed in the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and was aimed at mending Google's reputation after it was identified this month as one of nine U.S. Internet companies that gave the National Security Agency access to data on its customers. Revelations about the program, known as PRISM, by a former NSA contractor has cracked open a broader debate about the privacy of American's communications from government monitoring.
Yahoo says it received up to 13,000 data requests
Obama on NSA programs: Americans "not getting the complete story"
The publication of such data requests would answer questions about the number of Google users or accounts affected by U.S. intelligence activities. But it wouldn't answer more critical questions on how much data is being disclosed, including whether information belonging to Americans has been swept up into investigations on a foreign targets.
"Google's reputation and business has been harmed by the false or misleading reports in the media, and Google's users are concerned by the allegations," according to the company's motion. "Google must respond to such claims with more than generalities."
Google has previously disclosed the number of data requests it receives from civilian law enforcement.
A company statement Tuesday said that "lumping national security requests together with criminal requests — as some companies have been permitted to do — would be a backward step for our users."
Alex Abdo, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said all the technology companies should be allowed to release as many details as possible, and that the government should divulge its legal justification of the surveillance program.
"The public has a right to know more about the government's sweeping surveillance programs so that it can judge for itself whether they are necessary and legal," Abdo said in a statement.
Google is also being challenged in a nationwide lawsuit that charges Google with the "unlawful interception" of millions of Gmail accounts without a warrant. CBS News correspondent Wyatt Andrews recently reported the information allows Google to send its users targeted ads.
Scott Cleland, who wrote a book criticizing Google's ability to monitor its users' emails, told Andrews that he believes Google's power far surpasses that of the NSA's.
"The National Security Agency is focused by law, outside of the U.S. If an American knew that literally someone knew every place they went, everybody they were talking to, where, when, and however, they would freak out," he said.
Microsoft appears to be altering the style and design of its Retail store
Microsoft is tweaking several its built-in applications for Windows
eight.1, however the Music app seems to include essentially the most
adjustments. A freshly redesigned copy with the Windows Store in leaked builds
of Home windows eight.one has unveiled the brand new person interface for Xbox
Music. Microsoft earlier discovered on the Verge that the focus with the new
Songs app is on participating in songs about surfacing new information, noting
it is possible to now engage in audio in two clicks instead of 6.
Screenshots with the new Xbox New music update display a two panel interface that seems to enhance discoverability of new music and the ability to swiftly access a collection of music. Xbox Audio at first introduced in October for Windows 8 and Home windows RT products, with all the ability to access tracks from an Xbox 360 also. Despite the fact that the services consists of most widely used tracks and albums, the interface has normally been gradual and clunky on Windows eight and Home windows RT units. The current application evidently aims to enhance that, using a "simplified design and style and layout" according to Microsoft. You will find also a persistent in-app lookup box with enhanced search results, guidance for songs files on SD playing cards, and Enjoy To assist for music outside the house on the Xbox New music catalogue.
Microsoft can also be incorporating several new built-in apps, which includes Calculator, Audio Recorder, Scan, Looking through Record, Film Times, and Assistance & Tips. Film Times allows you to edit videos from a touch-friendly interface, and Looking through Listing acts as a super clipboard to store URLs and other snippets from applications. The Seem Recorder, Calculator, and Scan apps are all simplified touch-friendly versions to replace the legacy desktop variants. Assist & Tips will consist of quite a few tutorials for new Windows 8.1 users that should increase some of your associated confusion together with the new interface.
Alongside the Xbox Songs redesign and additional applications, the new Windows Retail outlet interface has also been spotted in Windows eight.one builds. Microsoft cheap office professional plus 2010 appears to be altering the style and design of its Retail store, alongside improvements towards the top paid and top free sections, new releases, and a "picks for you" section that suggests applications based on an existing library. Similar applications are also suggested within application pages, using a general aim on application discoverability. The brand new Windows Keep also works well in portrait mode, designed for upcoming 7- and 8-inch tablets. All the improvements will be made available in Windows 8.one, an update that Microsoft will release as a preview version on June 26th alongside its Build developer conference.
Screenshots with the new Xbox New music update display a two panel interface that seems to enhance discoverability of new music and the ability to swiftly access a collection of music. Xbox Audio at first introduced in October for Windows 8 and Home windows RT products, with all the ability to access tracks from an Xbox 360 also. Despite the fact that the services consists of most widely used tracks and albums, the interface has normally been gradual and clunky on Windows eight and Home windows RT units. The current application evidently aims to enhance that, using a "simplified design and style and layout" according to Microsoft. You will find also a persistent in-app lookup box with enhanced search results, guidance for songs files on SD playing cards, and Enjoy To assist for music outside the house on the Xbox New music catalogue.
Microsoft can also be incorporating several new built-in apps, which includes Calculator, Audio Recorder, Scan, Looking through Record, Film Times, and Assistance & Tips. Film Times allows you to edit videos from a touch-friendly interface, and Looking through Listing acts as a super clipboard to store URLs and other snippets from applications. The Seem Recorder, Calculator, and Scan apps are all simplified touch-friendly versions to replace the legacy desktop variants. Assist & Tips will consist of quite a few tutorials for new Windows 8.1 users that should increase some of your associated confusion together with the new interface.
Alongside the Xbox Songs redesign and additional applications, the new Windows Retail outlet interface has also been spotted in Windows eight.one builds. Microsoft cheap office professional plus 2010 appears to be altering the style and design of its Retail store, alongside improvements towards the top paid and top free sections, new releases, and a "picks for you" section that suggests applications based on an existing library. Similar applications are also suggested within application pages, using a general aim on application discoverability. The brand new Windows Keep also works well in portrait mode, designed for upcoming 7- and 8-inch tablets. All the improvements will be made available in Windows 8.one, an update that Microsoft will release as a preview version on June 26th alongside its Build developer conference.
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