sincity

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Samsung/AtivS/Press/SamsungAtivS-Press-05-470-75.jpgIt's been a very long time since Samsung released a smartphone with a Microsoft operating system on it, but that might finally change soon. The company is reportedly "interested" in Windows Phone 8.1, the current version of Microsoft's mobile OS. "Samsung has run pilot programs on the stability of Windows 8.1 software on devices. It is interested in promoting Windows mobiles," someone said to be a "directly involved official" told the Korea Times. If Samsung does get back into Windows Phone, it will stick to the budget side of the market, the report says. About those obstaclesOf course there is the ongoing lawsuit between Samsung and Microsoft to consider. Microsoft is suing Samsung over millions of dollars in alleged unpaid interest, and that would obviously need to get resolved before the companies team up to sell some smartphones. But the KT's sources say that might happen as soon as the third quarter of 2015. Samsung is reportedly also asking anti-trust authorities in multiple countries to nix Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's phone business, which might be another point of contention between the two. Read TechRadar's Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review for a refresher on what Samsung does righthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/423ee808/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610530659/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423ee808/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610530659/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423ee808/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610530659/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423ee808/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610530659/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423ee808/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/218610530659/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423ee808/sc/46/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/press/windows10-04-470-75.jpgIn the past, Microsoft's attempts at delivering a user experience similar to Apple and Google have been fairly touch-and-go. After introducing Cortana for Windows Phone (in line with Apple's Siri and Google Now) as well as the Metro user interface, Microsoft was criticised for being late to the user experience party and not delivering. However, user experience is but one piece of any new operating system, and with Windows 10 slated for a 'mobile-first, cloud-first' world, there is a genuine feeling of promise concerning Microsoft's next desktop OS. Whereas Windows 8.1 has been merely patched up to survive in today's ultra-fast changing OS landscape, Windows 10 appears to fully embrace the world of mobile and cloud computing. Microsoft resellers should be feeling optimistic about this latest iteration, and be working out how they can weave it into their sales strategy for 2015. User feedbackClearly, we can acknowledge the influence of Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, on Windows 10. Before the release of Windows 8.1, Microsoft looked at the market and then decided what needed to be developed. However, this time round, Microsoft has invited the community to influence the eventual release of Windows 10 by deploying a technical beta version of the code – which has seen plenty of downloads and feedback. This is a clear indication from the vendor that it is looking to get back in the game with old adversaries (Linux vendors), as well as new competitors (Amazon, Google, and Apple). With Windows 10 due for release in late 2015, the enterprise community has a unique opportunity to positively influence this ecosystem. But despite inviting its users to help build a better product, a focus around business benefits seems to be amiss. In the age of cloud computing, businesses and their customers are looking for an experience that allows the accessibility of the cloud alongside cast-iron security. Given this, Microsoft has a tall order to fulfil – Google and Apple have both implemented several recent features to be cloud compatible and more user-friendly. While much can be debated about Windows 10's core elements such as security, ease of support, and manageability, Microsoft simply needs to ensure that it delivers a robust platform that can overcome previous shortcomings. This is what resellers will respond to. Hands on: Windows 10 reviewZero room for errorThere is no room for error with this release (an impossible feat for software development). This day and age requires immediate fulfilment and zero tolerance for product delays. While the public may once have more readily accepted earlier operating systems, the onus is now on Microsoft to ensure its platform is flexible, high performing, scalable, and secure if it is to compete and lead the way for computing platforms in the future. Since it is assumed that Microsoft will deliver consumer-grade experiences with next-to-zero failure rates across the platform, Redmond will need to meet and indeed exceed the high bar set by the competition in order to be seen as an innovator and leader in software development. All too often, advances in technology can be a distraction, but for the market in 2015, what will Windows 10 really mean? Is it practical, is it productive, and is it a perfect strategy? Time will tell, but for now, Microsoft at least seems to be making a concerted effort to reach out to its users on how to improve upon Windows 8.1. Perhaps it will be this key strategy that will help Microsoft to avoid falling further behind the other ecosystems in the enterprise space. Asad Malik is product manager, managed services at MTIhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610518795/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610518795/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610518795/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/218610518795/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/218610518795/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/423bf1dd/sc/46/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/6deals%20main-470-75.jpgTechRadar has a team of tech-savvy super-elves putting together our daily deals, and today we've got some great ideas for some January bargains. We've got TV deals, gaming deals, phones, speakers and more! Let's start with this great deal on a Philips 4K TV. This 50-inch machine comes packing Philips' legendary good looks, Ultra HD screen and currently costs just £699 at Argos. And here's a great deal on a cheap as chips 32-inch TV. Get the Samsung UE32H5500 Full HD Smart LED TV with Built In Wi-Fi and Freeview HD and three Months Subscription to Deezer AND 12 Months MUBI AND free Samsung WAM250 multi-room Hub via redemption all for just £249 @ Amazon Today's Hot Dealshttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/1cod-580-100.jpg If you're a next-gen gamer and you haven't played Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare yet, now could be the time to pick up a copy. You can currently buy this game on both Xbox One and PS4 for just £25 with free delivery from Tesco Direct. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/2lg-580-100.jpg Looking for a new smartphone? The fantastic LG G3, to which TechRadar gave an almost perfect review score back in November, can now be had for just £299 at Amazon or free on a £23 a month tariff. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/4evo-580-100.jpg If you've got an Android smartphone or tablet, you might find that you have insufficient internal storage to hold all your apps, games, music and videos. Fear not though, because you can currently snatch one of Samsung's 32GB EVO microSDHC memory cards for just £10.69. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/3bravia-580-100.jpg Another decent 4K TV deal for you here. You can currently grab the Sony KD-49X8505B Ultra HD 49-inch telly for just £879. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/TechRadar%20Deals/12th%20Jan%2015/5sony-580-100.jpg Finally in our main deals section, how about this for a great deal on a good camera? Amazon currently has the Sony H300 20.1MP camera, which has 35x optical zoom, for just £99. More dealsBetron HDMI Switch, Switcher 3 Port, Gold Connectors, 3D support, HDMI v1.4 for HDTV, PS3, Xbox One, 360, Bluray Player, DVD Player etc (HDMI Switch) £4.49 Sold by Betron Limited & fulfilled by Amazon Sennheiser CX 300 II earphones - £18.99 @ Amazon Sennheiser HD203 DJ Headphones - Grey £19.99 @ Argos Yamaha BDPK1810 AV Receiver, Blu-ray Player and 5.1 Speaker Package £349.85 @ Superfi Argos Bush Wooden Dab Radio £14.99 Sony Bravia KDL40R483 LED HD 1080p TV, 40" with Freeview HD £299.99 @ John Lewis SONY SmartWatch 3 SWR50 (Black) £149.98 at DABS (free delivery) Philips Home Cinema Blu-Ray System £119.99 Co-op Electrical Miele Complete C2 Powerline Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner in Obsidian Black £126.99 @ co-operative electrical

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/cnbeta_windows10_cortana-470-75.jpgThis small batch of previously unseen screenshots allegedly show several new aspects coming in Windows 10, including its brand new "Spartan" browser, Cortana's integration in that browser, and a new darker visual theme. Microsoft is reportedly building the new browser from scratch to be more like Chrome and Firefox, though word is it will offer both Spartan and Internet Explorer in consumer versions of Windows 10. The Spartan browser in these images, from Chinese site cnBeta, has a clean and simple look, though it's likely far from final. And judging by what we see here it seems Cortana will be integrated directly into the browser, including right in the address bar (see below). http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/cnbeta_windows10_cortanabrowser-420-90.jpg Heart of darkThe other thing to note is the system's new darker visual theme, from the browser window to the taskbar itself. We've seen snippets of this darker Windows 10 theme before, and Microsoft is allegedly building light and dark versions across the board, including in software like the Xbox app, The Verge says. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/cnbeta_windows10_darktheme-420-90.jpg Windows 10 will be detailed much more fully on January 21, so look forward to learning more then. Read TechRadar's OnePlus One review before you jump through hoops to get onehttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/422bdc16/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443657483/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422bdc16/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443657483/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422bdc16/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443657483/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422bdc16/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443657483/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422bdc16/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443657483/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422bdc16/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/topic_net-neutrality-470-75.jpgTwo months ago, President Barack Obama made headlines by falling in line with content providers and other net neutrality supporters, and soon federal regulators will decide whether to follow that plan, go their own way or fall somewhere in-between. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler confirmed this week February 26 vote will take place on an official proposal for net neutrality. The proposal will be circulated to FCC commissioners in less than four weeks. Unfortunately, Wheeler played coy on which way the vote could go in a public interview with Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President Gary Shapiro held during CES 2015 in Las Vegas earlier this week. In the absence of hard data, let's take a closer look at what the FCC has had to say in the wake of Obama's November 2014 announcement and attempt to shed some light on which way the vote could go. Neutrality for all?Thanks to a blog post on the official White House website, we already know where President Obama stands on net neutrality: He supports the concept of equal and unrestricted access to the internet for companies of all shapes and sizes, with no preferential treatment for data moving through those pipes. "We cannot allow internet service providers to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas," Obama elaborated on November 10. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/internet/Net%20neutrality/Net_neutrality_generic_wctechblog-420-90.jpg To enforce his statement, Obama called on the FCC to step in and reclassify consumer broadband service as a utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which would put regulatory power behind internet service provider (ISP) attempts to block, throttle or seek "paid prioritization" for traffic, such as the deals Netflix has cut with Comcast to ensure speedy streaming. The move would mean internet service would be treated no differently than other utilities such as landline telephone, electricity or gas, which are strictly regulated by the federal government. FCC rulesHours after Obama laid out his plans, FCC Chairman Wheeler reportedly backed away from an endorsement of the president's agenda. At the time, this possible lack of support was viewed as a potential coup for major internet providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, although subsequent reports have suggested the agency could opt for a hybrid approach in an effort to appease all involved parties. Wheeler provided a clearer picture of the FCC and president's stances this week. "When the president came out, there was an effort made to say, 'Wheeler and the president are pulling in opposite directions on this.' But that wasn't exactly the reality because we're both pulling in the same directions, which is no blocking, no throttling of applications, and transparency about how we get there," he said Wednesday.The FCC chairman praised the regulatory abilities of Title II, but was quick to add that his agency was seeking a proper balance that would foster innovation while giving ISPs a reason to continue investing in broadband infrastructure. Room for prioritizationDuring his public interview, Wheeler added that ISPs have the right to offer "a competitive service," but questioned some of the more draconian methods corporations could implement to do so. "How do you make sure that that pathway stays open ... and make sure that the ISP has an opportunity to get a fair return on investment?" Wheeler mused. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/internet/Net%20neutrality/Internet_open_hajjflemingsdotcom-420-90.jpg On the subject of prioritization, the Wheeler cited the example of an emergency health alert, an instance where such favoritism "makes a whole lot of sense," which could point to situations where regulation could be less heavy-handed. In the two months since Obama's plan became public, the FCC has weighed a more strict approach to regulation for connecting content providers, with a more lax approach to the "last mile" of the internet linked to the homes of consumers. Wait and seeAlthough Wheeler and the FCC now appear in favor of Title II regulation in some form, commissioners will need to determine when it would be "commercially reasonable" to allow such fast lanes, which could create a potential loophole for ISPs to levy consumers with additional fees. Critics of the FCC's net neutrality indecision fear more boardroom antics such as Verizon charging Netflix for unimpeded access, or worse yet, the ability to reduce internet speeds for services that refuse to pay such tolls. One thing Wheeler wants to make clear is net neutrality isn't quite as black and white of an issue as many have made it out to be, and the FCC is approaching a final ruling with caution. "You'll notice that I have not addressed any of the specifics. You have to wait until February to see the specifics," Wheeler concluded, presumably in an effort to remain as neutral on net neutrality as possible until the February 26 vote. What is net neutrality and why does it matter?

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/topic_net-neutrality-470-75.jpgTwo months ago, President Barack Obama made headlines by falling in line with content providers and other net neutrality supporters, and soon federal regulators will decide whether to follow that plan, go their own way or fall somewhere in-between. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler confirmed this week February 26 vote will take place on an official proposal for net neutrality. The proposal will be circulated to FCC commissioners in less than four weeks. Unfortunately, Wheeler played coy on which way the vote could go in a public interview with Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President Gary Shapiro held during CES 2015 in Las Vegas earlier this week. In the absence of hard data, let's take a closer look at what the FCC has had to say in the wake of Obama's November 2014 announcement and attempt to shed some light on which way the vote could go. Neutrality for all?Thanks to a blog post on the official White House website, we already know where President Obama stands on net neutrality: He supports the concept of equal and unrestricted access to the internet for companies of all shapes and sizes, with no preferential treatment for data moving through those pipes. "We cannot allow internet service providers to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas," Obama elaborated on November 10. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/internet/Net%20neutrality/Net_neutrality_generic_wctechblog-420-90.jpg To enforce his statement, Obama called on the FCC to step in and reclassify consumer broadband service as a utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which would put regulatory power behind internet service provider (ISP) attempts to block, throttle or seek "paid prioritization" for traffic, such as the deals Netflix has cut with Comcast to ensure speedy streaming. The move would mean internet service would be treated no differently than other utilities such as landline telephone, electricity or gas, which are strictly regulated by the federal government. FCC rulesHours after Obama laid out his plans, FCC Chairman Wheeler reportedly backed away from an endorsement of the president's agenda. At the time, this possible lack of support was viewed as a potential coup for major internet providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, although subsequent reports have suggested the agency could opt for a hybrid approach in an effort to appease all involved parties. Wheeler provided a clearer picture of the FCC and president's stances this week. "When the president came out, there was an effort made to say, 'Wheeler and the president are pulling in opposite directions on this.' But that wasn't exactly the reality because we're both pulling in the same directions, which is no blocking, no throttling of applications, and transparency about how we get there," he said Wednesday.The FCC chairman praised the regulatory abilities of Title II, but was quick to add that his agency was seeking a proper balance that would foster innovation while giving ISPs a reason to continue investing in broadband infrastructure. Room for prioritizationDuring his public interview, Wheeler added that ISPs have the right to offer "a competitive service," but questioned some of the more draconian methods corporations could implement to do so. "How do you make sure that that pathway stays open ... and make sure that the ISP has an opportunity to get a fair return on investment?" Wheeler mused. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/internet/Net%20neutrality/Internet_open_hajjflemingsdotcom-420-90.jpg On the subject of prioritization, the Wheeler cited the example of an emergency health alert, an instance where such favoritism "makes a whole lot of sense," which could point to situations where regulation could be less heavy-handed. In the two months since Obama's plan became public, the FCC has weighed a more strict approach to regulation for connecting content providers, with a more lax approach to the "last mile" of the internet linked to the homes of consumers. Wait and seeAlthough Wheeler and the FCC now appear in favor of Title II regulation in some form, commissioners will need to determine when it would be "commercially reasonable" to allow such fast lanes, which could create a potential loophole for ISPs to levy consumers with additional fees. Critics of the FCC's net neutrality indecision fear more boardroom antics such as Verizon charging Netflix for unimpeded access, or worse yet, the ability to reduce internet speeds for services that refuse to pay such tolls. One thing Wheeler wants to make clear is net neutrality isn't quite as black and white of an issue as many have made it out to be, and the FCC is approaching a final ruling with caution. "You'll notice that I have not addressed any of the specifics. You have to wait until February to see the specifics," Wheeler concluded, presumably in an effort to remain as neutral on net neutrality as possible until the February 26 vote. What is net neutrality and why does it matter? http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/422b5009/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646398/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422b5009/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646398/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422b5009/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646398/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422b5009/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646398/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422b5009/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443646398/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422b5009/sc/46/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/onedrive-470-75.jpgMicrosoft is taking steps to fix sync issues experienced by certain users of its OneDrive cloud storage service. There are currently three different "sync engines" that work with the various OneDrive clients - the first supporting Windows 7, 8 and Mac, and the second OneDrive for Business. In a company blog post, Windows VP Chris Jones writes that the third sync engine, which was introduced for Windows 8.1, has been causing problems due to support for placeholder files, which allows access to files stored on OneDrive while only using a faction of the device's hard disk. Command and controlJones notes that although this proved useful on devices with low capacity storage drives, certain Windows 8.1 apps would fail to open files because they couldn't recognise placeholders and that users would run into problems when attempting to copy, paste or delete such files. Microsoft intends to solve the problem by merging the three sync engines and their associated clients to create a single entity that supports its business and consumer services. According to Jones, the placeholder file feature will not make it into the first release of Windows 10, although Microsoft will introduce the "core capabilities of placeholders that are both reliable and comprehensible" in an update that will follow at a later date. Rubbish updateMicrosoft has also released an update to its OneDrive for iOS app (v4.6), which adds support for the Recycle Bin and push notifications for files and folders. The app also bundles in Document Provider extension support, which allows you to select which app you want to use when opening files stored on OneDrive. Microsoft confirms OneDrive will keep files forever - if they wanthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/4229a83b/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443658819/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4229a83b/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443658819/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4229a83b/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443658819/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4229a83b/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443658819/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4229a83b/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443658819/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4229a83b/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/DOWNLOADS/backup/Personal-Backup/09-12-15%20Personal%20Backup-470-75.jpgKeep your most important files secure without having to shell out a penny thanks to Personal Backup. Why you need itCreating backups is an essential part of good computer maintenance and can save your hide should something go wrong. While there are many paid-for options out there, Personal Backup is one of the few to offer you so much without asking for a fee in return. There are four different types of backup available: full, copy, differential (which compares two folders and then copies only the newest data) and incremental (which only copies files that have changed since you last backed them up. You can back up your files on demand, when your computer launches or at a scheduled time, while you can backup as ZIP files, sync backups, back up over FTP and much more. In fact there are so many features to Personal Backup that it's hard to believe it's completely free. Don't feel like you're an expert at this sort of thing? No problem, because Personal Backup has a beginner-oriented mode that features a step-by-step walkthrough to help you get your backups up and running. If you want more control, there's a more in-depth mode that provides you with more options and settings. Key featuresWorks on: PCVersions: FreeCustomise your backup: Choose from four types of backup to ensure you have complete controlSchedule: You can back up your files instantly or get it done automatically at a later date, or even schedule your backup to begin when you boot up your computerEasy to use: Personal Backup provides a useful walkthrough to help you through the backup process if you're unsure of how to do itYou'll also likeGlary UtilitiesRecuvaPC Inspector File RecoveryFreeFileSyncPhotoRec & TestDiskhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/42293a7e/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646713/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42293a7e/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646713/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42293a7e/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646713/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42293a7e/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443646713/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42293a7e/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443646713/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42293a7e/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/press/windows10-04-470-75.jpgOver the years, like most technology professionals, I've used a lot of Microsoft products, including every version of the core Windows operating system. With Windows 10 on the horizon, and a new build (possibly the Consumer Preview) to be shown off later this month by Microsoft, I was inspired to write down a couple of thoughts about the last two iterations of the OS and what they taught us and Microsoft about the future of enterprise computing. Windows 7: two core architectural issuesWindows 7 was, in my mind, the last complete version of 'traditional' Windows. Adoption was very strong and end users in general liked it a lot. But Windows 7 had the same two core architectural issues that birthed an entire generation of security problems: an unprotected file system and an unprotected kernel. This made apps a complicated undertaking to develop and manage. Any app developed by one user had the potential to damage data in apps written by others. To make it worse, apps could go on to unpredictably tamper with various OS processes in different ways, creating a range of security headaches. The installation and uninstallation of these Win32 apps impacted the stability and predictability of the system, and "DLL hell" continued to be a regular part of any Windows system administrator's lexicon. Such architectural issues created the need, long ago, for restrictive security solutions which tried to counter potential threats through the enforcement of a Windows system image and by deploying agent-after-agent of security software on the device. These solutions led to battery drain and performance slowdown which compromised the user experience. Users didn't love this outcome but had learned to live with it through the history of Windows. Was Windows 7 better than its predecessors? Absolutely. But it still shared their genetic flaws. Windows 8: low adoptionUnlike Windows 7, Windows 8 suffered from low adoption rates. There was confusion in the market around the different flavours and new interface. Plus many organisations had only just completed the Windows 7 transition and did not have a catalyst to move to Windows 8. Windows 8 did, however, reflect the overall shift to mobility among business users. It hinted at, but was not yet ready to deliver, integration across Windows Phone, RT, and Pro. The launch of Windows 8 did, however, mark the start of the next generation for Windows, and it established a framework for Windows 10. Windows 8 marked the first time that the architecture promoted the development of 'modern' sandboxed apps with isolated storage and memory. It was the beginning of the end for Win32 apps because it promised a world where the OS itself would be much more secure, and the capabilities of apps much greater. All companies have rough patches. The key is learning from them, as Microsoft did with Windows 8. Windows 8 was the step that needed to happen to get us to Windows 10. Windows 10: great expectationsI have high hopes for Windows 10. With its sandboxed security model, Windows 10 can dramatically reduce the management and helpdesk costs of Windows. I hope Microsoft simplifies the Windows portfolio and unifies Windows Phone, RT, and Pro under one framework, offering a powerful unified computing experience to the end user. Windows still has the hearts and minds of IT, but Windows 10 now offers a great opportunity for Microsoft to recapture the heart of the end user. Hands on: Windows 10 reviewMy central hope for Windows 10, however, revolves around the application developer. Microsoft could make this the release where we can finally do away with Win32 apps. Developers need great tools to build modern Windows apps with rich user experiences. The easier Microsoft makes it to migrate from Win32 apps, the faster Windows can stake its claim in the new generation of user-centric computing. Windows 10 will establish modern apps as the primary application method on Windows. It represents the shift of Windows to a consistent, sandboxed architecture across form factors. With Windows 10 as the catalyst, now is the time for every organisation to get serious about apps modernisation. Ojas Rege is VP of Strategy at MobileIronhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/422035d8/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669054/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035d8/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669054/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035d8/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669054/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035d8/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669054/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035d8/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443669054/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035d8/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/DOWNLOADS/video/Easy-YouTube-Video-Downloader/Easy-YouTube-Video-Downloader-470-75.jpgSimple to use and quick to install, Easy YouTube Video Downloader enables you to grab your favourite videos from YouTube. Why you need itWe all have our favourite online videos, but downloading them to our devices or viewing them offline can be a complicated process. Thankfully there's a quick and simple way to download YouTube videos to your computer: the suitably-named Easy YouTube Video Downloader extension for Firefox. After installing the extension, you'll see a new bar directly below the YouTube video. This presents you with a few simple options for downloading the video in question: choose quality (Normal, 720p or 1080p) and format (FLV, 3GP, MP4 or just the MP3 audio) and you're good to go. So that means whether you want to watch a video on a long journey or strip out the audio in order to listen to it as a podcast, you're able to do so with this little Firefox extension. Key featuresWorks on: PC, Mac, LinuxVersions: FreeDownload: Easy YouTube Video Downloader lets you grab any video featured on the world's most popular video site, and you can download audio, tooConvert: Download the file in a number of different formats and qualitiesYou'll also likeFree StudioFree YouTube to MP3 ConverterYouTube Unblocker for ChromeFreemake Video ConverterAny Video Converter Freehttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/422035df/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669053/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035df/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669053/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035df/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669053/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035df/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443669053/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035df/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443669053/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/422035df/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/wwdc/2013/color%20banner%20logo-470-75.jpgBad news, app fans - it looks like if you're in any country that's a part of the European Union or in Canada or Norway prices in the App Store will soon be increasing. On the other hand if you're lucky enough to live in Iceland you should see prices go down, while Russia will be subject to an undefined 'change' in pricing, which sounds a bit scary. That's according to Apple Insider, which was forwarded a message sent by Apple's App Store team to iTunes Connect members. The message explains that the changes are being made to account for VAT rates and foreign exchange rates, which will likely mean that different countries will see different changes, even with the EU. Exactly how much the prices will change is unclear, but the message was sent on Wednesday and states that changes would be implemented within 36 hours, so we should see the new prices in action soon enough. Check out what to expect from Apple in 2015.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/4238d796/sc/36/mf.gif

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/firefox%20os1-470-75.jpgThe world of Smart TV has been an absolute shambles for years. Interfaces are shonky and features are clunky. The maturation of Smart TV has been appallingly slow, with all the big names pulling in different directions and causing themselves all manner of problems. The problem is that with every big brand developing their own systems and with no open standards, diversity and non conformity has led to overwhelmingly poor user experiences. It's the exact opposite situation to the way the industry adoption of Android as a mobile OS has supercharged the smartphone industry and enabled it to grow exponentially. You only need to look at how all the big TV brands have been radically changing their Smart TV platforms every year to see how they've been really struggling to get it right. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/P1019135-420-90.JPG LG leads the charge with webOS 2.0LG has been the front runner in Smart TV for two or three years and took a big lead in the Smart TV wars when it bought webOS and started shipping the formerly mobile OS on its TVs at the start of 2014. Mobile operating systems adapted for the big screen appeared to be the silver bullet for Smart TV. Meanwhile, the rest of the big hitters laboured to get things right. But the great news for anyone thinking about buying a new TV this year is that in 2015, Smart TV has finally come of age in an unprecedented industry-wide way. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/webos%20tv-420-90.jpg LG has launched all its 2015 range with updated webOS 2.0 which is bigger and better than ever. And the other big brands – namely Sony, Samsung, Sharp and Panasonic – but many smaller players as well, have effectively scrapped their bespoke Smart TV systems in favour of adopting a similar model and buying in mature mobile OS's from established players. Sony and Sharp TVs in 2015 are now powered by Google's excellent Android TV system which has now replaced Google TV as the big G's home entertainment platform of choice. Meanwhile, Samsung is using its own web-tastic Tizen OS to streamline its smart features, and Panasonic has opted for Mozilla's Firefox OS. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/P1019134-420-90.JPG Smart TV has finally come of ageThe result is a cosmic shift in the quality of the Smart TV experience across the board. We're talking operating systems that can competently handle multitasking, boot up in seconds and offer the kind of experience that users have come to expect rather than wasting our time with poor interfaces, slow apps and incomprehensible design. Sony and Sharp's Android-powered TVs are now fully integrated with Google Now, so you can talk to your remote and find what you're looking for as fast as you'd be able to on your phone. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/P1019146-420-90.JPG You can now pause a Netflix stream, exit to the BBC Weather app, look at your EPG and then return to Netflix and resume without having to boot every app from scratch every time. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/P1019139-420-90.JPG You can install the same games that run on your phone and use Bluetooth controllers like the PS4's DualShock 4 pad to play them in high res on your big screen. And because the software is universal, developers no longer need to port their apps, games and services into 20 different systems, meaning there's more content to look at, more games to play and more functionality to explore. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/televisions/Smart%20TV%20revolution/firefox%20os2-420-90.jpg IOT and the digital homeAnd this is just as big a boost for the Internet of Things as anything else. With TVs now running the same software as everything else, their ability to talk to the other electronics in your home - whether its your fridge, your washing machine or your kettle - is now massively improved. So in 2015, with your TVs, Blu-ray players, phones, tablets, smartwatches and home appliances all running on the same platforms, the Internet of Things can mature and the digital home finally has a chance to become a reality. You'll just need to choose your brand and your platform wisely because you'll likely be tied in for many years to come. Watch this space.

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/digital_tv_boxes/Fetch%20TV/EntPackSub-470-75.jpgFetch TV subscribers are due for a sudden change in entertainment as the company is completely overhauling the channels in its Entertainment package. The Australian pay TV provider announced that on the February 1 2015, seven new channels will be available to entertainment package subscribers. Three BBC channels including, UKTV, BBC First and BBC Knowledge top the list of additions, followed by Nat Geo Wild, NBC's Universal Channel, The Food Network and HGTV. Fetch TV users on Optus subscriptions will also gain access to the ESPN and ESPN 2 channels, which have been available to the rest of the service for some time. What will be lost?Not everyone will be happy though, as Fetch TV will need to cut 6 channels to make way for the new additions. The dropped channels include, Fox Sports News, Discovery Home & Health, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, and Discovery Turbo. On the upside, over the past 18 months Fetch TV has integrated the four free-to-air catch up services in Australia: Yahoo!7 Plus7, TENPlay, ABC iview and SBS on Demand. It has also launched iOS and Android apps that allow subscribers to view channels, watch movies, set remote recordings and have full control of their set top box on their device. With channels from Bloomberg Television, ESPN and MTV, Fetch TV will have a solid selection of 36 channels starting at $15 per month. Last year the company was the second highest ranked pay TV provider in Australia and it seems FetchTV wants to be the early bird again in 2015. Fetch TV Review

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/Connected%20home/Elgato%20Eve/Elgato%20Eve-470-75.JPGElgato is probably best known for its range of TV receivers for laptops. Well, now it's branched into the Internet of Things and first results are impressive. Its range of four natty little devices is stylish, low-energy-consuming, since it uses Bluetooth LE rather than Wi-Fi, and doesn't require you to plug a hub into your router for the same reason. I've got a bit of IoT gear and my router is groaning under the strain of all the little mini hubs this involves. The gear is all HomeKit compatible, and the results from its little army of sensors can be viewed on any Apple iOS device from iPad 3/iPhone 4S/Touch 4 onwards. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/Connected%20home/Elgato%20Eve/Eve%20door-420-90.jpg First up there's the Eve Door and Window. Stop me if I'm over-explaining here, but this tells you if a door or window is shut or open. Except in our demo it said it was shut when it was open, and vice versa. Hey, let's not split hairs, right? At least it tried. This goes on sale midway through 2015, by which time we're sure it'll know the difference. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/Connected%20home/Elgato%20Eve/Eve%20weather-420-90.jpg The self-explanatory nature of Elgato's product naming continues with Eve Weather, which monitors sports scores for you. No, okay, it tells you the weather. Humidity, temperature and air pressure are all tracked, allowing you to see what's going on outside right now, or view graphs to see how elements have been behaving over the past weeks and months. Interestingly, since HomeKit doesn't allow this, the data is actually stored on device. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/Connected%20home/Elgato%20Eve/Eve%20room-420-90.jpg Perhaps the most interesting, Eve Room has similar capabilities to Withings Home, tracking air quality - needless to say it was reading "bad" at the Sands Convention Center - as well as temperature and humidity. Air quality measurements aren't just limited to straight-up pollution either - sensors can also tell you "if your carpet smells". Hopefully your house guests haven't been leaving your home for the last few years vowing never to return due to the rug stench. Finally there's a smart plug, but this seems unlikely to come to the UK or US any time soon. This lets you turn your electrics on and off from the couch or hallway and also tracks energy usage of whatever's plugged into it. As ever with connected home products, pricing will be key here, but as yet none have been announced. There's a lot of interest in IoT in the home, as Samsung's CEO said in his CES keynote, but people just aren't gonna fall over themselves to spend $20 on a plug socket or 30 bucks on a device to tell them their carpet honks. Release dates range from mid 2015 for the plug socket and door sensor to "TBC" for the environmental monitors. All the rest of your CES 2015 coverage are belong to this.

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-2-470-75.jpgImagine waking up to your smart TV providing you a daily news brief and weather automatically - just by sitting up in bed. Or how about listening to a podcast through headphones on your commute only to have it pick up where you left off on a set of wireless speakers as you walk through your front door. Pretty cool, right? Now, imagine that same TV telling you what should watch before bed, or a pair of smart glasses calling 911 for you after sensing "abnormal" brain activity. This is all a vision for the future, the very near future, that Samsung CEO B.K. Yoon evangelized during his CES 2015 keynote address, and it will be possible through the Internet of Things. If you're unfamiliar, the Internet of Things, or IoT, is a movement in the tech space to create a personalized network of any and all ordinary objects-made-smart ones through three key things: sensors, processors and connectivity. And Samsung seems to be taking this opportunity more seriously than anyone. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-1-420-90.jpg Frankly, while Yoon didn't pull the curtain back on any shiny new gadget, he conjured up a strong World's Fair feeling that I haven't experienced during CES in a long time. "We can't just talk about the Internet of Things like things, because it's personal, like a bedtime story," Yoon said. "It has the power to transform our society, our economy and improve our lives." But through those same big picture ideas, it was tough not to feel a bit Orwellian walking out of the convention center, either. Your Samsung future: always on, always connectedYoon is on a mission, he told a few hundred journalists, analysts and tech enthusiasts in a massive Las Vegas conference hall, to have every Samsung product be a smart one. In fact, he promises just that in five years time: Samsung will be a 100% IoT company by 2020. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-3-420-90.jpg It works out for Samsung especially so, considering the Korean firm has its hands in nearly every kind of consumer tech imaginable. However, Yoon was keen to point out that he's not interesting in Samsung holding all the cards. He claims to want an open ecosystem through which any and all IoT devices can communicate. That's part of the reason why Samsung has partnered with the likes of BMW to create platforms and apps for its devices to work with its smart cars, like the Samsung Gear S and an in-car tablet experience that BMW SVP Elmar Frickenstein revealed on stage as BMW Touch Command. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-7-420-90.jpg Samsung hasn't stopped there, recently acquiring cloud-based smart home tech startup SmartThings to further its vision. And with it comes partnerships with dozens of IoT companies ready to hop on board. But thankfully, Samsung doesn't seem to have horse blinders on regarding our connected future. The company claims to be looking at this from every angle, realizing that there are still many questions that need definitive answers before IoT truly takes off. Even a connected toaster could be deadly in the wrong handsThat's where President of the Foundation of Economic Trends Jeremy Rifkin comes in. Rifkin helped the audience come down off of Yoon's Jetsons-like high with a sobering message. "Closing off avenues to this technology goes against the capability of the system," Rifkin said, alluding to the much-needed rancor surrounding issues like net neutrality. "Making sure no one is discriminated against is crucial to the success of the Internet of Things." http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-4-420-90.jpg Rifkin also expressed concerns that everyone in the audience was likely feeling: security and privacy. We've all seen how movies like 2001: Space Odyssey and Minority Report turned out. "We need to ensure a common set of codes, regulations and standards for interoperability in an open system," Rifkin warned. "We need to build resiliency and redundancy into the IoT system to safeguard against disruption and destruction." It's an honorable position, and a necessary one, but knowing that anything and everything Internet-connected can and will be hacked, this will be a neverending battle. And when your doors, windows and other household items are at stake, we'll all likely be at the center of it. IoT could turn into Big Brother, but that's up to usBut before even worrying about security, more conversations need to happen regarding exactly how far down this rabbit hole we want to go. Jawbone CEO Hossain Rahman talked at length about what will be possible in the age of IoT on the Samsung keynote stage. Namely, Rahman talked of how biometrics through fitness trackers could extend from exercise out to tracking how the media we consume affects our sleep health. It's scenarios like this that are bound to be divisive for consumers, but Rahman was keen to alleviate those concerns. "It's not just about the data. It's about getting the results that people want," Rahman said. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/CES%202015/Samsung%20Keynote/samsungkeynote-6-420-90.jpg And that's exactly right. The Internet of Things will only be as powerful as we, the consumers, allow it be. No one is forcing IoT upon us, and that's the beauty of it: we have the power to shape exactly what IoT becomes and how deeply it affects our lives by simply voting with our dollar. Samsung's Jetsons dreams will soon come trueYoon wasn't all talk during his keynote, hinting at real work that's being done within Samsung to make IoT a reality right now. "We are working on a sensor that can detect up to 20 different smells," Yoon teased of Samsung's ePOP and Bio Processors. "We also are working on three dimensional sensors that can detect the tiniest of movements." Of course, that's in addition to Samsung's new smart TVs, omnidirectional smart speakers and it's Gear S smartwatch integration with BMW cars. "All of this technology is something that will be available later this year," Yoon teased. "I've analyzed every turn since I was a young engineer, but every change is nothing compared to what is to come ahead." The Internet of Things raises more questions now than it provides solutions. Now, it's up to companies like Samsung and organizations like the Foundation of Economic Trends to come up with the answers along with the technology.

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/Connected%20home/Belkin-470-75.jpgConnected devices, wearable and otherwise, are the big noise at CES 2015. Belkin makes an excellent range of connected devices called WeMo, with everything from your basic smartphone-controlled plug sockets to the sophisticated hobbyist's tool the Maker, which can turn non-smart devices smart. What better time than CES 2015, then, for the firm to unleash a fresh wave of WeMo Internet of Things things? Exactly. Via the WeMo Link Zigbee hub, you can now control the devices pictured above through the WeMo app on Android and iOS. Sexy they aren't, but these are meant to be discreet little home fittings, not style statements. From the left, there's the WeMo Door and Window Sensor, which magnetically detects whether a portal is ajar, potentially meaning intruders or, even worse, that a housemate is raiding your fridge. "Pair with a WeMo Insight Switch and a fan heater to automate the heating to only turn on when the window is closed, helping to save money and energy," Belkin suggests. Arguably more useful is the WeMo Keychain Sensor, which is an in-home tracking device, primarily for children and pets. It sends alerts when connected or disconnected to your home network, letting you know if someone has come in or gone out. A button on the Keychain Sensor lets you control other WeMo devices, and again you can get busy with the old IFTTT, turning off the heating as the house's last occupant leaves, or firing up your home AV setup as soon as you get in the door. Finally, the WeMo Room Motion Sensor uses infrared to detect heat signatures for intruders, whilst ignoring pets, for fewer false alarms. Applications range from home security to turning on WeMo lights as you or your kids stumble to the bathroom after bedtime. Release is slated for the second half of 2015, with pricing details to follow. Yeah, we know this stuff is the very definition of inessential, but there's something so irresistible about being able to monitor and mess about with your home from afar, is there not? Want a whole lot more news from CES 2015? Head here.

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Netflix/Netflix%204K%20feature/NetflixBuilding-470-75.jpgNetflix has cropped up at a few CES 2015 press conferences, touting HDR and various partnerships. But it's also got a little something of its own to promote, the Netflix Recommended TV program. Netflix described the initiative as an independent smart TV evaluation program aimed at helping consumers choose TVs "built for a superior internet TV experience." The firm is looking for TVs with top-notch performance, easy menu navigation and new features that improve, not detract, from the smart TV experience. Screens that meet its requirements will bear a Netflix Recommended TV logo. First waveWhile having a seamless Netflix experience seems to be the house of House of Cards' primary concern, it will bestow the Recommended TV logo to smart TVs that also meet other criteria, such as fast turn-on times, speedy app launches and speedy video playback. Additional criteria details are expected in the spring. Netflix counts Sony, LG, Sharp, Vizio and Roku TV makers as early participants in the Recommended TV program. Though it will start in the US, Netflix said global TV manufacturers will adopt the program's features, too. Check out the Samsung SUHD TV!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/42089958/sc/28/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443506537/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42089958/sc/28/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443506537/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42089958/sc/28/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443506537/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42089958/sc/28/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443506537/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42089958/sc/28/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443506537/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/42089958/sc/28/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/projectors/sony/VPL-VW350ES-470-75.jpgIf you're already living champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Sony has a swanky new video projector that will nicely match your rich and famous lifestyle in gorgeous 4K that comes out to about $2500 per 1000 pixels. Sony today announced a new video projector offering four times the resolution of HD, with native support for 4K content up to 60p at 4096 x 2160 that promises "breathtaking image quality." For most consumers, however, the only thing breathtaking about the VPL-VW350ES projector is the price: Just shy of $10,000 (about £6,445, AU$12,345), which works out to about $5,000 per HDMI port, since the system only comes with two inputs. The Sony VPL-VW350ES features a SXRD panel, which the company claims produces higher resolution images without sacrificing the deep contrast or fast motion capabilities of traditional Ultra HD televisions. So little, so muchAt roughly 19.5 x 7.6875 x 18.25 inches (495.6 x 195.3 x 463.6 mm) and weighing only 31 pounds (14 kg), the Sony VPL-VW350ES certainly packs a lot of wallop for the diminutive size. The projector pushes 1,500 lumens worth of brightness, which Sony touts as offering a wider color space with more vibrant tones and increased precision; a low-latency mode also makes the unit a good fit for hardcore gamers as well. Sony will begin offering the VPL-VW350ES later this month at company stores and authorized dealers nationwide, and the projector supports 4K services from Netflix and Amazon Instant Video out of the box in addition to Sony's own. Here's everything you need to know about CES 2015

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Windows/windows_81_rtm/win81%20startscreen-470-75.jpgRumours that Windows 10 would be free for some users have been popping up since last year and one more publication is suggesting that Windows 8.1 will snag it for the princely sum of nothing too. Softpedia quotes "people close to the matter" and adds that Windows 7 users will have a small fee to pay whereas everyone else will have to pay the full price. That strategy is likely to have been put in place to encourage users to swap for a completely new system, rather than upgrade an existing configuration. Microsoft has already confirmed that anything older than Windows 7 will need a completely fresh install which is likely to mean having to go through the painstaking process of formatting one's PC. What will make things even more interesting is the fact that Windows 8.1 is currently free on any devices with a display size smaller than 9-inch, which could potentially mean that Windows 10 will come as a freebie for those as well. Check our hands-on review of Windows 10http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555365/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555365/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555365/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555365/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443555365/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9c6/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/DOWNLOADS/audio/Mp3tag/Dotd-028-Mp3tag-470-75.jpgWe all know organising a music library can be a nightmare, but let Mp3tag take the strain and it'll be back to its best in no time. Why you need itMp3tag is a simple program for editing the tags and metadata of your MP3 files. That doesn't sound like much, but when you have a music library spanning tens of thousands of songs or more, ensuring your music is organised and well kept is an integral part of keeping your sanity. After all, if half your songs are mislabelled, your music library is going to look pretty messy. Should you spell it REM or R.E.M.? Is it NWA, N.W.A. or N.W.A? (Hint: it's the third one.) This is the type of conundrum that can lead to you ending up with music listed under five different variations of 'Red Hot Chili Peppers'. But with Mp3tag you can amend metadata quickly and easily, both for individual files and using its batch processing tool. But it's more than just a one trick pony. Mp3tag can create playlists and work with embedded cover art, while its integration with online databases like Discogs and Amazon means you'll never misname a file or lose its cover art again. There's also the option to import tags from filenames, text files and local freedb databases, plus you can export tag info to formats like HTML, XML and TXT. Key featuresWorks on: PCVersions: FreeOrganise: It's OK, no need to tear your hair out any more – Mp3tag will get your music library organised and running smoothly once againImport/export: Pull in external data or export it for later useExtras: There's more to Mp3tag than just metadata editing, as it can create playlists, grab cover art and moreYou'll also likeAudacitySharepodCopyTrans ManagerMP3Gainmp3DirectCuthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555363/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555363/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555363/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555363/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443555363/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9ca/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/press/windows10-04-470-75.jpgMicrosoft's head of Windows Insider program, Gabriel Aul, has confirmed that Windows 10 will require a fresh install on Windows devices older than Windows 7. Revealed in a reply from his Twitter account, Aul wrote that there won't be any full upgrade paths as these will be solely available for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. It makes sense given that some of them might be on older filesystems (e.g. FAT32). That's also assuming that Windows 10 will run on these systems, which although they may have enough resources (RAM/CPU) to power Microsoft's newest OS, may well run into compatibility issues with legacy components/peripherals (rather than software). Upgrade pathThat said, you can upgrade Windows XP to Windows 10 (Technical Preview) and still keep some (if not all) of your applications and settings in place. You will need to adhere to three rules (same bit and language versions) and have access to older Windows ISOs. Microsoft is set to reveal more details about Windows 10 at an event scheduled on January 21 at its campus in Redmond. There's even talk of an updated version of Office for Mobile being announced there. Check our hands-on review of Windows 10http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555361/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555361/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555361/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443555361/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443555361/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/4204f9cf/sc/5/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/car%20tech/Hyundai/hyundai_bluelink_androidwear-470-75.jpgThe pool of people who have both a Hyundai car and an Android Wear is probably relatively small, but those individuals will soon get a treat: the ability to start their cars on their watches. There are smartphone apps that let users start their cars, but this appears to be the first wearable application that does the same. The "Blue Link" Android Wear app will let users locate, unlock and start their cars from their wrists, Hyundai revealed in an announcement today. The app should theoretically work with any of the company's Blue Link-connected cars. But with Android Auto picking up steam, Hyundai will likely soon not be alone in offering functionality like this. Like everything else that's even remotely exciting this week, it will debut at CES 2015, so keep an eye out once TechRadar is at the show. TechRadar reviewed Google's Nexus 6http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/41f6205a/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443478281/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f6205a/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443478281/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f6205a/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443478281/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f6205a/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443478281/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f6205a/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443478281/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f6205a/sc/15/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Twitter/twitter_techradar-470-75.jpgTwitter is rolling out a feature that it teased back in November: a "while you were away" section that sits at the top of users' home feeds. The feature has begun appearing in some users' apps, as a quick Twitter search for "while you were away" reveals. The "while you were away" lives up to its name by showing you popular or important tweets posted since you last looked at the service. Precisely how Twitter determines what's relevant to you is unclear, but the non-chronological nature of "while you were away" makes comparisons to Facebook's News Feed easy. Some users may get annoyed that their Twitter home screens are showing them old news, but the regular chronological feed resumes after a bit of scrolling, and this feature is most definitely better than the other unsolicited crap Twitter rolled out in 2014. It does once again beg the question, though: what's the point of Twitter if it's just like Facebook? Apple's new iPhone may have won 2014http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/41f57f94/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443475251/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f57f94/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443475251/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f57f94/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443475251/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f57f94/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443475251/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f57f94/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443475251/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41f57f94/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/DOWNLOADS/internet/Opera/Dotd-026-Opera-470-75.jpgWith a range of new and improved features, the Opera web browser is tooled up and ready to challenge the big boys in the browser war. Why you need itStart the new year with a new browser and give Opera a try. Although it's not as well known as some of its bigger-name rivals, it's been around for years and has made some real strides forward. Thanks to the browser wars that have been hotting up in recent years, Opera has seen its performance markedly improve. It's now right up there as a genuine competitor to the big boys of Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Aside from the fast loading speeds, useful organisational tools and competitive range of extensions, Opera has a few interesting tricks up its sleeve. There's the Speed Dial, which displays customisable tiles for your favourite websites whenever you open a new tab. Added to that is that Turbo mode, which compresses web pages by up to 80%, saving you bandwidth if you're not on an unlimited internet plan. So take a break from the big browsers and give Opera a try – you could be pleasantly surprised. Key featuresWorks on: PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and moreVersions: FreeFast: Competition from its rivals has seen Opera up its performance, making it about as fast as the super speedy Google ChromeExtensions: Add extra features to your browsing experience with the large choice of extensions available to downloadExtra features: Opera has some useful features of its own, such as Speed Dial and Turbo modeYou'll also likeGoogle ChromeFirefoxInternet ExplorerSafariThunderbirdhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443440673/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443440673/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443440673/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443440673/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443440673/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41edd2fb/sc/4/a2t.img

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Tizen/Tizen-Logo-01-470-75.jpgSamsung confirmed on its official blog that all Smart TVs launched in 2015 will be powered by a new platform built around the Tizen operating system. The OS was originally destined to be Samsung's answer to Android on the smartphone front, as the Korean company tried to reduce its dependence on Google's platform. Although a second Tizen smartphone, the Z1, is expected to be launched in the next few weeks, it looks that Samsung's ambitions have been scaled back, at least for now. But television, where much of the market is still dominated by old technology, is pretty much up there for grab No surprises then as Samsung is determined to use its clout as the world's biggest TV maker to set the agenda with Tizen being central to its plan. The new Smart Hub will enable "easy navigation" and "quick access" (don't they all try to do that anyway). Tizen-powered televisions are also expected to sync more easily with other devices using either Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth Low Energy. Samsung has already confirmed that it will have some TVs running Tizen on display at CES 2015 so stay tuned for hands-on next week. Tizen: The operating system that could thwart Android?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/41ed449f/sc/28/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443383004/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41ed449f/sc/28/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443383004/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41ed449f/sc/28/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443383004/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41ed449f/sc/28/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/216443383004/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41ed449f/sc/28/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/216443383004/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/41ed449f/sc/28/a2t.img