sincity

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Google%20IO%202013/Google%20Hangouts-470-75.jpgYour first thought when you read that Google may be looking into launching its own mobile messaging service to compete with WhatsApp is probably "What about Hangouts?" The answer, apparently, is that few outside of the Android ecosystem is using Hangouts, perhaps thanks in part to the fact that it requires users to sign in with their Google accounts. Other messaging services, including WhatsApp and its many rivals around the world, require only a phone number. But unlike Hangouts Google's new messaging service will reportedly ditch the Google account requirement, according to the Economic Times, a smart move if Google wants to compete. And boy does Google want to competeGoogle actually tried to buy WhatsApp itself back in 2013, but lost the bidding war to Facebook. Now Google will launch its new messaging service in 2015, the Times said. It will test the service in emerging markets like India, where the company has reportedly sent Google Product Manager Nikhyl Singhal to do recon on the messaging app ecosystem. Google Hangouts just dialed up free voice callshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158475860/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158475860/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158475860/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158475860/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158475860/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19ecc4/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/Pn8F3lgWZQg

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Firefox/firefox_browser_logo-470-75.jpgMozilla has been toying with a 64-bit Firefox browser for years, and now it's finally resolved to make it official. 64-bit Firefox will arrive with Firefox 37, which is scheduled to launch on March 31 2015, according to Mozilla's wiki. Two of Mozilla's main competitors, Chrome and Internet Explorer, already offer 64-bit versions. However it's actually Windows 10 that deserves partial for this news, as Mozilla apparently believes Microsoft may drop x86 support entirely with its next OS version. Face your fearsThat would leave Mozilla in hot water without a 64-bit browser, though the company's fear of a 64-bit-only Windows 10 is just that - an unsubstantiated fear. We've reached out to Microsoft to see if they want to address this question, and we'll update if they do. Best browser 2014: which should you be using?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f19539d/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445842/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19539d/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445842/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19539d/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445842/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19539d/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445842/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19539d/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965445842/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f19539d/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/7N2t1p7DED8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/facebook-whatsapp-deal-470-75.jpgIt's been months and months since Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion (about £9.5b, AU$17.7b), and the European Union has finally signed off on the deal. EU regulators revealed in September that they were investigating the acquisition for potential antitrust violations. That investigation included surveys sent out asking Facebook and WhatsApp competitors asking whether the deal will lead to raised prices or deter innovation. But today the EU gave the deal a great, big "OK" gesture, curling its collective index fingers and thumbs into the shape of a circle and holding them up for all to see, reports Reuters. Something for everyone"We have carefully reviewed this proposed acquisition and come to the conclusion that it would not hamper competition in this dynamic and growing market," European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said in a statement. "Consumers will continue to have a wide choice of consumer communications apps." WhatsApp is reportedly poised to add voice calling to its messaging service, but nevertheless the EU found its merger with Facebook poses no threat to competition. The deal is good for WhatsApp, though, which experienced a surge of 500 million new users in the immediate aftermath of Facebook's purchase. And no doubt Facebook sees something in the service as well - even for the largest social network in the world $19 billion ain't exactly chump change. Why did Facebook buy WhatsApp?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445841/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445841/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445841/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965445841/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965445841/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1953a2/sc/46/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/OXT9RzeKTZE

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/toodamnhighguy_meme-470-75.jpgStreaming music subscribers are used to paying $10 (about £6, AU$11) for their services, but Apple reportedly thinks that's too much money. Many have wondered exactly what Apple will do with Beats, which was founded by Dr. Dre in 2006, and now it seems one part of its plan may involve lowering the price of the Beats Music service. Apple is in talks with music labels about revamping the service's features and rights so it can sell subscriptions for less than $10 a month, reports Re/code. The site's sources said these discussions are still in their early stages, and Apple won't revamp Beats until 2015 at the earliest. Think past headphonesWhen Apple bought Beats earlier this year speculation ran rampant, but we determined back then that it was never about the headphones. A September report said Apple was going to shut Beats Music down, though Apple then made a notable break in its usual lips-zipped attitude to say that wasn't true. Apple however does have some changes to the service in mind, and they could include the lowered price and new features rumored today. 10 things you need to know about Apple buying Beatshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158473563/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158473563/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158473563/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158473563/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158473563/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1939f4/sc/28/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/QgXqc9Q0MAE

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Apps/facebook_instagram-580-75-470-75.jpgFacebook has already conquered social media, and its other ongoing conquests range from virtual reality to messaging. But the social network may be about to embark on a new frontier: healthcare. Facebook's health initiative will be twofold, three separate sources told Reuters. One part could take shape as online "support communities" where people could congregate and discuss their ailments, while Facebook is also reportedly considering building a "preventative care" lifestyle improvement app. Private practiceFacebook will begin rolling these apps out quietly and under a different names because of the stigma surrounding Facebook's various privacy policies, a source told the site. That's pretty ironic considering the company's tumultuous relationship with its own users' anonymity. This all may have begun when Facebook changed its profiles in 2012 to include users' organ donor status, a move that reportedly resulted in more people than usual registering to become organ donors. In addition Facebook apparently noticed a trend in people with certain conditions and illnesses regularly searching the social network for information. Some users will no doubt be uncomfortable sharing such personal information online, so it's a good thing Facebook is also changing its real name policy. Facebook's second policy change this week involves News Feed fiddlinghttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158472201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158472201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158472201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158472201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158472201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f18a3f8/sc/23/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/J6SFYLBEC6I

The time between when new versions of Windows are appearing is shrinking. Just when you think it is safe to buy a new PC then Microsoft brings out yet another version. Please do not be fooled by Microsoft's marketing machine that the next version of Windows (deliberately called Windows 10 to disengage your brain from thinking that it had anything to do with the last version Windows 8) is an advancement; it is not, it is a correction. Windows 10 principally corrects the wrong philosophy of operation introduced in Windows 8 (and 8.1). That was driven by the emergence and popularity of tablet PCs and phones and considered that all devices, whether touch screen or PC, could be used in the same way with one operating system. Thus, when used on a PC, Windows did not boot into the usual desktop but gave you an Apps screen instead. When you did get into the desktop there was no start button from which to control anything. Unless you installed a third party start button, the Windows desktop was about as useful as a car without a steering wheel. Now after this debacle, there occurred two significant changes in Microsoft. The first was the early retirement (or removal) of the CEO Steve Ballmer and the appointment of Satya Nadella (a techie) instead; the second was that Microsoft have stopped being driven by what the kids on the street want but by the needs of two thirds of their customers, the business users. The result of these two events is Windows 10 which, as mentioned above, corrects the philosophy by adapting the operating system to work on a variety of devices and does not try to adapt the user. Windows 10 running on a PC once again opens to a proper desktop and has a start button, whilst on a tablet, a phone, or a touchscreen PC it will use the Apps Side. In fact, the start button is now a 'super' start button which incorporates not only the usual menu but Apps as well. These Apps now open in normal windows on the desktop thus ending the switching to the Apps side (also known as the Dark Side). In addition, you can have multiple desktops enabling you to have different setups, for example, for work and play. Other than these aspects, Microsoft have not mentioned anything else of significance. Missing is the replacement of the hierarchical file storage system with a database system. In this, you would have been able to store your files in one location and set up your own folder structures to access them. This feature was to be introduced with Windows Vista, but Microsoft still do not seem to be able to get it to work four versions on. In conclusion, the next version of Windows appears to correct many of the previous failings caused by Microsoft's perception of what their customers want, and the change of CEO also appears to have refocused the business back to the technicality of Windows as an operating system. The most significant aspect, 'will it work for business?', still needs to be demonstrated. The answer to that is probably yes, and better than Windows 8, but moving Apps to desktop will only (potentially) increase the number of distractions to the user. As always, third party software will come to rescue and make it work properly, so there is hope. Check our Windows 10 hub here. Nigel Allan is Technical Director at SBC Solutions Limitedhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158462301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f1678fb/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/II1_NyvrwCM

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Microsoft/forza5-470-75.jpgMicrosoft has bolstered Windows 10's gaming chops from the get-go by confirming that its upcoming OS will ship with the latest version of its graphics API, DirectX 12 (DX12). In a post on the DirectX Developer blog, Microsoft wrote that developers signed up to its DX12 Early Access Program can get hold of "updated runtime, API headers, drivers, documentation, and samples" by joining the Windows Insider Program and downloading the recently-outed Windows 10 Technical Preview. Everything you need to know about Windows 10The company also announced that it has partnered with Epic to port a new version of the game studio's Unreal Engine 4.4 to DX12 that can be downloaded and tested by developers. Microsoft has been working with Intel to improve performance of its integrated graphics solutions. The pair recently showed off DX12's lower power drain and higher frame capabilities (compared to DX11) by rendering 50,000 asteroids colliding in space on Intel's HD4400, and Early Access subscribers can now download the source code to see how it was done, Microsoft wrote. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f167900/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462300/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f167900/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462300/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f167900/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462300/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f167900/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158462300/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f167900/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158462300/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f167900/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/07BGUB6fuSc

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/tablets/Microsoft/Surface%20Pro%203/Hands%20on%202/surfacepro3-hero-470-75.jpgI believe the preview of Microsoft's latest OS and the early involvement of the developer community will help it to compete more effectively with cloud, mobile device and service providers targeting the enterprise space, while also winning over BYOD proponents Windows 10 comes at a critical juncture for Microsoft in the mobile space. The announcement affords Microsoft the opportunity to realise its true goal of a single OS across desktop, laptop, tablets and phones and a much more transparent experience for consumers and business customers. The company unveiled a very early build in the hope of getting developers on board through the new Windows Insider Program. Windows 10 will be available following Microsoft's Build conference, due to be held in April next year. Check our hands-on of the Windows 10 OSThe mobile enterprise becomes front and centre for Microsoft as well with activity heating up on a couple of fronts on the cloud side, with Azure, and on the device and services side. Both Apple and Samsung are making inroads to go well beyond their role as device providers and are stepping up to provide much broader offerings. Apple has announced a wide-ranging partnership with IBM and Samsung has enhanced its mobile enterprise services offerings. Although Microsoft trails significantly in the device OS war, the shift to the mobile enterprise moves the playing field towards Microsoft. To the extent that Microsoft can bring the device, cloud services and its own back-end systems story together, Windows 10 becomes compelling. When Microsoft announced its Enterprise Mobility Suite announcement it reiterated its position as a cloud-first and mobile-first provider, with Microsoft Corporate VP of Program Management, Brad Anderson, stating, "Mobile and Cloud are so tightly integrated, that delivering the premier Enterprise Mobility solution is best delivered from the Cloud." As a mobile app platform company that was born in the cloud, we couldn't agree more. It is important too that Microsoft plays well in the broader ecosystem and ensures that it can connect with key MBaaS and MADP providers to enable ecore back-end integration. This harmonising of assets is no easy task and Microsoft historically has had challenges in bringing a cohesive roadmap for customers. This will be more important than ever. Mobile enterprise will be increasingly significant to Microsoft and with Windows 10, the early reports demonstrate that the new platform is honing in on enterprise customers and developers building apps for this user base. There was a strong move to support BYOD, with Windows 10 containerization enabling users to work on corporate Windows apps on their preferred device, without fear of information leaking into personal apps and having their personal images, games and files wiped by IT. BYOD will represent the majority in a few years, but unless Microsoft gets significant consumer traction (not forecasted today), enterprise and ties to Microsoft assets will be the lifeblood for the Redmond-based company. Tapping into key enterprises deemed as "Microsoft shops" will be of greatest importance early on, to demonstrate some big name customers buying into Microsoft as a viable mobile enterprise provider across multiple fronts. Tablets play an interesting role in the new Windows 10 environment as the Surface devices have garnered strong accolades as a business device over competitors, in a time when the tablet market is in a bit of flux. Apple is losing share and is second to Android Tablets, while Samsung is keying in on Tablets as a core part of its mobile enterprise strategy. There may be an opportunity here for Microsoft to gain share in the mobile enterprise tablet space, especially as its approach to connecting Surface devices (or their successors) to multiple business services and assets is key to its strategy. With Windows 10, Microsoft said it was going to deliver a converged application platform for developers on all devices with a unified app store. The company said developers will be able to write an application once and deploy it across multiple device types: PCs, tablets, smartphones and even Xbox, making discovery, purchase and updating easier for consumers." Former IDC mobile industry analyst, Stephen Drake, is now VP of business development at mobile app platform provider, FeedHenry.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f143d41/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965527384/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f143d41/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965527384/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f143d41/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965527384/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f143d41/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965527384/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f143d41/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965527384/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f143d41/sc/46/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ezUXy2hY7v4

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-family-470-75.jpgMicrosoft's decision to name its new operating system Windows 10 (rather than Windows 9) certainly came as a surprise, with many people suggesting that it was done to place more distance between itself and the not-so-well received Windows 8. Now, one Reddit user has claimed to know the actual reason behind the curveball. Posting in the /r/technology subreddit, a self-proclaimed Microsoft developer going by the name of Cranbourne wrote that it was done to avoid conflict with third-party code that searches for "Windows 9*". An alternative theory on why Microsoft moved to Windows 10Cranbourne reckons that such code isn't referring to Windows 9, but rather Windows 95 and Windows 98, with the asterisk acting as a wildcard. Early testing by Microsoft developers apparently revealed it would cause enough of an issue due to the oodles of programs that would search for code related to those two platforms, causing the company to take the "pragmatic solution" by moving to Windows 10. Here is the post in full: "Microsoft dev here, the internal rumours are that early testing revealed just how many third party products that had code of the form: if(version.StartsWith("Windows 9")) { /* 95 and 98 */ } else { and that this was the pragmatic solution to avoid that." Mystery unsolvedIt seems like a plausible explanation, though we are taking it with a pinch of salt, but the question looks set to run judging by Microsoft's non-answer that it gave to Gizmodo, which recieved the following statement when questioning the claim: "Windows 10 carries Windows forward into a new way of doing things. It is not an incremental change, but a new Windows that will empower the next billion users." That totally clears that up, then. Via Neowin http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965391775/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965391775/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965391775/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965391775/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965391775/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f0b4940/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/8qrSxMiJgmM

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/Screenshot%202014-10-01%2021.48.26-470-75.jpgWindows Technical Preview is here. Despite Microsoft calling it a 'moving target' it can be used – at your own risk, see below – and many features do work well. So here's your guide to installing the Technical Preview by way of 10 things you simply must know about Windows 10's first available version – build 9841. You'll certainly see it evolve; Microsoft has promised regular updates. 10 great new features in Windows 101. It's for expertsDon't install it if you don't know what an ISO file is or you don't have a separate PC to install it on. Microsoft is stressing that without knowledge, you won't get on very well. This is extreme pre-release software. It will have bugs in it. It will probably crash. It might change, things might not work. In short, don't depend on it! 2. You need to prepare before you installAs well as that second PC, you need to do a few things in preparation. The main one is to back up your data if you're installing it on a PC you regularly use. If you are installing it on a PC you regularly use, you might like to think again. If you didn't use Windows 8.1 and might have issues with compatibility, check the Compatibility Center. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/qvbqldjnsm2euoujy6wx-420-90.jpg 3. You need to sign up to the Windows Insider ProgramOnce you know that, you'll need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, namely you need to agree to the terms and conditions that don't hold Microsoft responsible if you're silly enough to install it on a PC where you've got your unfinished dissertation and not backed it up. Your Windows 10 install will get regular updates. 4. The download is around 4GBThe ISO files for Windows 10 are around 4GB depending on which version you download – there are 32 and 64-bit versions of several different language versions – US English, UK English, Chinese Simplified and Portuguese. The Windows 10 key is NKJFK-GPHP7-G8C3J-P6JXR-HQRJR. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/Screenshot%202014-10-01%2017.12.26-420-90.jpg If it's an enterprise version you want, head here to download Windows 10 Technical Preview for Enterprise. Then you will need a DVD or USB drive large enough to hold a 4GB ISO file and to download one of the Windows 10 ISO files if you're installing it on a clean PC. We'd recommend a tool like Rufus or ImgBurn to copy the ISO to the drive. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/Screenshot%202014-10-01%2020.10.16-420-90.jpg 3. It has a shelf lifeYour Windows 10 installation will stop working on April 15 2015. Windows 10 almost certainly won't be released then, but we may well see a beta of the OS to replace your Technical Preview install. Microosoft will remind users to upgrade after April 1 2015. 4. You can install it directly on a Windows 8/Windows 8.1 PCIf you're installing it from Windows 8.1 you can simply mount the ISO and execute setup.exe. If you're installing it from an older version, you can run setup.exe from the USB drive you created from the ISO. Double-tap or double-click setup.exe and then follow the steps indicated. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/2014-10-01%2021.08.19-420-90.jpg 5. You can keep your filesWhen you go through the installation process you can choose to keep all your files or keep nothing, it really is up to you. If you're upgrading from Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 you can keep Windows settings, personal files, and most apps. From Windows 7 you can keep Windows settings, personal files, and most apps. But if you previously ran Windows Vista you must perform a clean install and can keep NOTHING. Sorry, but Microsoft doesn't like Vista anymore. Much like everybody else. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/rcrsixq3sx1jjdivzs4o-420-90.jpg 6. You don't need a very good PC to run the previewIf your PC can run Windows 8.1, you can also run Windows 10 Technical Preview. You need a 1GHz or faster processor with 1GB of memory for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit. You'll also need at least 16GB of free hard drive space. The preview won't work on Windows RT 8.1 and Windows N editions. 7. There are limited features for touchTechnical Preview works with touch, but "some things will be rough and unfinished" says Microsoft. The corporation is working on improvements for the OS to work with touch. 8. Language packs need to be reinstalledIf you're running Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 and have installed a language pack or a they'll be removed when you install Technical Preview. You'll see a message telling you to re-add them. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/Screenshot%202014-10-01%2017.13.35-420-90.jpg 9. You can't go backYou won't be able to use your recovery partition to downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 8.1 or similar. If you have a recovery partition on your system, it will no longer be able to restore your computer to the version of Windows you had before. And, as you'd expect from a system with no recovery partition, you'll need to install a previous version of Windows from a DVD or USB drive when it comes to overwriting or wiping your Windows 10 install. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/2014-10-01%2021.08.53-420-90.jpg 10. Using a virtual machine could be the safest wayYou can use something like VirtualBox to install Windows 10 as a Virtual Machine. Simply click the New button in the main window to create a new machine, give it a name (you'll need to choose the Windows 8.1 option) and then when finished go to Storage in the left sidebar, and next to Controller: IDE, select the Add CD button, then Choose Disk and select the Windows 10 ISO. And there you have it – Windows 10 in a VM. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/install/haijuzjn7amugeygvjo4-420-90.jpg http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961426729/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961426729/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961426729/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961426729/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961426729/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f07b6c4/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/oyaQdZnYzmQ

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Ello/Ello_creators-470-75.jpgBetween its forced separation of Facebook Messenger from the rest of the app and its bullheaded alienation of the LGBT community, Facebook hasn't made many friends the past few months. But now it seems the social network wants to remedy that. No, unfortunately they're not stitching Messenger back into the main Facebook app. Even better, though, the social network has agreed to be more lenient when it comes to its real name policy. This concession also came with an apology to the LGBT community, proving Facebook knows when it has to eat a little crow. Ello guv'nahThe trouble for Facebook may have really begun when some users, particularly LGBT users whose accounts had been suspended over Facebook's "real name" policy, began migrating to Ello. Facebook didn't do itself any favors when it refused to budge initially, but according to Facebook Vice President of Product Chris Cox the company has rethought its position. "I want to apologize to the affected community of drag queens, drag kings, transgender, and extensive community of our friends, neighbors, and members of the LGBT community for the hardship that we've put you through in dealing with your Facebook accounts over the past few weeks," Cox wrote in a Facebook post. "We owe you a better service and a better experience using Facebook, and we're going to fix the way this policy gets handled so everyone affected here can go back to using Facebook as you were," he continued. Cox also revealed that most of the LGBT users who were reported for not using their real names were targeted by a single vigilante user, and unfortunately Facebook didn't notice the pattern at first. He said Facebook stands by its real name policy, but that it's never been about making people use their actual, legal names. Now they're "building better tools" for dealing with real name reports while ensuring individuals can use the names they use in real life, regardless of their actual legal names, and providing "more deliberate customer service" to flagged accounts. Facebook forcing us to download Messenger is a brilliant movehttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f077448/sc/30/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158400401/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f077448/sc/30/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158400401/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f077448/sc/30/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158400401/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f077448/sc/30/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/206158400401/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f077448/sc/30/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/206158400401/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f077448/sc/30/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ycz6SQj5SFk

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/IOT_generic_pg-470-75.jpgBefore all our blenders and doorbells can be connected on the Internet of Things, device and software makers need to agree on certain things. These gadgets will all need to speak a common language, for example. And that's where ARM Holdings' latest announcement comes in. The semiconductor and software design firm has announced a new device platform and a free OS that it hopes will accelerate deployment of the Internet of Things. Unfortunately this new platform is called the ARM mbed (not a typo) IoT Device Platform, but other than that it sounds pretty good. Nternet of HingsThe mbed device platform "has been built around open standards and will bring Internet protocols, security and standards-based manageability into one integrated solution optimized for energy and cost-constrained devices," reads a press release sent out today. Coupled with the free mbed OS operating system for devices with ARM Cortex-M processors, the mbed platform should let device makers who choose to adopt it more easily integrate their gadgets with the existing IoT. ARM hopes the platform will let these companies "focus on innovation and differentiation" instead of having to spend resources developing their own software and platform tech. The platform also includes the mbed Device Server, a licensable product that provides secure server services to Internet of Things device makers, and mbed.org, a resource-filled "focus point" ARM says is used by 70,000 developers. Capitalizing on opportunities presented by the Internet of Thingshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373855/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373855/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373855/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373855/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965373855/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d3/sc/46/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/LG46Rtw8_2E

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/http://cdn0.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/logos/oracle-logo-470-75.JPGOracle has added 14 mobile applications to its E-Business suite. New apps include mobile procurement, mobile expenses and mobile inventory. The applications are meant to bolster the E-Business Suite by offering easy-to-use Android and iOS apps that can be accessed and utilized on mobile devices in a similar manner to how they are accessed on desktops. Licensed E-Business Suite users can access the new mobile applications for free with the two latest versions of the platform, Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1.3 and Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1.2. The full list of new apps features the following:Mobile ApprovalsMobile ExpensesMobile TimecardsMobile ProcurementMobile Sales OrdersMobile InventoryMobile Product InformationMobile ProcurementMobile Project ManagerMobile Discrete Production SupervisorMobile Process Production SupervisorMobile Project ManufacturingMobile MaintenanceMobile Field ServiceEarlier this year, Oracle unveiled 57 applications for smartphones and tablets. The apps covered maintenance, field service, project management, supply chain, health and safety management. This week, Oracle also added six new tools to its Cloud Platform Services. The tools focused on big data, mobile, integration, process management, Java Platform, andNode.js. 10 CRM systems you need to knowhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965373854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965373854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06d1d6/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/HvQiYYObwZg

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Android/android_lollies-470-75.jpgAndroid L may technically be out in the wild, but for most users it's still out of reach. Nevertheless info about new builds pops up now and then, as is the case with this video, which was reportedly posted to the Google Chromium issue tracker. The video shows a Chromium crashing bug, but more importantly it also provides a glimpse at Android L build LRW87D. The differences between build LRW87D and existing Android L preview versions may be minimal, but they're fun to note regardless. Refinements and tweaksAs 9 to 5 Google points out, the clock's numbers are bolder, the navigation buttons are smaller, and the wi-fi status indicator looks slightly different. And also it apparently has issues playing videos without crashing. " width="420">YouTube : Watch the video yourself to see if you can spot any more differences. In the meantime Android fans waiting for L might not have to wait much longer, as the new Android version is expected to launch for more users this fall. Android L reportedly accelerating the race to 64-bit smartphoneshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f06c584/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965372576/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06c584/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965372576/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06c584/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965372576/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06c584/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965372576/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06c584/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965372576/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f06c584/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ZJf34wi6uPw

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/laptops/Chromebook/chromebook_detail-470-75.jpgGoogle Chrome has come a long way, and the search company seems intent on making sure it's the most safe and stable browser out there. For some time Google has offered monetary bounties to users who discover bugs and vulnerabilities in Chrome, and now they're upping the max reward by a factor of three. Previously bug hunters could earn up to $5,000 (about £3,000, AU$5,700), but they've upped that to $15,000 (about £9,200, AU$17,200) for users who discover new exploits, which at this stage in Chrome's lifespan may be harder than it sounds. Bonus points - and more money! - go to any those who can show exactly how a vulnerability could affect other Chrome users, Google says. Exterminate"As Chrome has become more secure, it's gotten even harder to find and exploit security bugs," Google wrote in a blog post. "This is a good problem to have!" Users who discover new Chrome bugs will also have their names added to a new Hall of Fame page. It should be noted that Google has always reserved the right to hand out as much cash as they feel like to these hunters. As the company points out, they gave someone $30,000 (about £18,500, AU$34,300) in September "for a very impressive report." Hopeful code sleuths can head to Google's Chrome security hub for more details on exactly how to eke the most cash out of their discoveries. Google unleashes its 64-bit Chrome browser for Windowshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f05851c/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961420900/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f05851c/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961420900/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f05851c/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961420900/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f05851c/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961420900/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f05851c/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961420900/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f05851c/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/L14mIpVQXks

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%2010/press/windows10-04-470-75.jpgDuring Microsoft's Windows 10 launch event yesterday, one thing became clear: Microsoft is absolutely desperate to banish the dual-interface confusion that made Windows 8 (though not so much Windows 8.1) a joke. With the move to a more unified UI, I can't help but feel like Microsoft is turning a little against touch with this release – even if there are still numerous touch features present, but Windows 10 handles touch differently than Windows 8. Could Microsoft yet reveal a tablet version of Windows Phone 10? It's possible. One thing's for sure – Windows 10 does mark a new beginning; a unified OS across various devices and Universal apps, too. The idea is that the new Windows will work on basically any device, maybe including ARM devices. Many devices, one WindowsMicrosoft wouldn't be drawn on it, instead preferring to talk up Windows Phone 10 as its ARM option, but if Microsoft wants Windows on every device, it will have to offer an ARM option for full-on productivity tablets. Windows RT was the OS for ARM devices that was meant to change tablets. It was pretty much dead on arrival (which we always said it should be) thanks to a total lack of sales and manufacturer support. RT has now disappeared into the great recycle bin in the sky, along with the Windows 8 task switcher and possibly charms as we knew them. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Windows_Product_Family_9-30-Event-741x416-420-90.jpg But the good news is that Universal apps mean the line between Intel and ARM devices should be broken down in future – as well as the line between devices that have touch and those that don't. As Microsoft's Terry Myerson says: "Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise data centers worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don't have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types." Continuum's the keyThat's why the new Continuum feature is absolutely key to the success of Windows 10 – the OS being able to adapt the user interface depending on the type of input and the type of display it is attached to. It's a very Apple-style feature in name as well as seamless function (well, it's designed to be seamless) but should bridge the gap between the increasingly diverse community of Windows devices. As Mary Branscombe says in our hands on review, Microsoft is trying to strike a balance for every kind of user with Windows 10. And that includes business and enterprise – yesterday's event was designed specifically to signpost Windows 10 for these types of users, some of whom are persevering with the non-supported Windows XP while others wonder where they will go after Windows 7. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Three-program-snap-and-suggestions-420-90.jpg There were some interesting developments for those types of users, especially around device management and the ability to customize enterprise app stores and ensure that personal and corporate data don't mix. But the event didn't go that heavy on the detail so enterprises will certainly need to check out Windows 10 and its associated tools themselves. One key benefit is that corporates will be able to choose between Windows Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM) for the management and deployment of all Windows devices – even bog-standard beige-box desktop PCs. That even includes the management of what users do with their data. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture that's pervading through our businesses is also leaking data left, right and centre. According to a recent survey by PwC over 56% of UK companies have mobile security strategies – higher than the global figure – but 18% say they do not have any controls in place over the devices that enter into their businesses. Developers, on the other hand, have a lot to celebrate with Windows 10's Universal apps (although we knew this One Microsoft-derived idea was in the pipeline). This is also key to the multi-device future of Windows 10. There will be one app store across all devices including mobile and Xbox and apps will run on all sizes of device and in all environments (desktop and Modern UI). Apps will update across all of the devices and be simpler to administer. Right now, Windows 10 isn't that different to Windows 8.1 for consumers. Yes, the new Start Menu should assuage some users coming from Windows XP and Windows 7, but there is precious little polish in the Technical Preview build. That's OK – Microsoft has two thirds of a year to add all that in. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Task-view-420-90.jpg Microsoft cites 14% growth in shipments of enterprise PCs during the first half of 2014 alongside a rise in enterprise tablet shipments of 33%. It is those users Microsoft desperately wants to target with this new OS as it endeavours to persuade them away from older products. Microsoft is not only offering a Technical Preview of the OS itself, but is also releasing technical previews of Windows Server and its management tools, too. So does Windows 10 see Windows getting back on track? Probably. But Microsoft has a big challenge in persuading people that it is serious about Windows 10 as a corporate tool as well as something that consumers should want to upgrade to, whether they're converts to Windows 8 or they resolutely stuck with Windows 7. And that's before you mention the millions of people still persevering with Windows XP - the operating system that simply won't die. Truth be told, Microsoft still needs to bridge the gap back to those guys, too. Windows 9 is no more! Check out our updated Windows 10 news, features, price update and release date hub here and our Hands-on Windows 10 Technical Preview here.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965363947/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965363947/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965363947/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965363947/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965363947/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3f048f3a/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/bVNFalXQN3w

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/AU%20News/seebo%20maxx-470-75.jpgAustralians are pretty much spoilt for choice when it comes to recording television these days. While TiVo is essentially a non-player these days, the gap has been filled by the likes of the Foxtel iQ2, Fetch TV and the continual improvement of services like HbbTV. But that hasn't stopped Australian company Seebo from trying to get in on the action by announcing the imminent release of the Seebo Maxx, a DVR with open source software for access to almost unlimited content from the web. Powered by an Intel Atom Dual Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GT218 graphics card, the MAXX comes with 500GB of storage and a twin tuner for recording free to air TV. But more importantly, it runs a forked version of XBMC, which will offer practically unlimited access to internet video and audio content, although that also opens up the door to accessing content of questionable origin. Piracy made simple?Seebo has made a point of not taking responsibility for the actions of any users accessing not-quite-legal content. It offered TechRadar this statement about its position on piracy: "As with other technologies, including any computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet, Seebo enables consumers to access all types of online content. Seebo cannot control what is accessed over the Internet and therefore the responsibility for accessing legal content always lies with the user. Seebo Networks does not condone the viewing of illegal content via Seebo products. "Seebo also takes necessary steps to make the consumer fully aware of their own responsibility. Upon first installing any Seebo product, Seebo provides consumers with warnings about illegal content and they cannot proceed past this step without accepting this warning. Such warnings are also included on packaging and marketing materials. "While Seebo products, including the MAXX, enables consumers to access IPTV channels on the internet through an ISP, it is up to the user to act responsibly regarding what they access and how. Seebo Networks is not capable of monitoring what the user accesses via their own servers, nor can they restrict which websites are visited." Only official IPTV channels will be pre-loaded onto the device at launch, but because it runs an open-source platform, it is incredibly easy to add any internet channel selection within a few button presses. The Seebo Maxx will become available to purchase later this month with an RRP of $599.

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/Touch%20ID%20Apple%20Pay-470-75.jpgIn case users were wondering where Apple Pay was on their brand new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus it looks to be coming with iOS 8.1. A developer with access to the iOS 8.1 beta named Hamza Sood tweeted a screenshot revealing a new section of settings allowing users to fill in their pertinent billing information. This includes credit or debit card numbers, addresses, phone number and email – all of which point to Apple's tap based payment system. In the another screenshot you can also Apple Pay's privacy policy, which adds further evidence to iOS 8.1 will include the NFC-powered payment method. Tablet-sized walletsSood also claims to have discovered another string of code, which reveals the iPad will get Touch ID and allow users to make purchases though apps with Apple Pay. However, the United Kingdom-based programmer also clarified the code makes no mention of NFC. So users might not be bopping credit card machines with the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3 in the near future. Apple Pay is slated to launch in the coming month. Meanwhile, the Cupertino is also expected to hold yet another press event where the company has been rumored to unveil new iPads and OS X Yosemite. Like a perfect storm of tech announcements, it seems very likely Apple will unveil its next line of tablets running the full commercial build of iOS 8.1. What of Apple Pay on the Apple Watch?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965335854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965335854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965335854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208965335854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208965335854/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efd8a05/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/HLTriQso80w

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Virtual-desktop%20(1)-470-75.jpgMicrosoft just announced that the upcoming Windows 9 will, in fact, be called Windows 10. Crazy days. So let's pull out 10 of the very best new features from Microsoft's upcoming Windows XP killer. Talking about the new name, Terry Myerson - executive vice president of Microsoft's Operating Systems Group - said that the Windows 9 name "wouldn't be right" given the new One Microsoft internal strategy. Hence the move to Windows 10. The Windows 10 release date is slated for "mid-next year" as we previously estimated. There was no confirmation as per the rumour that Windows 9 might end up being free. Starting tomorrow Microsoft will start distributing a Technical Preview build of Windows 10 via the Windows Insider Program. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84NI5fjTfpQBelfiore says phones are a "natural step forward" - so expect to see Windows Phone 10 debut in 2015. A Consumer Preview will be coming "early next year" - we reckon it will coincide with CES 2015. Microsoft says it will have more for developers at its Build 2015 conference in April when it will talk more about universal apps. That almost certainly means Windows 10 won't be launched in April. The current build of the new OS is Windows Technical Preview 9841 and is currently at a very early stage. Previously codenamed Threshold, there is currently no Internet Explorer or consumer features like a media player. 1. There's loads of stuff for touch, but it's different stuffDesigned to appeal to experts and novices alike, Microsoft was at pains to point out that it hasn't given up on touch with the new OS. The Charms bar remains for the moment although we expect it to die if you're using a non-touch PC (check out Continum below). Microsoft says it wants to support touch users who have persevered with Windows 8 and "evolve" the touch UI. (Translated: That means it is changing quite a bit.) The task switching will no longer work on the left. So with that and the charms going, that's goodbye to most of the problem with Windows 8 - and a whole philosophy down the pan. Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said at the preview: "We want Windows 7 users to feel like they upgraded from a [Toyota] Prius to a Tesla, but they don't need to learn a new way to drive." http://cdn0.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/TRBC/Logos/Microsoft/windows10-420-100.jpg 2. It's BACK!As we've covered before, the e most noticeable change is the new Start Menu, which looks somewhat like the old start menu. It brings some features from the Windows 8.1 Start Screen, such as live tiles, and can be resized. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Start-menu-420-90.jpg 3. Another new Task View (the Windows 8 flippy thing has gone)Now the Windows 8 task switcher has been unceremoniously dumped, there's a new Task View in Windows 10, too, so users can switch between virtual desktops.That's because Microsoft now recognises that novice users use the taskbar rather than switching in other, cleverer, ways such as Alt+Tab (which also now switches between desktops). http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Task-view-420-90.jpg 4. Snap Assist helps you snap windowsA new Snap Assist feature also helps users work out which way is best to snap apps to. You can snap windows into new screens and tile Windows - just as you've been able to since Windows 2.0 or maybe 3.0. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Three-program-snap-and-suggestions-420-90.jpg 5. The Command Prompt enters the 21st CenturyAnother quite amazing feature for those of us that use it is that the command prompt is now getting keyboard shortcuts! So you will be able to paste in your commands! Hardly groundbreaking, but actually pretty exciting. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows10-2-420-100.jpg 6. Improvements to Windows ExplorerA new Home location is the new default view in Windows Explorer. There's also a Share button on the Windows Explorer taskbar (we really hope this is in the context menu, too). 7. Continum - the special oneThis is the best new thing we found out today. Continum is an on-the-fly mode for 2 in 1 devices that can automatically change mode if it detects there is suddenly no keyboard attached. So, for example, a back button appears to help you navigate the Desktop with touch if the keyboard is removed. We reckon the charms will also disappear in non-touch mode, although we've heard conflicting news about that. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Tech-Preview_Virtual-desktop-420-90.jpg 8. Windows 10 Universal appsWindows 10 will also usher in a new app model - Universal Windows apps. Windows Universal apps are the new name for Metro apps/Modern apps/Windows Store apps. Take your pick on those old monikers, they've got a new one! Presumably (although we don't know as yet) that these will also work on Windows Phone. Windows 10 will be able to run on all devices from phones to servers and there will be a single app store across the lot. All older Windows Store apps will work with Windows 10. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/Windows_Product_Family_9-30-Event-741x416-420-90.jpg 9. Modern (sorry, Universal) apps now float on the DesktopThe new Universal apps also work on the desktop and 'float' in their own Windows. Microsoft wants to banish the separation between the Modern UI and the Desktop. These 'modern' apps on the desktop have a ... icon for more options - replacing the commands that used to be in the charms on the right-hand side of the screen. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Windows/windows9/App_Commands-420-90.jpg 10. Windows 10 has lots for Business and EnterpriseMicrosoft says it hopes to appeal to business with this release of Windows, more so than Windows 8 ever did. Belfiore said they were "starting the dialogue with businesses today". To be honest, it needs to - Windows XP is now ancient and unsupported, while precious other businesses want to make the leap away from Windows 7. But part of the reason why Microsoft is demonstrating the OS without all the consumer features is to show enterprises what the OS is capable of at this stage. This version of Windows will have plenty of other features for enterprise, including a customised store and protection for corporate data. Mobile Device Management will be able to be used for all devices. Windows 10 will keep personal and corporate data separate. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efd137e/sc/4/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/YGbp0RpT2Y8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-06-470-75.jpg By now we all know the fateful story of Windows 8. Released in August 2012, the new Microsoft operating system represented an avant garde approach to computing that excited tech enthusiasts and baffled the general consumer. Hailed for its sleek design, security enhancements and speed, Windows 8 was an attempt by Microsoft to usher in the era of hybrid laptop-tablet computing by offering touchscreen functionality and a revamped user journey that combined the richness of desktop computing with the sexiness of a tablet interface. Although it received an A for effort from the tech community, it failed to win over the hearts and minds of businesses and consumers. Windows 7 continues to be the operating system of choice for users, accounting for more than half of all PCs and Macs in use, while Windows 8, after two years on the market, represents only 13.4% of total users. In comes Windows 10http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-01-420-90.jpg In order to make lemonade out of lemons, Microsoft has leveraged the creativity and inspiration behind Windows 8 and combined it with the usability and intuitiveness of Windows 7 to try and create a hybrid-based operating system that users will, well, be able to use. Windows 10, which beta testers will gain access to next week, is expected to be generally available by Spring of 2015. Although it is immediately unclear why Microsoft chose to skip the Windows 9 tag for its latest operating system, it's clear that the loyalty of Windows 7 users impacted how Microsoft chose to build out the new operating system. So much so that Microsoft might have been better off calling the new operating system Windows 7.5. Start menu and app launchhttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-04-420-90.jpg For starters, Microsoft has brought back the Start Menu, a notable absence from the first iteration of Windows 8 that irked many Windows traditionalist. Windows 10's Start Menu will not only provide easy access to heavily-used applications, it will also feature customizable tabs that allows users to include their favorite apps, programs, and websites. Additionally, the tiles will feature Windows 8's resizability, which will enable people to customize how big each respective app appears on the Start Menu. Instead of applications that open to fill a screen like they do on a tablet, Windows 10 will feature an app launch that will more closely resemble desktop application launches. Now, app windows can be resized and relocated, just like internet browser windows. Task view and searchhttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-03-420-90.jpg Windows 10's new Task View button and multiple desktop option will allow users to quickly navigate between applications and files without getting lost and having to flip between dozens of windows. Task View allows all open apps and files to be viewed in the same format so that users can simply click from one task to the other without having to adjust their device's perspective. The multiple desktop option lets users create separate desktops for different purposes and projects (think work stuff and fantasy football stuff) so that navigation to and from tasks can be done with fewer swipes and clicks. Users of desktop search will be happy to hear that, unlike the original Windows 8, Windows 10 has a search field. So no more desperately swiping, flipping and scrolling through documents, apps and emails. You can simply enter your search query and find what you're looking for...just like the good old days. Everything you need to know about the future of Windowshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efd1388/sc/4/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ciKe7C8GsRY

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-10-470-75.jpgMicrosoft didn't choose Windows 9 as the name of the next version of Windows, instead it went for Windows 10, which is still better than say, Windows TH but we're still very much surprised by this apparent snub at the number 9. Windows 10, we now know, will be cross-platform, absorbing Windows Phone (confirmed) and possibly Windows RT, Windows Server and Windows Embedded. In other words, this version of Windows is more than a mere evolution of Windows 8.1, which Windows 9 was supposed to be. Veteran Microsoft journalist, Mary Jo Foley, sums up why Microsoft chose 10: "they wanted to signify that the coming Windows release would be the last major Windows update." while Microsoft's official stance, from Myerson is that "when you see the product in your fullness I think you'll agree with us that it's a more appropriate name". Check out our Windows 10 (formerly known as Windows 9) hub.In other words, that version of Windows is likely to be the last with a suffix; expect Microsoft to stick with Windows alone and potentially extend this naming strategy to the rest of its other brands (Office, Xbox etc) as it wholeheartedly embraces and extends the "as-a-service" paradigm to the jewel in the crown: Windows. One cannot however ignore the fact that there's another operating system that carries a number 10, that's right, Apple's Mac OS X is in its 10th iteration (hence the X). Whether or not the naming convention is a subtle finger waving exercise at Apple, no one knows. Before Google and Apple, Microsoft is the first to finally come up with a unified operating system strategy, the fabled one OS to rule them all. 2015 is going to be one of the most interesting in a decade as I expect both Microsoft rival to finally merge their mobile and desktop operating system. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efd1391/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/v9wAE9sJiEg

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Windows%209/windows10-family-470-75.jpgMicrosoft surprised everyone today with the announcement that the next version of Windows is called Windows 10, not Windows 9 as most had thought. But during the announcement Microsoft executives said that Windows 10 will run on devices with screen sizes ranging from four to 80 inches, raising an important question: is "Windows 10" replacing "Windows Phone?" And the answer, given during the Q&A portion of Microsoft's Windows 10 announcement, is a resounding "yes." Moving unitsThis shift was signaled earlier in September when Microsoft documents describing a gradual phasing-out of Windows Phone and Nokia branding was leaked online. Microsoft wants Windows 10 to cover a huge range of devices and be the only operating system its users need. "Our new Windows must be built from the group up for a mobile-first cloud-first world," Microsoft Executive Vice President of Operating Systems Terry Myerson said during the Windows 10 reveal. Microsoft may have forgotten how to count, but at least its message with Windows 10 is clear. Best Windows Phone - which should you buy?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efcb053/sc/21/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425765/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb053/sc/21/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425765/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb053/sc/21/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425765/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb053/sc/21/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425765/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb053/sc/21/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961425765/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb053/sc/21/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/1OoKu2eZJH8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Apple/iOS%208/iOS_8_reset_all_settings-470-75.jpgApple's rocky iOS 8 launch apparently isn't quite over yet, as a number of users are reporting a "Reset All Settings" option appears to be living up to its name, effectively wiping out valuable iCloud Drive data it's not supposed to. MacRumors reported Monday that multiple readers on their forums have been bitten by an undocumented iOS 8 bug capable of purging documents from a connected iCloud Drive account, despite assurances from Apple that "no data or media will be deleted." The problem appears to only be affecting iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users who have first upgraded to iCloud Drive, which offers a more robust method for saving documents and other data, which can then be accessed from other synced devices. Selecting the "Reset All Settings" option found under the General > Reset menu of the Settings app is intended as a troubleshooting measure, but as the screenshot above shows, should always leave connected iCloud account data intact. iWork at riskAffected users claim the bug targets only documents saved to the cloud from Apple's own iWork suite, which is includes Microsoft Office alternatives Pages, Numbers and Keynote, while leaving data from third-party apps intact. MacRumors was able to test the apparent bug on its own hardware, noting iCloud Drive data purged from a reset iPhone also removed all iWork documents from the iCloud.com web app as well as a Mac running the latest beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10. While OS X users have been successful at restoring lost documents from backup folders or Apple's Time Machine software, the report recommends iOS 8 users who have already upgraded to iCloud Drive refrain from resetting their devices until a permanent fix can be found. Apple has yet to acknowledge the glitch, although at least one user has had their iCloud account placed into troubleshooting mode as engineers worked to investigate the problem. Go big or go home with our review of Apple's iPhone 6 Plus!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efcb059/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425764/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb059/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425764/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb059/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425764/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb059/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961425764/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb059/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961425764/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efcb059/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/easrOTFuWx8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/Logos/Microsoft/windows10-470-75.jpgMicrosoft unveiled Windows 10 at an event in San Francisco today, lifting the lid off the highly anticipated Windows upgrade, though not under its expected name, before a gathered group of journalists and analysts. Microsoft's Terry Myerson said the new Windows needed to be built from the ground up for a "mobile-first, cloud-first world," the mantra Microsoft has adopted ever since CEO Satya Nadella took over. To that end, Windows 10 will run on more types of devices than ever before, and Microsoft will bring forth a single application platform, complete with one integrated Store, to deliver Windows experiences across devices. Myerson called Windows 10 "our most comprehensive platform ever." Windows 10 is scalable across devices big and small, and developers can create across platforms using a "core common code." You may notice Microsoft jumped straight from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, leapfrogging the expected Windows 9 release. Myerson maintained that when users get their hands on the new OS, they'll see "Windows 10" is more fitting than "Windows 9." Beginning tomorrow, Microsoft is launching a Windows Insider Program. A preview of Windows 10 is due out next week, and Microsoft expects to ship the OS later in 2015. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84NI5fjTfpQWindows 9 ... er 10 ... for enterpriseThe event was billed as an enterprise-focused affair, and Myerson wasted no time getting into the business side of things. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 offers a modern management platform that provides familiar, compatible and productive service. Enterprises will get a chance to try an early version of Windows 10 before anyone else. The new OS will be able to run all of Microsoft's legacy Windows enterprise apps. IT managers will be able to create customized internal app stores for employees to access, and managing Windows 10 should be a streamlined breeze as it will be accessible on phones, tablets, PCs and more. Windows 10 featuresBy design, Windows 10 has some clear hark-backs to Windows 7. The company wanted to give users something familiar to work with, a complaint that plagued the jarring Windows 8. For example, the traditional Windows 7 Snap View works in classic and universal apps on Windows 10. Microsoft also wanted to make its OS more novice-friendly to help them multitask better on the platform. A button called "task view" is now present on the task bar, and launching task view will pull up all the apps users have running. Multiple desktops live along the bottom of the screen, and users can jump from desktop to desktop while keeping all their apps running. A new Snap Assist UI lets users grab apps from various desktops, pulling them onto their screen in one full-screen view. You can have Bing search along the bottom, a Word doc on top, a PowerPoint to the side and your finder open below it. In a simple fix - one that should have been added long ago - users can now Crtl+V to paste a command prompt. While lending plenty of time to Windows power users, Microsoft also addressed the touch-first crowd it tried to attract with Windows 8. The Charms bar isn't going away in Windows 10, though Joe Belfiore said he expects it to change over time. Swiping to the left on a touch-enabled Windows 10 device will pull up task view, complete with larger buttons for a more finger-friendly experience. Swiping to the right pulls up the settings menu. A new design feature called Continuum lets the Windows 10 UI change depending on what device someone is using. Clicking away on a mouse and keyboard? Windows 10 will show in classic desktop mode. Jump to a tablet or a 2-in-1, and you're in tablet mode.The idea behind Continuum seems to be a consistent yet device-optimized design to give users the best Windows 10 experience, no matter. Myerson said there will be more to share on the consumer side of Windows 10 early next year, and the Build 2015 conference will feature talk on Universal apps. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384303/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384303/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384303/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384303/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961384303/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2a2/sc/21/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/GUys14VxBnE

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/tablets/Microsoft/Surface%20Pro%203/official/Completetoolsetfordesigners_Page-470-75.jpgThe stars are aligning for Microsoft. They have the momentum, thanks to the wonderful Surface 3, to take back a significant portion of the tablet market. There are plenty of Windows-based tablets out there but it's the Surface - with its 2160 x 1440 resolution screen and Intel Core processors - that may ultimately give the Redmond-based company the upper hand. If everything goes as planned, after today the Surface could have a new operating system too: Windows 9 is set to be unveiled in the coming hours. And whether it can help Microsoft put the kibosh on iOS, well, remains to be seen. I sat down with MaximumPC Editor-in-Chief Gordon Ung to talk about what a potential Surface 4 could look like and, more interestingly, what our dream tablet would be. " width="420">YouTube : http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/208961384301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/208961384301/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3efbe2ae/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/XeA56ut1G28