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  1. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/Buildings/Microsoft/microsoft-hq-redmond-470-75.JPGIntroductionWe are halfway through 2014 and Microsoft is having a good year - well, almost - even if it had to cut 18,000 jobs, can the Surface Mini, kill Android for Nokia, shut its Xbox Entertainment Studios and merge its tech conferences. The Xbox One was met with widespread praise and has been selling in record numbers; Windows Phone is improving rapidly, introducing Cortana; Windows 8.1 garnered praise and, most importantly, continues Microsoft's vision of one day linking the PC and smartphone together. And of course Satya Nadella, who was appointed in February, is making vast improvements to both the ideas and operation of Microsoft, unveiling software and services which would never have occurred under Steve Ballmer, including Office for iPad, which opens up Microsoft and pulls the company further into competition with Google, Apple and others. The Microsoft of the past is gone. Under Steve Ballmer's leadership Microsoft managed to miss out on both the smartphone and tablet explosions, forcing the company to rely on desktop sales and enterprise customers, and causing the "Microsoft" brand become irrelevant to consumers. The latter - enterprise - is a solid bet. The former - desktop sales - is not. Revenue from enterprise continues to climb rapidly, but desktop and laptop sales are in free fall, with the prospect of growth becoming less and less likely as smartphones and tablets dominate buying patterns. Satya Nadella aims to focus Microsoft on becoming a "devices and services" company, expanding Microsoft's software offerings – notably to the iPad with Office – and increasing the focus on hardware and, unsurprisingly, devices (including Internet of Things), filing patents for smartwatches and unveiling the Surface Pro 3, a direct competitor to both laptops and tablets, which Microsoft expects to be the pinnacle of Windows 8.1. http://cdn1.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/tablets/Microsoft/Surface%20Pro%203/surface-pro-3-hero-420-100.JPG Surface mattersThe Surface division is one of great interest to investors, analysts and technology pundits alike. Just as Google does with its Nexus line, Microsoft holds up the Surface as an example of exactly how Windows hardware should be made and should function. Sales of the previous Surface tablets – the Pro, which competes with laptops, and the vanilla Surface which competes with the iPad – have been poor, meaning Microsoft has taken financial hits on unsold stock to the tune of $900 million (around £525 million, AUD$960 million). The Surface Pro 3, and updates to the Surface which are expected soon, show that Microsoft has chosen to play the longer game, investing time and money in the Surface brand and giving Microsoft a potential revenue source outside of software. Microsoft brands the Surface Pro 3 as a device aimed at businesses, touting truly unique features such as "true" multitasking which allows applications to run side-by-side on the screen, and the laptop-style keyboard cover. While the Pro is expensive, businesses tend to have deeper pockets than consumers and so can afford to buy the hybrid in bulk. The tide won't turn in the next few years – the iPad, for example, has taken four years to reach its current market-leading position – but Microsoft appears to be willing to stay put. In terms of expansion of the Surface line, Microsoft will likely stick to incremental upgrades coinciding with new versions of Windows. The Surface Pro 2 is under a year old and Microsoft has already released the Pro 3, showing a total commitment to the programme and willingness to move fast (in the past, updates to Windows have occurred bi-yearly, or less frequently). Introducing the Surface as a gold standard device that can help other OEMs build machines is beneficial to both Microsoft, which makes money from them, OEMs who can compete, and the Windows ecosystem as a whole. Windows 8 making headwayBusinesses are also warming to Windows 8, which was regarded with a sceptical eye when first released in 2012. Tracey Rothenberger, COO of Ricoh Americas Corp., runs a base of 17,000 PCs and is complimentary of Windows 8. "I don't think there's anything wrong with [Windows 8]," he told the Wall Street Journal. Gartner analyst, Mikako Kitagawa, agrees with Rothenberger. "Windows 8 is the right direction," he claims but with a caveat, namely that: "It will be a while before Windows 8 is adopted". Scepticism from businesses is a hurdle that Nadella must overcome, especially since his company is becoming more and more reliant on their cash. Windows 8.1 sets out to ease the transition from Windows 7, the most popular OS in the world, adding a "boot to desktop" mode and more support for a mouse as opposed to a touchscreen. Whether these updates have an effect on the adoption of Windows 8 by business customers remains to be seen, but it is certainly the right direction for Microsoft to move. The next version of Windows, codenamed Threshold, is rumoured to build upon Windows 8.1's successes, especially with regard to accommodating desktop users who are without a touchscreen, further ingratiating Microsoft with their business users. Nadella also confirmed that it will unify all current platforms, tying three OSes into one. http://cdn0.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/TRBC/office_365-420-100.jpg Enterprising effortsIn terms of enterprise software, Microsoft is always making headways. Office 365, the cloud-based version of Office, now makes up roughly 40% of the value of the Office division of Microsoft and has just been updated with new business-focused features, such as more advanced levels of encryption for files and 1TB of storage. Forbes estimates that Office 365 will bring in $1.7 billion (around £1 billion, AUD$1.8 billion) in revenue annually for Microsoft within the year, which is remarkable for a service launched to the public in 2013. Expanding Office 365 to iPad and allowing new users to sign up for an account via their Apple ID will also bolster revenue, despite Apple taking a 30% cut, and is a sign of Nadella and Microsoft's new drive to work with other companies. Microsoft's plans essentially extend to the philosophy of "carry on doing what we're doing". Enterprise and desktop sales – which still represent a significant cash flow, despite the wane – can support the company until it either pivots away from consumer-side endeavours, just as Oracle or IBM have done, or a consumer product that isn't the Xbox or Office catches on. Opening up Office 365 by lowering the subscription price and releasing an iPad app has allowed Microsoft greater mindshare and, in turn, greater revenue. Importance of wearablesWindows is in the hands of 90% of the world but needs to come up with, or latch onto, the "next big thing". I've previously argued that Microsoft must get into the wearables game to stay truly relevant and there are signs that the company will. Multiple people I've spoken to on condition of anonymity stated that Microsoft was indeed interested in making a smartwatch, actively exploring implementations of the device (no doubt spurred on by Google's I/O performance and rumours of Apple's interest in the sector). Microsoft was bitten when it came to smartphones and will be eager to prevent a similar situation from happening again. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/people/Microsoft/Satya_Nadella/Satya5_web-420-90.jpg The Microsoft we see today is totally different from the Microsoft of a year ago, operationally and in terms of aspirations. Satya Nadella's leadership has brought about a braver company willing to take risks, but also ready to work with its core enterprise customers to retain the backbone of its revenue. As I've written previously, Satya Nadella's stewardship has had a great positive impact on Microsoft and we will start to see the fruits of his labour in the coming year. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109890176/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109890176/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109890176/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109890176/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199109890176/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cdb8bdc/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/zcXlwL55nvk
  2. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/Generic/future-data-centre-470-75.jpgIntroduction and OracleIn an increasingly digital world, businesses are creating more and more data. This data can be used to provide insights into how a business is being run and what can be done to improve it. Harnessing and understanding the data that is produced can give businesses a competitive edge and can provide a depth of market knowledge that may not have been previously possible. In order to capture and use the data that a business produces, it is necessary to have the right tools in place. A database management system (DBMS) is a piece of software or a platform that is designed to help a business maximise the value of the data to which it has access. A business's DBMS allows it to pull in data from different sources, store the data, sort and catalogue it, have users or other pieces of software "query" the data to find out what snapshots or trends it shows and, if they wish, extract the data for use elsewhere. There are a huge number of DBMS providers and each product has its own strengths. When choosing a DBMS to use, it is important that a business recognises what its own specific needs are and matches them up with what a DBMS can provide. Even then, it can still be difficult to navigate the ocean of possible solutions. Fortunately, there is a great deal of analysis of database providers and their products. Gartner, in particular, offers some clear and insightful analysis concerning the database market. It's annual "Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems" looks at the evolving operational DBMS market and segments it by those who are leaders in the market, those who are challenging, those who are visionaries and those who are niche players. Providers are judged on the completeness of their vision and their ability to execute it. This article looks at the four leading DBMS providers in the Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems" and gives an overview of each. It is meant as a starting point from which you can make a decision on which DBMS is best for your business, but there are other providers available that may be well suited to your business. Oracle DatabaseOracle is a major technology business with a wide range of products and services to offer. Originally, however, it was primarily a producer of database software and that remains its core business. Indeed, such is Oracle's significance in the database software market that Gartner named it the number one provider of DBMS software in 2013. It holds a larger revenue share of the market than its four closest competitors combined and leads the revenue share of its closest competitor by 28%.http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/TRBC/best-database-software-Oracle-420-90.jpg Gartner praises Oracle's broad offering, saying that it is the broadest in the market, as well as its good functionality and solid availability. It suggests that Oracle could improve the public perception of its vision, meaning that consumers are sometimes left to "make assumptions about road maps". It also raises concerns about the extent of Oracle's proprietary features and the value for money of its offerings. Oracle's DBMS is called Oracle Database and the most recent version of the platform is called Oracle Database 12c. It aims to enable users to make more efficient use of their IT resources and has a multi-tenant architecture that allows users to deploy and manage private database clouds. It is available in three editions. Oracle Database Express Edition is for use on one computer with a maximum database size of 11GB. Standard Edition One and Standard Edition offer server-installed options for use in small and mid-sized enterprises, respectively. Oracle Database Enterprise Edition, meanwhile, allows for an unlimited number of databases and unlimited database sizes. Users can take advantage of Data Warehousing, High Availability, Storage Management and Big Data architecture's for 12c depending on the needs of their organisation. In addition, Oracle says that the Enterprise edition can efficiently manage more data, lower storage costs, improve database performance and it's highly secure. Microsoft, IBM and SAPMicrosoft SQL ServerSQL Server is Microsoft's database offering. It is one of four DBMS platforms that sits in the leaders segment of Gartner's "Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems". Gartner cites its strengths as its market vision and capabilities, competitiveness within the DBMS market, its performance and the support offered. The areas which are cautioned about are a lack of appliances and pricing. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/TRBC/best-database-software-Microsoft-420-90.jpg SQL Server can be managed on premise, in the cloud or in a hybrid environment. Amongst the platform's benefits, according to Microsoft, are "breakthrough, in-memory performance" with an average of a 10x gain for transaction processing with existing hardware and over 100x gain for data warehousing. The platform is also said to offer high levels of availability and scalability of up to 640 logical processors for physical processing or up to 64 logical processors for virtual machines. In addition to its performance and deployment benefits, SQL Server is also recognised for its security credentials. Last year, the platform was shown to have been the least vulnerable database for five years in a row by the National Institute for Standards and Technology's Comprehensive Vulnerability Database. IBMIBM software joins Oracle and Microsoft's offerings in the leaders segment of Gartner's "Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems" with its DB2 and Informix platforms. Gartner praises IBM for the broad functionality it provides, its hardware integration and global presence. It cautions against the provider's complexity and pricing, its confusing branding and poor sales execution with "very aggressive competitor marketing." http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/TRBC/best-database-software-IBM-420-90.jpg For users of its products, IBM promises industry-leading performance across multiple workloads, whilst providing reduced administration, storage, development and server costs. DB2 focuses on scalability and reliability and can be used with Linux, UNIX, Windows and z/OS operating systems. The Informix database server, meanwhile, offers real-time analytics, fast always-on transactions, sensor data management and NoSQL capability. SAPSAP is the final provider in the leaders segment of Gartner's "Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems". Gartner praises its vision leadership, strong DBMS offerings and the performance of those offerings. It urges caution regarding the company's marketing communications, the lack of skills available in the market for its DBMS products and its poor provision of support. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/TRBC/best-database-software-SAP-420-90.jpg SAP is another provider with multiple database offerings, including HANA and Sybase, which it acquired in 2010. According to IBM, HANA allows users to analyse data in real-time, processing both operational and analytical data in a single in-memory database. It promises near-zero latency, built-in predictive analytics and the ability to create custom applications. Sybase, meanwhile, is targeted for use in financial markets and focuses on allowing users to combine real-time data capture, historical analytics, and risk management. It promises support for the entire trading lifecycle, along with the ability to develop, test and execute risk management and trading processes and analytics for market data. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3cc86365/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120918757/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc86365/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120918757/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc86365/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120918757/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc86365/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120918757/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc86365/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120918757/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3cc86365/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/g1yYJrj4B6M
  3. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%20Phone%2081%20hands%20on/Review/wp8-1-470-75.jpgGoldfinger may not have been the kiss of death for James Bond, but a Windows Phone prototype originally bearing the same name appears to have met its maker by Microsoft's own hands. WPCentral reported Friday that Microsoft has apparently laid to rest any plans for a new high-end Windows Phone handset known as "McLaren," an internal codename previously referred to as "Goldfinger." Apparently lacking the Midas touch, McLaren was rumored to be Microsoft's flagship device for this fall, which would have reportedly introduced new technology alongside the launch of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2. McLaren's main claim to fame was an enticing new feature known as 3D Touch, a sensor-based system first outed last November, which allows users to interact with the device using touchless hand gestures. Feature or gimmick?Although that sounds more than a little like Amazon's new Kindle Phone, Microsoft apparently found a way to perform such tasks as swipes and side taps without the use of camera sensors. 3D Touch worked hand-in-hand with other APIs including MixView, a feature which allows a single tile to break apart into smaller pieces, each of which could be independently selected using a finger hovering over the display. The report paints the impression that Microsoft's development team found 3D gestures to be little more than a gimmick at the moment, although development on the technology behind 3D Touch is said to be ongoing even as McLaren's carcass turns cold. While the natural assumption might be that McLaren was axed as part of last Thursday's extensive layoffs in Redmond, unnamed sources claim the project actually met an untimely end sometime "within the last few weeks," leaving Microsoft with a potentially big hole in their holiday lineup this year. Soak in our full review of Microsoft's Xbox One!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3cb869b5/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/4owMDHhPFTc
  4. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/people/Microsoft/Satya_Nadella/Satya5_web-470-75.jpgMicrosoft will cut approximately 18,000 jobs within the next eleven months, CEO Satya Nadella wrote in an announcement to staff. This round of layoffs will be the largest in the company's history and the largest since former CEO Steve Ballmer cut 5,800 employees in 2009. Roughly 12,500 employees brought on as a result of the Nokia acquisition, which occurred in April, will be let go. The deal added 25,000 employees to Microsoft's payroll. At the time of the acquisition, Microsoft said it would cut $600 million (about £350.8 million, au$640 million) per year in costs. How will this affect Xbox and Nokia products?Although most of the cuts will be made within the Nokia division, approximately 5,500 jobs will also be cut across other lines of business, including marketing jobs in the Xbox unit, as well as marketing jobs in other divisions, according to Bloomberg sources. The layoffs are unlikely to impact how consumers experience Xbox and Xbox products. Nadella has insisted Xbox will be a top priority for Microsoft under his tenure. Additionally, Microsoft devices head and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said "there will be limited change" for the Xbox and Surface divisions. The company-wide changes will dramatically affect Nokia products. In his July 17 memo announcing the cutbacks, Nadella said he is focused on integrating Nokia into the Microsoft business. As a result, Nokia X smartphones will be migrated from Android to the Windows Phone operating system. This tactic allows Microsoft to continue to compete in the budget smartphone market and ensures that budget smartphones users are running on Microsoft's platform of choice. Big changes to the enterpriseNadella is also expected to make changes to the engineering organization, which will likely consolidate the roles of software testers and developers, as cloud building has made it easier for developers to test and fix issues autonomously. Microsoft has more than 127,000 employees globally. The majority of employees who will be let go are expected to hear from Microsoft within the next six months, Nadella said in his memo. As a result of the layoffs, Microsoft will have to pay $1.1 billion (about £640 million, au$1.17 billion) to $1.6 billion (about £940 million, au$1.71 billion) in severance and related benefits costs and related charges over the next four quarters. Rumors of the impending layoffs began circulating earlier this week, shortly after Nadella outlined Microsoft's trajectory in an email to staff. In the email, Nadella said he is focused on driving Internet of Things, mobility and cloud innovation. What does TechRadar think of the Nokia X?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120496209/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120496209/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120496209/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120496209/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120496209/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c98ff82/sc/21/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/GtdztaXBmnU
  5. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/broadcast/DirecTV/NFL_Sunday_Ticket_DirecTV-470-75.jpgAttention cord cutters who also happen to be football fans: Your dream of a satellite-free existence appears to be inching that much closer to reality thanks to a new streaming package quietly being offered by DirecTV. DirecTV appears to answering the prayers of NFL fans across the US with the introduction of a streaming-only package tailored to computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. After putting the kibosh on streaming last season's Super Bowl, this NFL Sunday Ticket deal requires no satellite subscription, instead serving up all out-of-market games each Sunday, streamed live to connected devices over an internet connection. Available on a wide range of iOS, Android and Kindle devices with certain packages also streaming to Xbox or PlayStation consoles, the satellite-free offering can also be viewed on Windows or Mac computers running Adobe Flash. Sunday, game dayAccording to the NFLSundayTicket.TV website, live streaming football kicks off September 7. A trio of packages are available now starting with a one-time payment $199.99 for streaming from computers and mobile devices only. Also available is a $239.99 Console package, perfect for cable and satellite-free homes who just want to be able to watch NFL games from their favorite game console. For the football lover who has it all, a $329.99 Max package allows streaming from every compatible device, adding an exclusive Red Zone Channel for close-up action on every touchdown, as well as the new DirecTV Fantasy Zone designed for "the most avid fantasy fans." NFL Sunday Ticket packages are available to order for the 2014-2015 football season, but the fine print specifically states the deal is "only available in limited areas to non-DirecTV customers located in eligible ZIP codes/select properties." We've reached out to DirecTV for further details. You may be able to watch football on your console, but should you get the Xbox One or PS4?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c925517/sc/28/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120788752/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c925517/sc/28/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120788752/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c925517/sc/28/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120788752/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c925517/sc/28/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120788752/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c925517/sc/28/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120788752/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c925517/sc/28/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/X6eQ9vYwmL8
  6. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/iPhone/iPhone%205S/Press/iPhone5S-Camera-470-75.jpgApple and IBM have announced that they will team up in what they call an "exclusive partnership" that marries the best of Apple's hardware with IBM's software and services expertise. The move was welcomed by the stock markets with IBM's shares up by nearly 2% and Apple's gaining 1.72%. It also bears some similarities with a deal struck 33 years ago that saw Microsoft piggyback on IBM's PC platform to become the giant it is today. Clearly, though, the two companies complement rather than compete with each other with very little, if any overlap. Broadly simplifying, Apple will use IBM as a medium to crack the elusive enterprise market while Big Blue will get privileged (but not exclusive) access to the iOS ecosystem. Apple, for all its consumer clout, is still a minor player in the enterprise market where BlackBerry's domination is already ebbing away. With slowing growth, growing pressures on margins and increasing competition, it was only a matter of time before it looked elsewhere. Add the slew of announcements by Google and Samsung for the enterprise stack and it is clear that something had to be done to prevent Android from owning that lucrative segment. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/people/IBM%20and%20Apple%20CEO-460-100.jpglike its entry-level server range sold to Lenovo), it has embarked on a number of bold moves, with a clear focus on big data, business analytics, cloud computing and mobility. Its current CEO, Virginia Rometty, is tied to the financial roadmap set out by her predecessor, Sam Palmisano. He said that by 2015, IBM would deliver at least $20 a share with $70 billion returned to shareholders - and not reaching these expectations could have dire consequences. Human touchThe company will commit human and financial resources to deliver iOS-specific cloud services as well as create more than 100 industry-specific enterprise solutions exclusively for Apple's iOS devices (Big Blue usually supports Nokia Symbian, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Phone as well). This will be done via its MobileFirst platform, one of what IBM calls one of a quarter of building bricks of enterprise mobile solutions, the other three being the apps themselves. They're made up of mobile service and support and are handled jointly by IBM and Apple as part of a packaged service offerings offered by IBM. That said, Apple is unlikely to prevent IBM rivals, such as Oracle, Microsoft or SAP from developing similar solutions on iOS for the enterprise market. In fact, it is likely to encourage them to come up with their own versions of MobileFirst as soon as possible to profit from the rise in interest in mobile enterprise solution generated by the announcement. The winner? Apple.Apple, it seems, will be the one benefitting the most from the partnership as it doesn't have to do much with IBM having most of the weight-lifting to do. The deal gives it access to an enterprise expertise that's second to none, and 100,000 IBM-backed industry and domain consultants and software developers will act as salespersons for its iPhones and iPads. Setting something similar would have cost Apple billions in terms of investment and taken years, not to mention the risks involved and a potential shareholder revolt. A partnership with IBM is therefore safer, cheaper, faster and will allow Apple to learn more about businesses. Who knows, both may even merge to create the world's first trillion dollar company. We wouldn't be surprised if, despite recently published comments, BlackBerry decided to side with the lesser of two evils and embrace Android, something it has already been doing by supporting native Android apps (or Oracle could buy it). Apple and IBM will be holding their respective earnings calls over the next few days and it is likely that they will elaborate more on yesteday's announcement. Rometty also said that the alliance wants to bring the same level of transformation to the way people work as Apple did in the consumer market. For all the excitement that the partnership has generated, one would dread to fathom the disappointment it would cause if both do not deliver on their promises. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108085460/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108085460/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108085460/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108085460/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108085460/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c8d6fdf/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/9YEi3VzXIMs
  7. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Microsoft/Windows%20Phone%2081%20hands%20on/Review/wp8-2-470-75.jpgMicrosoft Devices has announced that it's starting the rollout of the Lumia Cyan update to all Nokia Lumia devices running Windows Phone 8 from today. Included in the upgrade is the Windows Phone 8.1 OS update which launched on the Lumia 630, 635 and 930, bringing with it a raft of new features including a pull-down notification bar with quick settings, word flow keyboard and an optional extra column of live tiles on your homescreen. If you're lucky enough to be in the US you'll also get Microsoft's new personal virtual assistant - Cortana - who will be going head to head with Siri and Google Now. It will be heading to other countries later this year. Cortana vs Siri vs Google NowNokia-specificAs well as Microsoft features, the Cyan update is Nokia-specific with enhancements to the camera and camera roll, the option to record in surround sound (on the Lumia 1520 and Lumia Icon), the ability to install apps on a microSD card and more. Full details of what the Cyan update entails can be found on the Nokia Conversations blog, although Microsoft does highlight that it will take a few weeks to reach every handset. So if you're rocking a Nokia Lumia 925, the budget-focussed Lumia 520 or any Lumia in between head over to Settings -> Phone Update to see if Lumia Cyan is waiting for you. Read our in depth Windows Phone 8.1 reviewhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108054052/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108054052/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108054052/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108054052/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108054052/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c857cd0/sc/28/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/hk5jdTvQzH4
  8. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/IE/ie10-desktop-470-75.jpgMicrosoft has issued a list of products that will reach end of support in the second half of 2014 and in the two weeks of January 2015 as part of its routine support lifecycle product database. The most important product included on the list is Windows 7. Mainstream support for its 10 flavours will end on January 13 2015 at which date it will transition to Extended Support (which will end in 2020) and will include security updates and paid hotfix support. Windows XP end-of-life: Thanks for all the fish!While this is not as business-critical as the Windows XP deadline in April, it is likely to get companies starting to plan their next upgrade cycle either around Windows 8.1 (or any subsequent minor upgrades) or Windows 9. Other notable products on that list include Windows Server 2008, Windows Phone 7.8, Windows Storage Server 2008, Exchange Server 2010 and Dynamics. As for the list of products hitting End of Support, these include a number of niche software package such as Host Integration Server 2004, Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004, Systems Management Server 2003, Virtual Server 2005, Visual FoxPro 9.0 and Windows CE 5.0. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c517456/sc/46/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120423368/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c517456/sc/46/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120423368/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c517456/sc/46/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120423368/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c517456/sc/46/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120423368/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c517456/sc/46/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120423368/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c517456/sc/46/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/1RjNVI2YTLs
  9. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/Windows%208.1%20logo%20zoom-470-75.jpgMicrosoft may have an even more accelerated release schedule in mind for Windows 9 as new rumors suggest it could launch as a fully built operating system in the coming months. The infamous leaker, WZOR, posted new information to Russian bulletin boards suggesting Microsoft plans to launch Windows 9 before summer is backed by a substantial advertising campaign. Until now we've heard that the Preview build would drop in the second half of 2014. Free no moreOther than quickly suggesting a sooner than expected release and passingly describing the Windows 9 marketing campaign as "fantastic", WZOR spends much more of his forum post explaining the OS' activation system. Supposedly the next version of Windows will register automatically once users connect to the Windows 9 Store. Users will also supposedly be able to take the key and save it in a special "ESD-RETAIL" format on a flash drive. Potentially this would allow users to migrate their copy of Windows 9 to another PC. However, users who attempt to run multiple copies on separate machines will be asked to "undock" it within three days. While this all sounds mighty similar to Windows 8, it's news that suggests Windows 9 won't be the first free Microsoft OS many users are hoping for or exactly what Wzor originally reported on June 25. 'Crazy rumor day'So far Microsoft hasn't commented officially on the rumor, but Microsoft Communications Chief Frank Shaw tweeted out "Was there a 'crazy rumor day' declaration that I missed?" Although Shaw did not call out Wzor's report specifically, it's very likely the Microsoft chief meant to dismiss the rumors of a Windows 9 release happening very soon. With that in mind we're going to look at this latest rumor with some extreme skepticism, but it all seems very likely we will see Windows 9 in some form in just a few short months. Until then, stay tuned to this space for more news. Will Windows 8.1 become the next Vista?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c4f06a7/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/9iWCiPSN82k
  10. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Office/office%202013%20RTM/word%20insert%20pix-470-75.jpgIf you've ever wanted a chance to dip your toes into the next versions of Microsoft's Office products and services before they hit the shelves, you're in luck. The company is on the hunt for beta testers as part of a newly launched Pre-Release Program. In exchange for providing feedback on your experience, you'll snag pre-release versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Vision, Access, Publisher and Outlook in all their naked, non-tested glory. Additionally, business types will get the keys to early versions of the company's Exchange, SharePoint and Project Server products and cloud services. To join, you'll have to sign up as a Home or Business user and fill out a questionnaire to provide Microsoft with a few details on why you want to take part, meaning participants are likely to be hand picked on their suitability to provide constructive criticism on incoming updates. Gem in waitingMicrosoft's rumoured touch-friendly version of Office, called 'Gemini', is slated for a summer release and as such could feature in the company's Pre-Release Program plans, meaning you'd be one of the first to try out one of the most highly anticipated Office releases in recent times. Microsoft recently launched a similar early access program for Office 365 called First Release, which allows business customers to get a peek at several months' worth of features and improvements heading to the cloud. But is Office 2013 actually any good?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119952527/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119952527/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119952527/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119952527/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119952527/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c17e4b0/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/mMgjSGPqSOg
  11. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/Generic/Servers/Server%20D/iStock_000019588436Small-scanrail-470-75.jpgCoreOS announced that it has secured Series A funding and unveiled two new products, Managed Linux and Core Update, one year after the company's Linux distribution of the same name launched. In the company's words, CoreOS is particularly suited for very large, enterprise-focused server deployments, effectively delivering the world's first "OS-as-a-Service". Patches are delivered as a continuous stream of transparent updates, in a way similar to that of web-based services such as Google Apps. Memory muscleWhat's more, CoreOS states that its Linux distribution uses 40% less system memory compared to a typical Linux server installations. This allows companies to delay any capital expenditure for servers and removes the need for major migrations as well as cutting down maintenance costs. As for other Linux distributions, what you're essentially paying for is support with prices starting from $100 (about £60, AU$110) per month for 10 servers, scaling all the way to $125,000 (about £75,000, AU$140,000) per month for 100,000 servers. A premium managed Linux support is also available with enhanced support over phone, email and chat. Stuck on Windows XP? It might be time to give Linux a tryhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041147/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041147/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041147/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041147/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199109041147/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c45/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/I7uAroEpjyM
  12. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20L%20iOS8-470-75.jpgAndroid L vs iOS 8The battle for mobile's soul is raging and there are only two heavyweight platform contenders. Google's Android and Apple's iOS are getting better (and more similar) with every passing year. The latest incarnations, Android L and iOS 8, made their entrances at developer conferences, WWDC and Google I/O. Let's take a look at how they compare and work out whether Apple and Google are treading their own paths or starting to converge. UI – Minimalism is inAndroid L is a big change in terms of user interface as Google looks to unleash "Material Design", a new look that's consistent across Android, Chrome OS, the Chrome browser, and Android Wear. It includes a familiarly sparse aesthetic with bold colours and a new typography. There are lots more animations for touch feedback and transitions between apps, there's more of a 3D feel with shadows, and a nested scrolling effect that slots UI elements out of the way when you don't need them. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20L%205-420-90.jpg Apple killed skeuomorphism with iOS 7, so major surgery wasn't deemed necessary for iOS 8 and it retains the same clean and uncluttered look - Android L seems to take a little from iOS 6 (with the more realistic designs) and some from iOS 8, following the trend for flatter designs. Under the surfaceThe iOS 8 SDK contains more than 4,000 new APIs for developers, but apparently the Android L SDK trumps it with more than 5,000. Of course, everything depends on what those APIs actually have to offer, but Android L also brings support for 64-bit processors, which we saw roll out in iOS 7. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/9-420-90.jpg Google has finally dumped Dalvik and made ART (Android RunTime) the new engine, which should offer a significant speed boost. It uses AOT (Ahead-of-Time) instead of JIT (Just-in-Time) compiling, which improves a lot of elements, but among the primary benefits are general performance and battery life. Apple switched to the Swift programming language for iOS 8 and OS X development, which is intended to safeguard against errors and offer improved performance for developers when coding for iPhones and iPads. These are tools that will give developers the chance to make apps with fewer bugs, so we're waiting to hear the verdict on which will be the platform that has the best changes. Notifications everywhereThe rival platforms are creeping ever closer in terms of notifications. Apple added interactive notifications to the lockscreen with iOS 8 and made them less intrusive with pop-ups at the top of the screen in apps. Google has done much the same in Android L with notifications on the lockscreen that can carry you straight into the apps, and pop-ups at the top of the screen when you're already doing something. They're also newly ordered by relevance, based on your past activity. For the 15% of people using PINs or pattern locks, Google has added a new authentication system that can determine when you're holding your phone using location awareness and attached Bluetooth devices and unlock it automatically for you. It seems pretty likely that Apple will do the same with the iWatch when it (probably) launches later in the year, and along with TouchID shows the Cupertino brand is looking as much as anyone at ways of making your body the ultimate password. Smartwatch compatibilityThe Android Wear platform is rolling out for developers and the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are available to order now. Apps on your Android device will automatically download and update themselves on any Android Wear device that you link. They can also sync between devices, so you can follow a recipe on your watch and on your smartphone at the same time - which is pretty neat when you can simply tap the screen and start a timer if the recipe called for it. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/other/Onetimers/google-wear-smartwatch-420-90.jpg Google looks like it's rolling out dedicated Android Wear apps too - which appeared on the Play Store then were quickly pulled - so it shows that the Big G thinks that wearables are the future (we've not even talked about Glass either). Apple has yet to announce an iWatch, but the updated Health app and the HealthKit API for iOS 8 are designed to make it easier to extract fitness and health data, and the fruity brand's new wrist-dweller is set to pack all manner of sensors as it looks to become the ultimate device to show you just how fit and healthy you are. Battery savingAndroid L offers greater control over battery life with new enhancements and modes that enable users to fine tune how much juice apps can guzzle down. 'Project Volta' goes into depth on where your battery is draining and a baked in battery saver mode can make tweaks to extend its life. This saving mode is something we've seen a lot of Android OEMs adding in their UIs already though, and we'd have loved to see an 'extreme battery saving mode' like HTC and Samsung have done to really eke out the battery life. Apple is lagging behind a little, but iOS 8 will finally bring a Battery Usage screen that actually shows which apps are leeching the most power when running and on standby, so you can make informed decisions with your settings. Android Auto vs CarplayGoogle's Open Automotive Alliance is growing fast with 40 new partners since we last heard about it. Android Auto will allow you to plug in your Android device and get a simplified interface with voice controls. You can easily browse navigation and entertainment content, as well as take calls and messages. Once the device is connected you use the car controls, but the software remains on the phone. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/mobile_phones/Android/AndroidL/Android%20L%202/Android%20Auto-420-90.jpg It looks very similar to Apple's CarPlay, in form and function, and it will be interesting to see which platform the big manufacturers favour. Google and Apple are both pushing forward as quickly as possible and we'll see both Android Auto and CarPlay models on the road later this year. Merging with the laptop Android L will allow people to unlock their Chrome OS laptop automatically when their Android device is close. There's also a sharing of notifications, so your Chromebook can mirror your Android device notifications and warn you when the phone battery is low. There's even some app crossover as some big name Android apps like Evernote, Flipboard, and Vine appear on Chrome OS. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/tablets/Google/nexus%209%20render-420-90.jpg Apple has done something similar with iOS 8 and the forthcoming OS X Yosemite with its Handoff feature, which allows you to pick up activities in apps on your laptop or desktop and start where you left off on your iPhone. You can also handle calls and messages from your iPhone on your Mac too. Other highlightsThere are plenty of other juicy features and updates in both platforms. Android L also offers greater integration with the Chrome browser, tabs now appear right next to apps when you tap the multitasking button, and you can dive straight into installed apps from browser results. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/touch-id-third-party-apps-420-90.jpg Apple opened up its Touch ID authentication for more apps, unveiled a time-lapse camera mode, and beefed up messaging options with location sharing and self-destructing messages. We'll keep you posted on everything else Android L and iOS 8 have to offer as we find it. AvailabilityDevelopers can get their hands on Android L and iOS 8 right now, but we'll have to wait a little longer for a proper release date. Our best guess is that iOS 8 will land on the new iPhone, probably in September, and will appear on older devices when the iPhone 6 goes on sale. Android L is likely to be a month or two later, probably on a new Nexus device - we're hearing stuff about the Nexus 6 and Nexus 8, and given Android L will be here in the 'Fall', the likelihood is we'll be getting new Nexii, complete with the L treatment, in time for the Christmas period. We're still waiting on Windows Phone 9.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199109041146/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0e7c4d/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/SrhmefDGhDs
  13. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/padlock-470-75.jpgAs an IT professional, what is the easiest way you could acquire one of your user's passwords? Most likely, you will simply be able to ask them. Password sharing is a very serious security issue, yet it tends to be one that is taken rather lightly. Employees share their login credentials with each other on a daily basis, most often because they need to give colleagues access to their machine to delegate work or because they are out of the office. In some workplaces the practice of password sharing is such a given that they're left lying around, written on post-it notes stuck to monitors. Worrying findingsIn our recent report, 'The Insider Threat Manifesto' we asked 500 IT professionals in the UK and US to estimate what percentage of their employees they'd estimate to be sharing their passwords, and the mean average was 19%. Assuming our survey base was being conservative, as they're quite likely to be when talking about their own organisation's security, that's at least a fifth of all employees in UK and US businesses sharing passwords with their colleagues. But who is responsible for stamping out password sharing? Is it the IT department? Most IT managers and directors don't think it is their problem, instead citing it as a cultural issue that should be addressed perhaps by HR or the board. Yet board members and HR team see it as an IT concern. So how do you tackle this problem? The solution is that it must be tackled from two angles, both culturally, in the education of your users, and technologically, by putting actual restrictions in place. Implement a thorough and transparent security policyAssuming you have a security policy (which is not a given; 29% of our survey base told us they didn't!), it's imperative that it doesn't just explain what your users should avoid doing - but also why. That means not just 'don't share your password, password sharing's bad,' as this doesn't give anyone the understanding or incentive to follow the rule. If you explain that 'password sharing is the greatest threat to internal security for this organisation, and there is significant liability involved for those who choose to share their network login credentials', then they are far more likely to pay attention. Remind users of policy at opportune timesOne of the biggest mistakes made by IT departments with regards to security policy is leaving it in an employee handbook or accessible on the intranet; 65% of our IT professionals told us this was how they communicated theirs to employees. Yes, any employee can refer to it whenever they wish, but realistically, how often do you think that is? Not very. This is where technology can start to come in. By implementing network security software that allows you to set up custom alerts, you can remind users of policy at opportune moments, when it is most relevant to them. A reminder not to share their credentials when they are using them to log in for the day is much more effective than one in the employee handbook they were asked to read on their first day at the company. Give users an incentive not to share passwordsWe touched on how to make this transparent in your policy, but technology can once again take you beyond user education and give a real, and practical, reason not to share their password. If you disable concurrent logins, users who have shared their password will not be able to login using their own credentials whilst the other user is logged in. This provides a significant incentive not to do it as it makes it significantly less practical, but it also adds a layer of responsibility; you alone are responsible for your login credentials. Monitor and respond to suspicious activityOnce this is in place, your users must be liable for the activity conducted with their own login. By monitoring activity on the network and responding to anything suspicious promptly by logging users off or shutting down access, once again you are providing a very real incentive for users not to share their passwords. Password sharing is prolific, and the reason for it is very simple: practicality. Half of the IT professionals we asked about password sharing said that the most common reasons for it were simply a colleague asking, or to delegate work. This means that the best way to combat the issue is also quite simple: make it impractical. This doesn't have to mean making your users' working lives difficult, but by creating a transparent security policy and using technology to implement it properly, there is no reason why users cannot work in a more secure fashion. To learn more about how to manage password sharing and internal security, download The Insider Threats Manifesto. François Amigorena is founder and CEO of IS Decisions, a provider of Infrastructure and Security Management software solutions for Microsoft Windows and Active Directory.http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120130950/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120130950/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120130950/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120130950/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120130950/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0d6927/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/uxoCzE-4hxc
  14. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Microsoft%20Build%202014/Windows%208.1%20Menu-470-75.jpgLast May we learned the Windows 9 preview could come by 2015. Now word on the internet street says the preview version of Microsoft's operating system could launch much earlier than anticipated. Microsoft sources told ZDNet that the next version of Windows OS, codenamed "Threshold," will arrive with a preview build in a few months time. While the preview date has been moved up from a previously rumored February release, Windows 9 is still expected to drop in the first half of 2015. The same sources also say Windows 9 will have more features designed for desktop-oriented users than Windows 8.1. The new version will rely more on a mouse and keyboard, and touch will become an optional input, rather than a focus. One of the most notable additions, or reintroductions, that reflects this is Threshold's inclusion of the Mini-Start menu. Originally demoed at Microsoft Build 2014, this revamped menu bar will include the usual list of applications. Plus, users will supposedly be able to pin Metro-styled live tiles to the start menu. Transform and log outOn top of being more desktop focused, Windows 9 is said to transform itself based on the hardware it's installed on. PC and laptops will receive a SKU version of Windows that brings the desktop to the forefront of the interface. Transforming laptops, such as the Lenovo Yoga 2 11 and the Surface Pro 3, will start with the Metro splash screen and switch to Windowed mode when the keyboard is in use. Other tablet and phone platforms won't have a desktop at all. Devices might be able to run apps side-by-side similar to the Samsung Galaxy S5. Oh right, Windows 8.1Along with the new Windows 9 details, Microsoft is rumored to be delivering the next Windows 8.1 update this August. Reportedly, this second and final update will come will just a few UI adjustments and tweaks, but nothing majorly game changing. It seems Windows 8.1 is destined to fade away into obsolescence much like Vista. Seems like the Xbox One is being left out of all this Windows update newshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120118030/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120118030/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120118030/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120118030/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120118030/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c0a6ac2/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ylo6v2B8PsI
  15. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/Microsoft%20Build%202014/Windows%208.1%20Menu-470-75.jpgLast May we learned the Windows 9 preview could come by early Spring 2015. Now word on the internet street says the preview version of Microsoft's operating system could launch much earlier than anticipated. Microsoft sources told ZDNet that the next version of Windows OS, codenamed "Threshold," will arrive with a preview build this fall. While the preview date has been moved up from a previously rumored February release, Windows 9 is still expected to drop Spring 2015. The same sources also say Windows 9 will have more features designed for desktop-oriented users than Windows 8.1. The new version will rely more on a mouse and keyboard, and touch will become an optional input, rather than a focus. One of the most notable additions, or reintroductions, that reflects this is Threshold's inclusion of the Mini-Start menu. Originally demoed at Microsoft Build 2014, this revamped menu bar will include the usual list of applications. Plus, users will supposedly be able to pin Metro-styled live tiles to the start menu. Transform and log outOn top of being more desktop focused, Windows 9 is said to transform itself based on the hardware it's installed on. PC and laptops will receive a SKU version of Windows that brings the desktop to the forefront of the interface. Transforming laptops, such as the Lenovo Yoga 2 11 and the Surface Pro 3, will start with the Metro splash screen and switch to Windowed mode when the keyboard is in use. Other tablet and phone platforms won't have a desktop at all. Devices might be able to run apps side-by-side similar to the Samsung Galaxy S5. Oh right, Windows 8.1Along with the new Windows 9 details, Microsoft is rumored to be delivering the next Windows 8.1 update this August. Reportedly, this second and final update will come will just a few UI adjustments and tweaks, but nothing majorly game changing. It seems Windows 8.1 is destined to fade away into obsolescence much like Vista. Seems like the Xbox One is being left out of all this Windows update newshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120250345/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120250345/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120250345/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120250345/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120250345/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3c08a1dc/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/5_s1gvO05OU
  16. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/Watches/Microsoft_surfacewatch_mock-470-75.jpgWith Google having played its hand (or wrist, perhaps?) in the wearables arena this week, attention now turns to Apple and Microsoft who are reportedly planning wristbands and smartwatches of their own. The latest tidbit of information comes on the purported Microsoft smartwatch, with a new report claiming it'll launch in October and arrive with a mighty 11 of those all-important sensors in tow. The update from Tom's Hardware sources also brings word on the potential design. Microsoft has apparently eschewed the trend for chunky smartwatch designs like the Samsung Gear range. Instead, the report claims, it'll boast a much slimmer form factor more like the Nike Fuelband. InsiderThe report also corroborates previous leaks suggesting the display will be on the inside of the wrist, which is said to be more a natural position for frequent checking. It would also enable users to keep notifications, perhaps showing sensitive information, guarded. The report also goes along with earlier information claiming the device will have a slick user interface and will be cross platform, meaning it'll play nice with Android, iOS and Windows Phone handsets. Wristy business: How Microsoft could win at wearableshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199107505615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199107505615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199107505615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199107505615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199107505615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bfe150c/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/XbFUvmL7VqI
  17. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Apps/Photoshop_Express_Windows_Phone8-470-75.jpgAdobe has plugged another hole in the Windows Phone 8 catalogue by launching its Photoshop Express app for Microsoft's smartphone OS. The basic editing app, which has been available on iOS and Android for quite some time, arrives on the Windows Phone as a free download. Like most photo editing apps out there, users will be able to access the basic cropping, straightening and rotating, while there's plenty of manual colour and lighting tools to play around with. Naturally, there's a host of Photoshop Filters to play with. Nokia Camera buddyThe app arrives on all devices with 512MB of RAM or higher. On Nokia Lumia phones (and let's face it, that's pretty much ever WP phone these days) it'll sit nicely alongside the powerful Nokia Camera app. The photo and video shooting app brings full manual control for devices like the Lumia 1020 and allows users to Refocus their shots after the fact. Nokia 1320 reviewhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119821430/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119821430/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119821430/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119821430/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119821430/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bf8ec44/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/GR4QX_8rImk
  18. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/features/best_portable_apps/7zip-470-75.jpgWith today's fast broadband speeds, it's easier than ever to send large files, or lots of smaller files, across the Internet. Windows has a built-in compression utility that enables you to zip up files and crunch them down into a single archive. The trouble is, it isn't very good. 7-Zip is a superior alternative. Here are five reasons why you should be 7z-ing your files rather than zipping them up... 1. A dedicated file compression program gives you more control over how you archive your files, the compression ratio, the container format, and whether you apply layers of security. (7-Zip, for example, supports bank-level 256-bit AES encryption). 2. The popular ZIP format isn't as efficient as newer formats. While 7-Zip provides support for ZIP files, you get better results using the software's own 7z format, which uses advanced LZMA and LZMA2 compression algorithms for superior file-squashing. The brains behind 7-Zip suggest that 7z is typically between 30% and 70% more efficient than the old ZIP format. 3. That's not to say that 7-Zip is restricted to the 7z and ZIP formats. It can also archive files into XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR and WIM containers. 4. While its archiving talents are impressive, 7-Zip can inflate considerably more file types than it can deflate, which means that you should be able to open most archive files you receive. Supported formats include: ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CramFS, DEB, DMG, FAT, HFS, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MBR, MSI, NSIS, NTFS, RAR, RPM, SquashFS, UDF, VHD, WIM, XAR and Z. 5. Did you notice the RAR support there? 7-Zip also supports the core file type of one of its biggest rivals - WinRAR. So that's ZIP and RAR covered. No need to download separate software just to extract data from those two file formats. Ultimately, 7-Zip is quick, efficient, and easy to use. And did we mention that it's free? Get 7-Zip today for freehttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/Software%20download%20buttons/download_button_1-180-100.jpg http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bdab715/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119911140/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bdab715/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119911140/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bdab715/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119911140/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bdab715/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119911140/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bdab715/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119911140/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bdab715/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/oSeDpuDOUKY
  19. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/msplayers/mplayer_vlc-470-75.jpgWhile Windows Media Player comes built into Windows, you've probably noticed that it can't play every video file. Yes, Windows Media Player 12 now includes support for QuickTime .mov files, MP4 Audio files (.m4a), MP4 video files (.mp4, .m4v, .mp4v, .3g2, .3gp2, .3gp, and .3gpp), and MPEG-2 TS. But it still doesn't like .asf or. asx, .flv or .mkv files. It's not the all-rounder you expect it to be. VLC Media Player (formerly known as the VideoLAN Client) isn't much of a looker compared to Windows Media Player and Apple's QuickTime. There are no prettily-designed menus or snazzy graphical flourishes. Instead, the software focuses on pure functionality and is all the better for it. Consequently, VLC handles an impressive list of audio and video formats. It can play almost anything you throw at it - DVDs as well as video CDs, MP3, MOV and FLV files or DivX. It also supports modern H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC video, Cinepak, Theora and Real Video. We say 'almost', because VLC Media Player won't decode Indeo Video 4/5 (IV41, IV51) files. But then nobody uses that archaic format anyway. Feature-crammed softwareNot only does VLC Media Player decode (almost) anything, but it runs on everything. There are versions for Windows, Linux and Mac. It can also start to play back video files while they are still downloading, and even play zipped-up files without having to unpack them first. Its playlist feature, meanwhile, enables you to queue up a stack of videos, perfect if you want to plug into a big telly and watch downloads all night. Like Recuva and Paint.NET, VLC Media Player is one of those powerful software essentials that you wish came with your operating system as standard. As it plays Microsoft's own WMV format, Apple .mov files and DivX, there's no real need for Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or any DivX software. VLC is the king of media payback. One media player to rule them all. Get VLC Media Player for freehttp://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/techradar/Software%20download%20buttons/download_button_1-180-100.jpg Or discover more great media players, ranked by performance. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119986778/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119986778/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119986778/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119986778/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119986778/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bc7e065/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/rKHt_oOi-YM
  20. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/televisions/Google/Chromecast/chrome_uk1-470-75.jpgMozilla is reportedly plotting a Firefox OS-based streaming stick to rival the Google Chromecast device. GigaOm brings a hands-on video showing the as-yet-unannounced device in action. According to report the stick has no name, no release date and it's unclear which markets it will launch in. According to the report, the streaming stick, in its current form, is capable of running Android and iOS apps will also allow developers to create apps that play nice with Windows Phone, the Amazon Fire platform. As always with Mozilla, the focus will be on openness, the reporter who has been 'tracking the device' with Mozilla insiders for months said. " width="420">YouTube : No restrictionsIn response to the report a Mozilla spokesperson suggested the hardware may not be the company's doing, but that of a third-party using the open source software. "Firefox OS is an open platform freely available for any company to build on top of without restriction. This means companies can experiment with different form factors that run Firefox OS." Could Mozilla compete with the almighty Chromecast? Let us know your thoughts below. Amazon Fire Phone: 8 things you need to knowhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119936539/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119936539/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119936539/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119936539/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119936539/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3bbc372f/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/qKiYkue0k08
  21. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/fathers-day-gift-guide-tech-ideas-2014-list-470-75.jpgMake dad's car and home smarterFinding the right Father's Day gift isn't easy considering dads either have everything they want or swear they "don't need anything from anybody this year" - and that's an exact quote. The truth is, there are plenty of gadgets that the old man doesn't know about, as he clutches onto that AOL email address and stock of VHS tapes. He needs this tech, but he never knew it. Make his life easier this Father's Day with gadgets that bring him into the 21st century, fresh from the 1980s as if this were Back to the Future Part II. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Automatic/automatic-app-420-100.jpg An 'Automatic' gift decision for chauffeuring dadsTransform your dad's ride from Fred Flintstone's foot-pedaled car to George Jetson's flying car with the $99 Automatic Smart Driving Assistant. Okay, the change won't be that drastic, but Automatic does bring the Internet of Things to the family car via a tiny gadget that fits right into the OBD-II data port. Buy the Automatic Smart Driving Assistant for $99It beams gas-saving driving feedback to iOS and Android smartphones and can diagnose and clear the check engine light in a jiffy. Dad can always pretend he knew how to fix the problem. Crash alerts on iOS can notify the authorities and loved ones of your location, while Do Not Disturb on the newly launched Android app can silence your phone while you're driving. Automatic's provides a safer, more informative drive, and he'll never forget where he left the car thanks to this trip logging device's parking reminder complete with a map. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Dropcam/dropcam-pro-420-100.jpg Dropcam Pro to ensure you stay out of dad's stuffDad is older than you and has accrued a lot of so-called "valuable" belongings in his lifetime, and he doesn't want people messing with his prized possessions. That's where Dropcam Pro comes into focus. This WiFi video monitoring camera doesn't need to be attached to a PC, as it streams its high-quality security footage through your home router. See the latest prices for Drop Cam Pro on AmazonIts free live streaming capabilities make it possible to tune into your safe-and-sound home from computers, tablets and smartphones, while motion detection send emails and push notifications. With a subscription, Dropcam backs up this security footage to the cloud so you don't have to watch in real-time and it'll soon expand its product line with motion-sensing Dropcam Tabs. Google is rumored to be interested Dropcam after having buying up Nest, which tells you a lot about its up-and-coming status in your emerging smart home, whether or not it's true. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Nest/Learning%20Thermostat/nest-thermostat-420-100.jpg Nest lets dad always keep tabs on the thermostatIf there's one rule that's ubiquitous among dads it's "Don't touch the thermostat." It's sometimes followed by a second Fight Club-esque rule of "Don't touch the thermostat." Thankfully, the now Google-owned Nest Learning Thermostat is the perfect Father's Day gift to destress dad. It has auto-scheduling and can learn from your habits. Nest turns down the heat to $249 at retailThis second-generation device also has auto-away and and remote control functionality, so Nest can save your family money on the monthly energy bill while on the go. Dad's not going to argue with that. The Nest Protect smoke alarm isn't back on sale following its unfortunate recall, so this is the one Google smart home product you can buy. At least until Google IO at the end of the month. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Philips/Hue/philips-hue-review-420-100.jpg Philips Hue to 'turn down the lights'"We don't work for the electric company" is a phrase dads echo around the world in various languages. But that old saying may eventually become archaic with smart home tech like Philips Hue. The personal wireless lighting system has bulbs that shine in 16 million colors and wireless connectivity that lets dad turn them on and, more importantly, off to his heart's content. Get started right here for $199.95Philips' app is just as advanced as its internet-connect lightbulbs. You can take your favorite photo on your iOS or Android device and sample any color so that your home is basked in the same shade. The starter kit, which includes three bulbs and a wireless bridge, will cost more than the energy savings you reap when compared to the average lightbulb, but Father's Day only comes around once a year. http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Withings/WS-50%20Smart%20Body%20Analyzer/withings-scale-420-100.jpg Less of dad with Withings WS-50 Smart Body AnalyzerDads are always trying to lose weight, and one of the best ways to help him stick to a diet is by setting up the Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer in the bathroom. This WiFi scale scale replaces that old rusty junk sitting on your bathroom floor with a clean, polished and, most importantly, ultra-precise weight and body fat measurer. Step on the scale by adding Withings WS-50 to your cartThe health-focused Withings has an iOS and Android app to go along with its updated scale, and it picks up your heart rate and keeps tabs on indoor air quality. We're not sure how well that works in a bathroom on certain Taco-filled Tuesdays, but it's a nice touch every other day of the week. Last-minutes instant Father's Day tech giftshttp://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/other/Onetimers/audible-420-100.jpg Call an Audible in time for Father's DayLooking for a last-second gift for dad or a change in what you picked out before Sunday? Call an audible with an Audible.com subscription. The Amazon-owned digital audio bookstore has 150,000 titles for $14.95 a month, with a free book in the first month for new sign-ups. Best of all, it goes wherever dad travels thanks to apps for iOS, Android and even Windows Phone. The only limitation is that iOS devices can't download new audiobooks from the store directly. That's per Apple's policy to require 30% of the profits from all in-app sales, so it must be done from a computer. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/other/Onetimers/ancestry-subscription-420-100.jpg Climb the Ancestry family treeYou've probably heard your dad talk about the old family tree one too many times, and he may have even attempted to map it out on paper - paper which no one knows the location of. Bring all of that work to the web with an Ancestry.com subscription that can preserve your dad's genealogical story and help him discover your family's long-lost roots. Ancestry.com's comprehensive records search and its ability to upload GEDCOM files will keep dad occupied for several weeks, and the site's new iPhone, iPad and Android apps make it the most technologically driven personal hall of records around. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/other/Onetimers/logmein-subscription-420-100.jpg LogMeIn for personalized tech supportLogMeIn now charges a subscription to remotely take control of computers, but the company's $69.95 a year price pays dividends when dealing with dad's computer problems. It's more than an anywhere, anytime access to dad's PC for his personal use whenever you can take control to teach dad how to get rid of the latest virus on his computer. It's a great alternative to phoning him and having to blindly walk him through the directions of cleaning up his computer. Show him and watch him do it, or just do it for him. It's great for parents living at a distance. http://cdn3.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net///art/internet/Amazon/Amazon%20Prime/delivery-420-100.jpg Amazon PrimeSure, Amazon Prime is more expensive than it was last Father's Day, but the new $99 a year subscription is still worth its weight in two-day free shipping. On top of the speedy delivery options, Amazon Prime offers on-demand movie streaming, the Kindle Lenders' Library and the company's brand new music streaming service. Of course, if you already have an account, you can always give dad access to the two-day free shipping with Amazon little-known family sharing feature. http://cdn0.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net///art/tablets/iPad/apps/Spotify%20for%20iPad/Lifestyle%201-420-100.jpg SpotifyDon't expect the freshly launched Amazon Music to be able to match all of dad's music tastes. Instead, give him the ability to stream millions of songs on the computer, iOS and Android devices. Spotify does just that with its ad-free $9.99 a month plan that lets you download and listen to offline music in addition to streaming playlists on your computer and mobile tech. Competitors include Google Music, Rdio and the Apple-owned Beats Music, but we find Spotify to be the streaming crème de la crème. Best cameras, phones and TV gadgets for Father's Day http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/cameras/Sony/RX100_II/Sony_RX100_II_90-420-100.jpg Sony RX100 II to capture all of dad's memoriesOne of the best compact cameras keeps getting better. The forthcoming Sony RX100 III isn't out until the end of the month, but the two previous models are priced better for a Father's Day gift. The Sony RX100 II and Sony RX100 Cybershot cameras offer near-DSLR-quality 20MP photos, but do so in a compact body. The Sony RX100 is now under $550 through AmazonIt's pocketable in tight jeans with a little squeeze and the price is a low $548. Even if that blows your budget for dad this year, hopefully you'll have some siblings and mom chip in for this great camera. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/televisions/Google/Chromecast/Review/hdmi-adapter-420-100.jpg Chromecast turns dad's dumb TV into a smart oneIf you missed out on gifting Chromecast to your folks over Christmas, then Father's Day is the perfect time to deliver app streaming to dad's favorite "Do Not Touch" display, his TV. At $35, it's the cheapest way to beam Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube, Hulu Plus and Pandora to any HDTV. It also finally has sports channels thanks to the additions of ESPN and MLB.TV. You can often find Chromecast on sale for $29.99It's missing key apps like Amazon Instant Video, which the more expensive Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku 3 and Roku Streaming Stick offer, but Google likely to announce more apps at Google IO. http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/other/Onetimers/fathers-day-gift-guide-tech-2014-420-100.jpg Upgrade dad to iPhone 5S or a new AndroidChances are your dad is eligible for a new phone and doesn't even know it. He may not care at first and refuse to upgrade, but he'll likely love the bigger screens out there in the end. To that point, the iPhone 5S has an elongated 4-inch display that's a major upgrade if your dad is still carrying around the iPhone 4S with its 3.5-inch screen. If Pops is an Android user, there's no shortage of bigger and better Google-powered phones to upgrade to, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8 chief among them. The LG G3 won't make it out in time for Father's Day unless you live in South Korea, but if dad is a back-buttons kind of guy, you can always set him up with a pre-order. Best of all, if your dad protected his phone in an Otter case and it's still in pretty good condition, you can always help him sell it on eBay or Amazon, essentially making the upgrade free. After all, dads always like saving money, and proving that he's passed on those pearls of wisdom may be the best Father's Day gift of all. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108419578/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108419578/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108419578/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108419578/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108419578/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b7dba6f/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/fEzrvdsKJDc
  22. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBCNews/keeper8-470-75.jpgMobile password management company Keeper Security has created a product that enables users to upload and store files to the cloud via a mobile device, Keeper Security CEO and Co-Founder Darren Guccione told TechRadar. The product, Secure File Storage, allows individuals and organizations to share files with other Keeper users through Keeper's secure cloud environment. Secure File Storage will be the latest release from the Chicago-based password management company. The product, which uses military-grade encryption, features 256bit AES encryption, with PKI encryption for secure sharing. Secure File Storage comes with advanced threat detection warnings, a self-destruct mechanism in case of a disaster-related event, and two-factor authentication. Keeper was founded in 2009 by Guccione and CTO Craig Lurey. Guccione and Lurey sold their first company, Apollo Solutions, to CNET Networks in 2000. Guccione also co-founded syndication platform OnlyWire, which was acquired by Snipitron in 2008. The available plansKeeper for Groups, the company's enterprise product, is a multi-user version of Keeper Backup Unlimited. Keeper for Groups is built for more than five users and unlimited devices. More than 3,200 organizations manage passwords and devices with Keeper, Guccione said. Secure File Storage can be added to any existing Keeper plan starting July 2. Existing Keeper Security users will be able to upload five files to Secure File Storage for free. Secure File plans range from 10 GB of storage for $9.99 per year to 1000 GB for $749.99 per year. Secure File Storage will be live on iOS, Android, Web App, Windows Desktop and Mac app. Windows Phone, Surface and Windows 8 versions will be available later this year. Keeper will also release a tool that enables Android users to auto-fill their login credentials across all mobile apps and browsers on their smartphones and tablets. FastFill will be available on all Android devices in which Keeper is installed on June 23. Here's our list of 8 of the best Linux password managershttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119626262/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119626262/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119626262/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119626262/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119626262/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b6f81db/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/5rcmkkL-yzk
  23. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/Generic/Hands%20on%20phone/Handsonphone-470-75.jpg7 MDM solutions you need to knowWith an increasingly mobile workforce and more employees using their own devices for work-related tasks, enterprises must ensure their employees' mobile devices are safe and secure—whether they are company-issued or employee-owned (bring your own device or BYOD). To ensure a safe and easy-to-manage fleet of devices, companies need to choose a mobile device management provider (MDM). There are an increasing number of MDMs that offer various benefits—from complete locked-down security for sensitive enterprises to flexible and quick cloud-based solutions—there's an MDM for every need no matter the size of the business or the range of devices or operating systems. Here are a selection of MDMs that are bringing interesting solutions to the marketplace: 1. AirWatch by VMWare AirWatch, purchased by VMWare in January 2014, offers a comprehensive MDM solution across every mobile device (laptops, tablets, printers) and every mobile operating system. The company was recognized as a leader in the 2014 Gartner Magic Quadrant Report for its enterprise mobility management (EMM) and, accordingly, positions itself as the leading provider in the industry. Their service offers one administrative console that gives an overview of every enrolled device and a dashboard with real-time data for the device fleet. Enrollment is made easy, as once users are authenticated, the appropriate apps and content corresponding to security restrictions are pushed to the device automatically. Customers can then choose to use standalone apps or the AirWatch Workspace which allows users to separate their personal and corporate information. AirWatch is particularly popular with retailers including both Walgreens and Best Buy. 2. BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 (BES10)BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 (BES10), with its emphasis on security, is notable for its popularity with various governments around the world. Of the G20 Nations, 16 of them use BES10. It's also the only provider cleared for use on U.S. Department of Defense networks. The service offers multi-OS device, app, and security management through one management console for Android, Blackberry, and iOS devices. It also allows users to switch between work and personal functions with its Secure Work Space solution which lets users to keep their social media, email, and apps separate—offering a greater amount of control and ensuring data leak prevention. For example, enterprises can specify whether a BlackBerry device user can forward email messages marked as private, or whether they can add a new recipient when they reply to a message. Its silver level service is geared towards small businesses while its gold level service is recommended for governments or security sensitive operations. Read our Bes 10 review. 3. Good Technology Mobile Device Management The aptly named Good Technology (founded as SpringThings in 2000) and bought by Visto in 2009 offers "automated device lifecycle management" with a focus on security—while the company keeps its eye on future growth by continually developing new technology. The company has filed over 250 technology patents and boasts 50 Fortune 100 companies as customers. The service allows apps secured with Good Technology to coexist alongside the user's own apps. Good-secured apps can detect when a device has been compromised and allows data wiping or the ability to lock the app. With Good's MDM service, IT has the ability to control the settings on any managed device while allowing users with iOS, Windows, and Android mobile devices the ability to self-enroll (with their access corresponding to their employee status in the corporate directory system)—saving on set-up time and support costs. Their MDM is available across a variety of Good's offerings including Good for Enterprise, the Good Collaboration Suite, and the Good Dynamics Secure Mobility Platform. 4. MaaS360 by Fiberlink, an IBM Company MaaS360 by Fiberlink is a cloud-based solution and bills itself as the "cloud mobility leader." Privately held until its acquisition by IBM in December 2013, the service advertises seamless integration with an enterprise's existing infrastructure, a three-minute enrollment process, as well as instant updates. It also provides a lightweight container solution for email as part of the application. A software development kit, as well as an application wrapper, are available for creating secure apps. While the provider emphasizes the speed and flexibility with which it can operate it also cites its security credentials including the fact that it's FIPS 140-2 compliant, AICPA SOC-2 Type II compliant, and was the first MDM vendor to receive FISMA's "Authority to Operate." MDM solutions you need to know #5-75. MobileIron MobileIron works primarily with Android, Mac OS, iOS, and Windows Phone and provides a secure "intelligent gateway" that allows enterprise access to email, apps, and web traffic. Their large selection of third-party apps are secured with MobileIron AppConnect and are available in their app store. They also provide network management that can track things like international roaming—alerting customers to high cost-usage. Access to enterprise email, apps, docs, and Web traffic is controlled via the intelligent gateway ensuring only secured devices are able to connect. Enterprises can choose various policies based on their security preference—for example corporate apps on compromised devices can be wiped clean with one policy or users might simply receive an alert with another. Not just a technology company, MobileIron provides support and training for the lifecycle of each device as well as emphasizing their focus on design. 6. SAP Afaria MDM First released in 1997, SAP Afaria emphasizes its scalable, secure architecture for managing Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8 devices. SAP Afaria is a market leader claiming over 150,000 devices managed and it also partners with Amazon for its cloud services. Operating in the cloud or on-premise, the service allows enterprises to install, delete, and update all of its devices at any time and also allows secure employee enrollment through its end user self-service portal. The company also offers extensive analytics—for example Afaria gives enterprises access to mobile app analytics to see how their employees are utilizing their devices. They offer an enterprise app store as well as investing capital in app development. 7. Symantec Mobile Management Symantec Mobile Management (SMM) claims to offer the "broadest set of technologies" to secure a mobile workforce. The California-based Fortune 500 Company, founded in 1982 and known for its variety of security offerings, provides the Symantec Mobile Management Suite which includes application management, scalable device management, and threat protection for iOS, Android, Blackberry, and Windows 8 devices. SMM also offers protection policies for individual apps—for example, enterprises can block iOS 7 features like Airprint or the user's ability to add files to their Safari reading list. Wrapping technology is utilized for its apps and policies can be changed or revoked at any time. It offers secure corporate email as well as supporting native email apps. Features include a single sign-on across in-house, third-party and cloud-based apps as well as IT Analytics which provides enterprises with insight into device compliance. Symantec Mobile Security, an anti-malware protection solution, is also available on Android devices. What are the best smartphones for business?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b66053c/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108320218/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b66053c/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108320218/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b66053c/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108320218/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b66053c/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108320218/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b66053c/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108320218/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b66053c/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/qBUR7ZePxJg
  24. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/officeforipad1-470-75.jpgMicrosoft may be preparing to throw another Office-based curve ball by launching the touch-centric version of its productivity suite on Google Android devices before it lands on Windows 8. According to the well-connected Mary Jo-Foley's of Zdnet's sources, the Android OS is next in Microsoft's sights for Word, Excel and Powerpoint touch, following the roll-out on iPad earlier this year. Microsoft prioritised the iOS version in order to capitalise on its greater-than-Windows market share (and probably just to shut people up), so adopting Android next would represent a similar strategic manoeuvre. The software giant has made it clear in recent months that it'll no longer discriminate against rival platforms and will instead seek to have its products and services available on as many platforms as possible. Conceding defeat or the smart move?The launch of Office touch for Windows had been rumoured for the autumn of 2014, but it now appears Microsoft may wait until early 2015 before pushing out the next generation suite on for its own operating system. Meanwhile, the Android version will arrive before the end of 2014, according to Foley's sources. Would you agree with Microsoft if it decided to go Android-first with Office touch? Or would it be a concession of defeat in its quest to conquer the mobile market? Let us know your thoughts below. Opinion: Why Office for iPad makes sense for Nadella's Microsofthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108028017/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108028017/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108028017/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108028017/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108028017/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b21dd4d/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/NZPNBa4hrTo
  25. http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Chrome/Chrome-Windows-470-75.jpgWhen it comes to bits and bytes, more are typically better - and the latest developer and beta builds of Google's Chrome browser finally ratchets the speed up to 64-bit on the Windows platform. Google's Chromium Blog today announced the addition of 64-bit support for the Chrome browser, available to download in both Dev and Canary builds for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. Promising a "faster and more secure browsing experience," the 64-bit builds install directly over an existing version, so users won't have to sacrifice their favorite bookmarks or settings to give them a spin. Google has frequently touted Chrome's trio of core principles - speed, security, and stability - and the latest and greatest versions continue this tradition thanks to the additional processing power and protection features offered by 64-bit processors. S x 3Speed is a given: After all, 64-bit support takes advantage of everything the Windows PC has to offer, and Google touts an average 25 percent improvement in overall performance as a result. When installed on Windows 8, 64-bit Chrome is also more secure thanks to High Entropy ASLR, which helps keep browser data safe from exploits while shoring up Google defense features like heap partitioning. Last but not least, 64-bit Chrome is more stable compared to the 32-bit version, with crash rates for web content processes effectively cut in half. All that remains is picking which 64-bit poison to download: Chrome Canary is considered the "bleeding edge" version aimed at early adopters prior to eventual release to the public, while the Dev version is essentially the same thing targeted at Chromium developers. Feast your eyes upon our updated review of Google Glass!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106599111/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106599111/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106599111/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199106599111/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199106599111/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b20fd34/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/nLNjwOKC72g
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