tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51530135812703737102024-03-05T05:58:57.166-08:00Windows 8 Info-Kiosk – The One-Stop Destination for All Windows 8 InsightsRead us to grab the latest info on Windows 8. We update you regularly on various features of this offspring from Microsoft. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-46708042254287021032013-01-25T04:32:00.000-08:002013-01-25T04:39:48.898-08:00Ten Enhancements to Give Surface Pro the Traction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2iYRURHymbYk0RMCZ7abF9iEvdUQxVnUuAuHmIWnCCNml-FXj_Ic2Pd00fJTobrLXjaJMj6vF1VFHOfPHpAMNhM3ZiCNERR-qPyXE9GD_qFkq5XyCP8d7-sZBo0tqsivHdM5L57yZEne/s1600/Surface+Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2iYRURHymbYk0RMCZ7abF9iEvdUQxVnUuAuHmIWnCCNml-FXj_Ic2Pd00fJTobrLXjaJMj6vF1VFHOfPHpAMNhM3ZiCNERR-qPyXE9GD_qFkq5XyCP8d7-sZBo0tqsivHdM5L57yZEne/s400/Surface+Pro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost three months have passed by since Microsoft launched <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/Surface-Tablet-iPad-Nexus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Surface tablet</b></span></a> in the market. And as per the claims from the software tycoon, its enhanced version, the Surface Pro, was supposed to be released on Jan. 26, 2013. Although as per the latest news, the launch of Surface Pro is delayed a bit (<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Feb. 9</b></span> is now the launch date), I think it will be a good idea to see how Surface Pro is more enhanced than its junior. Oh! I forgot to add that I got a chance to look at Surface Pro at the recently ended <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">CES 2013</span></b> at Las Vegas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Operating System Is Pretty Fast</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should we start our walk with operating systems? As the name suggests, Surface RT has Windows RT OS that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. The OS works flawlessly with apps available in Windows store. Unfortunately Surface RT lacks the speed that we expect from modern-day tablets. The Pro in <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Surface Pro</b></span> is nothing but <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows 8 Pro</b></span>. Although the tile-based interface is very much central here as well, yet this tab can work like a regular desktop also from where you can access your older applications with ease. Usage of programs and apps available in the Windows Store is an easy task. And obviously it is much speedier than its predecessor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Surface Pro has Better Productivity</span></b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let us now move further to the productivity part of both the devices. Windows 8 Surface RT tablet has 8 hours of battery life and arrives installed with <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Microsoft Office Home</b></span> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Student 2013 RT</b></span>. At the same time, you will find Surface Pro supporting full office experience as it runs <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Microsoft Outlook</b></span>, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Word</b></span>, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>SharePoint Designer</b></span>, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">PowerPoint</span></b>, and more. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>A Better Choice in Application Part as Well </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can I now take your attention to the application part in both gadgets? Well, let us first have a look at Windows RT. It includes <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Microsoft Office Home</b></span> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Student 2013 RT</b></span> Preview along with Windows Mail and Messaging services. Adding more charm are <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>SkyDrive</b></span>, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Internet Explorer 10</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Bing</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Xbox Music</span></b>, video, and games. You won’t regret selecting Surface Pro as all these applications are available in it as well. So, no worries on that part. Apart from that, Surface Pro also runs all programs that you currently run on Windows 7. That is something lovely to hear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>No Need to Think Twice on Security</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it is now time for me to introduce the security part of Surface Pro. Surface RT has several notable security features including device encryption to ensure that the data stored in it is intact and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Defender</b></span> to keep an eye on online threats. However, with Surface Pro security reaches the next level. The tablet has <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>AppLocker</b></span> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Group Policy</b></span> to safeguard data inside. In addition, there is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>BitLocker</b></span> to encrypt data in hard drive so that all your stuff is protected to the maximum. Furthermore, Windows 8 Pro is equally compatible with third party security, management, and monitoring applications. Not to mention, the security features of Surface RT are also there. How’s that for a deal?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Connectivity is Important, Also the Battery</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Always connected – as a punch line, it is music to ears. A big issue with Surface RT is that it is always connected; even while in standby mode. Of course, this ends up eating a lot of battery. Tell me frankly, haven’t you found it irritating. As if the company read your mind, Microsoft has modified this part in Surface Pro. The connectivity in this gadget goes off while hibernating, thereby <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>preserving</b></span> the battery. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Screen Size is the Same but Resolution</b> <b>Is Better</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Microsoft hasn't made any change to the screen size. It remains the same 10.6 inch. However the resolution in Surface Pro (<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>1,920 x 1,080</b></span>) is much better than Surface RT (<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>1,366 x 768</b></span>). That is something I know that you love to hear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Even the Basic Specs Are Better</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As now we have discussed the screen size, and the resolution of both Surface Pro and Surface RT, I guess it is time to move further to memory, and storage capacity of both tablets. Surface Pro has <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Intel Core i5</b></span> and has a storage capacity of 64 GB and a RAM of 4 GB. This is almost double than the memory and storage capacity of Surface RT. You already know that Surface RT has <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>ARM processor</b></span>, a storage capacity of 32 GB, and a memory of 2 GB. Finally, 720 mm webcam makes way for 1080 pixel camcorder. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minor Enhancements in Ports As Well</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The stereo speakers, micro SDXC card slot, headset jack, and cover port available in Surface RT are available in Surface Pro as well. Yes, HD video out port is replaced with Mini DisplayPort and there are <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">2 USB 3.0 ports</span></b> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>1 USB 2.0 ports</b> </span>in comparison to <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>1 full-size USB 3.0</b></span> in RT. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And what’s This Surface Pen?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike RT, Surface Pro comes with a stylus which Microsoft calls <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Surface Pen</b></span>. The pressure sensitive device has palm-rejection technology integrated and clips magnetically to the charging port.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Extra Bling with Touch Covers</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only for a particular period, if you like to spend a bit extra, touch covers will have <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">special laser-etched patterns</span></b>. The touch covers are good to own only if you have your own keyboard and mouse. Likewise, you can add that extra bling to your Pro for $129.99. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Finally, a Few Dampeners</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The more advanced; the more expensive. As Surface Pro is advanced than Surface RT in features, it comes at a higher price tag. When a RT tab hits the stand at a tag starting at <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>$499</b></span>, Pro will reach your hand at rates starting <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">$899</span></b>. I don’t think price factor will be a distracter as Surface Pro is pretty charming, both in appearance and the features it carries.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">battery life</span></b> of Surface Pro, however, is a dampener. Even Microsoft has admitted that the Core processor has reduced the battery to half. It’s a big time setback for all geeks that love MS products. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All said and done, though the time gap between both devices is just a little over three months, Microsoft has made adequate changes in Surface Pro to make it look more appealing and advanced than its sibling. In my view Surface Pro is the real thing whereas Surface RT was just a starter. Don’t rely on my words though! Wait for the deal day to come to figure out on your own. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-11045614498515301162012-12-26T02:25:00.005-08:002013-01-22T22:10:37.750-08:00Windows Phone 8 is Your Kid’s Playmate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij56mjXpWn_5BqHpSEm3FEYn2lg9UePlt4oAKmkibbpYjXzke0FJqxA4GhVuj46pPDh12h-Oi5QS-8dsWIA4QE1oNj5DzD-z3qVP3Wv3_EC9Kr6SUUGEmAEtligtypzLcCZiJNCy3ELuZs/s1600/Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij56mjXpWn_5BqHpSEm3FEYn2lg9UePlt4oAKmkibbpYjXzke0FJqxA4GhVuj46pPDh12h-Oi5QS-8dsWIA4QE1oNj5DzD-z3qVP3Wv3_EC9Kr6SUUGEmAEtligtypzLcCZiJNCy3ELuZs/s320/Kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smartphones come with several
superb features that are enough to captivate us, the users. Here we ‘users’
fall into the category of ‘adults’. Quite often, I have wondered why no smartphone
maker has considered kids while launching their handset models. After all, they
form the real ‘family’. (Probably smartphones are only meant for adults per se).
Anyways, now I am happy. Finally, Microsoft
has heard my plea by introducing <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Kids Corner</b></span> in <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=2781828694335653880" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></a></b>, a special zone
dedicated to, yes, the kids. And in my view, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kids Corner is a real blessing for
anyone who has a little devil at home eagerly waiting for him to reach back. Here's how you <a href="http://windows-8-made-familiar.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-setup-kids-corner-in-windows.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">set up</span></b></a> the Kid's Corner in your phone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Generally kids use a phone to
keep themselves entertained. But most among us are hesitant to hand over anything pricey let alone a smartphone, as we fear they may do naughty things with it. For
instance, they may erase an important file in your phone that can lead to
non-repairable damages, both personally and officially. Or sometimes they may send
a message to your boss putting you in an embarrassing state. Now with Kids
Corner in your Windows Phone 8, it is time to throw away all such fears. Kids Corner is the app specially meant for
your tiny ones where he can keep himself busy with games, music, and movies. It
divides your phone into two - one for you and the other for your child. And don’t
worry; your part is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>secure with a PIN</b></span>. <a href="http://windows-8-made-familiar.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-setup-kids-corner-in-windows.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Here's how</b></span></a> you do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Opening <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><a href="http://windows-8-made-familiar.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-setup-kids-corner-in-windows.html#kidscorneruse" target="_blank">Kid's Corner</a></b></span> on Windows
Phone 8 is simple. You need to just swipe the finger from right to left. Now once
you hand over the smartphone to your child, his access is restricted to only the
apps available in Kids Corner. He can catch up with his favorite games, songs,
or movies on the device, letting you continue with your job. Clicking quality snaps will help him bud his
photographic skills; but only with your permission. You control what he does in
Kids Corner by including only the apps you feel he needs. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a fact that not everyone
wants Kid's Corner on their handset. So obviously Microsoft has disabled it by
default on Windows Phone 8. And enabling the feature as you need is not a tough
task at all. You can <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>customize</b></span> the tile as per the preference of your naughty little
heart. Adding more charm, your kid can
change the wallpaper, theme color as well as the name that appears on the lock
screen as he wishes. Now you got why Kids Corner is a perfect buddy for your
child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />What I found interesting in Kids
Corner is the unavailability of <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Internet Explorer Mobile</b></span>. Making a call or
creating a message is also impossible here. This restricts handset misuse to a
large extent. In case you feel like closing the Kids Corner app, just press the
device power button, and it is done. It is as simple as that. Unfortunately you
can create just one Kids Corner locale on Windows Phone 8. It means if you have
multiple kids, the Kids Corner needs to be shared among them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NkUtoPGJl2tVQarRs9Y2U-1Ve-4O7KR3YkIYyl5XcrelM84NKs3KLrv4puXLpAS0Hdy7NT0O6gMRSVHuhnUOKAJklYLPv-6JOLHzEk-Z0oBvgZ8blcR1PpxLJHILorNJsMAsTdp4NsKq/s1600/Kids+Corner+-+Ref.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NkUtoPGJl2tVQarRs9Y2U-1Ve-4O7KR3YkIYyl5XcrelM84NKs3KLrv4puXLpAS0Hdy7NT0O6gMRSVHuhnUOKAJklYLPv-6JOLHzEk-Z0oBvgZ8blcR1PpxLJHILorNJsMAsTdp4NsKq/s320/Kids+Corner+-+Ref.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the next time when you are on
a journey, and your kid asks something similar to what is screened on the photo on the right, keep your tiny cub in good company with your Windows Phone 8. He
will find himself lost in Kids Corner without troubling you a bit. Yes, trouble
can arise at the time when you urgently need your phone, your little devil refuses to
hand it back to you. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is Kids Corner just restricted for your little ones? Of course not! This app can be beneficial if a friend wants to play the new game you've downloaded on your phone. Just tweak the settings of Kids Corner accordingly and relax while the chap unwinds himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out the video underneath to decipher why exactly you need a phone with Kids Corner in it. As far as our recommendation goes; well, buy Windows Phone now. It's definitely worth the money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zCW6ZECcmJc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Image by: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77278206@N02/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mattshomes</a></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-24902929366535834162012-12-24T04:11:00.001-08:002013-01-22T22:12:37.788-08:00Windows 8: Security a Step Ahead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBnQdov5Q-pJ333qdevPS3FLvfa8yc3ljpUfh9hbG5MPaViFLQ5_66lC41agUtpLDmuuY-VVihUzNnC5d5dS4iGkbQxDdHspyD4_zSxaVcrfl-AGBZQkqKUgQxhn-AFm1Fc_3-rVy8P2x/s1600/Windows+8+Screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBnQdov5Q-pJ333qdevPS3FLvfa8yc3ljpUfh9hbG5MPaViFLQ5_66lC41agUtpLDmuuY-VVihUzNnC5d5dS4iGkbQxDdHspyD4_zSxaVcrfl-AGBZQkqKUgQxhn-AFm1Fc_3-rVy8P2x/s400/Windows+8+Screen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last few weeks of so had been really exciting. <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=4985250873715149332" target="_blank">Windows 8</a></b></span>, the newest operating system from Microsoft debuted along with its mobile cousin, the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=2781828694335653880" target="_blank">Windows Phone 8</a></span></b>. It was really a pleasure to bring to you its latest features. But amidst the hoopla surrounding the event, we forgot to cover up one really critical aspect of Windows 8, its security quotient. <br /><br />No, we don’t mean to take anything away from the efforts of the engineers of Microsoft, but it’s a known fact that hackers and virus makers have always had real affinity to the Windows operating system. The software whale never kept blinds eye to this fact though. In fact each coming version of Windows had featured improved security and the efforts though slowly, were showing results. For instance, Windows 7 is indeed really secure; no wonder it’s still selling like hot cake in the market. And now it’s time for Windows 8, the most secure Windows-based OS till date. So how far the Redmond-based company has gone in its attempt to ensure protection of data in Windows 8? As always, here are some of my findings. <br /><br />First up is the enhanced avatar of <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Defender</b></span>. If your remember Windows 7 has a malware buster in the form of free-to-use <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft Security Essentials</span></b> and a spyware in the form of Windows Defender. This very Defender is now a full-fledged security application in Windows 8. It comes bundled at no extra cost. So the moment you upgrade to Windows 8, your PC is protected. So does that mean permanent vacation for antivirus vendors? Well, according to Microsoft it surely is the case. However other software vendors are obviously not a party to it.<br /><br />Regardless of the antimalware application you use, Windows 8 loads it first up in the boot process through <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Early Launch Anti-Malware (ELAM)</span></b>. <br /><br />Next is <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Secure Boot</span></b>, which is meant to protect PCs from low-level exploits, rootkits, and bootloaders. It is a security process shared between Windows 8 and <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)</span></b>. Secure Boot does a simple thing; it requires all applications booting in the machine to have a valid digital certificate every time they load. <br /><br />Efficacy of such security features will be gauged in some time but the concept of having ELAM and Secure Boot work in tandem to impart fool-proof security is, as per security pundits, fundamentally sound.<br /><br />Other notable security features in Windows 8 include a <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Smart Screen</span></b>. Any file you intend to download via the Internet will first be screened through this Smart Screen before it gets a piece of your machine’s hard drive. With the inclusion of Picture passwords, even the passwords have also become trendy in Windows 8. Have a favorite pic of you and your family as the password, pin up three gestures and viola, you are all set. Finally, the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">AppContainer</span></b> ensures that an app stays confined to a particular place and do not mingle with other apps. The AppContainer also filters apps and check if any dangerous infections exist in them before they get installed in your PC. <br /><br />As you can comprehend by now, the software developers at Microsoft have truly done their bit to have the arsenal at place, so to speak. Only time will tell as to how effective will this arsenal be. We will surely keep an eye and will keep you posted.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0N2hDLl7reM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Image by: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/comedynose/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Comedy_Nose</a></b> </span></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-40111062735511548282012-12-19T04:28:00.000-08:002013-01-24T01:39:13.485-08:00Windows 8 Pro: It’s Professional This Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEUdqMazWgRcHZcgvYpdTZpe5Z9VC1XqP0_SO8oQjgCP6Z_DbvkF5Ih6VIqFRhI7GLC6TpyyCvDySfFBwBrRT7nYvCy69er1AaIaXJnn0xTDCMUjWrwFeozB_G7_01gxOrOu1BLTpk67c/s1600/Windows_8_Pro_Screenshoot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEUdqMazWgRcHZcgvYpdTZpe5Z9VC1XqP0_SO8oQjgCP6Z_DbvkF5Ih6VIqFRhI7GLC6TpyyCvDySfFBwBrRT7nYvCy69er1AaIaXJnn0xTDCMUjWrwFeozB_G7_01gxOrOu1BLTpk67c/s400/Windows_8_Pro_Screenshoot.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />As promised earlier, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows 8 Pro</b></span> will arrive in January 2013. Microsoft is pretty confident this time, thanks to the initial positive response its reimagined OS has got this time around. Though the gap between both Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro is just few months, Microsoft has done adequate changes in Windows 8 Pro to make it new, fresh, and more advanced than <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=4985250873715149332" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></a></b>. As the name ‘Pro’ suggests, Microsoft is targeting professionals this time. And what makes more alluring is that you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro at just $40. Unbelievable; isn't it? Yes, you are right in your assumption. My focus here today is Windows 8 Pro. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">No prize for guessing that Windows 8 Pro has more advanced features than Windows 8. Otherwise why would they launch a new product? Let us begin our journey through Windows 8 Pro from <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Media Center</b></span>. As the name suggests, it is an entertainment hub for users. A professional like you may require moving a lot. Those dull moments at airport lounge or hotel lobbies are things of past. With Media Center, you can listen to your latest favorite hits or catch up with television programs on travel. Wait, but this Media Center thingy was there is Windows Vista and 7 as well, so what’s new? Agreed, being a paid product in Windows 8 it’s free in its Pro version, at least for the time being though.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Next up is the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>BitLocker</b></span> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>BitLocker To Go</b></span> features. As someone who is required to travel quiet frequently, there are chances of your laptop getting misplaced or stolen. In case the laptop with sensitive information falls into the hands of any stranger, he can access to it and can take away all data inside. To safeguard the data in your stolen gadget, Microsoft had introduced BitLocker technology in Windows Vista Business edition. This feature was later extended in Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate editions and was called BitLocker To Go to protect data on portable storage devices such as USB thumb drives. Now both BitLocker and BitLocker To Go features are available in Windows 8 Pro offering full-disk encryption. Only admin can turn the feature on and off, leaving no scope for a stranger to gain access into the data. Oh! I can see you gasping in relief now. Anyways, this doesn’t mean that you can forget your laptop next time while in train. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Adding more charm, Windows 8 Pro has got <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Domain Join</b></span> and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Group Policy</b></span>. On primary sight, these features may seem irrelevant to you. But for IT admins using Windows 8 Pro, Domain Join is essential as it lets them to access Active Directory where they can set PC management and security policies through the Group Policy feature. Active Directory is beneficial for IT professionals as it permits them to verify passwords and specify if the users are system administrators or normal users. It doesn’t seem to be too technical for you to grasp; or was it? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Client Hyper-V</b></span> feature. You can use this attribute in the latest OS from Microsoft to create virtual machines. Yes, I know what you are going to say now. I agree that Hyper-V technology was present in previous versions as well. But here is a difference. Previously Hyper-V technology was available only in Windows Server editions. This time you can find it in the client version of Windows 8 Pro as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It is now time to lead your attention to <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Remote Desktop</span></b> feature. Yes again, the remote desktop feature was available in prior Windows versions since Windows 7. But here, in Windows 8 Pro, it becomes more advanced. To explain further, in previous Windows version, while it was possible to get your PC accessed via a remote desktop feature, here in Windows 8 Pro, you are able to access the other person’s PC as well. This feature lets you access your office computer even while on a vacation hundreds of miles away. What proof should I provide more to convince you that Windows 8 Pro is a professional-targeted OS. Cool!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So how do you find Windows 8 Pro? Aren't the attributes tempting enough to make you think about upgrading your existing Windows-based OS to Windows 8 Pro. If yes, then this is the right time to do that. Microsoft has lucrative offers in store for you. You just need to shell out $39.99. Yes, you heard it right buddy. However here is a small issue. You can upgrade only if the existing OS is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows 7</b></span>, or <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Vista</b></span> or <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows XP SP3</b></span>. This irresistible offer is valid till January 31, 2013. So go for it now and <a href="http://windows-8-made-familiar.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-guide-on-how-to-upgrade-to-windows-8.html" target="_blank" style="color:#674ea7; text-decoration:none;">here's how you can do it</a>. And just in case you've recently purchased a new Windows 7-based PC, you can upgrade to Windows 8 at just $14.99. You need to provide the </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Windows 7 key however.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Though there is no idea about what the prices will be after the prescribed date, it is expected to go up to $199.99. So tell me when you are planning to grab your copy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />Get the hands-on review for Windows 8 Pro in the video underneath:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='320' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WhIOpugPv7E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Know about BitLocker in Windows 8 in the video here:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/28fg258Z62g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Image by:</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Fajar_Muhammad&action=edit&redlink=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fatich</a></span></i></b></span></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-68772717503113868512012-12-17T02:31:00.003-08:002013-01-22T22:15:30.941-08:00Windows 8: Now Socializing is More Easy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OpCEl9XmiMsPHXJdVUYI2yLvojJw82N21O9-wabP8_nvlGKWVhn8s0lxQz9falx2HjPP3n-7VwTqmLDYOLpV7rpzbviCkUvUCzD5g5sKceFRrQY6gvqJrB8StMhU46u4x6kdF3dTLvCg/s1600/Windows+8+--+Social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OpCEl9XmiMsPHXJdVUYI2yLvojJw82N21O9-wabP8_nvlGKWVhn8s0lxQz9falx2HjPP3n-7VwTqmLDYOLpV7rpzbviCkUvUCzD5g5sKceFRrQY6gvqJrB8StMhU46u4x6kdF3dTLvCg/s320/Windows+8+--+Social.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is life without friends? Oh God! It is really unimaginable. But unfortunately in this turbulent world of ours it is difficult to stay in touch with near and dear ones. However with <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows 8</b></span>, at least connecting to buddies is a lot easier. In comes various apps to make our days more vibrant, iridescent, and joyous, and to upkeep relations.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First up are the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Mail </b></span>and <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Calendar</span> </b>apps that I am sure will allure you the most. Let me begin with the Mail app here. You may have several e-mail accounts; say with Google, Yahoo!, Rediff or your office mail. Now, instead of accessing these accounts separately, how about accessing them from one central location? That’s what this mail apps does; it gives you centralized access to all your email accounts. You can even reply back to mails and they will go via your original account only. Doesn't it make your mail presence lot simpler? </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, how to work with this app? Well, for that you need a Microsoft account. Now what’s that? Well, most of you already have one especially if you are a regular user of <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Hotmail</b></span>, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Xbox Live</b></span> or <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Messenger</b></span>. The same e-mail address and password you use to access any of these accounts can be used as your Microsoft account. It’s as simple as that. However, if you don’t have such account yet, you can sign up like a breeze here. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now coming to Calendar app, it is a joint for all your schedules. Are you one of the kinds who like to have that special assistant to remind you of special dates such as your marriage anniversary, a holiday, or an important official meeting? Is yes, then the Calendar app is the right choice for you, as with this you can keep a track of all dates and times that matter you the most. You can also color the app tile as per your choice to make it easy to detect. And one more thing, personal dates will not overlap with professional meetings.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXg3dmxaRrdAZivcnNGDRnLDV8qXxi-UVq3vX-dqDQHsXdlMChebtccY8boJWTFFZz6yA_Llcjb_lL0JPLFLoPaAy2n76RiEpQAFZbK980Y-diG8Vh0GnjXaCPT9d4qPHSM0LJ1_qA6NP/s1600/Windows+8+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXg3dmxaRrdAZivcnNGDRnLDV8qXxi-UVq3vX-dqDQHsXdlMChebtccY8boJWTFFZz6yA_Llcjb_lL0JPLFLoPaAy2n76RiEpQAFZbK980Y-diG8Vh0GnjXaCPT9d4qPHSM0LJ1_qA6NP/s320/Windows+8+pics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what more can we do with Windows 8. Sending and checking e-mails, or arranging personal events is fine, but we cannot title the post something like ‘now socializing is more easy and blah blah just because it has certain apps that can yield central access. There is much more that Windows 8 has in store for us; a convenient way to share photos for instance. In comes the Share Charm, an integrated space to share photos, update statuses, email photos, and what not. Moreover it comes with anywhere access; that is you can post a snap of your recent vacation in both <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Facebook </b></span>and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Flickr</b></span> without actually halting your work. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Along with snaps, you can even share links of different websites via separate social networking sites without actually signing into multiple accounts. It’s hard to believe; right? Just try with the link to the page you are currently reading. At least my blog will reach your friends. Cool! That was just a joke buddy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another area in Windows 8 where you will find ample scope to socialize with your pals is the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">People app</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Specifically designed to target the young generation you will find wide range of options here to share your feelings and snaps with the chums of your choice. It even lets you to filter the friends in the contact list, making it easy to search for them.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let us now come to <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Skype</b></span>, the platform that lets you to talk with anyone in the world for free. Windows 8 is an ideal platform for you to make a call on Skype. If it is already there in your computer, you can directly use it. Otherwise you can download Skype for free from the Windows Store. Same is the case with <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Internet Messenger</b></span>. You can chat with your friends via IM on Windows 8 without even logging into it. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Windows 8 is an ideal choice for everyone who longs to be in company of their dear ones. It has several attributes that makes your social life vibrant. So do not lament next time that you got no time to spare for your buddies. Go; grab your copy of Windows 8 right now or wait for its <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=4011106273551154828" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>pro version</b></span></a> till January next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Images by:</span> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/microsoftsweden/8121841101/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft Sweden</span></a>; <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lachlanhardy/6797070244/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Lanchan Hardy</span></a></i></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-45185506851826248002012-12-12T01:40:00.000-08:002013-01-22T22:16:45.963-08:00People Hub: The Buddy Joint in Windows Phone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Q9T-iQEkHTPRrk7eqU-q9FW9qT_nXCGnshV1mf2X-Hmnmy_-o0rOLPcF0jbOJHK7PKMrEmnfYf71rRGlOZozv0A-5DEKJIGueDyOSJjfaKY3VCWNoknkE3MU0f-BZ6wT5SA6mOrV0El/s1600/People+Hub.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Q9T-iQEkHTPRrk7eqU-q9FW9qT_nXCGnshV1mf2X-Hmnmy_-o0rOLPcF0jbOJHK7PKMrEmnfYf71rRGlOZozv0A-5DEKJIGueDyOSJjfaKY3VCWNoknkE3MU0f-BZ6wT5SA6mOrV0El/s320/People+Hub.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Being in touch with near and dear ones can make life more cool and soothe. Keeping pace with advancements in technology, since last few years or so folks worldwide (especially the youth) have really utilized the power of the Internet to economically and effectively reach out to the ones that matter the most to them. They message, chat, share snaps, upload videos, play online games and engage in all fun and frolic on the move with their mobile smartphones, tablets and the likes. Well aware of the pulse of the young breed, Microsoft first introduced<b> <span style="color: #674ea7;">People Hub</span> </b>in<b> <span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 7.5</span></b>, and now kind of relaunched it in a new avatar in <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/Windows-Phone-8.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Phone 8</b></span></a>. As a matter of fact Microsoft has taken extra care to ensure that any user of Windows Phone 8 should fell in love with its People Hub. So what makes People Hub so special? Let’s take a trip through this enthralling Windows Phone 8 app.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More than an address book, so to speak, Windows Phone 8 is a joint where you meet friends, communicate with them, or share photographs clicked on joyous moments. It’s really fun and handy. The together panel has two features – <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Groups</span> </b>and <span style="color: #674ea7; font-weight: bold;">Rooms</span>. The Group feature lets you add up people and categorize them as you wish. So browsing the names to contact them is made easier here. Oh C’mon! Don’t say that this feature was available in previous version of Windows Phone as well. Alright; then let’s dive into Rooms, an improved version of Groups.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just like a real life room, the one in Windows Phone 8 allows families and friends communicate and share without letting the rest of the world know about it. Some noteworthy aspects of a Room are:</div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">You are the Room creator</span>:</b> Remember, as you create a Room, the right to invite and delete a member lies with you. Every post in the Room will be viewed by all members. And in case you want to limit the audience, a better way is SMS, or e-mail.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Share photos, videos, locations and calendar</span>:</b> </span>In a Room, you are free to share photos, videos, locations, and calendar with every member. As every member can view a posted photo, it is better to avoid those snaps that need to be kept hidden.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Send messages to keep in loop</span>:</b> </span>You can send message to all your friends to keep everyone in loop. A birthday party invitation or if you are going on a trip, for instance.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Create as many Rooms as you want</span>:</b> </span>You are free to create as many Rooms as you need. The calendars of the Rooms won’t get mixed up and can be edited and shared by members. Shared calendars are useful for family get together, outings, and parties.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Change the Room background</span>:</b></span>You can give the room a fresh appearance by changing the background quite frequently. Every member can see the Room and can comment on its look.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What is more interesting about <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">People Hub</span> </b>in<b> <span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></b> is the facility to filter your contact list. The Hub may have your personal friends, colleagues from work place, or people you have met through different social networking sites. By filtering them, it becomes easy for you to view the contacts that you communicate to frequently. And in case you don’t use a name or feel like blocking one, People Hub lets you do that as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People Hub also gives you the facility to hide updates from one or more of your social networking sites. This is helpful when too much of messages, tweets, or posts annoy you. Now you know why I like this feature the most. And in case you have special affinity with a person or a group and need to keep a track on updates and messages that person or group posts come to People Hub. All you need to do is to pin a contact or a group to the Start.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Are you someone who loves to be in company of your buddies, but gets less time for that? Well don't worry as People Hub no doubt is meant for you. So own a <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Phone 8 device</b></span> to make your life more vibrant, chirpy, and joyous. <br />
<br />
Watch the video underneath to have a hands-on experience with <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>People Hub</b></span>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RKmIepHX8OY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-7978489642252067202012-12-05T01:10:00.002-08:002013-01-22T22:18:29.108-08:00From Windows Phone 7.5 to 8: The Distance in Between<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63GQN49EBIzjCROu9jq2aJg4Cy31YTUBF8sKqcHioOvGjxtIZZm1oNdbgZFDI37Nhxl6E4kuxXJowxm_c9dgm6vn9b8btVKrB6zyAf5sPhR7sfULYKrs0BNqgm_R4IMqJyp6k-yPywZpC/s1600/Windows+Phone+Eight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63GQN49EBIzjCROu9jq2aJg4Cy31YTUBF8sKqcHioOvGjxtIZZm1oNdbgZFDI37Nhxl6E4kuxXJowxm_c9dgm6vn9b8btVKrB6zyAf5sPhR7sfULYKrs0BNqgm_R4IMqJyp6k-yPywZpC/s1600/Windows+Phone+Eight.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtJLEbD3tFEAE_3SeeHQi3ZO4zTCrr9RwtNG1QGz8joR2zAqOMPwkgIpWXSIDIxnZPyQpCnxxg6ZKSIuCm7su4mpdRZ_WKpYYFhfmYCddo4_1dHIUFoHm1KkFDT-zFZM03910lI9Pk2zV/s1600/Windows+Phone+8+Vernieman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What made <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 7.5</span></b> catchy during its debut was the Tile feature. In Mango, the users were able to pin anything on the home screen so that they could easily access it whenever required. And what if the same feature gets a facelift? Microsoft has done the same. It has taken the Tile feature to the next level in <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/Windows-Phone-8.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></a></b>. Here you can resize the tiles into different categories as small, medium and large, depending upon their importance. Speaking about the browser, Steve Ballmer’s team has upgraded IE9 in Windows 7.5 to IE10 in Phone 8. As a result, the webpages can be searched at a faster rate. Apart from that it also helps in better utilization of resources. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOc_iIQgqy9hS24a_Qk6iIxenk51UxH3gkT01eH9rXdfFzAlOaN4tdJof3a5PQ7Y_CwsoT3Ev5SMZ7TWUYIqgWa3Ci25kd0dkZHxPJ6XN3JvvKpL6OkXKQW3Zb9jZZAt6dcue-TLcMC62/s1600/3400677961_42ca88785b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA66hOSxCXOGFbfGDHH8UY1osfMP9e-1JoAHW3zwsgwXzM0P9wqm2wB2fCfo1wMXGXiRuBKTBeRw1dKrm1ecUhhv6Fcq2lTbsj1SKD7D3IXDMXXUVm8glJKGd6r6HSXptzENn24OcjzNhp/s1600/Skype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA66hOSxCXOGFbfGDHH8UY1osfMP9e-1JoAHW3zwsgwXzM0P9wqm2wB2fCfo1wMXGXiRuBKTBeRw1dKrm1ecUhhv6Fcq2lTbsj1SKD7D3IXDMXXUVm8glJKGd6r6HSXptzENn24OcjzNhp/s320/Skype.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A big drawback of the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Skype </span></b>feature in Windows Phone 7.5 was that it required separate app for video calling. This problem is almost solved in Windows Phone 8. Here, you can use Skype to make calls over 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi. It other words you can make any kind of call; all you need is an Internet connection. Another noticeable change is in <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/people-hub-buddy-joint-in-windows-phone.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">People Hub</span></a></b>. <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Room</span></b> feature is the addition here that allows you to access and edit shared data. All you have to do is to accept the invitation to join the room. And once you’ve done so you can access and share all stored information in the room whether it’s from the calendar, the to-do-list or the photo album. <br /><br />Are you bothered when your kid fiddles with your phone? If yes, then give him restricted access with <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/windows-phone-8-is-your-kids-playmate.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Kids Corner</span></a></b>. A new kid on the block, so to speak, as it was missing in Mango, it permits your kid to access only those features you want him to play with. And to make your kid comfortable in Kids Corner, put all apps and games he loves to use there. <br /><br />Another appealing feature added in Windows Phone 8 is <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Wallet </span></b>App that lets you make payments over smartphone. <br /> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUSnhiR06KJYEECZ5UvVMgbPZFymB3UsjlvoqxoTxxUuPkgUVCcDUj_bM-v-cvykEAJ7Ihq_P9TTkT-GzyLp5Nx-w1_44ESL2Nm5D-HbQnXtXkwOZuN8NMUJHTw7iMCJkIyApZjWAJgW8/s1600/Windows+Phone+7.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUSnhiR06KJYEECZ5UvVMgbPZFymB3UsjlvoqxoTxxUuPkgUVCcDUj_bM-v-cvykEAJ7Ihq_P9TTkT-GzyLp5Nx-w1_44ESL2Nm5D-HbQnXtXkwOZuN8NMUJHTw7iMCJkIyApZjWAJgW8/s320/Windows+Phone+7.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After rushing through the added advanced attributes in Windows Phone 8, you may long to migrate to the same from the existing <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Mango </span></b>device. But the bad news is that it is not possible as a number of Windows 8 applications require upgraded hardware. However here is something that can cheer you up. Microsoft is bringing out <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 7.8</span></b>, an update you can comfortably migrate to. Though there is no word from Microsoft on the exact launch date, it is expected to reach your hands by early 2013. So be prepared to go for the update, its surely worth it.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />Images by:<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomcochrane/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thomcochrane</a></span>; <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobfamiliar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bobfamiliar</a></span>; </span></span></i></span></span></b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15216811@N06/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicola since 1972</a></i></span></span></b></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-67791503158448336472012-12-02T22:57:00.000-08:002013-01-22T22:23:30.527-08:00Windows Phone 8: Is it Really More Popular than Phone 7?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJTeGEYUKUW5CXJHl2udMWVu3llPzEUsxHpzvkd8z54rRpcjFadPVVZocQPfBFcXin0CiPaXoXo08G0X-1DI5hZZ_PymuWIwlU0cqHBRghJNrF23pneNxPCZYEuppUz71hPvInj7mgUAp/s1600/Steve+Ballmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJTeGEYUKUW5CXJHl2udMWVu3llPzEUsxHpzvkd8z54rRpcjFadPVVZocQPfBFcXin0CiPaXoXo08G0X-1DI5hZZ_PymuWIwlU0cqHBRghJNrF23pneNxPCZYEuppUz71hPvInj7mgUAp/s400/Steve+Ballmer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /><span style="color: black;">It s</span></span>eems that Microsoft is affronted with continuous gossips on the sales figures of its products. What made me say so is the latest report on <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Steve Ballmer’s</span></b> claim that the sale of Windows Phone 8 is four times higher than the sale of Windows Phone 7 last year. Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, had declared just days ago that the company had sold more than 40 million Windows 8 OS licenses. This time Ballmer gave no exact figures, but just a vague, plain and flat statement. My point here is why Microsoft is hesitant to release the exact number when they could do the same with Windows 8 OS. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Microsoft launched <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/Windows-Phone-8.html" target="_blank">Windows Phone 8</a></b></span> in the second half of October 2012. Though initially it was expected to give an explosive response now that more than a month has passed by several experts are of the opinion that sales are not as hot as anticipated. Probably Microsoft wanted to clear the mess surrounding the sales estimates. However Ballmer’s address at the shareholder’s meeting lack hard number, adding fuel to the gossips. Anyways <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Shanghai Securities News</b></span> reports that Nokia alone has given orders for 2.5 million Lumia 920 handsets in the past 20 days which is almost close to 2.76 million Windows Phone handsets sold in the fourth quarter of 2011. It is expected that Nokia will sell more Lumia 920 handsets in this quarter than all Windows Phone OEMs sold in the year 2011. Amidst all speculations related to uncertainties in sales figures of Windows Phone 8, I am providing an insight to its features that will help you to know the device in a better way. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Apart from providing a tile experience, Windows Phone 8 is also a collection of <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Hubs</span></b>. The Wallet App lets you make payments via mobile phone. For someone who is passionate about photography, Windows Phone 8 is a valuable gift. You can even read messages from Facebook, WhatsApp, or a mail even when the phone is in locked form. Speaking about the IE 10 browser in Windows Phone 8, it loads even the most complex pages quickly. <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Xbox SmartGlass</b></span> makes your entertaining moments superb. The Kid’s Corner app lets you provide restricted access of the smartphone to your kid. Though the handset carries several mind blowing attributes, it also has its own share of glitches, which Microsoft has already assured to take care of. In fact an OTA update will be soon underway to fix at least the random reboot issue. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am aware that several of my readers own a <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 7.5</span></b>; and they may wish to upgrade it to Windows Phone 8. Unfortunately, it is not possible. Hey, don’t get despaired. Here is good news for you. Microsoft is launching Windows Phone 7.8 very soon. Most probably it will reach you by early 2013. The company is targeting specially you, 7.5 users. So please wait for that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The video underneath is an end user's perspective on Windows Phone 8. Before actually showering his views on this new OS, he fiddled with it for almost a week. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='300' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3mh51YKjceo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Image by: <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dellphotos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dell's Official Flikr Page</a></span></i></span></span></b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-84150699708365328372012-11-23T04:04:00.000-08:002013-01-22T22:25:16.054-08:00Analyzed in Detail Earlier; Now Just a Runover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW3Az6n9TaUv4S0mNtqNpCLkVgipvorHilbYMhI5X_EZGLpSgNiqIP9LUdBhIBcjSn_yXnvbL9l2QPsVpIWIHZiMMUC5njQCMFCJzsMKamZds2ZFhvj5sNxSchC__MMaGcnWm0xKmVta2/s1600/Windows+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW3Az6n9TaUv4S0mNtqNpCLkVgipvorHilbYMhI5X_EZGLpSgNiqIP9LUdBhIBcjSn_yXnvbL9l2QPsVpIWIHZiMMUC5njQCMFCJzsMKamZds2ZFhvj5sNxSchC__MMaGcnWm0xKmVta2/s320/Windows+Header.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my previous post, I mentioned the
last week of October 2012 as quite eventful for Microsoft. After years of
R&D, the company took the tech world by storm with the
release of three delightful products—Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Surface. Now
almost a month has passed by after their arrival. So far so good for the software
whale. And obviously users too seem to be reasonably happy. Here my attempt is
to make a gist of all information that we have provided in our previous posts
on these three offsprings of Microsoft.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Launched on October 26, 2012,
<a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/10/microsoft-hopes-magic-with-windows-8.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows 8</b></span></a> is an astutely designed touchscreen-friendly operating system. Though
it may seem a bit confusing for the first time to use, this OS has really
impressive features. What I feel as the plus point of Windows 8 is the security
aspect. There is UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) to ensure that
only recognized applications are run, keeping the PC secured. Even the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows
Defender</span></b> in this OS is a comprehensive malware removal tool, which is much more
advanced than in its previous avatar. In simple words, you no more need
additional security software to safeguard your PC. Sounds great, right? The list
of exciting attractions does not end here. You can check e-mails, messages,
photos, upcoming events and much more, without unlocking the Windows 8 OS. To
make things more fabulous, there is also provision to share photos with your
friends over social networking sites. In an attempt to make the OS more
bewitching, Microsoft has made changes to the Task Manager as well.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox415442XCasfwmLK-OfzeJlCpqQwOxOnS9c6RRN9PKvOvCwroghD_0ytfQeANoHhSLqAbcl5kvpdIC65peklC5tPBnWSPKjSVcBwu7oFTXg8JNT9kl7A-4si12cNXiIyVBZctNvmoEGi/s1600/Surface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox415442XCasfwmLK-OfzeJlCpqQwOxOnS9c6RRN9PKvOvCwroghD_0ytfQeANoHhSLqAbcl5kvpdIC65peklC5tPBnWSPKjSVcBwu7oFTXg8JNT9kl7A-4si12cNXiIyVBZctNvmoEGi/s200/Surface.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let us pass on our focus to
<a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/11/surface-tablet-loses-out-to-ipad-and.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft Surface</span></b></a> tablet that was brought out on the same date as of Windows 8.
Though Surface was initially expected to be a strong contender to Apple iPad
and Google Nexus, it failed to receive the response as anticipated. Though Surface
is more appealing and has better storage memory and screen size to Nexus, it
seems to have lost a bit as the screen resolution and the camera feature are
much behind both Apple iPad and Nexus. Though, the price of the three are very much on par, in my view, challenging Apple is a far cry for Surface at least for the for the time being. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapQCIbmA7PQuSjw4HDP4ojYNBfSSa7CHSF-6UupYbATK3FLQ8aez_n-ehIfne1-5Zu1LAyEwV7vI89cKFitTcAJxc5Rt0PnjUcb9rZ-k7q5OL4HYcpr_5m33bgO0AwUjK6QfnnsRB-6qs/s1600/Windows+Phone+Ei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapQCIbmA7PQuSjw4HDP4ojYNBfSSa7CHSF-6UupYbATK3FLQ8aez_n-ehIfne1-5Zu1LAyEwV7vI89cKFitTcAJxc5Rt0PnjUcb9rZ-k7q5OL4HYcpr_5m33bgO0AwUjK6QfnnsRB-6qs/s150/Windows+Phone+Ei.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/windows-phone-8-will-microsoft-give.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></a></b>, the second
generation mobile phone operating system from Microsoft, comes with designed
looks to allure users. Apart from the appearance, the Phone OS also has several
attributes that can make you may fall in love with it. There are Hubs (<a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/people-hub-buddy-joint-in-windows-phone.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>People Hub</b></span></a>,
Games Hub, Photos Hub, Music and Video Hub are few among them) to keep you
engaged while relaxing after a long day. Microsoft has taken care to add
improved version of Bing Maps in Phone 8. Although, certain performance issues galore in the initial run, yet Microsoft has taken a note of it and will soon come up with an update to fix all such hiccups, so to speak.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u6as8Wf0QVPLqMEVCgoYScphvtkkKEvae-igVIcVS1p7QNnBP0YPAt8a0cihy5DuHUes50jLaREZGN4DLUm74eAel5xHcN-NYYl5pzodY009mMoX08_6jhgPiM91jA3oxIAW68I7FZHv/s1600/AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2u6as8Wf0QVPLqMEVCgoYScphvtkkKEvae-igVIcVS1p7QNnBP0YPAt8a0cihy5DuHUes50jLaREZGN4DLUm74eAel5xHcN-NYYl5pzodY009mMoX08_6jhgPiM91jA3oxIAW68I7FZHv/s2400/AM.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very recently Microsoft has also
introduced <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/11/bring-delight-to-your-viewership.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Play To</b></span></a> feature that, with its enchanting features, opens wide opportunities for app developers to
create apps for Microsoft products. Speaking from the user’s side, it provides
him a wide range of apps to opt from the Windows Store. It is worth mentioning
here that since last month and a half the number of apps in Windows Store has
gone up from 5000 to 120,000 and Play To will surely act as a catalyst to take
the number much much higher. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all it’s a good beginning for
the reimagined operating system from Microsoft and its mobile phone version. However,
Surface needs to resurface in an enriched state to capture the market. Let’s
wait till January for the time being.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Images by</span></i></span><span style="color: #674ea7;">: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #674ea7;"><i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiouslee/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">curiouslee</span></a>;</span></i></span><span class="username" style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15216811@N06/"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Nicola since 1972</span></span></a>; </span></i></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/comedynose/"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">comedy_nose</span></i></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">;
</span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/microsoftsweden/"><i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft Sweden</span></span></i></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">; </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: initial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/skuds/" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1353669817548_1015" style="text-decoration: initial;">skuds</a></span></span></i></span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-27818286943356538802012-11-23T01:12:00.000-08:002013-01-22T22:26:50.721-08:00Windows Phone 8: Will Microsoft Give Google and Apple Tough Days Ahead?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsXCy7oJ3apBt4JAG4lM5gObk1aJUbhqDaf6UiPyQuSezMaPgapTd5-HFUpAn2yv1JmUIjZEBuBPhP8-a-xlZgiWYzT174wAsZjVKCoSekze1-ofehaai9VHNwN5kdg5FBay9xX_B6Ufe/s1600/5566562232_ef052d9066_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsXCy7oJ3apBt4JAG4lM5gObk1aJUbhqDaf6UiPyQuSezMaPgapTd5-HFUpAn2yv1JmUIjZEBuBPhP8-a-xlZgiWYzT174wAsZjVKCoSekze1-ofehaai9VHNwN5kdg5FBay9xX_B6Ufe/s400/5566562232_ef052d9066_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last half of October 2012 was
quite eventful for Microsoft. Within days <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Surface tablet</span></b>, and
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Windows Phone 8</b></span> came to life. Well, not sure if Steve Ballmer and team were
really looking out for additional pull by bringing out three pro genies almost
at the same time. Whatever it may be, Microsoft has reasons to smile. I am not
here to delve more into <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/10/microsoft-hopes-magic-with-windows-8.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></b></a> as many experts have already analyzed it
previously. Let us leave out as well <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/11/surface-tablet-loses-out-to-ipad-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Surface tablet</span></a> </b>as we have already done a
sneak peek into it. The focus here is on Windows Phone 8, the latest phone OS
from the company. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">To begin with, let me make it clear
that Windows Phone 8 is a tile-based experience. If you are not fond of tiles,
then Windows Phone 8 is not your cup of tea. For those who are still puzzled as
to what the ‘</span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>tile</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">’ is all about – they are squares on the home screen that hold
several apps inside. I loved this feature as it saves my time in scrolling down
to search for each app. Wait. Did I say that you can pick the color of your
choice for each tile along with its size? Well, Microsoft gives you the
facility to do that as well.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Now if you ask me as to which among the
tiles in Windows Phone 8 is my favorite, my vote will be for </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>FlightAware</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">. As
the name suggests, it lets you provide flight details including sudden
cancellation. Now you know why a frequent traveller like me finds this app
captivating. Speaking about frequent travels, how can I miss photo tile where I
can add and share latest snaps clicked at various tourist destinations?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Microsoft has made <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/Windows-Phone-8.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></b></a> look really amazing and enchanting. Some may cry that the looks are just an
extension of Windows Phone 7, but I opt to differ with them. And comparing with
the new Android and iOS versions, Windows Phone 8 looks really genuine and
fabulous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another interesting aspect about
Windows Phone 8 is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Hubs</b></span>. <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/people-hub-buddy-joint-in-windows-phone.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>People Hub</b></span></a>, Games Hub, Photos Hub, and Music &
Video Hub are places where content, apps, and social networking all comes
together. Whereas with the Music & Video hub you can watch You Tube and
Vevo content along with viewing your own videos, the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>People Hub</b></span> is all about
contacting your friends and dear ones via Phone 8. This includes Skype,
LinkedIn, and Twitter. Group messaging and sharing photos on SkyDrive are other
facilities that you avail on People hub.
Another feature that is worth mentioning here is the new Wallet app that
lets you opt to pay via mobile phone. I feel Microsoft is here inspired by
Google Wallet app.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If photography is your passion,
then Windows Phone 8 is certainly meant for you. The camera feature in Phone 8 lets
you experiment with snapping, and reduces the need for separate editing tools. And
once you’ve clicked the shot, you can upload it and share it among friends via
Photos Hub. Apart from sharing your snaps, Photo Hub also lets you view photo
galleries of your friends. Another interesting attribute of Windows 8 Phone is
that you can read a new message on <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Facebook</b></span> or <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>WhatsApp</b></span>, or a mail even in
locked form. Oh I forgot one more thing. There is a <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/windows-phone-8-is-your-kids-playmate.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Kids Corner</span></a></b> as well where
you can provide restricted access of the smartphone for your child. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about the browser? Very
nearly the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>IE 10</b></span> of Windows 8, it loads even the most complex of pages
correctly and quickly. Speaking about search, the Bing search tool is more
integrated to the OS and Bing Maps are considerably improved than in the
previous version. And when it comes to entertainment, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Xbox SmartGlass</b></span> is a
welcome addition and Zune is the thing of the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to the most elementary features of Windows Phone 8, to begin with, you can bring
together your contacts on all services you use. For instance your Skype
contacts show up in the </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>People Hub</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, along with contacts from various social media
platforms. The touchscreen keypad is convenient to use even for a Generation
Y'er like me and in my word, the word flow autocorrect feature is simply
amazing. And since typing has become more suitable, various Office apps (Excel,
Word, PowerPoint, and the likes.) become more useful. Finally, if you are bored
of typing, you can also switch to voice recognition and dictate.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As per initial reviews, all is
well with Windows 8 except a few aspects mentioned here. So, to conclude that Windows
Phone 8 is perfect is well, wrong. One major problem with Windows Phone 8 is continuous
rebooting. Recently someone told me that his OS gets rebooted some 8-9 times a
day. That’s really awful! Though personally I have not faced the issue of
continuous rebooting, my problem is about battery leakage. Another common
problem is the sinking of e-mails. There are couple of other issues; but
limited to Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC Windows Phone 8X handsets. They include
random lockups, hard resets and freezing up of OS as well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Barring these
glitches, I personally feel Windows 8 Phone is as good as Android or iOS (if not
better). Anyways Microsoft is already investigating the problems, and soon plans to release an OTA update to fix the issues.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='450' height='320' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0O3vZM6UVSE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Image by: </span><span id="yui_3_5_1_3_1353660885654_1123"></span></i></b><span class="username"><i><span style="background-color: #fefefe; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="text-decoration: initial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/okalkavan/" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1353660885654_1134" style="text-decoration: initial;">Okalkavan</a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bethesda, MD, USA38.984652 -77.094709238.935280999999996 -77.1736732 39.034023 -77.0157452tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-37405206295658496962012-11-21T01:56:00.001-08:002012-12-16T22:42:18.595-08:00Bring Delight to Your Viewership Experience With Play To<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbrI1IBBTeNMNEmpvcXpKLVDtk8n8CqYTCF3fAZ7q2BYjK5S73V_IZzCaKkVisHoHCfuNFSrnkVQxCAke4rMs6NMzmf1N22_U5efziXeAhcb2AQVrHwFh4B8BBzyKV1KUo7C4-2SK6Fn4/s1600/Ice+Hockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbrI1IBBTeNMNEmpvcXpKLVDtk8n8CqYTCF3fAZ7q2BYjK5S73V_IZzCaKkVisHoHCfuNFSrnkVQxCAke4rMs6NMzmf1N22_U5efziXeAhcb2AQVrHwFh4B8BBzyKV1KUo7C4-2SK6Fn4/s400/Ice+Hockey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just
a few days back I reported that Microsoft <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/surface-tablet-loses-out-to-ipad-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Surface tablet</b></span></a> has several drawbacks
in comparison with Apple iPad and Google Nexus. One of them being, although you
cannot call it Surface-specific here, is comparatively lesser number of apps
that one can download via the Windows Store. However the Redmond-magnate is
taking rapid strides to reduce the gap, so to speak, with the likes of Android
Market and Apple Store. The recently outlined </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Play To</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> feature for instance, which
I would highlight here, is one such effort to encourage app developers
worldwide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
what exactly is this so called <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Play To</b></span> feature. Well, as the name suggests,
with Play To you can play music and videos by streaming them on Xbox and other
supported devices on your home network. That’s fine; but what is so special
about Play To here; it’s just sharing of media after all! The answer to this
query is the enhanced experience that Play To brings to the realm of home-bound
connectivity. With this feature at your disposal sharing will be as simple as a
flip. All you have to do is to install the app with Play To feature integrated
in your Windows 8-based PC and let it do the talking with your networked
devices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
how this entire thing works? Once you deploy this Play To centric app, it
detects and automatically installs all Play To certified devices in precisely
30 seconds (devices can be added manually as well). And once it’s done, all you
have to do is to swipe your favorite video or photo to play it on the big
screen TV or, for that matter, play your favorite music on your living room
speakers. It’s that simple. Play To forms place in all media focused apps from
Microsoft; even <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Internet Explorer 10</b></span> has Play To. So you can stream videos and
music directly from web pages as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
are various aspects of Play To that are meant for enhanced viewership
experience. From selecting photos to e-mail while a slideshow is being played
on your TV, to pre-buffering the next item in the playlist, and accessing the
devices from anywhere in the app, Play To comes with various features that
would literally make you say – Wow! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when it comes to Play To certified
devices, a number of world renowned consumer electronics companies are working
on Play To certification spanning multiple device categories including
televisions, set top boxes, speakers, and audio receivers. In my view, within
next few months all new multimedia devices will come with Play To
certification. Keep visiting our Windows 8 Blog for more updates. </span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Image by: </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span></i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/" style="background-color: #fefefe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: initial;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Scott Ableman</span></i></a></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-79587091998564857222012-11-20T00:40:00.002-08:002013-01-25T04:38:35.093-08:00Surface Tablet Loses Out to iPad and Nexus; Early Days Though<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrawAcn_v41EExApOJ-X_HVFIf-WA3LJjeQEtd-PCn1fQBXKzxdm9410634W7zsBVtTOXh-mhm88pzDFFsfKqNbWnY7eKoncP4_moGltKdxupShTCPhYJC3xy4aJVhNRZvT4ijz-W51CGp/s1600/Surface+Tablet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrawAcn_v41EExApOJ-X_HVFIf-WA3LJjeQEtd-PCn1fQBXKzxdm9410634W7zsBVtTOXh-mhm88pzDFFsfKqNbWnY7eKoncP4_moGltKdxupShTCPhYJC3xy4aJVhNRZvT4ijz-W51CGp/s400/Surface+Tablet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Microsoft enjoys a big clout in
the software market. The Redmond-based tech-mogul expected this goodwill to
play in its favor while launching <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Surface tablet</span></b>. A potential contender to
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Apple iPad</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Google Nexus</span></b>—this was Microsoft’s claim about Surface when it
was first made available for pre-orders almost a month back. But in the initial
run-in it seems that the much hyped tablet from the world’s largest software
maker may just lag behind its competitors. For those who disagree with my
statement here, what I put forward are certain factors where Surface can go off
the beam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it is fair to begin with
the positive aspects of Surface tablet. At least I won’t sound too harsh,
calculated and biased towards Bill Gates and Co. The Surface tablet scores over
its main rival Google Nexus over certain features. For instance, Surface is
more appealing than Nexus. Even when we talk about storage memory, and screen
size, Surface gains more points. But it loses the game when the same features
are compared with that of the iPad where Surface falls flat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning from past experiences is
the virtue of wisdom. But it seems that Microsoft hasn’t gained much after the
fiasco of <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Vista</span></b>. Microsoft still takes buyers for granted and expects them
to gulp anything that is provided. The software tycoon believed that the
massive hype created over Surface tablet will drive in more sales. However, at
least in the initial going, it didn’t happen. Assuming the users to come for
Surface, when gizmos with more advanced features are available in the market,
was according to me a grave error. <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Microsoft</b> </span>should have done real homework before
taking on Apple iPad and Google Nexus; for they are experienced players on the
turf. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An ardent Surface fan can claim
that a 16GB Surface is available at a lesser price tag than the iPad, but both
are equally priced when the comparison shifts to 32GB and 64GB versions. So
Surface isn’t the clear winner here. Moreover,
even the screen-resolution of Surface is much lower than the other two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talking about the camera feature,
iPad has a 5 MP camera whereas Surface has a 1.5 MP one, which is not that much
captivating. Even the Windows Store has lesser number of apps to select and download from. However, with time it might catch up with Android and Apple Store and probably <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/11/bring-delight-to-your-viewership.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Play To</b></span></a> can help here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here are my final words. In spite
of receiving massive attention Surface has so far failed to script its success
story. The very fact that initial sales figures, as per company sources, are
modest to say the least adds teeth to my statement here. But Steve Ballmer,
CEO, Microsoft is optimistic that demand for Surface will grow up with the
release of a more advanced <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2013/01/ten-surface-Pro-enhancements.html" target="_blank"><b>Surface Pro</b></a></span> in the first quarter of the next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although Microsoft will have to
rework on several aspects so as to compete with iPad and Nexus, I hope the company
will do everything possible to emerge as the most sought after tablet maker in
the market. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Image by: </span><span class="username" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1353396693286_995" style="display: inline !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.methodshop.com/" rel="nofollow">methodshop</a></span></b></span></i></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-49852508737151493322012-11-08T01:16:00.000-08:002012-12-26T03:36:42.703-08:00Windows 8: Microsoft Wins the First Round; Second Seems Easier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITjYwylIPBPTtOXMrbdXyWZ4N1HrmgXbD_iVM0quJMRV6Aa6Xho2JA06g1pbQ26ByYbdyhyphenhyphenDzDsKqWhC3Jio6yM5O2AdpZK8NjGMfU5WAaPTHJgn96CG5bB9b6lvOOiCxdVNpVKa7uwKG/s1600/8131967272_e84c536d38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Windows 8" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITjYwylIPBPTtOXMrbdXyWZ4N1HrmgXbD_iVM0quJMRV6Aa6Xho2JA06g1pbQ26ByYbdyhyphenhyphenDzDsKqWhC3Jio6yM5O2AdpZK8NjGMfU5WAaPTHJgn96CG5bB9b6lvOOiCxdVNpVKa7uwKG/s320/8131967272_e84c536d38.jpg" title="Windows 8" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I am not sure if a fortnight is
time enough to analyze the changes. Especially when it is about a product and
the impact it created on the market. Here the name that I refer is Windows 8,
the latest entrant from the lineage of <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft</span></b>. Two weeks have passed by
after the vivacious debut of the operating system.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the initial brouhaha is now done with, let
us now see what’s in with Windows 8.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First up is the flexibility to
deploy apps in <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></b> that, according to Microsoft, has really caught the
eye of companies from various spheres across the world. As per a statement from company
sources, several global brands including Twentieth Century Fox Television
Distribution, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Rooms To Go Inc., Bank of
America Corp., PCL Constructors Inc. etc. have started deploying Windows 8 apps
to meet their business needs. Remember how this very flexibility made <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Apple
iPad</span></b> an instant hit. Similarly, Microsoft is quite optimistic that its business
apps will change the way businesses interact with their customers.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It is strange that even being so
well advanced and finely <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5153013581270373710#editor/target=post;postID=6877271750311386851" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">packed with sophisticated features</span></b></a> that can keep the
users go raptured, Windows 8 is criticized from certain corners. A big
accusation is that Windows 8 works fine only on <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">touchscreen</span></b>, and with a mouse
and a keyboard, the OS fails to score any points. However I rather put a question
mark to such claims as my experience with <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/10/microsoft-hopes-magic-with-windows-8.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></b></a> is really enchanting. As its
user for the past two weeks, I can vow that the OS functions flawlessly even with
a mouse and a keypad (by the way I own a Dell desktop). And above all, the OS is <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/12/windows-8-security-step-ahead.html" target="_blank">far more secure</a></b> </span>than its predecessors.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCEKzgFuBLR2ztFxfPNDLf2eBZltbqtQeQkfcsysG4L6IxGEXpGJn4wQ-TPXiIGy9wf9UuaOxwBSN-x-D6Wc4mh9cCky1TXJDDJxHNwHOLzLTXTLa4idfWt0g3gvDqKg3K_qQmjCv1GvU/s1600/8063672065_75e44f8654_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Windows Phone 8" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCEKzgFuBLR2ztFxfPNDLf2eBZltbqtQeQkfcsysG4L6IxGEXpGJn4wQ-TPXiIGy9wf9UuaOxwBSN-x-D6Wc4mh9cCky1TXJDDJxHNwHOLzLTXTLa4idfWt0g3gvDqKg3K_qQmjCv1GvU/s320/8063672065_75e44f8654_z.jpg" title="Windows Phone 8" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Any talk on Windows 8 is incomplete without mentioning <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/11/windows-phone-8-will-microsoft-give.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Phone 8</span></a></b>. Launched just eight days back,
the second generation Windows Phone mobile operating system has already succeeded
in grabbing the hearts of tech geeks, thanks to the enticing features bundled
in it. Speaking about Windows Phone 8, there is no doubt that this gadget is a
perfect gift for its highly sophisticated look and functions. The pre-launch
doubts on its capability to take on Apple iOS 6.0 and Android 4.1 has now
vanished. Some may argue that apps in Windows Phone 8 are inferior to iOS 6.0
and Android 4.1. Personally I prefer to disagree with this. The Mango successor
carries numerous features that can keep a normal tech savvy chap engaged. For
example; look at the recently introduced <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Slacker Radio app</b></span> that lets you create
and share your own custom music stations. Experiencing music is now no more the
same. And who can forget <b><a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.in/2012/12/windows-phone-8-is-your-kids-playmate.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Kids Corner</span></a></b>, a unique feature designed to keep your kids engaged without misusing it. And of course, Microsoft has promised to roll out more apps so as to make
the mobile operating system perform better.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The memory storage in Windows
Phone 8 is expandable, whereas you can’t do this on iOS 6. I feel Microsoft
scores better here. When we speak about high resolution displays, the phone OS is
no inferior. Even when it comes to playing music and movies on mobile phones,
my choice will be Windows Phone 8, for its classy features. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To add further, Windows Phone 8 has hardware
specifications including multi-core processors and near field communications
(NFC). Now you can make payments with your smartphone and can connect the phone
with other NFC-enabled devices without any difficulty.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">There was a bit of confusion
among the users in the beginning on how to use the Windows 8 copy. This was
because the company went for slight different appearance. Though many eyebrows
were raised on this neo-look, users found the features friendlier and advanced
than the prior versions. If the claims of Microsoft are to be believed, the new
version of Windows reached four million people in just three days; an
unbelievable record. No wonder Microsoft CEO </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>Steve Ballmer</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> was so animated at
the Redmond-BUILD where he revealed the sales figures. From the words of wisdom
that Ballmer uttered during the BUILD, the new Windows Store will make it
easier for the developers to market their apps. So the next in line is the comment
by developers.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The whopping support that Windows
8 has garnered from around world has compelled the company to push its target
to 400 million. Yes, the company now wants to sell out 400 million OS copies by
the end of the year. If things go as planned by Microsoft, hitting the target
is no big deal at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Images by</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span></i></b><b><i><span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #351c75; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88182093@N08/" style="text-decoration: initial;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">mmcmaxi</span></span></a><span style="color: #351c75;">; </span></span></i></b><b><span style="background-color: #fefefe; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.flikr.com/photos/dellphotos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Dell's
Official Flikr Page</span></i></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5153013581270373710.post-66610958073266670892012-10-29T03:05:00.000-07:002012-12-26T03:47:12.718-08:00Microsoft Hopes Magic with Windows 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcEzp2EzfgAOHr2ChGHmJSPJcbfeFaFSSNwSCbbBipZUpXQ41E1JK-yiUULHVwG6vaFZii5dJLYS4Vco1I7jXuO3i8bUOQE9YjZiHfFIQL_hQjAPxpVsV1IhIW-DCIXpWIeZyCajj_ROr/s1600/Windows+8+launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Windows 8 Launch" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcEzp2EzfgAOHr2ChGHmJSPJcbfeFaFSSNwSCbbBipZUpXQ41E1JK-yiUULHVwG6vaFZii5dJLYS4Vco1I7jXuO3i8bUOQE9YjZiHfFIQL_hQjAPxpVsV1IhIW-DCIXpWIeZyCajj_ROr/s320/Windows+8+launch.jpg" title="Windows 8 Launch" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eventually <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 8</span></b> came to life
on October 25th. Microsoft introduced its latest version of operating system
amidst much jubilation putting an end to a yearlong anxious wait. The
stupendous OS has started reaching the hands of eagerly waiting Windows-lovers a
day after its launch. Microsoft hopes Windows 8 to be its most efficient and
capable ammo in its fiery battle to upkeep and somewhat give new lease of life
to the software giant’s computer market. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The world’s largest software
maker has given a face-lift to the latest version of Windows OS. The
appealing appearance of Windows 8 is definitely to allure tech savvy chaps
around the globe. However, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft</span></b> is well aware that looks alone cannot take
the game to its side. To warrant that the so must go on, the conglomerate has
introduced many outstanding features in Windows 8 than in its previous
versions. How about rushing through a few of them that I think will help in the
sales of Windows 8. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />To begin with, eying high demand
of touch-centric devices among young users across the world, Microsoft has made
Windows 8 <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">touch-enabled</span></b>. Though Windows is quite popular among business
customers, it is not the same case with college goers and trendy youths. Apple
is their first choice for its unconventional features. Now Microsoft wants to
cut into it though in my view it seems tough at least for now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Hope you remember, you had to unlock
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows 7</span></b> last time to check out the city temperature or latest headlines. But that
is not the case anymore on Windows 8. A user can gather every information
without even unlocking the OS. This becomes beneficial when you talk about
accessing calendar, photos, e-mails, up-coming events and thumbnail images.
Personally speaking, this feature sounds interesting, but does unlocking the OS
to check these info kill that much time? If not, I don’t think this will work out much
in favor of Microsoft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />But yes Windows 8 can cut short
your time to search files, apps, and specific settings. All you need to do is
to type the required file name in the specified column and Windows 8 will
search that particular file for you within seconds. Apart from this innovative
feature, another aspect that deserves applause in Windows 8 is the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Refresh</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></b>and <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Reset</b>
</span>option that lets you refresh or reset your computer instantly that too without
much hassle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />In my view the most interesting aspect
about Windows 8 is that it lets you share everything including your posts with
everyone over social networking sites or with other apps. This feature is sure
to get positive response from the youth worldwide. Another exciting aspect of
Windows 8 is that it allows pinning of specific websites and particular
sections from apps on the Start screen. For instance, if you like specific
sections of the Travel app, you can easily pin them; at least a frequent
traveler like me would surely do that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />However, not all features are
limited to the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Start</b> </span>screen. Microsoft has also taken care to keep the <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Task
Manager</span></b> really sophisticated. The list of programs and processes now has
separate headers—apps, background processes, and Windows processes. Not
only this, you can also gauge the exact CPU usage by each app or process and moreover
search more about it online by simply right-clicking on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MV9-xDKtq6fR0UL2T08DdTfdkY8sxqhSXUlpT36NqIiZPnMg-e1hYYdB5QHyysLCjuRX4kCktpFDe8YuuhPXB2u7U91xse6TroaRWz4GXbHREOJy_dRdi512y0S_lChoq1KLQEb_-jwx/s1600/Windows+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MV9-xDKtq6fR0UL2T08DdTfdkY8sxqhSXUlpT36NqIiZPnMg-e1hYYdB5QHyysLCjuRX4kCktpFDe8YuuhPXB2u7U91xse6TroaRWz4GXbHREOJy_dRdi512y0S_lChoq1KLQEb_-jwx/s320/Windows+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />On the <a href="http://windows-8-info-kiosk.blogspot.com/2012/12/windows-8-security-step-ahead.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>security front</b></span></a>, it is
worth admitting here that Windows 8 is not invulnerable but is for sure much more
secure than Windows 7. Being the first to utilize <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">UEFI</span></b> (Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface), Windows 8 ensures that you only run applications with
recognized, valid security certificates, thus preventing rootkits and other
malware to load during boot up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Secondly, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Windows Defender</span></b> gets a
more powerful avatar. It is now a comprehensive malware removal tool unlike its
previous version that could only clean off spyware. Wonder what will happen to
all the security software makers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Windows 8 do have several
advanced features. There is no denial of that. But are these features really
beneficial to a normal user? Can Windows 8 lead the game for Microsoft? Will
the Redmond-based software tycoon succeed in curbing its rivals including
Apple? Only time has all the answers.</span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fcffe8; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Images</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">:</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><span id="yui_3_5_1_3_1351503029237_998"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dellphotos/" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1351503029237_1000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Dell's Official Flickr Page</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;">; </span><a href="http://www.flikr.com/photos/microsoftsweden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Microsoft
Sweden</span></a></i></span></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0