Microsoft not backing down on new touch directions but ...
At last Microsoft has listened to the majority of their current customers who are still using (and prefer?) a keyboard and mouse!
“We Love Touch” But Windows 8.1 To Focus On Non-Touch; Windows Phone Eyes Wide-Ranging OEM Plan | TechCrunch:
Microsoft confirms Spring update for Windows 8.1 ...
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore conceded at the Mobile World Conference that Windows 8 was too touch oriented. Quote "Some of those touch affordances weren’t really tuned as well as we could do for those mouse and keyboard users," says Belfiore. "We found people weren’t aware of where they should look in the UI. Those are the things we’ve really started to improve for this update coming this spring."
Microsoft announces 'spring' update for Windows 8.1 | The Verge:
Windows 8.1 Update 1 or whatever is now official ...
Microsoft has now conceded that the Windows 8 User Interface (UI) is too touch oriented and does not work for the majority who are still using a keyboard and mouse. Another update, yet to be officially named and date set, will come out in the US Spring (probably April) to further improve Windows 8 usability for the keyboard and mouse. At long last Microsoft has seen the light!
Microsoft concedes Windows 8.1 needs more for mouse, keyboard customers - Computerworld:
This would be a major backdown by Microsoft ...
Whilst I think it would be the right decision for laptop/desktop installations of Windows 8, I would see it as a major retreat from the Modern interface by Microsoft. However, it would show that they are eventually listening to their customers!
Windows 8.1 update could default to desktop on boot - Operating Systems:
Google makes a wise decision on Motorola ...
The Google purchase of Motorola was evidently to secure a massive library of mobile patents. It also made other mobile manufacturers realise that Google could manufacture smartphones and be a threat to their business. backing off and selling Motorola has probably won some directional deals with the larger manufacturers such as Samsung who were heading off on a different Android tangent.
With Motorola sold, Google can focus on robots, Glass and smart homes - Computerworld:
Some useful hints to save smartphone battery power ...
Always useful to get hints on conserving smartphone battery power. Seems to be the main gripe with smartphones!
The apps that are draining your smartphone's battery:
Excellent article on tell-tale signs to look out for ...
Not sure I would immediately jump for the "Restore" button but certainly any of these issues need prompt investigation.
11 sure signs you've been hacked - security - Computerworld:
Quantitative proof that you are addicted to your smartphone ...
Interesting university research using a smartphone app to gather their data.
Are you addicted to your smartphone? - Mobile Apps:
Good move Microsoft - Windows XP not totally abandoned ...
At least Microsoft will be in a position to do something if virus attacks become prolific in the remaining PCs running Windows XP.
Microsoft retains weapon to silently scrub XP - Computerworld:
Comparison of Facebook and Google+ strategies ...
I think this is a very interesting article on the likely long term strategies of the two biggest social networks. I admit that I am a Google/Google+ supporter and will be very interested to see who gets to the "destination" first (wherever that may be!).
Why Facebook and Google+ are headed in opposite directions - Computerworld:
Makes a lot of sense - too late Microsoft ...
I don't really don't need to add a comment here!
Apple says it will not merge OS X and iOS | News | TechRadar:
Interesting but hardly solving world hunger ...
I guess it is this sort of research and development that produces useful by-products. I wonder what will come out of this.
The world's most accurate clock will keep time for 5 billion years - Crave:
This is an interesting parallel to draw ...
Quote "Extrapolating the best model into the future suggests that Facebook will undergo a rapid decline in the coming years, losing 80 per cent of its peak user base between 2015 and 2017."
Facebook could fade out like a disease, lose 80 per cent of users, say US researchers - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
Is this to be Windows 8.1 Update 1 or Windows 8.1.1 ...
More changes to the dual user interface (UI) of Windows 8(.1). It is slowly returning to Windows 7. Rumoured this will be out in April 2014.
Leaked Windows 8.1 update shows Metro apps dropped on the Desktop | News | TechRadar:
Try this workaround for voice activated Google search ...
I have tried to do this on my two year old HTC One but not had much success so far! Must give it another try.
How to get voice activated Google search working on Android phones and tablets - Gadget Guy Australia:
More than most of the current Smartwatches ...
Most smartwatches have to be tethered to a mobile phone with 3G/4G. The Omate smart watch is fully self contained and has its own 2G/3G. Not bad for $249!
Omate is not just a smartwatch - it's a mini smartphone:
Useful ideas for all smart phone users ...
Battery drain issues have got to be the number one frustration for all smart phone users.
Mobile drain: how to get more life from your smartphone battery - Gadget Guy Australia:
A new Gmail feature to be aware of ...
Note that you can control how this new feature works in your Gmail Settings. I have mine set to "Circles" only.
Gmail now lets you email your Google+ contacts - Internet Applications & Software:
Interesting insights in Chromebook use and deployment ...
Apple knows well that deployment of product in the field of can pay serious long term dividends as students mature into adults. However, school administrations also have a large say in choosing their preferred technology.
Chromebooks have a 1% market share -- and a tough road to the enterprise - Computerworld:
Lots of competition for Microsoft's Windows in 2014 ...
Between Android, Chrome OS and, of course Apple's OS X and iOS, Microsoft's new CEO is going to have earn his money in 2014!
CES 2014: Microsoft and the PC have seen better days - Computers: PC, Mac, Laptop, Desktop, Tablet & Monitors:
US vendors are starting to offer Windows 7 again ...
Couldn't agree more with the sentiment expressed in this article. The recent appointment of a new Microsoft CEO might bring back some common sense and an ear to what Microsoft's customers actually want.
Microsoft, just admit it: Windows users don't want Windows 8 | News | TechRadar:
Belkin's Wi-Fi connected light bulbs for $40 each ...
At least the LED globes should last up to 23 years so that's not as expensive as it first appears! These globes are equivalent brightness to a 60W globe, fully dimmable and, of course, remotely controlled by a smartphone app!
Belkin extends WeMo connectivity to smart light bulbs and appliances:
So we have a new name for Microsoft's SkyDrive ...
Hope Microsoft has it right this time! There is a company called www.one.com that offers a cloud drive product similar to SkyDrive/OneDrive.
Microsoft nixes SkyDrive, picks OneDrive as new name - Computerworld:
Fitness bands - 'killer' app for wearable computing? ...
Smart watches might be getting some traction but I think fitness bands and bio-monitors are more useful and may become far more popular.
LG throws its hands into fitness bands - Gadget Guy Australia:
Microsoft now has Apple OSX, Chrome OS & Android to battle ...
Really would like to see an article that compares the relatives merits of Chromebook vs Androidbook! Well you can run the Chrome browser on Android but you can't run the 1 million Android apps on Chrome OS. Does that answer the question?
Android heads to desktops as reliance on Web apps grow - Computerworld:
Here comes Google's Android to take over the world! ...
Quote from this article "So far, Android hasn't had tremendous success beyond its core product categories, but consumers' familiarity with the OS helps vendors like Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard, which are using the OS on new PCs, according to Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner. This week's International CES trade show illustrates how the popularity of Google's OS is starting to spill over from smartphones and tablets to all-in-one PCs, TVs and cars."
Android device sales could surpass 1 billion this year - Computerworld:
Now what was I saying about an Androidbook? ...
An ASUS Transformer based on an Intel Core i7 running Windows 8.1 and Android 4.1 with 128GB SSD or up to 1TB of hard disk. Now this is really getting interesting! It could be expensive!
Asus Transformer Book Duet is a hybrid laptop in more ways than one | News | TechRadar:
A very interesting development in the auto industry ...
GM, Honda and Hyundai join Audi in the Open Auto Alliance.
Google joins with GM, Honda, Audi for Android-powered cars | CES 2014: Car Tech - CNET Blogs:
Everyone and his dog is on Facebook these days ...
It would appear to be the case although teens are finding it less attractive since the whole family is watching them! Their private conversations have now moved to other more private apps. Whilst there are over a billion Facebook accounts I still think usage is dropping.
Grey haired Facebook is losing yoof appeal- The Inquirer:
Is it time to move from Windows to the Cloud? ...
This is a very good article discussing the pros and cons of moving from Windows to a Chromebook. Are you ready? I am wondering when Androidbooks will be available??
Can a Chromebook really replace your Windows machine? | News | TechRadar:
Ten interesting and surprising facts about Apple ...
Some interesting reading if you are an Apple fan!
10 things we didn't know about Apple | News.com.au:
One of the more popular Chromebooks and worth a look ...
The specs and price are similar to a smartphone or tablet but with far more connectivity, an 11.6" screen and full keyboard. Just wish it also had an Ethernet port!
Acer C720 Chromebook review: