A "must see" first person demo of Google Glass ...
The latest technology "bling" that be may be available before the end of 2013! Google is calling for testers in the US at the moment - only downside is that you need to buy the hardware which is currently around US$1,500! Now to be called just "Glass" rather than "Google Glass".
See what it's like to wear Google Glass: Hoping to carve out a new type of personal computing, Google has shown off how to use its computerised eyewear to search, navigate, chat and take photos.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Microsoft loses another user
Yet another user finally leaves the Microsoft fold ...
Like Jack Wallen, I think Microsoft may have "done it's dash" with the new MS Office 2013 licencing arrangement. Combine that with a dubious dual interface on Windows 8 and it might be the beginning of the end for Microsoft. Get ready Linux!
Microsoft loses yet another fanboy: Another one bytes the dust as Microsoft (and its ugly licensing practices) pushes a long-time fan away. Jack Wallen looks at what's in store for Microsoft.
Like Jack Wallen, I think Microsoft may have "done it's dash" with the new MS Office 2013 licencing arrangement. Combine that with a dubious dual interface on Windows 8 and it might be the beginning of the end for Microsoft. Get ready Linux!
Microsoft loses yet another fanboy: Another one bytes the dust as Microsoft (and its ugly licensing practices) pushes a long-time fan away. Jack Wallen looks at what's in store for Microsoft.
MS launches Outlook.com
Improvement or just more confusion ...
Well, we had Outlook Express POP email on Windows XP, Windows Mail POP email on Windows Vista, Live Mail POP email on Windows 7 and Mail IMAP (not POP) on Windows 8. We also have Outlook as the email package (POP & IMAP) in all versions of Microsoft Office. Now we have Outlook.com as Microsoft's web mail service (that used to be Hotmail). Are you confused yet?
Microsoft officially launches Outlook.com to replace Hotmail:
Microsoft’s Outlook.com cloud email service has been officially released and will replace the popular Hotmail web mail which boasts more than 300 million users. Outlook.com has been available in preview mode since the middle of last year but the official version is now available to users and comes with a fresh new design and intuitive features. Existing Hotmail users will be automatically migrated to Outlook.com within the next six months but users can still retain their same email addresses and passwords while still enjoying the new look and feel.
Well, we had Outlook Express POP email on Windows XP, Windows Mail POP email on Windows Vista, Live Mail POP email on Windows 7 and Mail IMAP (not POP) on Windows 8. We also have Outlook as the email package (POP & IMAP) in all versions of Microsoft Office. Now we have Outlook.com as Microsoft's web mail service (that used to be Hotmail). Are you confused yet?
Microsoft officially launches Outlook.com to replace Hotmail:
Microsoft’s Outlook.com cloud email service has been officially released and will replace the popular Hotmail web mail which boasts more than 300 million users. Outlook.com has been available in preview mode since the middle of last year but the official version is now available to users and comes with a fresh new design and intuitive features. Existing Hotmail users will be automatically migrated to Outlook.com within the next six months but users can still retain their same email addresses and passwords while still enjoying the new look and feel.
MS Windows Blue update
More frequent updates to Windows 8 ...
With a bit of luck Microsoft might even re-instate the Start button - you never know!
Windows Blue update to 'build on and improve' Windows 8:
Microsoft has revealed more details about its reported Windows Blue project, which promises to bring regular updates to its Windows 8 operating system. According to a February 15 job posting on the Microsoft Careers site, the software giant is seeking an engineer to join its Windows Core Experience Team. That part of the operation will be working on improving the centrepiece of the new Windows UI, including the start screen, application lifecycle, windowing and personalisation, according to the post. This seems to suggest that Windows Blue will bring more than a few tweaks under the bonnet and offer tangible visual enhancements to the Windows 8 software.
With a bit of luck Microsoft might even re-instate the Start button - you never know!
Windows Blue update to 'build on and improve' Windows 8:
Microsoft has revealed more details about its reported Windows Blue project, which promises to bring regular updates to its Windows 8 operating system. According to a February 15 job posting on the Microsoft Careers site, the software giant is seeking an engineer to join its Windows Core Experience Team. That part of the operation will be working on improving the centrepiece of the new Windows UI, including the start screen, application lifecycle, windowing and personalisation, according to the post. This seems to suggest that Windows Blue will bring more than a few tweaks under the bonnet and offer tangible visual enhancements to the Windows 8 software.
Centerpiece of the new Windows UI
Indeed, the post mentions Windows Blue by name and says the updates will look to 'build on and improve Windows 8' as time goes on. An excerpt reads: "We're looking for an excellent, experienced SDET to join the Core Experience team in Windows Sustained Engineering (WinSE). The Core Experience features are the centerpiece of the new Windows UI, representing most of what customers touch and see in the OS, including: the start screen; application lifecycle; windowing; and personalization. Windows Blue promises to build and improve upon these aspects of the OS, enhancing ease of use and the overall user experience on devices and PCs worldwide." It is also thought that Windows Blue updates will be extended to multiple Microsoft platforms, including Windows 8 server, the mobile OS Windows Phone 8 and applications like Sky Drive and Hotmail. Indeed another post on Microsoft's job site mentions Windows Phone Blue by name, so that is definitely on the horizon. The plan from Microsoft's point of view is reportedly to move towards a more regular update pace, rather than the three year gap that separated Windows 7 and Windows 8, with little improvements in between. Apple has enjoyed great success in this arena, gradually adding new strings to the bow of Mac OS X every year, through its feline-themed updates.
Office 2013 non-transferable
A real disadvantage of MS Office 2013 "one time" licence ...
This is another huge benefit to making "full image" backups, for example, Acronis True Image. If your hard disk packs up, then a new hard disk drive and your latest image backup will avoid the issue of non-transferable licence key for Microsoft Office 2013.
Microsoft confirms Office 2013 licenses cannot be transferred:
Microsoft has confirmed that Office 365 owners cannot transfer their license to another PC once it has been installed. In a departure from Microsoft's Office 2010 stance, those who purchase a single license for the new Windows 8 productivity suite, will not be able to reinstall elsewhere, even if their PC is stolen. In an emailed response to a query from Computerworld asking whether this was indeed the case, a Microsoft representative simply replied "correct."
Asked in a follow up email whether end users could transfer the license in the event that their PC is lost, stolen or damaged, the PR firm representing Microsoft responded with a curt "no comment"
This is another huge benefit to making "full image" backups, for example, Acronis True Image. If your hard disk packs up, then a new hard disk drive and your latest image backup will avoid the issue of non-transferable licence key for Microsoft Office 2013.
Microsoft confirms Office 2013 licenses cannot be transferred:
Microsoft has confirmed that Office 365 owners cannot transfer their license to another PC once it has been installed. In a departure from Microsoft's Office 2010 stance, those who purchase a single license for the new Windows 8 productivity suite, will not be able to reinstall elsewhere, even if their PC is stolen. In an emailed response to a query from Computerworld asking whether this was indeed the case, a Microsoft representative simply replied "correct."
Asked in a follow up email whether end users could transfer the license in the event that their PC is lost, stolen or damaged, the PR firm representing Microsoft responded with a curt "no comment"
Move to Office 365
The move is being seen as a way for Microsoft to encourage sign-ups for its cloud-based Office 365 Premium subscription suite. "We've been very clear in all of our communications that customers seeking transferability should get Office 365 and that Office 2013 is licensed to one device," the Microsoft spokesperson added. Office 365 Premium does allow the software to be installed on up to five machines, so it is indeed more "transferable," but that's not really the point. Office 365 requires a monthly £7.99 (USD$9.99, AUD$12.99) subscription or an annual £79.99 (USD$99.99, AUD$119.99) fee, so in reality it's still like buying Office once a year.Kicking users while they're down
For loyal Office customers who are unlucky enough to have their laptop stolen or suffer hardware failure, having to buy Office again for their new PC will undoubtedly be an added boot in the nether regions. Surely, Microsoft would be wise to revise this policy and not punish those who've opted to pay for their products?Saturday, 2 March 2013
Windows 8 authors on Win8
Interesting comments on the usability of Windows 8 ...
A lot of reading here but it is interesting to see what 14 authors have to say after writing a book on Windows 8. Fortunately most of their comments are brief!
Windows 8 book authors dish on Windows 8: Writing a book about Windows 8 takes a peculiar combination of perseverance, insight, and a high tolerance for pain. Those who write books about Win8 get to dig into the heart of the beast -- they're exposed early and often to inconsistences and difficulties, and they're tasked with making the hard parts of Win8 accessible to regular people. Along the way, book authors acquire an enormous amount of experience with how the product actually works, going far beyond the stunted feature lists, glib reviews, and sound bites we've all come to expect.
A lot of reading here but it is interesting to see what 14 authors have to say after writing a book on Windows 8. Fortunately most of their comments are brief!
Windows 8 book authors dish on Windows 8: Writing a book about Windows 8 takes a peculiar combination of perseverance, insight, and a high tolerance for pain. Those who write books about Win8 get to dig into the heart of the beast -- they're exposed early and often to inconsistences and difficulties, and they're tasked with making the hard parts of Win8 accessible to regular people. Along the way, book authors acquire an enormous amount of experience with how the product actually works, going far beyond the stunted feature lists, glib reviews, and sound bites we've all come to expect.
Windows under threat
Some interesting facts, figures and insights ...
A longish article but worth the read if you want some insights into the threats that Microsoft Windows is facing from several directions. Interesting to see Microsoft Windows' position in two or three years!
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Enable Windows 8 File History
Useful tutorial on Windows 8 File History ...
A "must read" if you want to use the Microsoft provided backup utility for all your personal data.
Enable Windows 8 File History to protect your data (revisited): Greg Shultz shows you how enable File History in Windows 8 and why it is important that you do.
A "must read" if you want to use the Microsoft provided backup utility for all your personal data.
Enable Windows 8 File History to protect your data (revisited): Greg Shultz shows you how enable File History in Windows 8 and why it is important that you do.
12 Office 2013 flaws
Even more fun with MS Office 2013 ...
I have not yet played with Office 2013 but this looks like a valuable collection of necessary tweaks! It is a shame that experienced Office users have to spend time getting new software back into a usable state!
In Pictures: 12 enraging Office 2013 flaws -- and how to fix them - Slideshow - Computerworld:
I have not yet played with Office 2013 but this looks like a valuable collection of necessary tweaks! It is a shame that experienced Office users have to spend time getting new software back into a usable state!
In Pictures: 12 enraging Office 2013 flaws -- and how to fix them - Slideshow - Computerworld:
10 Chrome tricks
Great collection of tricks for Chrome enthusiasts ...
Google Chrome has been my first choice browser for a while. It is almost a second "Operating System" within Windows XP, Vista , 7 or 8 but it is the same common platform for all Internet browsing activity. It syncs all my browser settings and bookmarks on my 3 x Window XPs, 1 x Windows 7 and 1 x Windows 8 PCs. It's even very similar to the Chrome on my HTC Android smartphone with all the bookmarks continuously synchronised.
10 Chrome tricks to improve your browsing experience: No hacks, no registry tweaks, no add-ons: Just an arsenal of built-in tricks to make Chrome do your bidding.
Google Chrome has been my first choice browser for a while. It is almost a second "Operating System" within Windows XP, Vista , 7 or 8 but it is the same common platform for all Internet browsing activity. It syncs all my browser settings and bookmarks on my 3 x Window XPs, 1 x Windows 7 and 1 x Windows 8 PCs. It's even very similar to the Chrome on my HTC Android smartphone with all the bookmarks continuously synchronised.
10 Chrome tricks to improve your browsing experience: No hacks, no registry tweaks, no add-ons: Just an arsenal of built-in tricks to make Chrome do your bidding.
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