Apple adopts Windows 10 tactic to auto-download Sierra to Macs

Apple today began automatically downloading macOS Sierra to Macs that have yet to upgrade to the new operating system, taking a step that rival Microsoft was criticized for last year.
Although the upgrade to macOS 10.12 will automatically download to eligible Macs, it will not automatically install. Instead, users must authorize the upgrade after being notified that it has been retrieved and is ready to install. Users may also decline the upgrade at that same notification.
This marks a change from past practice for the Mac's operating system, formerly dubbed "OS X" but now labeled "macOS."

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Ubuntu for Windows

Less than two weeks ago, Microsoft announced that, in Windows10’s one-year anniversary update, coming up in a few months, you’ll find something new and unusual, at least by Microsoft standard: the support of an operating system (OS) that Microsoft did not build. That OS is called Ubuntu.

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Here’s How to Disable Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Windows 10 Automatic Upgrade

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) released Windows 10 in the summer of 2015 and it was dubbed as the operating system which would rescue users from the Start Menu-free OS that was Windows 8.Not long after, though, automatic upgrade started going off. Some users have even reported automatic upgrades without them granting the permission to do so. This attitude has frustrated many users, and ticked off several others.

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Build 2016: What Microsoft could possibly present this year?

We’re already down through the first quarter of the calendar year 2016. This month, we’ve seen Google announce Android N, Apple launch a new, smaller smartphone. But what about Microsoft? Well, Build 2016 is here. The annual conference of the world’s largest software maker happens around this time every year. And there’s lots to expect.

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Microsoft Insists It Isn't Forcefully Installing Windows 10, Users Disagree

Microsoft is refuting reports that it has been forcefully installing Windows 10, its newest desktop operating system, on users' machines. The company insists that users are "fully in control."
Over the months, many instances have been reported in which users found Microsoft installing Windows 10 on their computer without their consent. The latest of which was reported by a Kotaku writer who noted that Microsoft seemingly downloaded and installed Windows 10 on his PC overnight.

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15 important keyboard shortcuts you probably don't know

Most expert computer users know the basic keyboard shortcuts, like pressing Control (Ctrl) + P on a PC to print a document. But did you know there are plenty of other useful-not to mention pretty darn cool-key combinations out there? From instantly zooming in to a larger view to quickly closing your browser window, these shortcuts will put the World Wide Web and more at your fingertips-because every second counts.

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Find Out The New Innovation From Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has finally integrated Skype with its cloud storage service, OneDrive and its Office Online services, in what can only be described as addressing a long-requested feature that was a no-brainer given the company’s push for mobile and cloud based services.

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Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile update for Lumia smartphones to arrive next week

#windows10mobile #windows10
Windows Phone owners have been waiting patiently for Microsoft to deliver its latest version of Windows for its smartphones called Windows 10 Mobile. While Microsoft has never officially given out a timeline, it seems that the time is near that Windows fans finally get the long coming update they rightfully deserve.
The news about the upcoming wave of updates to legacy devices comes from two sources. The first confirmation comes from an Italian website which claims that Vodafone Italy has details about the roll out on their website also jotting down the list of devices that qualify.

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The Growing Windows Store

Mar 9, 2016- We have been exposed to the Windows 10 experience for quite some time now. The new Microsoft operating system brings with it an entire ecosystem of Windows Apps guided by the principle of a united app ecosystem that can run on devices of varying sizes and even on the Xbox gaming console. One of Windows 10’s core features, Microsoft is banking on the flexibility of their Universal Apps model to push app developers to develop Windows Store apps as well, since streamlining one app for all devices is significantly easier with Microsoft’s ecosystem. 

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New Windows 10 update adds Cortana languages and simpler reminders

Microsoft is today rolling out a new Windows 10 update to its "fast ring" testers that's largely focused on Cortana, the operating system's built-in personal assistant. First, Cortana is expanding its list of supported languages to include Spanish (Mexico), Portuguese (Brazil), and French (Canada). Those are in addition to the 11 languages that Cortana already understands and speaks in various regions across the globe.

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Microsoft decides to go all in with Android apps for business

Currently, If you visit the Google Play Store on your Android phone, you'll find no fewer than 85 apps from Microsoft. The list contains some serious heavyweights, including the entire Office suite, with Word, Excel, Outlook, and company boasting more than 10 million downloads apiece.

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Taking a Closer Look at Microsoft Corporation Stock

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been given a $58.56 consensus price target by Wall Street analysts. This is the average number determined by First Call based on the analysts they take into consideration. Brokerage firm issued price targets can be useful for investors or potential investors who are looking to get an idea of where a stock might be headed. In comparing the target to current levels, shares closed the last trading session at $52.35.

When evaluating stocks, many investors also look to analysts for future earnings predictions and growth. Analysts are predicting $0.67 per share in earnings next quarter and $2.76 for the current year. In comparing the current price level of the equity to their moving averages, the shares are trading 0.33 off of the 50-day average of $51.65 and 1.62 away from the 200-day moving average of $50.36.

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Windows 10 on Mi 5 and OnePlus 2: It's really happening

 

Microsoft reveals plans to release Windows 10 Mobile Rom for Xiaomi Mi 5 and OnePlus 2.

This is a cell phone modder’s dream come true. Microsoft is working on launching Windows 10 Build on Android smartphones. Yes you read that right, and no this isn’t a dream. After releasing the Windows 10 Mobile build for Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL on Feb 24, Microsoft now announced its plans to offer the Windows 10 Mobile ROM for the OnePlus 2 and the recently launched Xiaomi Mi 5.

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4 Ways to Expand your Phone’s Storage Without Breaking the Bank

The memory size of any smartphone will determine the number of picture, videos, apps, music and documents that you can upload on that device. If you are already using an 8GB or 16GB, it may probably not be enough if you do a lot with it.

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If Oscars awards are given to smartphones: The 10 best handsets 2006-2016

Just few days back, Oscar award was given to great movies in the movie business.
ZDNet have tested hundreds of smartphones over the past decade and spent a couple hours reading through past articles and thinking about which device could be give an award to as the best for each of these ten years. Here's my list and summary thoughts:

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8 Hidden Windows 10 Features You Didn’t Know About

Source: Microsoft

Many of us have had Windows 10 on our PCs for a while now, so we’re pretty used to the new features of the operating system from daily use. However, Microsoft has hidden a few tricks underneath the hood that you may find especially useful. Give these tips and tricks a try, and improve your Windows 10 experience.

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Microsoft unveils the Lumia 650, a $200 Windows 10 smartphone that goes on sale in Europe from Feb. 18

Above: Lumia 650

Microsoft has launched a new Lumia-branded Windows 10 Mobile smartphone, only the fourth device anywhere in the world to sport the operating system.
Priced at $199 before local taxes and subsidies, the Lumia 650 comes in black or white and will only be made available in a handful of European markets, starting February 18. The smartphone is being pitched as a “business class” device, with a focus on productivity and security. “By providing a consistent experience across PC and phone through the power of Windows 10, we think professionals and Windows fans alike will love using it every day,” said Samuli Hänninen, general manager of Microsoft’s phones program management.

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Is Microsoft Giving Up on Windows Phone?

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Windows Phone fans can look back fondly on the origins of the platform, when Microsoft positioned its range of Windows Phones as a compelling alternative to the Android and iOS ecosystems. But that early promise was never fully realized. While we’ve recently seen the launch of some new Windows 10 smartphones, device makers have historically built few Windows phones, app developers have created only a small selection of apps for the platform, and few carriers have stocked even Microsoft’s phones. So it’s time to ask: Is the Windows Phone platform dead?

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Windows 10 subscriptions aren't happening. Here's why

ZDnet had this advice drummed into our heads for years: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
That guideline is usually correct, which probably explains why I continue to hear from skeptics convinced that Microsoft's free Windows 10 offer is a trap. Here's how the argument typically goes, as expressed in this actual excerpt from the comments to a recent post here:

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Microsoft Reveals Real Cost Of 'Free' Windows 10

“There is no such thing as a free lunch” has been the mantra of those cynical about the true cost of ‘free’ Windows 10. But as Microsoft increases pressure on users to upgrade, it turns out the real cost of Windows 10 lies somewhere far less expected…     
Windows 7 and Windows 8. Yes, the operating systems which users already paid for (either directly, or indirectly in the cost of a new computer) are getting more expensive by the day. The cost comes in terms of lost productivity, flexibility and enjoyment as Microsoft does its best to make life for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users so unbearable they give in and upgrade to Windows 10.
Prior to February 2016 the cost was already pretty high. On the irritation side Microsoft introduced upgrade prompts for Windows 7 and Windows 8 which reinstalled themselves if users disabled them. The upgrade prompts then became pop-up windows which were continually reworded to cut down choice until ‘Upgrade now’ or ‘Upgrade tonight’ or just one option – ‘Upgrade now’ – were all that was presented.

‘Get Windows 10′ notifications and upgrade pressure is being cranked ever higher. Image credit: Gordon Kelly

In addition Microsoft also hit many unsuspecting Windows 7 and Windows 8 users in the pocket by silently downloading the whole of Windows 10 (4-6GB) into a secret folder on their computers, even if users had repeatedly stated they did not want to upgrade. Those who have Internet contracts with data allowances found themselves facing inexplicable bills for breaking through those allowances. Windows 8 users could stop this by setting their computers to a metered allowance (Windows 7 users were out of luck) but most didn’t know to do this in advance.
And this was just the start. Amid falling adoption rates, Microsoft announced in October that the real war on users refusing to upgrade to Windows 10 would begin in January. And so it has proved.

Turning The Screw
Microsoft has followed through on its widely criticised decision to give Windows 10 ‘Recommended’ status in Windows Update. This means installations begin automatically for users who have not changed the default Windows Update settings (the vast majority) so they will now have to proactively cancel a Windows 10 upgrade which has already started, rather than the prior approach of saying they don’t want it to start.
Fine. Tech savvy users and the most belligerent were happy to cancel the installation and remain on the copies of Windows they chose to pay for. Yet it still isn’t that simple. Infoworld reports those who cancelled the installation after it started are finding it restarts every time they reboot their computer.
Furthermore many are not even spotting the automatic install in the first place since it comes hidden in the form of a Microsoft EULA (end user licence agreement) which the user is asked to accept. While not advisable, it is commonplace behaviour for customers to blindly accept EULAs without paying full attention to them, but if you do in this case then Windows 10 begins installation and cannot be stopped.
Yes this is irritating, but then again with careful reading those users who wish to avoid Windows 10 can still do so and it remains “optional” (as Microsoft continues to stress) even at the cost of continual irritation. You can hold out or even enlist the help of third party tools.

Microsoft is leaving users with little to no choice about upgrading to Windows 10. Image credit: ComputerWorld

Except Microsoft’s other Windows 10 January upgrade measure even stamps on that plan because how Windows 7 and Windows 8 are supported has also now been changed. When you bought Windows 7 and Windows 8 (again I stress you did ‘buy’ them as they’re built into the cost of your computer) Microsoft promised to support them until 14 January 2020 and 10 January 2023 respectively. Now following the January changes, this is only true on the condition you don’t upgrade your computer to use current or future generation silicon from Intel, AMD or Qualcomm.
In short: your computer hardware must remain ‘old’ if you want to keep using Windows 7 or Windows 8 – implausible for anyone hoping to have a respectable system in 2023. Meanwhile if you buy a new computer and attempt to install Windows 7 or Windows 8 on it, the support will be invalid which means no antivirus or security patches. If you want a new computer you will have to use Windows 10 – the first time such a restriction has been made in the 30 year history of Windows.
For now the hardware restriction only applies to businesses, but it seems inconceivable it will not eventually be rolled out to consumers as well.
And there is one more trick. For those complaining about Windows 10’s extensive user tracking through telemetry (some of which cannot be disabled) putting them off upgrading, Microsoft has a solution: it has retroactively installed all the same user tracking on Windows 7 and Windows 8 so this is no longer a reason to avoid upgrading!
The Increasingly Impossible Choice
All of which leaves Windows 7 and Windows 8 users in the following situation:

• Invalidating their support if they upgrade their current computers or buy new computers
• Seeing continual Windows 10 upgrade prompts which reinstall themselves if disabled
• Facing automatically starting installation attempts every time they reboot their computer
• Permanently giving up 6GB of their hard drive space to hold the Windows 10 installation files (typically it redownloads if removed)
• Accepting the same user tracking and data logging behaviour as Windows 10

A simple monetary figure cannot be tagged onto these such restrictions, nagging or tracking but for those using Windows 7 and Windows 8 on a daily basis (currently 65% of the world’s computers) the cost is extremely high.
Of course Microsoft has some marketing rhetoric here saying it allows users to roll back to Windows 7 or Windows 8 from Windows 10 if they don’t like the experience. But the roll back simply leaves them facing all the same hassles. Microsoft doesn’t switch them all off just because you ‘tried’ Windows 10.

Windows 10 is pegged as a safe haven while Microsoft sets fire to Windows 7 and Windows 8. Image credit: Microsoft

None of which – I must stress – has anything to do with whether Windows 10 is any good. This isn’t about it being ‘better’ than Windows 7 or Windows 8, it’s about respecting choice. For some Windows 7 and Windows 8 users they are simply happy where they are or they have critical legacy programs or hardware which has issues on Windows 10. No matter, the same measures are being taken against everyone on Windows 7 and Windows 8 – there is no ‘Special Case’ option.
As such when (and it seems increasingly likely of being when) Windows 10 achieves Microsoft’s one billion installations target, it will be a hollow victory since it comes largely on the back of making the cost of staying on Windows 7 and Windows 8 too much to bear. In the words of Wayne Williams at BetaNews:
“When Microsoft next announces how wonderfully well Windows 10 is doing, and how many more million users have been added from yesterday onwards, it will be a meaningless number, a hollow achievement, and certainly nothing for the company to be proud about.”
Yes, there really is no such thing as a free lunch. 

forbes

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