First major update available for Windows 10

Source: Microsoft.

Microsoft has made the first major update to Windows 10 available for PCs and tablets. The update offers improvements in all aspects of the platform and experience, said the company in a blog post. Windows 10 also starts rolling out to Xbox One and is to come for selected mobile phones soon'.

".. With this free update we have reached the point in the platform’s maturity where we can confidently recommend Windows 10 deployment to whole organisations," said Terry Myerson, Executive VP of the Windows and Devices Group, Microsoft.

Improvements include:

Performance in everyday tasks, such as boot time now nearly 30% faster than Windows 7 on the same device.

Cortana to be available in Japan, Australia, and India (in English) with features and experiences customised for each market, Myerson said.

Microsoft Edge, the Windows 10 browser, offers improved performance and security, along with tab preview, which allows you to hover over your open tabs and get a preview of what’s on those websites without leaving the page you’re on.

Microsoft Edge now syncs your Favourites and Reading list items across devices.

The update to Windows 10 will also enable management of both corporate owned and BYOD devices. Windows 10 is already actively running on more than 110 million devices including 12 million business PCs, Myerson said.

Two free services have been introduced:

Windows Update for Business provides IT teams with controls over the deployment of updates within organisations, while ensuring devices are kept current and their security needs are met, at reduced management cost. Features include setting up device groups with staggered deployments and scaling deployments with network optimisations.

Windows Store for Business provides IT teams with a flexible way to find, acquire, manage and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices – both Windows Store apps and custom line of business apps. Organisations can choose their preferred distribution method by directly assigning apps, publishing apps to a private store, or connecting with management.

The update introduces two capabilities designed for IT teams to empower people to securely use multiple devices for work:

Mobile Device Management empowers IT teams to use the full power of Enterprise Mobility Management to manage the entire family of Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, and devices in the Internet of Things.

Azure Active Directory (AAD) Join empowers IT to maintain one directory, enabling people to have one login and securely roam their Windows settings and data across all of their Windows 10 devices. AAD Join also enables any machine to become enterprise-ready with a few simple clicks.

Microsoft continues to strengthen Windows 10 as the most trusted platform ever with features like:

Credential Guard, which safeguards credentials inside a hardware-based virtualised environment and breaks the popular “pass the hash” method used in many major breaches.

Device Guard uses Trusted Boot to prevent intruders from installing malware, helping to keep company devices secure.

Windows Hello** enables people to say goodbye to passwords with enterprise-grade biometrics including fingerprint and facial recognition.

Microsoft is also working on 'enterprise data protection' designed to help protect corporate data by separating and containing corporate data from consumer data. "Currently in testing with a number of enterprise customers today, enterprise data protection becomes available to Windows Insiders soon," Myerson said. 

The update will also enable enterprise customers to turn off all telemetry data if they choose. "We strongly recommend against this, as this data helps us deliver a secure, reliable, and more delightful personalised experience. We’ll continue to work with third-party experts and incorporate your feedback on this important topic," Myerson added.

*Those already running Windows 10 will receive the November update according to your Windows Update settings. Those running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, can take advantage of the free upgrade offer and receive the November update as part of the Windows 10 upgrade.

**Hardware dependent

posted from Bloggeroid

Apple releases iOS 9

Source: Apple. 

Apple has announced that the iOS 9 mobile operating system will be available on Wednesday, September 16 as a free update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users. iOS 9 comes with powerful search and improved Siri features.

New multitasking features on the iPad let users view and interact with two apps at once, side by side. With Picture-in-Picture, users can play video while browsing the web, composing email or using other apps. Built-in apps become more powerful with a redesigned Notes app offering new ways to capture ideas, detailed transit information in Maps, and an all-new News app for the best news reading experience on any mobile device.

“iOS 9 is packed with intelligence that makes every experience with iPhone and iPad even more powerful — Siri can do more than ever and new proactive assistance helps you get more done before you ask, all while protecting users’ privacy,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering. “With iOS 9 we focused on strengthening the foundation of iOS with a deep focus on quality, and with the help of more than one million users who participated in our first ever public beta programme, we’re excited to release the best version of iOS yet.”

In iOS 9, proactive assistance presents the most relevant information at a given time of day and suggests actions in context, based on the apps used frequently. Siri features a new design, contextual reminders based on time and location, and new ways to search photos and videos. Search queries deliver more relevant results from more categories, including sports scores and schedules, simple math calculations, weather conditions and stock prices.

This latest release features refinements such as battery optimisation, resulting in an additional hour of battery life with typical use, and a low-power mode to further extend battery life.* Software updates require less space to install and the Install Later feature can perform updates to your device when it’s not in use. Enhanced security features in iOS 9 keep your devices and Apple ID secure by strengthening the passcode that protects your devices and improving two-factor authentication by building it directly into iOS, making it harder for others to gain unauthorised access to your Apple ID. iOS 9 apps and the user interface now take advantage of Metal to deliver faster scrolling, smoother animation and better overall performance.

New multitasking features designed for the iPad include:

• Slide Over lets you simultaneously work in a second app without leaving the one you’re in and easily switch between your apps.
• Split View allows you to view and interact with two apps at the same time, side by side, and resize your view to prioritise one app over another.
• Picture-in-Picture lets you continue a video or FaceTime call while using your favorite apps. 
• Typing is faster and easier with an all-new Shortcut Bar that displays convenient editing tools, and new Multi-Touch gestures make it even easier to select, edit and move text.

In iOS 9, Apple has a completely redesigned Notes app, support for transit in Maps, an all-new News app and new capabilities in Apple Pay.

The completely redesigned Notes app includes the ability to draw a quick sketch using your finger, easily create checklists to keep track of your to-dos or snap a photo directly in a note. Important items can be saved directly to the Notes app from other apps and are kept in sync across all your enabled devices with iCloud.

Maps adds support for metropolitan transit systems and schedules, and subway station entrances and exits are precisely mapped. When you plan your trip, Maps can offer a combination of trains, subways, buses and walking, and presents you with what’s nearby, delivering options for local food, drinks, shopping and more.**

News delivers a reading experience that combines the design of a print magazine with the interactivity of digital media. News can learn your interests and suggest relevant content that’s easily shareable or saved for later, and delivers the best articles from more than 50 publishers, representing hundreds of titles from the world’s most influential news, sports, business and magazine brands, covering over one million topics.***

Apple Pay adds support for Discover, merchant rewards programmes and participating store-issued credit and debit cards. Shoppers will be able to manage their cards in the new Wallet app.

Interested?

iOS 9 will be available beginning Wednesday, September 16 as a free software update for iPhone 4s and later, iPod touch 5th generation and later, iPad 2 and later and iPad mini and later. Some features may not be available in all regions or all languages. 

*Battery life depends on usage and settings.

**Transit information in Maps is available in select major cities, including Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Washington D.C., as well as over 300 cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Nearby information is available in the US and China.

***News app availability varies by country.

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac runs Windows better than ever

Source: Parallels. Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac.

Parallels, a global provider of cross-platform solutions, today launched Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac. The release includes a new version of the software for developers, designers and power users, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition. It also includes Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition, previously known as the Enterprise Edition.

The new editions of Parallels Desktop for Mac benefit from speed improvements of up to 50%, Travel Mode which extends battery life by up to 25% while on the go, support for Windows 10 along with OS X El Capitan readiness.

Jack Zubarev, Parallels President, noted that the company has made it easier than ever to run Windows on a Mac. “Developers, designers and power users are one of the biggest audiences among our millions of Parallels Desktop for Mac customers,” said Zubarev. 

"We’ve created Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition specifically for them and will continue to quickly innovate to help them stay more productive in their day-to-day work. Seamless experience has been the hallmark of Parallels Desktop since its inception. Today we further our commitment to innovation with Parallels Desktop 11—from Windows 10 and El Capitan integration to making Microsoft’s Cortana available on Mac."

Parallels Desktop 11 empowers Mac users to run Windows 10 and leverage the advantages of Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant, Cortana, when using both Windows and OS X. This is the first time that Parallels Desktop has ever made a Windows feature available for OS X applications. Parallels Desktop 11 also provides experimental support for OS X El Capitan prior to its launch, and will fully support the platform shortly after its release to give users a seamless experience with the latest operating systems.

“As Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan enter the market, it is essential for businesses, developers and consumers that need to be productive to use virtualisation software to easily run both operating systems, so they can work effectively, regardless of their platform,” said Laura DiDio, Strategy Analytics Director of research and consulting. “All three Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac editions provide the best tools to address respective customer audiences and deployment scenarios that seamlessly enable people to use the applications they need, regardless of platform.”

New Parallels Desktop 11 ease-of-use benefits include improved performance and battery life with the use of Travel Mode, which can easily be activated to optimise performance. When users are on the go and not connected to power, Parallels Desktop Travel Mode will automatically extend battery life by up to 25% by temporarily shutting off resources that drain power.

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac offers significant speed performance improvements over the previous version for an even faster work experience, including*:

· Windows launch and shutdown is up to 50% faster

· File operations inside of Windows are improved by up to 20%

· Virtual machine suspend is up to 20% faster

· Travel Mode can increase battery life up to 25%

· Improved network performance

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition 

This is a new version of the software specifically designed for developers, designers and power users, giving them the powerful tools they need for maximum productivity. The Pro Edition supports integration with popular developer tools including Docker, Visual Studio (plug-in), Chef and Jenkins, Vagrant, Guest OS debugging and network simulation. Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition empowers users to run preview Windows machines and use nested virtualisation for both Windows and Linux guests, making it the perfect tool for developers, power users and testers who need a variety of virtual machine environments, including simulation of more complex deployments.

Parallels Desktop for Mac Business EditionPreviously known as Parallels Desktop for Mac Enterprise Edition, Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition includes all Pro Edition features, offering IT admins the most efficient means to enable their employees with Macs to run Windows applications.

The Business Edition builds upon Parallels Desktop by adding administrative features that enable IT departments to control and manage end user virtual machines as well as manage and administer licenses via the new Parallels License Management Portal. This feature provides IT administrators with vital information, such as license expirations, usage statistics, and real-time visibility into licensing activities, to easily manage all of their deployed licenses. Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition also supports business cloud services including Box, Dropbox for Business and OneDrive Business.

Highlights of Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac include:

· Always on Cortana enables customers to use Microsoft’s virtual assistant with Mac applications, even when Windows 10 is not the forefront application

· Travel Mode extends the battery life by up to 25%

· Quick Look for Windows extends this cool Mac convenience to Windows documents and files

· New Force Touch gesture support enables a quick preview of files with Quick Look or the ability to look up the definition of an unknown word

· Improved Mac Window Controls include a new Coherence mode button

· Most recently used files list now can be viewed on the Mac regardless of where those files are stored: on the Mac, in a virtual machine, in the cloud or on a file server

· New easy printing with all Mac printer options support saves time with an intuitive solution for OS X users

· “New Item” support for creation of new files in Windows apps including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

· Now users can easily cancel time-consuming virtual machine actions

· Mac location services are now available to Windows applications

· Automatic synchronisation of the volume setting of a virtual machine with that of the Mac

· Enhanced file associations with smart notification messaging helps change file association in OS X

· Improvements in the setup and use of a virtual machine to directly access a Boot Camp Windows partition—without rebooting

· One-time opportunity to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition from Parallels Desktop 9 or 10 for S$49.99 per year

· Improved Japanese keyboard—specific to the Japanese language edition only

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition includes all of the features of Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac, as well as the following new and key features:

· Integration with key developer tools, such as Docker, Visual Studio (plug-in), Chef and Jenkins

· Support for Vagrant and other developer tools

· Additional user profiles for developers, power users and testers for optimal configuration for their particular scenarios

· Advanced networking tools and configuration for virtual networks to test complex networking scenarios, including the ability to simulate some network instabilities

· Cloud storage access through Box.net, Dropbox for Business and OneDrive Business, for sharing from Windows to Mac

· Headless mode for running virtual machines in the background without user interface

· Ability to create linked clones to conserve disk space and optimise installations

· Enhanced memory (64 GB RAM) and processing power (16 vCPU) for improved performance

· Nested virtualisation for Linux guests

· Modern.IE test environments in the Parallels New Virtual Machine Wizard provide access to free trials of browsers for testing

· 24/7 phone and email support

The Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Business Edition has all of the features of the Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition, as well as the following additions:

· Centralised administration and management capabilities to keep IT in control of virtual machines

· Web-based Parallels License Management Portal with a single activation key to eliminate manual management of individual license keys

· Business-level support, including prioritised 24x7 phone and email support options

· USB devices policy enforcement for additional security

Interested?

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is available now to both current and new Parallels Desktop for Mac users at www.parallels.com/desktop worldwide, and at local retailers in Singapore including Challenger, EpiCentre, Harvey Norman, iStudio, NuBox and other Apple resellers.

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition is available online and at the Apple online store. Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Business Edition is available through commercial resellers.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is S$108.00. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 9 or 10 for Mac customers are S$68.00, with an introductory offer to upgrade to a Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition subscription for S$68.00 per year available from www.parallels.com/desktop.

Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac Business Edition are available to new customers for S$134 per year. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition includes a complimentary Parallels Access subscription to remotely access their Mac from any device.

*Based on Parallels internal testing

Excitement marks Windows 10 launch in Singapore

The Windows 10 launch fan event in SIngapore was very well attended. 

Microsoft's Windows 10 is now available as a free upgrade¹ or with new PCs and tablets across 190 countries. Windows 10 includes innovations such as Windows Hello², Cortana³, an Xbox app and the Microsoft Edge browser for a familiar, yet more productive experience.

“Windows 10 is built to enable people and organisations to do great things and the launch of Windows 10 today marks a new era for computing in Singapore and around the world. New innovations on Windows 10 make computing more personal, productive and secure whether you are a consumer, student, professional or business," added Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

"Microsoft is excited that Windows 10 is resonating well from the feedback of over 5 million Windows Insiders and the overwhelming reservations from users. We are also looking forward to the opportunities to work with our developers, retail and devices partners to create new apps, services, devices and experiences for Windows 10. Starting from today, Windows 10 is available as a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8 users for one year and we encourage all to upgrade today.”

Quek.

Joy Quek, Windows Business Group Lead, Microsoft Singapore, said Windows 10 will bring more personal computing for all Windows users. "Most of us have more than three devices. Windows 10 brings that experience to all the different form factors. We're really focusing on the user experience and the mobility of the experience," she said.

The most secure Windows ever, Windows 10 is delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with innovations and security updates. Windows 10 offers one experience that will become available on the broadest range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, HoloLens and more — with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing. The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit are now available as well, opening the door to more new app experiences on Windows 10.

“A new era of Windows starts today. From the beginning, Windows 10 has been unique — built with feedback from over 5 million fans, delivered as a service and offered as a free upgrade,” said Terry Myerson, Executive VP, Windows and Devices Group, at Microsoft. 

“Windows 10 delivers on our more personal computing vision, with a natural, mobile and trusted experience. Along with our partners, we’re excited to deliver the best Windows ever, which will empower people and organisations around the world to do great things.”

Windows 10 is the "best Windows ever", with voice, pen and gesture input support for natural interaction with PCs and the return of the Start menu plus Live Tiles for instant streaming updates. Windows 10 is also the most secure Windows Microsoft has ever released, with enhancements to Windows Defender and SmartScreen to help safeguard against viruses, malware and phishing. It comes with innovations such as Windows Hello, which offers a fast, secured, password-free way to log in. 

Keeping up-to-date is also simple, as free updates will help people stay current with the latest features and security updates for the supported lifetime of the device.

Highlights include:

Cortana, the personal digital assistant, which makes it easy to find the right information at the right time. Cortana is presently available in Australia, China, India and Japan.

It is now possible to make notes on top of web pages with the Edge browser and a touch screen, and then share that information.

The new Microsoft Edge browser lets people quickly browse, read, annotate and share.

With Windows 10, it is possible for two people to play the same Xbox game with a laptop in one room and the Xbox device in another.

The integrated Xbox app delivers the Xbox experience to Windows 10, bringing together games and accomplishments across Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.

Continuum, which optimises apps and experiences across touch and desktop modes.

Built-in apps including Photos; Maps; Microsoft’s new music app, Groove; and Movies & TV. With OneDrive, files can be easily shared and kept up-to-date across all devices.

A Microsoft Phone Companion app enables iPhones, Android or Windows phones to work seamlessly with Windows 10 devices.

The all new Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 tablets are available in the Windows Store⁴. Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps offer a consistent, touch-first experience for small tablets. For digital note-taking needs, OneNote comes pre-installed with Windows 10. The upcoming release of the Office desktop apps (Office 2016) is designed for the precision of a keyboard and mouse, but will also be optimised for large-screen PCs, laptops and 2-in-1 devices such as the Surface Pro.

Open for business
Windows 10 is also the most extensively tested version of Windows ever. The operating system will help companies protect against modern cyberattacks, deliver better experiences for employees and enable continuous innovation with a platform that keeps companies up-to-date with the latest technology. Businesses will be able to control the frequency of their updates and select the features and functionality that are right for each group of their employees.

Windows 10 includes built-in, enterprise-grade security, so customers can replace passwords with more secure options, protect corporate data and corporate identities, and run only the software they trust. New management and deployment tools simplify device management, help lower costs, and enable companies to power their business with the enterprise strength of the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Apps at the Windows Store
The new Windows Store is now accepting new apps for Windows 10. The new Windows Store is the only store where people can use Cortana to control apps with their voice⁵ and get real-time notifications on their app tiles. All Windows Store content is certified by Microsoft to help keep devices safer. In addition to existing Windows 8.1 apps such as Netflix, Flipboard, Mint.com, Asphalt 8: Airborne and The Weather Channel, the Windows Store provides a constant stream of new and updated Universal Windows Apps and games, including Twitter, Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition beta, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Candy Crush Saga and others including WeChat and QQ, which will launch soon⁶.

Guenter Weimer, General Manager, Windows and Surface, Microsoft Asia Pacific said: “We have a bold vision for Windows 10, where it provides consumers and enterprises with one platform, one store and one experience that extends across the broadest range of devices. In the era of more personal computing, Windows 10 users can expect universal apps delivering seamless and new experiences across devices."

Upgrading tips
Upgrading to Windows 10 is easy for customers running a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC or tablet. Those who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting August 1, organisations that have volume licensing subscriptions can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

Retail partners are ready to help people upgrade to Windows 10 with the largest tech bench programme ever, including more than 100,000 trained retailers and tens of thousands of stores around the world. Free upgrade programmes are now available, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores around the world between mid-August and September. Devices running Windows 10 will be available in some retail stores, with more devices to become available in the weeks and months ahead.

“We are committed to bringing Windows 10 to as many consumers and organisations as possible in Asia Pacific in the coming months. In addition to the online upgrades, we are working with over 50 leading IT retailers in the region to set up more than 800 Tech Bench locations where consumers can look forward to getting help to migrate from Windows 7 and 8 to the best Windows ever. For consumers and businesses looking for the latest Windows 10 devices, we are excited to announce that we will have the widest range of Windows hardware ever available by this holiday season,” said Weimer.

Bryan Ma, Vice President of Client Devices, IDC Asia/Pacific and Worldwide, was upbeat about the new launch. “Microsoft has really gotten its act together with Windows 10, and we think Microsoft can beat its self-stated goal of reaching 1 billion Windows 10 devices in two to three years. Not only is the user interface (UI) much more polished and intuitive for consumers, the company has also worked very closely with the critical commercial user segment to get the OS to where it needed to be,” he said.

Joe Sweeney, Advisor at IBRS, was also very positive about Windows 10, but cautioned that businesses need to rethink the way they work to really benefit from a version of Windows that works anywhere and everywhere.

“Microsoft’s consumer-led strategy will likely be successful migrating the public to Windows 10 more rapidly than previous Windows releases. In turn, this will drive the demand for enterprise IT groups to support Windows 10 in 6-18 months’ time. While Windows 10 is a relatively painless update from a technical perspective, a simple upgrade is not IBRS’ recommendation," he said.

"Instead, enterprise IT groups should fundamentally rethink the idea of a desktop-centric work environment, and develop a digital workspaces strategy that embraces all the places, devices, and times where work is done. Armed with this knowledge, the scope of Windows 10, among other tools and technologies, can be used to transform the business, rather than simply repeating the past practices.”

#UpgradeYourWorld

As part of the Windows 10 initiative, Microsoft is encouraging people to share how they plan to #UpgradeYourWorld and to vote for a global nonprofit to receive a cash donation by simply mentioning the nonprofit in a post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote. 

Nine nonprofit organisations have been chosen to receive a donation from Microsoft. These include Code.Org, The Nature Conservancy, Save the Children, CARE, the Malala Fund and the Special Olympics. 

Based on everyone's votes, the 10th nonprofit will receive US$500,000 as well as Microsoft technology and services—part of US$10 million that Microsoft investing in organisations that are upgrading the world. Nonprofits which have at least one branch outside of their home country will be considered, and everyone may vote once a day per social platform, up till the end of August. From September 1, Microsoft will consider votes for a local nonprofit.  

Interested? 

Learn about upgrading, new and compatible devices, and apps for Windows 

Find out more about Upgrade Your World 

¹ Limited time free upgrade offer for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and 8/8.1 devices. Hardware and software requirements apply; see http://www.windows.com/windows10upgrade for details.

² Windows Hello requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors.

³ Cortana available in Australia, China, Japan and India in Asia Pacific. Experience may vary by region and device.

⁴ An Office 365 subscription is required to edit Office apps on Windows 10 PCs or larger tablets.

⁵ Hardware dependent.

⁶ Some apps and content sold separately. App and content availability and experience may vary by region and device.

Free upgrades to Windows 10 from July 29

Source: Windows blog.

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be available July 29 in 190 countries. Windows 10 will help people be more productive and have a more personal and natural experience across all their devices, the company said. Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade to people using Windows 7 and Windows 8.1¹, in effect enabling most existing Windows users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. 

"Windows 10 is a new generation of Windows designed to empower you to do great things," said Terry Myerson, Executive VP, Microsoft. "Windows 10 starts to deliver on our vision of more personal computing, defined by trust in how we protect and respect your personal information, mobility of the experience across your devices, and natural interactions with your Windows devices, including speech, touch, ink and holograms."

With Windows 10, Microsoft returns to the Start menu as an easy access method for files, pinned applications and favourites. Windows 10 is also expected to start and resume quickly while extending battery life. It also has increased security features such as Windows Hello, Microsoft Passport and Windows Defender for anti-malware protection, as well as a commitment to deliver free, ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of the device. Optimised for both keyboard and touch, the Windows 10 upgrade is designed to be compatible with Windows devices and applications. The experience will remain consistent across devices through Continuum technology, which enables tablets or Windows phones to act like PCs⁴.

The "more personal" part of the experience includes Cortana, a personal digital assistant that helps people get things done across all their devices². Cortana learns individual preferences to provide relevant recommendations, fast access to information and important reminders via talking or typing. Windows Hello³ greets people by name and lets them log in to their PC without a password with the help of biometric authentication. Windows 10 also lets people interact with their device via the traditional mouse and keyboard or through more natural ways such as voice, pen or gesture.

Microsoft Edge, the new browser, offers built-in inking, sharing and reading views. Integrated with Cortana, Microsoft Edge offers quick results and content based on individual interests and preferences.

In addition to the Office 2016 full-featured desktop suite⁵, new Universal Windows applications for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook will offer a consistent, touch-first experience across a range of devices. With new touch-first controls in Excel, people can even create or update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse.

On July 29, Windows users can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or through new Windows 10 devices. Windows 10 for other devices will be available later this year. New Windows 8.1 devices will also easily upgrade to Windows 10, and many retail stores will help upgrade new devices. 

Interested?

Reserve a free upgrade at Windows.com. Consumers will have one year from 29 July 2015 to take advantage of the free upgrade.

Read the official blog post

1 Free upgrade available for qualified devices. See http://windows.com/windows10upgrade.
2 Cortana available in select markets at launch; experience may vary by device.
3 Windows Hello requires a specialised illuminated infrared camera for facial recognition or iris detection or a fingerprint reader that supports the Windows Biometric Framework.
4 Continuum for phone available on select models at launch. 
5 Office sold separately.

Get ready for the Windows 10 experience, across all devices

Microsoft unveiled a new generation of Windows on Wednesday US time, one that is more personal, the company said. 

Source: Microsoft. The Windows Start screen on different devices will look similar.

Windows 10 will adapt to the devices customers are using — from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and other gadgets — and what they’re doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience. Windows 10 will also run across a broad set of devices.

“Windows 10 marks the beginning of the more personal computing era in the mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

“Our ambition is for the 1.5 billion people who are using Windows today to fall in love with Window 10 and for billions more to decide to make Windows home.”

The company is focusing on making the experience seamless and familiar across devices, and supporting the way people interact naturally, through voice, gestures and gaze. 

Windows 10 will be delivered as a service to offer a safer, always updated experience for the supported lifetime of the device. A free upgrade* for Windows 10 will be made available to customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 who upgrade in the first year.

Some of the new developments include: 

Cortana on the PC and the tablet. The Cortana personal digital assistant, which debuted on Windows Phone last year, will also be available on Windows 10 PCs and tablets**. Cortana learns an individual’s preferences to provide relevant recommendations, fast access to information and important reminders. Interaction is via talking or typing, with advanced features to control Cortana for more trustworthiness and transparency.

A new browser. Windows 10 will feature the new Microsoft browser, code-named “Project Spartan,” which was built with interoperability in mind. Some of the most advanced features in the browser include the ability to annotate by keyboard or pen directly on the webpage and easily share the notes with friends; a reading view that displays the content in a simplified layout for a great reading experience online and offline; and the integration of Cortana for finding and doing things online faster. 

Office for Windows 10. Universal apps for Office on Windows 10 will deliver a touch-first experience across devices. New versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook are designed from the ground up to run on Windows, built for touch, and offer the Office experience users are familiar with. New inking features in PowerPoint let people annotate slides in real time, and touch-first controls in Excel make it easy to create and update spreadsheets without a keyboard or mouse. The next version of the Office desktop suite is also currently in development and Microsoft will share more in coming months.

Additional Windows 10 features include:

· Continuum mode. On 2-in-1 devices, Windows 10 will move easily between keyboard and mouse and touch and tablet as it detects the transition and  switches to the new mode.

· New universal apps. Windows 10 will offer new experience applications, consistent across the device continuum, for Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People & Messaging and Mail & Calendar. These built-in apps have an updated design that looks and feels the same from app to app and device to device. Content is stored and synced through OneDrive, enabling people to start something on one device and continue it on another.

“Everything about Windows 10 — the experiences, delivering it as a service and the free upgrade — means that Windows 10 isn’t just another product, it’s an ongoing relationship — one that will give ongoing value to all our customers,” said Terry Myerson, Executive VP of the Operating Systems group at Microsoft. “The new generation of Windows is a commitment — a commitment to liberate people from complex technology and enable them to do great things.”

Two new devices designed to extend the Windows experience from large screens to no screens were also launched at the same time.

Source: Microsoft. The HoloLens in action.

With Windows 10, holograms are Windows universal apps, and all Windows universal apps can also work as holograms — making it possible to place three-dimensional holograms in the physical world and enabling new ways to communicate, create and explore that are more personal and human. 

To showcase the possibilities of holograms in Windows 10, Microsoft unveiled the HoloLens, the first untethered holographic computer — no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed. Microsoft HoloLens features see-through holographic high-definition lenses and spatial sound so you can view and hear holograms in the world around you. Complete with advanced sensors, a next-generation system on a chip and the addition of a completely new Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) that understands what you are doing and the world around you, Microsoft HoloLens is able to run without any wires while processing terabytes of data from the sensors in real time.

Windows 10 is also powering a new large-screen device to help teams in the workplace share, ideate and create together. Hardware innovations in multi-touch and digital inking, along with built-in cameras, sensors and microphones allow the Surface Hub to take advantage of Windows 10, Skype for Business and Office 365 to deliver a new experience designed to make every person — whether remote or onsite — feel as if they’re in the same collaborative space. Specifically, the Surface Hub features state-of-the-art digital white boarding; instant remote conferencing; the ability for multiple people to share and edit content on the screen from a laptop, tablet or phone; and a trusted platform for large-screen apps. It is available in two sizes — 55" and 84".

Read the blog post here.

*Hardware and software requirements apply. Feature availability may vary by device. Some editions excluded. More details here.

**Cortana available in select global markets at launch.

OS X Yosemite is a free upgrade

Apple has announced that OS X Yosemite, the latest major release of the desktop operating system used by Macs, is available as a free upgrade for from the Mac App Store. Yosemite delivers a new look and introduces Continuity features that make it easy to hand off activities between Mac and iOS devices and even make and receive iPhone calls from your Mac.

Yosemite also includes a new Today view, a redesigned Spotlight system-wide search feature, and updated versions of the Safari browser, Mail, Messages and iTunes.

“OS X Yosemite is the most advanced version of OS X we’ve ever built, with a brand new design, amazing Continuity features and powerful versions of the apps you use every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering. “OS X Yosemite ushers in the future of computing, where your Apple devices all work together seamlessly and magically. It’s something only Apple can do, and it’s available today.”

App icons have a consistent design, and a new system font improves readability on every Mac. and looks stunning on a Retina display.

Yosemite includes Continuity features that allow the Mac and iOS devices work more closely together.* Handoff automatically passes what you’re doing from one device to another, like writing an email or surfing the web. Instant Hotspot makes using your iPhone’s hotspot as easy as connecting to a Wi-Fi network.** AirDrop now works between Mac and iOS, so you can quickly and easily share content across devices. All the SMS messages that previously only appeared on your iPhone now can automatically appear in Messages on your Mac and all your iOS devices. You can even make and receive iPhone calls on your Mac.***

Yosemite introduces innovative new features, including:

§ The Today view in Notification Center, giving you quick access to informative widgets for Calendar, Weather, Stocks, Reminders, World Clock and social networks. You can also add widgets like Yahoo! Sports from the Mac App Store to customize the Today view;

§ a new Spotlight, delivering rich information right to your desktop from Wikipedia, Maps, Bing, App Store℠, iTunes Store, iBooks Store, top websites, news and movie showtimes;

§ iCloud Drive, so you can store files of any type in iCloud, organize them any way you like, and access them from your Mac, iPhone, iPad or even a Windows PC;

§ a streamlined new Safari that delivers the fastest performance, as well as the longest battery life for web browsing and Netflix HD video streaming on the Mac;

§ an updated version of Mail, which includes Markup for quickly filling out and signing forms and PDFs right within Mail, plus Mail Drop, which makes it easy to send large attachments up to 5GB for free;

§ enhanced Messages, so now you can add participants to your ongoing group conversations, see their locations on a map, quickly access attachments and even mute notifications;

§ iTunes 12, which has a new look, and makes it easier to switch between browsing your music library and discovering new music on the iTunes Store. A new Recents view makes it easy to access the media you just purchased or recently played.

Yosemite also delivers platform technologies that make it easier for developers to create new Mac apps. Swift is a powerful, next-generation programming language for iOS and OS X that’s fast, modern, interactive and helps developers write safer and more reliable code. SpriteKit makes it easier for developers to incorporate realistic motion, lighting and physics in games and when integrated with SceneKit, makes it simple to create games with animated 3D scenes and effects.

Yosemite supports all Macs introduced in 2009 or later, and some models introduced in 2007 and 2008. For a complete list of system requirements and compatible systems, please visit apple.com/osx/how-to-upgrade. Continuity features require iOS 8.1, which is available as a free upgrade starting October 20. OS X Server 4.0 requires Yosemite and is available from the Mac App Store for US$19.99****.

*Some Continuity features require advanced Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi features available only in more recent Macs.
**Check with your carrier for hotspot availability.
***Cellular data charges may apply.
****Pricing refers to the US, and may vary in other countries.

Fishbat comments on iOS8 developments, Apple Pay

Apple recently released the first beta of iOS 8.1, an upgrade to iOS 8 that followed just a few days after the release of iOS 8.0.2, which itself fixed a bug in the recently-introduced iOS 8.0.1. 

The new beta version includes these features:

• A newly designed iBooks icon.
• A new Enable Dictation toggle in the keyboard settings.
• New permission settings of applications.
• Larger application icons for new widgets in the notification center.
• Solutions to issues relating to mail, notifications, & photos.

With all the releases and changes, it's getting pretty hard to keep up, notes Internet marketing firm fishbat.

Apple is expected to be launching Apple Pay on or around October 20. Many believe that will be the launch date of iOS 8.1, the company points out. Apple Pay is expected to change the way users pay for items by using payment technology built into the device, so they no longer need to carry around credit cards. The current 8.0 version has a credit card icon in the Passbook, but lacks functionality, fishbat observed. Rather than abolishing credit card companies completely, Apple Pay will simply store the credit card information in Passbook, in a secure enclave.

Scott Darrohn, COO, fishbat, said: "Apple's beta process typically takes months, not weeks, therefore it will be interesting to see if the rumours hold value." 

Parallels launches Desktop 10 for Mac Enterprise Edition

Parallels has updated Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac Enterprise Edition, which provides Windows applications on Macs in a corporate environment.

“Millions of Parallels Desktop for Mac customers have come to expect ingenuity, ease of use and speed from Parallels and they will not be disappointed with Parallels Desktop 10,” said Parallels President Jack Zubarev. 

“With Parallels Desktop 10 customers can enjoy new levels of productivity without having to worry about whether the app they need is available on a specific operating system — Parallels creates a world of compatibility at home, work and on the road.”

Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac Enterprise Edition allows IT managers to support Windows applications for Mac users with a configurable, policy-compliant solution that easily fits into existing IT business processes. New built-in intelligence and support for Apple’s latest operating systems – including OS X Yosemite* – improves ease-of-use for business users. 

Enhancements have been made in particular to the areas of management and security, including for:

 

• USB devices policy enforcement

• NetBoot

• FileVault

• A Customizable Parallels Control Center feature, which allows the company logo and some text to be incorporated

Source: Parallels. Screenshot of the software.

New features allow administrators to select and enforce a USB device policy, so that only allowed devices may be connected. OS X guests can be installed using a NetBoot image from a server on the corporate network, and OS X virtual machines can be encrypted with the help of the FileVault encryption feature that is built into OS X. Centralised administration and management capabilities have been added, as well as enhanced security to keep IT in control of virtual machines. With Update 1 of the software, administrators can also and check the status of licenses and reclaim seats directly. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac Enterprise Edition software is available via www.parallels.com/products/business. 

*Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac Enterprise Edition has experimental support for many of the features of OS X Yosemite Developer Preview, bringing them to Windows and Windows applications. However, Parallels does not provide technical support for it at this time. Parallels plans to fully support OS X Yosemite in Parallels Desktop 10 when Yosemite becomes commercially available. 

New Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 8.1 Update and Lumia phones

Microsoft has announced Windows Phone 8.1 and the availability of Windows 8.1 Update at its Build 2014 developer conference.

“The news today shines a light on continued Windows innovation in ways that benefit our customers, partners and developers alike. Our commitment is to make Windows more personal and accessible to individuals, and to ensure a vibrant ecosystem through closer collaboration with our industry partners,” said Terry Myerson, Executive VP, OS Group at Microsoft.

Cortana.

Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8.1 and introduced Cortana, a personal digital assistant. Powered by Bing, Cortana improves over time by asking questions based on your behaviour and checking in with you before she assumes you’re interested in something.

Other new features in Windows Phone 8.1 include Action Center, which complements Live Tiles by showing new activities and notifications at a glance; and Senses, a suite of features that takes the work out of managing data use, storage space and battery life. 

Windows Phone 8.1 also makes it easier for IT professionals to manage devices and for professionals to connect to essential business apps and services with features such as simplified device enrollment, a built-in mobile device management client, S/MIME for encrypted mail and VPN support.

Windows Phone 8.1 will start rolling out to current Windows Phone 8 users over the coming months. It will also come pre-installed on new phones starting this month. Cortana will launch in the US as a beta, in the UK and China in the second half of 2014, and in other countries in 2015. 
 

Windows 8.1 Update.

Microsoft also announced Windows 8.1 Update, which includes user interface improvements including a more familiar and consistent experience across touch and non-touch devices. Navigating with the mouse and keyboard will feel more familiar and intuitive because there is more consistency with where controls are and how they work, said the company. 

Key features of the update include user interface improvements for mouse and keyboard users, the ability to access the taskbar from any screen and pin Windows Store apps to the taskbar alongside desktop apps and favorite websites, as well as performance and compatibility enhancements to Internet Explorer 11. Windows 8.1 Update offers improved Internet Explorer 8 compatibility on Internet Explorer 11, extends mobile device management functionality, and eases deployment with increased predictability for new operating systems and line-of-business apps by leveraging familiar management tools.

Current Windows 8.1 customers will receive the Windows 8.1 Update for free through Windows Update, while Windows 8 customers will receive the update free through the Windows Store, beginning April 8, 2014.*

Nokia also used the conference as a springboard to launch three new Lumia smartphones for Windows Phone 8.1, including the flagship Lumia 930, the affordable Lumia 635 and the first dual-SIM Lumia 630.

*Internet connection fees may apply.

*Images from Microsoft.