What you need to know about upgrading to Windows 10
Everyone has a Windows upgrade horror story. For me, it was an XP installation that inexplicably crashed halfway through the upgrade process, somehow corrupting my hard drive at the same time. And with Windows 10 launching on July 29th, it’s hard to avoid the traumatic flashbacks to past Windows releases. But fret not. Windows 10, it turns out, offers the smoothest Windows upgrade process ever. It’s remarkable for just how unremarkable the entire endeavor actually is. Still, there are a few things you should know before taking the plunge.
What’s new in Windows 10?
For the most part, Windows 10 is a refined version of the Windows you already know, but there are a few notable additions. Cortana, the virtual assistant that debuted in Windows Phone recently, is finally making its way to the desktop. If you’ve used Siri or Google Now, you’ve got an idea of how Cortana works, but I’ve found Cortana to be a lot more useful since it’s always listening for your voice commands.
Microsoft’s new Edge browser is also a great addition. It’s still somewhat shocking Microsoft so deftly put the legacy of Internet Explorer behind it. It’s fast, stylish and has some compelling features like web page annotation. If you’ve gotten annoyed by Chrome’s and Firefox’s increasingly demanding memory needs, Edge might be worth a look. Finally, if you have an Xbox One, Windows 10 offers the ability to stream games from your console to any PC. (Just be prepared to upgrade your network so that it can run smoothly.)
Should I upgrade?
Yup. Windows 10 brings together everything we loved about Windows 7 with a few elements from Windows 8 that actually worked well. And don’t forget it’s completely free for existing Windows 7 and 8 users (for the first year). Yes, you’ll still be able to keep using the OS for free afterward. Starting next year, Windows 10 will be $120 for the Home version and $200 for the Pro version.
Our full review is coming later this week, but after using it for several months in preview form, I’m confident in recommending it wholeheartedly. The only stumbling block might be if you rely on hardware that doesn’t yet have drivers for Windows 10 (more on that later).
Can I upgrade?
Most likely. Windows 10’s minimum requirements are pretty much the same as Windows 7 and 8: A 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB for the 64-bit version) and around 20GB of free space. If you’ve bought a new computer in the last decade, it should match those specs. The main thing you might have to worry about is clearing up disk space.
How do I upgrade?
Right now, Microsoft is giving Windows Insider testers first dibs on the OS, but you can sign up to get in the upgrade queue. If you’re running a qualifying Windows 7 or Windows 8 system (that should be most of them), you’ve likely seen a “Get Windows 10″ app in your system tray. If not, run Windows Update until you do. You just need to click “Reserve Your Free Upgrade” in the app to join the queue.
I’ve found that Windows 10 does a decent job of automatically recognizing hardware on your system, but if you’re using specialized equipment, be sure to check and see if your drivers are compatible with Windows 10. I also recommend backing up your data before upgrading, although if everything goes right, you won’t lose any data or settings.
Once you’ve got access, simply run the installer and follow the prompts. The installation process is mostly a hands-free affair once you get it going. Your computer will reboot a few times and will then ask you for some personalization options to get Windows 10 going. The entire upgrade process should take around 30 to 45 minutes.
What if I need a new computer?
Windows 10 can run on just about any modern computer, but if you want to take advantage of all the OS has to offer, there are a few things to look out for. If you’re interested in Windows Hello, Microsoft’s fast biometric login feature, make sure to get a computer with either a fingerprint sensor, or infrared camera (for facial recognition). Right now that list mostly consists of devices with Intel’s RealSense 3D camera, including the HP Envy 15t Touch and the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 15. That will definitely grow over time, so keep an eye out for RealSense if you’re looking to buy a new PC over the next year.
Microsoft’s working on an Android launcher of its own
Microsoft hasn’t been shy to create miscellaneous software for Android. In the past, the company’s released a smart lock screen and even made a keyboard designed to be used with Excel. Now Microsoft is working on its own Android launcher, currently dubbed Arrow Launcher Beta. As the name reveals, this is an early version of the product, and you can only get access to it by signing up for an invite to the testing program. So how does it work? The Arrow Launcher is sleek and straightforward, offering a quick view of three main pages: People, Apps and Notes & Reminders. Those pages, according to Microsoft News, can’t be removed or have others added to them — likely to keep things concise. You can give it a try by downloading the APK, but you’ll need to request a proper invite to receive updates after the install.
[Image credit: Microsoft News]
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: Android Community
Source: Microsoft News
Apple, Google join White House pledge to fight climate change
Some of the US’ bigger tech firms have already made conspicuous efforts to embrace clean energy and otherwise tackle climate change, but they’re reinforcing that commitment today. Apple, Google and Microsoft are among the 13 corporate giants helping the White House launch the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, which encourages companies to cut pollution and use sustainable resources. The tech industry members aren’t really changing course (they’re already using or moving to 100 percent energy, for example). However, they’re definitely showing how their bread is buttered — they’re “setting an example” for others, and pushing for good results from the climate negotiations in Paris this year. Think of the pledge as both a publicity grab as well as a formal acknowledgment of ongoing work.
[Image credit: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]
Filed under: Misc, Apple, Microsoft, Google
Source: White House, Google, Microsoft
Microsoft releases new Arrow Launcher for Android in private beta – here’s how to get it (APK download)
If there was one thing Android didn’t need it would be another third-party launcher, but Microsoft seem to disagree and have come out with a new one rather surprisingly for a rival platform.
Called Arrow Launcher and currently under private beta, Microsoft has taken the launcher experience into their own hands on Android and it’s quite a clean and simple experience, with it resembling very closely to the Nokia Z launcher.
How to get the Microsoft Arrow Launcher
- Request to be added to the Arrow Launcher Beta Google+ community.
- Download the APK file and manually install Arrow Launcher.
It’s unclear Microsofts motives for creating the Arrow Launcher and whether they’ll use it in future to showcase their ecosystem apps, or whether it is purely just to get their name as a software developer in the Google Play Store.
Will you be downloading the Microsoft Arrow Launcher? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Microsoft releases new Arrow Launcher for Android in private beta – here’s how to get it (APK download) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Microsoft is working on an Android launcher called Arrow Launcher
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Microsoft has taken a surprising interest in Android of late with many recognized apps, as well as new apps, making their way onto the platform. Another app to join the new bucket of Microsoft apps to grace Android devices is Arrow Launcher, a new custom launcher that appears to be quite similar to Aviate in that tries to gather important information in the right places to make it easier for you. The three pages that make up Arrow Launcher are People, Apps, and Notes & Reminders – each is pretty self-explanatory, providing a quick and easy way to access things that you need on a daily basis.
Arrow Launcher also lacks customization at the moment, with no way to add custom icon packs – whether or not this will eventually be added isn’t known. The launcher is obviously in its infancy – officially, it is only in private beta which you can be invited to if you join this Google+ community. Alternatively, if you want to try out Arrow Launcher as it is now, or just don’t want to join the beta, Microsoft has also included the APK for you to try it out – download link is below:
What do you think about Arrow Launcher? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Microsoft News via Android Police
The post Microsoft is working on an Android launcher called Arrow Launcher appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Microsoft working on customized Android launcher called Arrow Launcher
It’s been pretty clear that Microsoft would rather work on building apps and services for Android and iOS instead of pushing their own Windows Phone platform lately, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Windows Phone lacks a decent market share, so if Microsoft wants people to use their services, they’ll have to continue to rely on other platforms. Samsung’s partnership with Microsoft for bonus OneDrive storage and preloaded Microsoft apps is a pretty good indicator or this.
While Microsoft already offers apps for some of their own apps, like Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, and all kinds of other things, their next step looks to be creating a standalone launcher for Android phones. The launcher, called Arrow Launcher, sticks to Microsoft’s design language pretty closely, although in its early stages its seriously lacking any customization, which is a big selling point for many Android launchers.
Arrow Launcher features three home pages, which you can’t increase of decrease. The left most screen offers a quick look at your contacts, the middle screen shows your frequent and recently accessed apps (and no, you can’t change those), while the far right screen exclusively features Notes and Reminders. It’s a little constricting, but it’s simple and effective, which seems to be what Microsoft is good at.
Swiping up from the bottom of the launcher opens a dock where you can set a few custom shortcuts and have access to your app drawer, and Microsoft has built in automatic wallpaper changing with Bing integration. That’s the extent of customization, though; no icon packs or changing icon sizes or anything else you’ll find on the vast majority of third-party Android launchers.
Arrow Launcher is currently in closed beta on Google+, so you can request access if you’re interested in trying it out.
The launcher seems pretty cool, even without all the customization options we’re used to. This is probably a better approach for Microsoft instead of just making a copycat launcher and slapping their logo on it. It might also be a hint at Microsoft adopting Android for their upcoming smartphones, but take that one with a grain of salt.
source: Microsoft News
Come comment on this article: Microsoft working on customized Android launcher called Arrow Launcher
Microsoft Arrow Launcher for Android now in private beta (APK download)
There’s a plethora of great Android launchers out there (here’s a list of our favorite), but very few of them come from large companies like Microsoft. Though the Redmond giant is one of Google’s biggest competitors, they are proving to be much more platform friendly by creating a new Android launcher.
The application goes by the name of Arrow Launcher, and it is currently under private beta. As you can expect, not everyone has access to it just yet. You can get your hands on it a couple ways, which we will describe later in the post. For now, let’s just tell you what this new launcher is all about.
My experience with the Arrow Launcher
Let’s start by telling you this is no simple Metro UI clone or anything of the sort. In fact, I would have never guessed it was made by Micrososft if I had no knowledge of the project. The tech company is putting effort into making a launcher that is optimized for the Android experience and simplifies your usage. In fact, this looks nothing like what Microsoft usually does with its own software.
The launcher is simple and aims to put all your relevant content front and center. It won’t be the best product for those who get a kick out of customizing their experience in every single way, as you can barely make any changes to it, but that is part of the beauty of Arrow Launcher. You install it and forget about it.
What Arrow Launcher can offer is a very simple and clean interface that will help you avoid unnecessary steps just to access your applications, contacts, messages and other content. The main home screen is nothing but a full board of apps that you are likely to use.
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The launcher’s home page compiles your usage data and groups your apps in two sections: “Recent” (1 row) and “Frequent” (3 rows). This makes it incredibly easy to find your most relevant applications, and it should dynamically change as your habits evolve. In the time I have been using it, I hardly find the need to go into the app drawer.
Swype to the left and you will similarly find your recent and frequent contacts. The system does mix calls, messages emails and emails in this section. Alternatively, navigate all the way to the page on the right end and you will be met by a Notes & Reminders section, where you can organize your errands as you wish.
That’s it for home screens. No hassles or complicated pages – just the bare necessities. Now, let’s turn to the dock. This part of the launcher is definitely among my favorites, because it’s where you will have the most choice. The user can literally drag the dock up to display a whole other section with recent contacts, a few option buttons and an extra set of dock shortcuts. These can be edited and customized to show whichever apps you prefer, just in case the frequent and recent ones are not always on point.
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Furthermore, the app launcher is amazingly simple to use. All your applications are alphabetized and it’s a breeze navigating through them by swiping up and down (the traditional way). It’s also possible to drag your finger through the letters on the right side in order to more easily navigate through your long list of apps, or you can simply perform a search on the top area.
Conclusion
This pretty much embodies what this launcher is all about. It’s so easy it’s almost ridiculous, but that can be a good thing for those who don’t want to deal with spending time working on their launchers. Users have to sacrifice customization to get quick access to everything, though. It’s not your traditional launcher; I would probably say it’s most closely related to Nokia’s Z Launcher style.
I will continue to use it for a few days, so you can go ahead and ask me questions about it in the comments. So far I can say I like its functionality, but the geek in me believes it leaves much to be desired in customization matters. I like keeping tight control on how my UI is organized. Arrow Launcher is for those who want a “smarter” launcher that can do the heavy lifting for them.
How to get Microsoft’s Arrow Launcher
As mentioned above, Arrow Launcher is not public just yet, but it’s not necessarily hard to get your hands on it. There are two ways to test Arrow Launcher.
- Request to be added to the Arrow Launcher Beta Google+ community.
- Download the APK file and manually install Arrow Launcher.
China will lift its nationwide game console ban
China technically lifted its longstanding ban on game consoles last year, but only for companies that registered in the Shanghai free trade zone. Needless to say, that put a damper on sales in the world’s most populous country. However, the gloves just came off — China’s Ministry of Culture has approved the manufacture and sale of consoles anywhere in the nation. Companies like Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony no longer have to hold back (or rely on black market sales) when doing business. They’ll still have to grapple with heavy censorship of the games themselves, but that beats a lack of official options.
The question is whether or not these set-tops will take off. Thanks in part to the console ban, China’s gaming culture revolves around PCs and (more recently) smartphones. It may be tough to convince locals that an Xbox One at home beats an internet cafe full of friends, especially when game systems are relatively expensive (China’s nominal GDP per capita is just over $8,100). You’re still likely to see more Chinese console gamers, but there’s no guarantees that they’ll embrace the concept with the same gusto you see in Europe or North America.
[Image credit: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Microsoft
Source: Wall Street Journal
5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly
Sponsor: Turtle Tumble
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Turtle Tumble is a fun little puzzle game that is a variant of mini golf. You must complete levels and help Ollie find his family! It’s a simple game with Google Play Services, easy mechanics, and tons of content that is totally free to unlock if you have the patience. It’s playable by all ages but especially great for kids thanks to its colorful graphics and adorable animal characters. Check it out and show your support for Android Apps Weekly!
Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly everyone! Here are your headlines for this week!
- Hulu is a great service that has always been given lackluster reviews because it makes you pay and makes you watch advertising. In a recent report, it appears as though Hulu is entertaining the idea of adding a new pricing tier that would remove all ads. We hope that is something that actually happens.
- App Annie released their stats for how well the Play Store and Apple App Store did during the second quarter of 2015. Most of the stats are pretty much the same as they’ve always been but a few surprises remained, including video streaming making a larger impact on revenue.
- A new Humble Bundle is out now with eight awesome games including a few METAL SLUG games. You can donate the minimum and get five games or beat the average, which is just under $5 and get all eight plus whatever games get added. It’s a great way to get some games and give to charity.
- Google Play is tossing a huge sale that involves some real big time games at a really cheap price. They include The Room 2, FOTONICA, Republique, Hitman GO, Monument Valley, and XCOM: Enemy Within for far more than 50% off. These are amazing games and you should definitely check them out.
- Late last week the long awaited Cortana for Android was leaked and we managed to get our hands on it. It is in a very early beta so it doesn’t perform all that well yet but we imagine it’ll get better by the time it is released. We got our hands on it and you can see that article/video here.
For more Android apps and games information, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter. There we’ll have all the headlines, updates, and new releases that we didn’t have time for here. If you want, enter in your email address and we’ll send this info to you every single Friday!
Subscribe to Apps Weekly Newsletter
The latest apps, games and Google play news in your inbox once a week.
Also don’t forget that we have a Twitch channel now! We’re going to be playing Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 4PM EST. One of those days we’ll be playing The Walking Dead by Telltale Games and Sunday and Monday we’ll be playing something new. Check it out!
Forsaken World
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Forsaken World is a new MMORPG with some really decent graphics and some fun mechanics. At its core there isn’t much that others don’t offer but it does have some semi-unique things like mounts. The graphics really are quite good and as a result the game is quite large. Other than that, it works pretty well aside from some release day bugs so do keep those in mind if you decide to try it out.
Kodi
[Price: Free]
Kodi, formerly known as XBMC, has finally hit the Google Play Store for the masses after years and years of waiting. This is version 15 which brings 4K support along with all those other features we love about Kodi. For those who don’t know, this is a very powerful media player application that manages practically any media file in your library and also comes with a ton of third-party plugins for additional content. It’s worth a shot, especially for those of you with devices that hook up to your TV.
Slugterra: Dark Waters
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Slugterra: Dark Waters is an action adventure shooter where you must avoid obstacles, kill bad guys, and solve puzzles to make it through various levels. The game comes with 13 levels currently and there are even duel arenas to play in. It is a tap to play game which is isn’t preferable for adventure games but you do have to move quickly at times. It’s a fun little time waster that is free to download.
Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle is a new title out of Bandai Namco and as the title suggests, there is a ton of Dragon Ball Z stuff here. It’s a hybrid game that’s part board game and part fighting game with a little bit of puzzle game thrown in for good measure. It is heavily based around a story not unlike the TV show so there will be a lot of dialogue. It’s free to play and it’s pretty decent, especially for Dragon Ball Z fans.
Microsoft Hyperlapse
[Price: Free]
Microsoft Hyperlapse is a camera application that got a lot of press not long ago when it was released in beta. Essentially this application takes a ton of pictures and puts them together in a time lapse video. This is one of the more unique ways to create memories on Android and it’s just a lot of fun to use. It exited beta this last week and it’s now available for everyone and you can find that link below. It’s definitely worth a shot.
Wrap up
If we missed any great releases, updates, or Android apps and games news, tell us about it in the comments!
‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ hits PlayStation 4 and PC in 2016
When Square Enix announced Rise of the Tomb Raider at Gamescom last year, it dropped a bomb: The game would be exclusive to Xbox platforms, meaning PlayStation 4 and PC players wouldn’t get to touch it. At least, not for a certain amount of time. Square Enix today confirmed that Rise of the Tomb Raider will indeed hit PC and PS4 after a period of Xbox exclusivity: It will launch on Windows 10 and Steam in early 2016, and PS4 in late 2016. Rise of the Tomb Raider is slated to hit Xbox One and Xbox 360 this year on November 10th.
“The game will be a console exclusive to Xbox One and Xbox 360 for one year after its initial launch, coming to PlayStation 4 (PS4) in Holiday 2016,” Square Enix says. “Renowned developer Crystal Dynamics, a Square Enix studio, is leading development in the latest entry in the iconic series for additional platforms.”
After the announcement of Rise of the Tomb Raider‘s Xbox exclusivity, a vocal set of fans took to the internet to express distaste at the decision. For months after the game’s reveal, Microsoft and Square Enix had to clarify the definition of an “exclusive,” eventually noting that the companies’ partnership had “a duration,” giving a sliver of hope to Sony and PC fans everywhere. Turns out, “a duration” translates to “about a year.”
Source: Square Enix
AIVAnet 