Microsoft Windows 10 Free Upgrade

 

Microsoft’s Free Upgrades – Windows 10

Microsoft has recently announced that they will be offering free upgrades to Windows 10, the next version of its operating system, first for Windows 8.1 users and then for Windows 7. According to Microsoft’s executive vice president of operating systems, Terry Myerson, the company would be upgrading any devices running Windows 8 to Windows 10, for free, during the first year of availability of the software. This free upgrade would also be applicable for Window 7 devices as well as Windows Phone 8.1 devices.

The price of the software for the upgrade after the one year window is yet to be announced by the company. Myerson had stated during the unveiling event of Microsoft’s Windows 10 in Redmond, Wash, that they think Windows as a service and now developers could target every Windows device. It has been designed with a view in convincing consumers that Windows is worth the effort and Windows 10 is an attempt in clearing the slate clean after missteps with Windows 8 inclusive of the new start menu that drew complaints from users of PC who missed greatly the traditional menu.

Simple Upgrade Benefit Window 10 Adoption

Windows 7 is run by more than half of all desktops users in the world and around 20% still tend to run XP, which is a fourteen years old operating system. Windows 8.1 on the other hand is yet to reach 10 percent. Hardware companies have been giving away software upgrades in order to keep their users secured to their ecosystems, where Apple for instance has made Mac OS and iOS free together with several of its productivity as well as photo management tools.

A simple upgrade path would benefit Windows 10 adoption instead of dealing with a number of various versions of Windows and other upgrade cost where most of the consumers could take this free update and have the benefit of running the updated version of Microsoft. Myerson had also shared Microsoft’s vision for Windows as a service and not just an operating system, a major part of which is its new commitment in keeping devices reliably updated all through the `supported lifetime for the device’. This indicates that those upgrading from Microsoft’s earlier versions of Windows would be receiving updates constantly to keep it up-to-date as possible.

Enable Developers to Target Every Windows Device

Myerson also noted that it would enable developers to target every single Windows device, when they build apps and make it easier for them to reach more users which would be appreciated by the developers as well as the users. Michael Silver of Gartner stated at the research firm’s annual technology conference that `if Microsoft wants consumers to update and keep up-to-date it would mean that Microsoft is going to have to give those consumers those updates for free and there is no other way to do it.

 He further added that `a consumer would not be giving Microsoft a credit card and ask them to charge for a new release whenever one come out and it is very likely that consumer releases will be free’. This would be affecting Microsoft’s bottom line, and Windows 10 probably will be the nameplate for the OS for years much more than the usual three year cycle for major upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 8, where free would mean that consumers would not have to pay to upgrade their PC’s operating system.

New Editions Enhances Sales

Constant free updates and upgrades would be putting the computer makers in a bind since generally they tend to rely on new editions to enhance sales especially to consumers. Silver’s debates that Windows 10 if not free itself, should offer free updates to consumers, came with some forty five minutes presentation where he together with his colleague, Stephen Kleynhans discussed on the future of Office and Windows before a standing room crowd at Gartner Symposium/.ITxpo 2014. The two placed Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Microsoft’s promise of steady stream of updates in the context for business which had shied from Windows 8 and is being urged back into the fold with promises that Windows 10 will be what its successor were not. Some of the queries raised by users are:

Will it run XP programs

Windows 10 would be running most of the old Windows programs where the compatibility could be checked by running GWX, the Get Windows 10 app. Microsoft does not have information with regards to every device or program for Windows though it has a comprehensive list of know issues on compatibility. XP programs not running Windows 7 could probably run in Windows 10.

 Free copy of Windows XP to run in XP mode in Windows 7 Pro is provided by Microsoft which gives many years of transition to updated programs though not intended as a permanent solution. Users could continue using XP in current Windows 7 system till 2020 at the user’s risk. Alternate option is that one can run XP in a virtual machine in Windows 10 or else use a separate XP PC which not connected to the net.

Why is it free

Microsoft is giving some money from the fairly small number of those who buy Windows upgrades and in return with a hope of getting more of them in using the same version of Windows instead of having a rough figure of 1.6 billion users spreading over Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Vista and Windows Phone.

iPhone 7 (or iPhone 6S) Leaked Pictures Show Similarities to Older Model

iPhone 6/iPhone 7 – Identical Case

The next version iPhone seems to look identical to the prevailing one but will fix one of its biggest issues. The phone in question is likely to be known as the iPhone 6S instead of iPhone 7 and will have an identical case. However it will also tend to have a much enhanced battery life, a pressure sensitivity display and would be must faster.

According to leaked information seen by 9to5mac, the extra battery life will not be just added by enhancing the battery capacity but will be brought by including a special new modem chip that will be doubling the internet speed as well as make the phone run in a much more efficient manner as reported in the blog.

The latest chips would be made by Qualcomm and will drive the maximum speed on 4G LTE to 300Mbps which would be much faster than most of the home routers. Nevertheless, the extra speed would probably not be seen, initially since most of the speed of data connection tends to be limited by phone networks and not the hardware.According to rumours, the company could add additional battery capacity to the phone.

Smaller Motherboard in Same Case – Improved Battery Life

The new phone features smaller motherboard in the same case which means that the extra space could be filled in with battery, by Apple. It is rumoured that the new phones come in the same sizes as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and will also have improved battery life due to their software.

A range of new battery features was unveiled by Apple as part of iOS 9 which will enable it to bolt off intensive features, should the battery run low besides other things. The issue of smartphone users is battery life and while Apple together with its competitors has done great improvement with regards to battery capabilities, the actual life has stayed the same.

This is due to the use of extra capacity in powering new features instead of letting phones to live longer. It seems that Apple is now settling into a cycle of upgrade with big release followed by smaller ones that speeds up and enhances the phone. However it has maintained the same basic look and the `S’ half of the cycle has introduced big features.

Addition of Force Touch

The iPhone 3GS came with video recording while the 4S was the first to have Siri and the 5S came with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The big feature, this time could be the addition of Force Touch. Phones inclusive of this features enables the phone to know how hard it is being pressed, have gone into production though could be held back for the release of the iPhone 7 which is likely to come up in 2016.

This feature allows the screen work as a type of button enabling extra choices. It had been introduced along with Apple Watch and also with some MacBooks and expected to make its progress eventually in all of Apple’s devices. According to Bloomberg, the company is said to be working on the screens for the iPhone for around two years. However, suppliers are gearing up to make them ready probably ahead of the launch of the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 in autumn.

iTunes 12.2: New version a missed opportunity for Apple Music

Apple always seeks to outdo itself by advancing its feature rich products with more features and better user experience. This time this approach has backfired on larger scale with its latest update for iTunes app. The latest version of iTunes named 12.2 both for the OS X and Windows platform was released as a part of the launch of its exclusive Apple Music service. Initial response for this app was extremely positive but soon it took a dive nose with presence of multiple bugs and complete revamp of iTunes on a massive scale.

Latest iTunes App Termed As Disaster By Majority Of Users And Reviewers

Apple seldom has to bear the mark of being introducing bug filled disastrous updates. The latest iTunes app is in the centre of confusion, frustration and furors of even the most loyal Apple iTunes app supporters. A large number of users have complained about issues relating to mismatched song titles, album art and artists names, which are an inconvenience for avid music lovers.

Subscription Service Becomes A Pain For Users

With this new iteration of iTunes Apple had introduced its music subscription in the already complex app. This feature allows the users to access their own local music files along with viewing subscription catalog and personal recommendation bundled with existing iTune download store. Though all are placed in separate tabs but crucial links for their successful integration found missing. This is highly confusing for the users and it increases the learning curve for making full use of this new app.

More Glitches And Bugs Dampen The User Experience

The music section of the iTunes app is another tricky feature in itself wherein users get the radio tab showcasing Apple’s new Beats 1 online radio station along with others. Other internet radio section is carefully sidelined in a sub-menu, which helps in organizing the online streams, by music genres. Podcasts are also available in a separate section of this app which is published by the same radio stations. These setting are sidelined in a better way but usage happens to be quite confusing and frustrating for the users.

Home Movies Section In Music App? 

Many reviewers have found it quite absurd to bundle a home movie section for rental and purchases in a primary music app. This feature introduction allows users to make movie purchases, which are already available by iTunes store to great extent. Furthermore, this app also brings audios, books, iOS apps, ringtones and feature to manage iPad and iPhone storage.

Apple had overworked itself by bringing too many features in an exclusive music app with this new update. The presence of Movies and shows in the music app somewhat depreciates its authencity as a sole primer music app. Too much bundling of features had also increased the complexity of this app and even lowered its user experience and value as a whole. Apple should think towards breaking down the different parts of this app and launch it as a separate app for distinct services for both the Windows and OS X platform.

Three Ways To Take Your School From Good To Great

If you are a school principle and want to ensure that your educational facility functions optimally, it's important to know that realizing your objective will not be a magical process. Rather, getting results is the product of systematically implementing the right strategies. To ensure that your school goes from good to great, try using the following growth tips:

1. Get The Right Software.

Successfully running an educational facility requires that you acquire and utilize great software. In order to get the ideal CAD/CAM software that will help you meet increasing classroom demands, you need to find the right California software companies. Once you start your search, keep a company like Sierra CAD/CAM Inc. in mind. The company offers excellent products, prices, and customer service.

2. Cultivate A "Team" Mentality. 

In addition to getting all the right software, another strategy you should implement to optimize your school is to cultivate a "team" mentality amongst your staff. No person is an island, and the success of your school is contingent upon your ability to cultivate a "team" spirit in which everyone feels that they are an integral part of a vital community. Help build this "team" mentality with activities that cause your staff members to work together and recognize that their opinions and efforts are appreciated and respected. One simple and effective way to cultivate a "team" mentality is with office parties. Office parties help teachers and other school staff members get to know one another and feel as if they are part of a community.

3. Be The Best You. 

One final strategy you can use to optimize your school is to be the best you possible. As the educational facility's principal, your staff members are looking to you to set the standard. With that idea in mind, be sure that you do your best to operate in excellence. This means being as healthy as possible, taking ongoing educational classes, and dressing professionally while on the school grounds.

Conclusion 

If you run a school and want to optimize it such that the educational facility becomes a pillar in the community, there are numerous ways to make it happen. By getting the right software, fostering a "team" mentality, and being the best you possible, you will likely find that your school becomes an exemplary force in your local community.

Ecobee Becomes the First Homekit Thermostat

Ecobee3 Support Apple HomeKit

Ecobee Inc. recently had announced that the ecobee3 smarter Wi-Fi thermostat now tends to support Apple HomeKit enabling users to manage their environment in a better manner for comfort with regards to issues in their home. The company’s award winning thermostat introduced in 2009, had helped hundreds of consumers in controlling their home comfort, anytime and from anywhere, with the use of their smartphone, computer or tablet.

Connected thermostats are an easy choice in making a home a bit smarter and with the aid of the new HomeKit supported version of Ecobee; it could make things much easier. This amazing designed smart ecobee3 developed by the world’s first Wi-Fi connected smart thermostat is the first smart thermostat built with the support of the HomeKit which would be made available to consumers at Apple Stores in July at $250.

 Designed for the home with several rooms, the ecobee3 smarter Wi-Fi thermostat and remote sensors tend to measure the temperature as well as the occupancy in various locations. The outcome is increase in comfort when one is at home and energy saver while away. Ecobee3 considers varying temperature and starts preserving energy, delivering savings instantly on installation and saves homeowners with an average of 23 percent on their heating as well as cooling consumption.

Group Actions & Activate with Siri

Apple had introduced HomeKit in iOS for the purpose of communication and control connected accessories in the home of the user. It could be used to discover HomeKit accessories as well as configure them and utilise in creating actions in controlling those devices. Users could group actions together and activate them with the use of Siri.

The HomeKit is built on protected foundation with end to end encryption wherein customers are provided with secured connection between their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with HomeKit enabled attachment. Ecobee3 has been designed to be well-suited with 95% of residential heating and cooling systems in North America and does not need a C-wire while using the included Power Extender Kit.

Theoretically, Ecobee does not seem to be the only thermostat which works with HomeKit; however it is the only one which does not need a separate hub device like the Insteons’ thermostat and HomeKit hub. Ecobee3 users can control the thermostat using Siri voice commands like other HomeKit enabled products and can also handle various actions into scenes such as enabling users to turn down the heat and switching off connected lighting with a command.

Similar to Existing Version with Touch Display

In case of Apple TV as a hub, user can control HomeKit devices with Siri away from the house also. Besides HomeKit support, the new version Ecobee3 is similar to the existing version and has a touch display on the device offering companion apps for controlling temperature from phone, computer or tablet or Apple Watch. It also comes with a remote motion and temperature sensor which tends to adjust the home’s temperature based on which rooms are occupied.

Additional sensors are available at a cost of $79 each. However, for the existing Ecobee users, there is presently no system to add HomeKit support to previous models. Those who would not prefer the Apple platform, Ecobee is selling the non-HomeKit model at a discount price of $20.