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BetaNews.Com (13 non lus)

Better apps coming to Windows 8.1?

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 10:26pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Microsoft wants -- and needs -- users to embrace apps. The problem is many PC users don’t really care about them, and even tablet users don’t seem too enthralled. It doesn’t help that a lot of the apps on offer through the Windows Store are third party knock-offs rather than official releases.

At Build today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that the Windows Store has hit the 100,000 apps milestone (a figure which, incidentally, Keith Lorizio, Microsoft VP, U.S. Sales & Marketing promised to hit within 90 days of Windows 8’s launch) and that, finally, an official Facebook app is on its way to the Modern UI.

Getting Facebook to embrace the tiled OS is a start, and an important app that Microsoft should really have had onboard when Windows 8 first launched.

That wasn’t the only app, Ballmer mentioned. Official apps for Flipboard and NFL Fantasy Football are coming to the redesigned Windows Store too, and there are two new Bing apps in the Windows 8.1 Preview -- Food & Drink, and Health & Fitness. We got to see an early PowerPoint app too, suggesting development of Office for the Modern UI is progressing steadily.

Microsoft is also touting new "opportunities for developers to design, build and market their apps by leveraging the redesigned Windows Store, additional monetization opportunities and flexible design options".

Which sounds great, but won’t get the likes of Google, the BBC, or other major content creators knocking on the door.

But hopefully, if Microsoft can persuade a few more big names to follow Facebook and port existing apps to the OS -- or better yet build new ones -- and Windows 8.1 does its job and convinces more people to upgrade, the Windows app ecosystem might start to genuinely flourish, and finally grow beyond the rather embarrassing joke it is now.

Or am I just dreaming?
Developers can get the new Kinect for Windows sensor direct from Microsoft for $399

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 7:51pm CEST par Wayne Williams
The Xbox One comes with a new and seriously improved Kinect sensor. Windows users will be able to get their hands on the same sensor at some point in the future, but if you’re a developer you can register your interest now and get one in November, several months before it goes on sale to the general public.

The developer kit costs $399 (or the local equivalent) and comes with the sensor and all the tools you need to build your own applications. There’s limited availability so if you want to be among the first to have one you’ll need to apply now.

The Kinect for Windows developer kit program offers the following:
- Direct access to the Kinect for Windows engineering team via a private forum and exclusive webcasts.
- Early SDK access (alpha, beta, and any updates along the way to release).
- Private access to all API and sample documentation.
- A pre-release/alpha sensor.
- A final, released sensor at launch.
If you’re interested in applying for one of the developer spots and a second generation Kinect for Windows sensor you can express your interest here. Successful applicants will be notified in August.
Windows 8.1 Preview available NOW

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 6:55pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

On Wednesday, right after the start of the Build 2013 developer conference, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that the Windows 8.1 preview is now available to download.

Early adopters can install the test build only by upgrading from Windows 8. Similar to Modern UI apps, the preview, which comes in at 2.44 GB, is installed though the Store. The software giant revealed that ISO files will also be offered, tomorrow, for those who wish to perform a clean install. Here's what you can expect from Windows 8.1.

My colleague Derrick Wlodarz just discussed the most noteworthy change over Windows 8 -- the new Start button. This will bridge the gap between the two user interfaces -- the Desktop and the controversial Modern UI -- and allow PC users to boot straight into the Desktop UI.

Microsoft also revamped the Store, introduced more live tile sizes, added extra customization options and improved Modern UI app multitasking. There are new and updated applications as well, like Internet Explorer 11 and SkyDrive.

In order to install Windows 8.1, you must head over to Microsoft's website, download the provided file (by hitting the "Get the update" button), run it and follow the provided instructions.
US Government warns Google, Microsoft and Yahoo

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 6:50pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

We take for granted that we can go to a search engine and get search results without pulling out a credit card. However, nothing in life is free -- including search results. When you visit most search engines, advertisements pay for your experience. While there is nothing wrong with using advertising to finance search engines, the FTC has warned that the line between advertisements and search results has become muddied. And so, it has sent a letter to Google, Bing, Yahoo plus several smaller search engine companies.

The FTC says “In recent years, the features traditional search engines use to differentiate advertising from natural search results have become less noticeable to consumers, especially for advertising located immediately above the natural results ('top ads')”. In other words, the advertisements listed on the top of the page, before the search results, can be confusing to users.

According to the FTC letter, an online survey was conducted which revealed that almost half of search engine users could not distinguish these ads from search engine results. These results are surprising, seeing that the 3 major search engines label these advertisements with an "Ads" heading. However, The FTC has made some suggestions as to how to make the ads more apparent -- visual cues and text labels.

For visual cues, the agency says:

We have observed that, increasingly, search engines have introduced background shading that is significantly less visible or "luminous" and that consumers may not be able to detect on many computer monitors or mobile devices. Reliance on this method to distinguish advertising results requires that search engines select hues of sufficient luminosity to account for varying monitor types, technology settings, and lighting conditions. Accordingly, we recommend that in distinguishing any top ads or other advertising results integrated into the natural search results, search engines should use: (1) more prominent shading that has a clear outline; (2) a prominent border that distinctly sets off advertising from the natural search results; or (3) both prominent.

For text labels, it says:

In addition to the visual cues a search engine may use to distinguish advertising, it also should have a text label that: (1) uses language that explicitly and unambiguously conveys if a search result is advertising; (2) is large and visible enough for consumers to notice it; and (3) is located near the search result (or group of search results) that it qualifies and where consumers will see it.

While the FTC suggestions are appreciated, they are far too vague. Language such as "large and visible enough", "located near the search result" and "more prominent" is entirely subjective. Subjective language overall has no value and in this case has the opposite of the desired effect -- it makes it easier for search engine companies to muddy the waters while pointing to the letter.

Photo Credit: Lisa F. Young/Shutterstock
Sprint gets its first Windows Phones -- HTC 8XT and Samsung ATIV S Neo

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 6:25pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

On Wednesday, US mobile operator Sprint announced that the new HTC 8XT and Samsung ATIV S Neo will be the first Windows Phones to join its portfolio. The two handsets arrive this summer in Sprint's online and brick and mortar stores.

"We know our customers are anxious to get their hands on these Windows Phone 8 smartphones, HTC 8XT and ATIV S Neo", says Sprint's Fared Adib. "Without a doubt, they will rival any smartphone on the market today". On a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 8XT and the ATIV S Neo will be available for $99.99 and $149.99, respectively.

The highlights of the 8XT include 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 480 by 800; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor; 1 GB of RAM; 1,800 mAh battery; 8 MP back-facing camera; 1.6 MP shooter on the front; 8 GB of internal storage; microSDXC card slot; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0; NFC (Near Field Communication) and HD voice. BoomSound and burst-shot mode for the camera are included as well.

The ATIV S Neo features a 4.8-inch HD display; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor; 1 GB of RAM; 2,000 mAh removable battery; 8 MP back-facing shooter; 1.9 MP camera on the front; 16 GB of internal storage; microSDXC card slot and international roaming. Samsung also adds the ATIV Beam app and the Beauty Shot camera option.

"We are excited to be bringing the most personal smartphone experience to Sprint customers this summer", says Microsoft's Terry Myerson. "With compelling hardware from HTC and Samsung, coupled with unlimited 4G LTE from Sprint, these Windows Phones will offer the complete package".

Based on shipments, Microsoft's Windows Phone is currently the third-largest mobile platform after Android and iOS. The tiled smartphone operating system held a 3.2 percent market share in Q1 2013, with shipments topping seven million units. Windows Phone grew significantly (in both market share and shipments) over Q1 2012 and, with expanded carrier support coupled with an increasing number of devices, it could further strengthen its position on the mobile podium.
Welcome to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood -- Amazon Prime expands PBS deal

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 5:41pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

Unlike Fox News, I make no pretense of being "fair and balanced" when it comes to Amazon Prime -- I am a subscriber and lover of the service. I also have children, which is why the latest announcement grabs my attention. The online retailer expands its relationship with the Public Broadcast System.

"Amazon.com today announced an expanded multi-year licensing agreement with PBS Distribution that will allow Amazon Prime members to instantly stream, at no additional cost, past seasons of PBS programs" the company announces.

New shows lined up for your viewing pleasure include NOVA, Masterpiece, and documentaries from Ken Burns, along with PBS KIDS programs such as Caillou, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur and Wild Kratts. These complement a previous announcement of exclusive online rights to Downton Abbey.

"This deal is exciting for Prime members and particularly for those with families -- this new deal combined with the recently announced Viacom deal brings some of the most popular kids programming to Prime Instant Video, making it the perfect place for the whole family to catch up on all their favorites," said Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon.

This brings the total Amazon Prime offering to more than 41,000 movies and TV episodes. In addition, the service trumpets free two-day shipping on all Amazon orders, plus a Kindle lending library.

So, do you think the service can trump Netflix, or has it already? This is certainly a two-horse race, but Redbox Instant looms on the horizon and competition is what makes it all good for consumers.

Image Credit: Odua Images / Shutterstock
Watch Microsoft unveil Windows 8.1 Preview at Build

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 5:25pm CEST par Wayne Williams

At the Build 2013 developer conference, Microsoft will be sharing updates and talking about what's next for Windows, Windows Server, Windows Azure, Visual Studio, and more. It will also be showcasing the highly anticipated Windows 8.1 update, as well as making the OS refresh available to download and install.

Live keynotes are scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 from 9-11 am Pacific Time, and Thursday, June 27 from 9-11 am Pacific Time and the good news, if you're interested in all things Windows, is you don't need to travel all the way to The Moscone Center in San Francisco, or shell out $2,095 for a full priced ticket to view them.

BetaNews will embed the live video from Microsoft’s Channel 9 here as soon as it becomes available.

To watch the two-hour long Day 1 Keynote just make sure you're here at 9am Pacific Time/12pm Eastern Time. If you're in the UK, be here for 5pm.

Update: Missed it? Don 't worry you can still watch the full keynote below.
Nokia brings augmented reality to job hunting with JobLens for Windows Phone 8

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 3:44pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

Finnish maker Nokia wants to make job hunting easier in nearby user locations with a new Windows Phone 8 app, called JobLens, which leverages augmented reality to display available openings in surrounding areas.

The app, which arrived yesterday in Nokia's exclusive collection, takes advantage of a number of services, like CareerOneStop, Data.uk.gov, Facebook, HERE Maps, Indeed, LinkedIn, Payscale, Salary.com and Twitter, to provide UK and US residents with nearby job listings.

JobLens also allows folks to create and store resumes, connect with hiring managers via social networks, apply for a position, receive directions to interview location, save available jobs and track progress, among other features.

According to Nokia, to achieve the best results, users have to connect with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Windows Live accounts.

JobLens is available to download from Windows Phone Store.
Samsung announces a faster flagship -- Galaxy S4 LTE-A

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 2:45pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

The Galaxy S4 LTE-A is the flagship Samsung should have launched instead of the Galaxy S4. The handset, which was unveiled earlier today, is the least compromising and most powerful entry in the maker's high-end Android lineup.

Samsung touts the Galaxy S4 LTE-A as "the world’s first commercially available LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) smartphone". That's a rather bold claim, considering the pretty vague release date -- "this summer". The South Korean maker does not provide exact numbers, but says that the cellular technology offers "double today's LTE speeds" (which, on the Galaxy S4, are 100 Mbps for download and 50 Mbps for upload).

"Samsung maintains a unique position for delivering LTE innovations as a provider of the parts, devices and equipment required to deliver next generation 4G LTE services", says Samsung CEO JK Shin. "The introduction of the GALAXY S4 LTE-A demonstrates Samsung's desire and ability to provide consumers with technological innovations that take advantage of increased network speeds to deliver richer and fuller experiences".

The Galaxy S4 LTE-A packs a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 by 1920 and a 441 ppi (pixels per inch) density. The smartphone is powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 2,600 mAh battery.

The Galaxy S4 LTE-A comes with a 13 MP back-facing camera and a 2 MP front-facing shooter. Users can access features like drama shot, dual recording, dual video call, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Panorama.

Out-of-the-box, the Galaxy S4 LTE-A comes with 32 GB of internal storage (of which roughly 24 GB are user-accessible). A microSD slot is also available (it can house memory cards of up to 64 GB in size).

Other noteworthy specifications include: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy) and NFC (Near Field Communication). Prospective buyers can expect the traditional array of sensors.

The smartphone runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. As usual, Samsung adds its own branded apps including Adapt Display, Adapt Sound, Hub, ChatON, S Health, S Voice Drive, S Translator, S Travel, Link, Screen Mirroring and WatchON among others.

The Galaxy S4 LTE-A comes in at 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and 131 grams. Available color options include Blue Arctic and Red Aurora, with others to follow "at a later date". Sales kick off in South Korea.

By contrast, the Galaxy S4 has nearly the same dimensions (but, at 130 grams, is one gram lighter), however it features a lesser 1.9 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, half the internal storage (16 GB) and, as previously mentioned, slower 4G LTE cellular connectivity.
How tech companies collect data on you, and what they do with it

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 1:23pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Big Brother is watching you. Or rather technology giants like Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Yahoo are. The firms track their users relentlessly, and use that information to provide a tailored online experience (and maybe share it with government agencies).

Baynote, which provides personalized customer experience solutions for multi-channel retailers, has put together an interesting visual insight into what data the tech titans gather about you, how it’s collected, and what purposes it’s put to.

The type of data harvested by the firms we all use on a daily basis includes ad clicks, browser and device specific information, email addresses, face scans, IP addresses, OS details, phone numbers and search queries.

The data is sourced through cookies, profiles, third parties, search queries, and Double Click and AdSense, and used to provide location services, deliver notifications, personalize content, share info with third parties, and serve up targeted advertising.

The infographic below shows which of the data gathering, tracking and usage methods the top tech companies use, and also provides details on each firm’s market cap, estimated number of users, and privacy policy word count.

Fascinating stuff, although it's disappointing Microsoft wasn't included in the list.

Photo Credit: Slavoljub Pantelic/Shutterstock
Access management goes self-service with Tufin Security Suite

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 12:07pm CEST par Ian Barker

Policy management specialist Tufin Technologies launches the latest version of its Security Suite for business networks with a number of new features. Version R13-2 has a self-service portal for connectivity requests, enhanced device support and increased automation of security-related policies.

Tufin Security Suite is made up of three modules, SecureApp which manages the network connectivity and security requirements of applications, SecureChange which looks after change management and risk analysis, and SecureTrack which automates policy management for network infrastructure.

Key changes in the latest version include the introduction of a self-service portal to allow non-technical users to request application access, automated removal of decommissioned servers, IPv6 support and RESTful APIs to allow interaction with other systems.

"Tufin continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering business value via more efficient security policy management. R13-2 aligns security policy management and business operations through its self-service capabilities, extended device support, and enhanced application connectivity which introduces a whole new set of security, compliance and efficiency benefits," says Reuven Harrison, CTO of Tufin. "In fact, we are including a free, limited version of SecureApp in R13-2: SecureApp Basic. We are confident that once customers experience the value it delivers they will be eager to implement it. In addition, R13-2 extends our support for IPv6 and provides more comprehensive network topology. As networks continue to grow in complexity, Tufin will ensure that security teams not only protect the network, but also operate much more efficiently than before."

The latest suite is available now and there's a 30-day evaluation version available to download from the Tufin website.

Photo Credit: Alexander Kirch/Shutterstock
New Windows 8.1 Start button, 'boot to desktop' already in the wild

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 8:51am CEST par Derrick Wlodarz

The hype bubble around Windows 8.1 is steadily building this week. Microsoft will supposedly dump a full preview version of 8.1 in ISO format, and the rumored date across the net happens to be June 26. In step, BetaNews readers have been sounding off on Wayne Williams' post asking the big question at hand: Will you be installing Windows 8.1?

Interestingly, just by chance, I found out myself that you don't need to wait until the 8.1 ISO hits the web. Some of the biggest, and most requested, changes are already floating around in the wild -- albeit in a slightly different package than you may expect. Both the new Start Button and the 'Boot to Desktop' option are fully viewable in the latest Windows Server 2012 R2 preview build. You can download a full preview copy for yourself over at TechNet.

I stumbled upon this nugget during the course of firing up a fresh testbed server on Windows Azure. I wanted to get a new server going in the cloud to test out a new remote support product for my tech business called ScreenConnect (great software -- more on that another day) and found that Server 2012 R2 was a fully available option as a host OS.

I thought I'd give it a shot, figuring this test server was going to be shredded in a few weeks anyway.

Two things jumped out at me right away. First, as soon as I jumped onto the machine over Microsoft Remote Desktop, I was taken straight to desktop. I don't recall this happening in the RTM version of Server 2012. Secondly, the new Start Button was fully out in the open, gracing the same space as the old, now-defunct Start Button used to sit in the lower left hand corner.

If you have high hopes for this new button to bring back the familiar rich menus of yesteryear, then you will be quite displeased to say the least. If Server 2012 R2 Preview is any indication at what Windows 8.1 features (there's little reason to believe MS would deviate much across platforms) then this Start Button will serve two primary purposes.

First, the new Start Button allows you to jump back and forth between Start Screen and Desktop mode. When in the Start Screen, the button goes invisible, but bringing your cursor down to the lower left hand corner will bring it into focus with a rollover, in which you can use it as a simple way to bounce back and forth between interfaces. I find the Windows key on any modern keyboard to serve the same purpose, and is generally faster, so this function will be minimally used by me. Visual users will likely appreciate this more.

More interestingly, if you right click on the Start Button, you're presented with the same secret power-user menu that stock Windows 8 provides by hitting the "Windows Key + X" combination. It's even in the same lower left hand area of the screen. However, even though the menu is very similar to the one that Windows 8 features, it does add two extra menu items which I find very neat.

Network Connections is now available off the menu, and so are the full bevy of shutdown options you normally had to access via the right Charms bar. My screenshot below shows a "disconnect" option which I presume is specific merely to Server 2012 R2 because I was connected via Remote Desktop. Traditional 8.1 users will likely not have this option; I imagine it would be replaced with a line item for Sleep.

The other big item which has been nagging users of Windows 8 has been a lack of a way to boot straight to desktop mode. I use Windows 8 prime time already without many issues, and spend over 95 percent of my workday in desktop mode anyway. Being able to launch straight into desktop is one of my biggest gripes with the RTM version of Windows 8 and I'm glad Microsoft is finally addressing this flaw. The enterprise will surely appreciate this gesture, judging from what business users are near universally saying since 8 launched.

Luckily, Server 2012 R2 preview has the necessary options to be able to control this aspect of your boot experience as well. Again, I am fairly certain it will function similarly in the 8.1 preview this week. Getting to the boot to desktop option is as simple as right clicking on your taskbar, going into Properties, and clicking into the brand new "Navigation" tab of the Taskbar Properties window.

I highlighted the option in yellow in the above shot so you can easily spot it. However, there are a few other niceties that Microsoft has tucked into this new menu area. For example, you can fully turn off the Charms bar by mousing into the upper right hand corner -- a quirk I find myself running into when using desktop apps regularly. And likely more useful for IT professionals, there is an option (on by default in Server 2012 R2) that forces the right-click menu on the Start Button to show PowerShell related items instead of Command Prompt as is the case with Windows 8 RTM.

As soon as Microsoft releases the Windows 8.1 ISO this week, whichever day it may land on, we will all be able to try this new functionality out relatively easily. But until then, for those interested in a sneak peak, whirl up a free Server 2012 R2 Preview trial server on Windows Azure for a little taste of what 8.1 will likely feature on the interface end of things. While some claim these concessions from Microsoft aren't going far enough, I find them to be a happy middle ground that should suit power users and average folk alike. Myself included.
Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad giveaway

Publié: juin 26, 2013, 12:10am CEST par BetaNews Staff

Logitech's FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad is a case and keyboard combination designed to protect Apple tablets from shocks, scratches and water spills, and also provide a comfortable typing experience. It shields both the touch screen and back panel, offers two viewing angles and is available in a choice of colors. We reviewed this Logitech iPad case a couple of days ago, and really liked it.

The iPad keyboard case retails for $149.99, but Logitech has kindly given us one to give away to a lucky iPad-owning reader.

To get a shot at winning all you have to do is leave a (polite) comment below, using a BetaNews account (if you use a general Disqus account, we won't have your email details, and so won't be able to contact you).

We'll randomly select a winner on Friday 28 June, and notify them by email. If we don't receive a reply within 2 business days, we'll select a replacement winner.

We're happy to ship the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad to just about anywhere in the world, but you will be responsible for any duties, taxes or other charges.

More information on the case can be found on Logitech's site.