Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » octobre 17, 2013

BetaNews.Com (16 non lus)

Microsoft brings Windows to Android and iOS phones and tablets

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 11:52pm CEST par Mark Wilson
Microsoft's big release of the day may be Windows 8.1, but it doesn't end there. The desktop operating system may have stolen the headlines today, but Microsoft also recognizes the importance of mobile devices. The company is not only concerned with its own devices, realizing that Apple and Android still dominate the mobile arena. But this does not mean that mobile users do not need access to Windows PCs -- hence the release of Microsoft Remote Desktop for iOS and Android.

The prospect of running Windows on an Android or iOS device may be a little way off yet, but it can be achieved via remote access -- which has the handy side effects of making it possible to access files, apps and anything else that might be needed whilst away from your computer. There is no shortage of remote desktop apps in the App Store, but Microsoft's offering aims to keep things simple. As you would expect, this is an app -- free of course -- that can be used to control a Windows PC from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android device.

Weirdly, there is no Windows Phone version yet, but if you are an Apple or Android owner, you're in luck. Using the remote desktop protocol means there's no need for extra software to be installed on the desktop machine, you just need to know the IP address in order to establish a connection.

That feature list in full:
- Access to remote resources through the Remote Desktop Gateway
- Rich multi-touch experience with remote desktop protocol (RDP) and RemoteFX supporting Windows gestures
- Secure connection to your data and applications with breakthrough Network Layer Authentication (NLA) technology
- Simple management of all remote connections from the connection center
- High quality video and sound streaming with improved compression and bandwidth usage
- Easy connection to external monitors or projectors for presentations
So if you fancy the idea of controlling your PC from your phone or tablet (or you have a need to), take this app for a test drive and see how it compares to the myriad remote access apps there are to choose from.
Canonical releases Ubuntu 13.10 Saucy Salamander for desktops and smartphones

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 6:55pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

In the world of Linux, Ubuntu serves as a gateway for many. You see, the popular Linux distribution is very easy to install and use, so it makes an ideal first distro. While some users may choose to stick with the 12.04 Long Term Support version (which is supported until 2017), other users will prefer to have the latest and greatest.

Today, Canonical releases the freshest stable version of its operating system, Ubuntu 13.10 Saucy Salamander, which has 9 months of support. While this is big news on its own, the bigger news is that it is available for both desktops and smartphones at the same time.

"This is a milestone in computing history[...]the exact same Ubuntu OS runs on ARM phones and modern HP Moonshot ARM servers, and provides exactly the same capability as x86 platforms. Ubuntu 13.10 is a full server-grade OS that offers a mobile experience and is lean enough to support mobile devices, kicking off a new era in mobile security and computing convergence", said Rick Spencer, who leads Ubuntu’s consumer-facing engineering.

Unfortunately, Ubuntu 13.10 is a rather ho-hum release. In other words, it is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. On the surface, users who upgrade will see little difference from 13.04.

The biggest feature is an update of smart scopes in Dash -- an advanced search tool. However, many users dislike the feature because it can potentially pass your information on to third parties, like Amazon. Not to mention, the search results from the third parties can clutter wanted results, leading to a lesser experience.

While the feature can be disabled, some users have called for it to be opt-in rather than opt-out. In 13.10, the third parties have been expanded to Wikipedia, Amazon, Google News, Flickr and more.

Interested users can download the ISO here. If you do install it, please tell me in the comments how you like it. BetaNews will provide a review soon, so stay tuned.
How to upgrade to Windows 8.1

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 6:52pm CEST par Mike Williams

Windows 8.1 is finally here, and it’s a significant update. Sure, the Start menu isn’t coming back, but you do get a more customizable Start screen, much improved apps (and more options for running them side by side), enhanced Search with Bing integration, smart syncing with SkyDrive, Internet Explorer, and a host of new tweaks and customizations (including the ability to boot straight to the desktop).

Should you upgrade from Windows 8? Probably, although you’ll need to make sure that your most important applications are Windows 8.1-compatible. This isn’t likely to be a big issue -- low-level programs like antivirus tools are the most likely to be affected, and they’ve mostly been 8.1-ready for months -- but it’s still wise to check your main applications for updates, first.

Keep in mind that this is a very bulky update, too, involving a 2.8-3.6GB download. If you’ve an option, run the upgrade from somewhere with a fast internet connection. But wherever you are, allocate plenty of time to work through the process: it’s not going to be over in a hurry. Not least because you’ll want to run a full system backup, first.

We’re assuming here that you’re starting from Windows 8 or the 8.1 Preview. Both scenarios mean upgrading will be fairly straightforward; here’s how it works.

1. Head off to the Windows Store. The very first tile should be titled "Update Windows" and offer to "Update Windows 8.1 for free"; click it. (You don’t see that tile? Windows 8 Enterprise editions, or editions which have been installed using an MSDN ISO and activated using multiple keys don’t get a free 8.1 upgrade. Sorry.)

The Store now presents you with a page about Windows 8.1. You could read a little more about it, if you like, but with 2.8GB to move we’d just click Download immediately. And then be patient, as the download progresses. You can run something else on your PC, in the meantime, but if this involves more network or internet activity then you’ll just slow down the upgrade process further. Go do something else for a while, instead.

Once the download is finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your system. The reboot will happen automatically if you’re not around (as long as there aren’t open applications around to block it, anyway).

2. On restarting, you may see the full "Startup Setting" screen, with options like "Enable boot logging", "Enable Safe Mode", and so on. If so, just press Enter to continue as normal.

The next step is potentially quite lengthy, as the various Windows 8.1 components are extracted and installed. First you’ll see a black screen with the Windows 8 logo, a "Setting up" prompt and a "percentage done" indicator. But don’t be fooled: when the "Setting up" process is done, Windows just moves on to "Getting devices ready", "Getting ready", "Applying PC settings", "Setting up a few more things", and "Getting ready" (yes, again).

3. If you’ve given up and gone to make a coffee, then on your return you’ll hopefully find the Windows 8.1 License Agreement. Read and accept it, or not.

4. As with any Windows 8 installation, you’re now asked if you want to use "Express settings". Clicking "Use express settings" makes for a faster setup process, but enables some settings which affect your privacy to a degree; clicking "Customize" allows you to configure each setting individually.

5. Account Setup follows next, although this usually just involves confirming the existing account on your machine. If you normally sign in to Windows 8 using your Microsoft account, for example, you’ll just do the same thing now.

6. Microsoft may now ask if it can send a security account by email, to verify your identity. If you have another device which you can use to access your email, click Next, retrieve and enter the code. Otherwise click "I can’t do at this time" and you’ll be asked again later.

7. Finally, confirm your preferred settings for SkyDrive (just click Next to accept the default for now if you’re not sure), and the upgrade should be essentially complete: your system will reboot into Windows 8.1. It’ll take longer (perhaps much longer) than usual as the last installation options are taken, but within a minute or two your PC will be up, running, and ready for you to explore.
The releases continue -- Microsoft pushes Visual Studio 2013

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 5:31pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

Windows 8.1 may be the big news of the day, but that does not mean Microsoft is sitting pat or off celebrating. The perceived vaccination for the Windows 8 illness is not the only product issuing forth from Redmond, Wash. today -- Visual Studio 2013, along with Team Foundation Server 2013 and .NET 4.51 are also now loose in the wild.

"You can download the trials and related products and MSDN subscribers can download the licensed product from the subscriber portal", announces Microsoft's Brian Harry.

Those who own a current Visual Studio Pro subscription can upgrade to the new version for $99 for a limited time. "We created a special, limited-time offer through the Microsoft Store for those who purchased Visual Studio Professional 2012 at retail to upgrade to Visual Studio Professional 2013 for only US $99 (pricing varies by region)", according to the VS website.

The 2013 version does not replace any previous installation, but instead can run together with the older software, including the VS 2013 pre-release.

Microsoft promises that it is already working on the first update to this release -- Visual Studio 2013.1. More information on that will be coming along over the next several months.
ESET 7 adds exploit blocker, Twitter support

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 5:23pm CEST par Mike Williams

ESET has announced the release of its consumer security packages, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security 7, both of which have been enhanced with some major new features.

New real-time memory scanning is a major plus, as it allows ESET to more reliably detect threats, no matter what packing or encryption tricks malware might employ.

A patent-pending Exploit Blocker shields commonly-targeted applications -- browsers, email clients, Microsoft Office, PDF readers -- from malicious attempts to exploit their security flaws.

Enhanced social networking support sees the program able to scan your Twitter account, as well as Facebook, for threats and security issues.

A Device Control module builds on the previous Removable Media functionality, allowing you to take complete control over the ways your users can access and work with any given device type.

The Antiphishing module now blocks scam sites, and allows feedback (both reporting of suspect sites and false positives) from users.

ESET Smart Security’s firewall has been extended with a Vulnerability Scanner, which blocks attacks attempting to exploit network vulnerabilities. A new Anti-Theft module can help to track a missing laptop. And the package is also more compatible, running properly on Windows 8.1, and with a mail plugin which fully supports Windows Live Mail and Office 2013.

While we can’t yet deliver a definitive verdict on the new releases, it’s good to see updates which aren’t just about changing the interface color, or making it look like Windows 7. It looks to us like ESET has focused on delivering major improvements where it really matters, and if you’d like to check this for yourself then ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and ESET Smart Security 7 trials are available now.
Microsoft, why is Windows 8.1 still missing a notifications panel?

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 4:29pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

There is no denying that Windows 8.1 dwarfs Windows 8 in every single way that matters. The new operating system is more feature-rich, more suited for tablet use, more suited for PC use and far closer to what a modern OS should be like. The warm feelings towards it are reflective of how Windows 8 was like at first -- let's just say that the standards were low to begin with.

But for some strange reason, Microsoft still does not prioritize having a notifications panel in any of its consumer operating systems. This is an oversight that I thought the software giant would address in Windows 8.1, seeing as it has been a major known problem since Windows 8 arrived. However, once again Microsoft has decided to not include it. And, to be frank, it is one of the worst decisions that the company made this year. I bet not many will miss Steve Ballmer. I sure won't.

Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8, Windows RT, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 all have shipped, or are shipping, without any efficient way of tracking notifications. This is a step in the wrong direction nowadays. The lack of one would have been fine years ago, when no OS had it, but a notifications center or panel has become an essential part in having a great user experience today. And, no, live tiles and notification toasts don't cut it.

The Half-Baked Implementation

To some extent, live tiles can replace a notifications center. It is certainly possible to do so, but some problems do occur. The live tiles are spread across the screen so the user has to look at them frequently in order to see if there are any changes in their appearance. Some live tiles do not immediately update after a notification sound is triggered, which may confuse the user, while others show no counter at all. And there is very little information that can be crammed inside any live tile.

Microsoft has tried to improve this situation slightly by using toast notifications, which pop up on the screen whenever an application receives an update (new email, new status update, etc.). But except when the user sets them not to automatically disappear, they usually go away in less than 20 seconds. That may seem like a lot of time, but when you walk away from the device there is a very good chance that you will miss all of them. And you don't know they had even popped up, because there is no icon in the status bar or any counter anywhere (except in the live tiles, of course). And have I mentioned that toast notifications are not even enabled by default in all apps? Users have to do it manually in the Mail app for instance, on a per-account basis.

Likely for another year or so, I will have to open more than a dozen apps to see whether there is something new that interests me. This is a scattered approach that just does not work well, disrupts my workflow and leads to me wasting valuable time.

How Competitors Tackle Notifications

In early-September, I purchased a 2013 Apple MacBook Air that, naturally, ships with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Prior to using it, I have been an exclusive Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 user, who had grown accustomed to the fragmentation of notifications.

OS X shows that there is a better way. The operating system has a notifications panel, which is triggered by a swipe to the left on the touchpad or by clicking a button on the taskbar. All notifications, from what is basically Desktop-like software, are listed there, and can be dismissed with little effort. And the icons in the Dock (the OS X equivalent of the Windows taskbar) show notification counters, that neatly complement this feature.

The notifications panel pops up on the active screen where it is triggered from, not solely on the main one. It is a very refreshing approach, after using Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. And it works. It still eludes me why Microsoft has chosen not to implement a similar feature.

Heck, even Google Chrome has a notifications panel even though it is just a browser. But this is hardly surprising seeing as the search giant knows a thing or two about notifications and how important it is to have a unified approach.

On my 2013 Nexus 7, which runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, notifications are a pleasure to deal with. They can be individually dismissed from the notifications panel. And they are actionable, which means that I can archive emails without opening the Gmail app, for instance.

Apple's iOS works similarly, in this regard, to Android. Microsoft is the only player that wants to be taken seriously which has yet to rank a notifications panel highly in the priority list. And this will do nothing to help its new products take off.

How Should Microsoft Tackle It?

Interestingly enough, Windows 8.1 is already built as to show or trigger a different feature after swiping from any side of the screen. This either means that Microsoft has to alter the way the OS works right now or implement a notifications panel as an app on the Start screen. The latter approach is simpler, but not better considering that users will have to stop whatever they may be doing to check a notification.

So that leaves the former option as the right one for Windows 8.2 or 9. The way I'd like to see a notifications panel being implemented is by having it show up alongside the charms bar, after swiping from the right side of the screen.

Microsoft should definitely adopt a unified notifications panel going forward, but not just for Modern UI apps. Desktop software could benefit from this as well, if OS X is of any indication. This would be a feature which may convince Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP users to switch, seeing as the benefits would be noticeable and would improve productivity.

Still Not Good Enough

Some of the criticisms that I pointed out about Windows 8 are still present in Windows 8.1 as well, perhaps slightly addressed in the new release -- the Windows Store offers more apps of higher quality, the Microsoft services integration is tighter and the revamped Modern UI is more user and tablet-friendly. But the high learning curve persists and so does the lack of a notifications panel, the latter of which is a feature that I consider essential on an OS released in the second half of 2013. The omission was, perhaps, excusable last year but not this time around.

Some people may like being masochistic and admit to liking the way Microsoft operates, but I do not feel the same way. There is no reasonable excuse as to why we should still have to put up with this shortcoming.

Photo Credit: tadamichi/Shutterstock
Restore Libraries in Windows 8.1

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 4:11pm CEST par Wayne Williams
You don’t want to save files locally on your hard drive -- you want to store them in the cloud, right? That’s what Microsoft thinks anyway. For that reason it’s baked SkyDrive into the heart of Windows 8.1 and made it the default save-to location for documents.

Although you can easily save elsewhere, one of the main save options, Libraries, has been removed from File Explorer’s sidebar. Another of those weird decisions that the Redmond, Wash. tech giant likes to make from time to time (like giving us a Start button without a Start menu).

Despite appearing to have removed them, Microsoft has simply hidden the Libraries and it’s very easy to restore them to their rightful position.
1. In File Explorer click the View tab.
2. Click the Navigation button.
3. Select Show Libraries and click OK.
Once restored you can click and drag Libraries anywhere you like in the sidebar, right-click to pin them to the Start screen, and so on.

Photo Credit: DavidPinoPhotography/Shutterstock
New app uses social collaboration to identify projects for automation

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 4:02pm CEST par Ian Barker

Business automation specialist Automation Anywhere has launched a new application aimed at helping businesses identify tasks and prioritize them based on the crowd-sourced wisdom of their user community.

Called Cumulus (could this possibly be using the cloud?) the application is launching via the Yammer enterprise social network. It will be available as a featured application via Yammer's app directory. Using Cumulus, anyone in an organization will be able to suggest a task to be automated, vote on the tasks that seem most valuable, contribute suggestions to existing initiatives, and track any active automation projects.

Built-in tools help identify the savings that can be made from automation of tasks. It calculates the hours and money that can be saved and so helps point out the tasks where automating will deliver the best return on investment.

"Enterprise social is the new operating system for organizations, and has the power to deliver real, measurable ROI," says Mihir Shukla, founder and CEO of Automation Anywhere. "Cumulus provides a way for entire organizations to tap in to the social revolution and contribute ideas for automating tasks while keeping the value of doing so at the forefront. We know that Yammer, with its large user base and commitment to making social enterprise collaboration work, is the perfect place for Cumulus to be first available".

Project-level dashboards will make it easy to spot potential savings, and visualization tools allow step-by-step tracking of projects. There's also a leader board to identify those members of the team doing the most to champion automation.

"Automation Anywhere has its finger on the pulse of what businesses should be doing with social platforms: utilizing them to pinpoint high return activities, like process automation," says Gregory Love, Business Development Manager at Yammer. "We look forward to Yammer users leveraging Cumulus to find the most crucial business processes to automate throughout their organizations".

You can find out more and sign up to try the free version on the Automation Anywhere site.

Featured Image Credit: Alexander Kirch/Shutterstock
Microsoft officially launches Windows 8.1

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 1:01pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic
Today, Microsoft officially launches Windows 8.1 to the public, after almost two months since its new operating system reached the RTM status. The latest release is packed with many new features and improvements over its controversial predecessor, Windows 8, including the revival of the Start button and the much-awaited option to boot straight to the Desktop and avoid the Modern UI.

Just like Windows 8, Windows 8.1 is available to consumers in just two editions: base and Pro. The former is aimed at home users while the latter also includes features such as BitLocker encryption and hosting Remote Desktop Connections that are suitable for business use. There are also pricing differences between the two.

Windows 8.1 is available for $119.99 while Windows 8.1 Pro can be had for $199.99. Windows 8 users will be able to upgrade to the corresponding Windows 8.1 edition for free. Meanwhile, those who wish to upgrade from Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP will have to pay full price for Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 users can upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro by shelling out $99.99. Similarly, Windows Media Center can be added to Windows 8.1 Pro for $9.99. Keep in mind that Microsoft will not supply a USB drive containing Windows 8.1, so if you wish to install it on a device that does not sport a DVD drive (that for some reason is still Microsoft's preferred packaging in 2013) you will have to make your own.

Windows 8 users are able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 without losing any data, Modern UI apps or legacy Windows software. The same cannot be said for those who use Windows 7, as Desktop software has to be reinstalled (unless a workaround is found). Microsoft recommends that Windows Vista and Windows XP users should perform a clean install of Windows 8.1.

What Is New In Windows 8.1?

My colleague Wayne Williams has written a comprehensive article on the new apps, features and improvements that are available in Windows 8.1. The transition will be less dramatic for Windows 8 users, while Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP users will have to get used to major changes, both visual and under-the-hood.

Of the numerous changes, I can name the refreshed Modern UI apps, improved personalization options and multitasking and the Start button as the most important ones, over Windows 8. Users are likely to find that working in the Modern UI leads to a more pleasant experience. But, those who wish to avoid it can do so now if they so choose.

What Else Do You Need to Know?

Windows 8.1 will be available, starting today, in more than 230 markets worldwide and in 37 languages for those who are using Windows 8. Microsoft and its hardware and retail partners will offer Windows 8.1 devices starting October 18.

We have covered Windows 8.1 extensively here at BetaNews. Here are the most relevant stories on the new operating system, that I advise you to read today, covering everything from the install or upgrade to the latest apps:
Will You Install Windows 8.1?

I have pulled the trigger. I adopted Windows 8.1 since Microsoft released the new operating system on MSDN. Now that it is publicly available, will you do the same?
Acer Iconia W4 -- small Windows tablet déjà vu

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 1:01pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

The old adage is, "when it rains, it pours". All of a sudden, it seems that it is raining 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets. Yesterday, Lenovo announced a Bay Trail-powered tablet and today Acer follows suit with the Iconia W4.

The company says the tablet is "equipped with the Windows 8.1 operating system and a 4th-generation Intel Atom processor, offering faster tablet performance as well as battery life up to 8 hours for video playback and up to 10 hours for web browsing".

Acer further explains, "the Iconia W4 comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013[...]while an optional full-sized keyboard enables more productive typing on the go[...]sharing content and data between the Iconia W4 and other devices is convenient with its range of ports. The micro-HDMI port provides easy audio-video connections to an external display[...]it also has micro-USB for connecting to devices like phones. Plus, customers will always have room for content and data on the Iconia W4 -- it comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and supports up to an additional 32GB of storage capacity via the microSD".

The tablet's Bay Trail processor is clocked at 1.8GHz and it has 2GB of RAM. Acer says the 4th-generation Atom chip will allow users to "enjoy smoother video playback, gaming and web browsing".

Thankfully, Acer has chosen an IPS display for the W4, which it calls "extremely sharp". Quite frankly, the display on the horrific Iconia W3 was a crime against humanity. It is wonderful to see the company improving upon the most reviled aspect of the previous generation tablet. The ability to learn from mistakes is an admirable quality and should be applauded.

The computer-manufacturer further explains, "the Iconia W4 provides consistent images, color and brightness from a wide range of viewing angles, up to 170 degrees, so it is ideal for sharing with others[...]Zero Air Gap technology removes the air in between the touch panel and LCD module, which reduces reflection and boosts readability even under sunlight".

Acer is also introducing a new line of "crunch" accessories for the tablet -- a case ($39.99) and keyboard ($79.99). These accessories are unique in that they fold like origami to hold the tablet up. It is a very refreshing and artsy way to implement true function. The company will also release a keyboard cover, protection film, stylus, power bank, adapter kit with bag, and Micro USB cable.

According to Acer, the tablet will be available later this month in the USA. Pricing is set at $329.99 for the 32GB variant and $379.99 for 64GB. Unfortunately for the firm, the Lenovo Miix2 is priced $30 cheaper. While I like both Acer and Lenovo, the latter is considered premium while the perception of the former is value or budget. Acer may need to cut prices sooner rather than later to stay competitive.
What's still wrong in Windows 8.1

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 12:54pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Before you recoil, a brief disclaimer. I love Windows 8.1. In its own right, it is a great operating system, and a massive jump forward from Windows 8. There have been lots of little changes and additions -- and some not so small -- that have collectively transformed Windows 8 into something that can be taken seriously. But it's not perfect. Microsoft has taken steps to address the concerns of users moving from Windows 7 and earlier, but there is still room for improvement.

A gripe of mine -- and one shared by many people -- is the existence of the Modern UI. While it may make sense on dedicated tablets, for desktop users, it creates an odd, disjointed experience. Microsoft has seen fit to make it possible to boot straight to the desktop so you would think that if you were not a fan of the Modern UI, it would be possible to avoid this side of things completely. But no.

Double click an image and it defaults to opening in the image viewer app. Why? The same is true for other file types, even if there is a built in desktop app. Being able to avoid the Start screen at boot is a good start, but there needs to be a "just bloody well disable everything related to Modern UI" setting. I'd enable it in a heartbeat.

The Windows Store does little to promote apps. The Store is much maligned for its range, breadth, depth and quality of apps. Sure, the accusation of having a lot of crappy apps is one that could be levelled at any operating system -- Windows Phone, iOS, Mac and Android stores are all guilty -- but the ratio of good to bad is worryingly low. This is obviously a subjective opinion to some extent, but the high number of incredibly low scores awarded to apps seem to back it up.

System settings could do with an overhaul. They are all over the place at the moment. There are three different sections available in the Charms bar that can be used to change settings: Control Panel, Personalization and Change PC Settings. Users shouldn’t need to remember where a particular setting needs to be changed -- this is why the Control Panel is divided up into a number of applets. There's no need to break things up further.

Shutdown should be easier to access. Closing down Windows through the Charms bar is just convoluted and strange, but there's a new option now. Right click on the Start button and select the option you need from a sub-menu. Right click? That's something reserved for access to more obscure settings, it's not something many people ever do. And why make that menu so ugly? For shutting down you're given two choices: the nice looking Modern way that takes a swipe followed by three taps, or the ugly way which is quicker, but will seem alien to a lot of users.

This next one is a minor gripe. Windows Experience Index. Why remove it? Why? It wasn't doing any harm. Yes, it wasn't the most in-depth benchmarking tool ever invented, but it was reassuring to see that Microsoft was giving your setup a stamp of approval and good to see what was holding back optimum performance.

Despite my dislike of the Modern UI, I often have occasional reason to use the Charms bar. A degree of transparency would be nice here to avoid hiding what's going on on-screen. And what’s the point of the huge pop up date and time panel? As we're back on the subject of Modern UI elements, let's just admit that the Start screen is awkward, right? All that screen space and yet it's still necessary to scroll to see everything that's installed? Makes no sense. The Start menu made sense. The menu opened up to submenus so you could drill down to what you needed quickly and easily. Now whenever I find I need to launch an app I've not pinned to the taskbar, I have to play the "hunt the shortcut" game. Silliness.

Despite all this, I still love Windows 8.1. It has been installed as my main operating system from the moment preview versions were made available. Microsoft has listened to its customers, and I hope it will continue to do so. I look forward to seeing what Windows 8.2 has to offer. Are you happy with the way things have ended up, or do you think there's still room for improvement?
Ever wondered how much time you spend staring at screens?

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 12:43pm CEST par Wayne Williams

You’ve probably never given any thought to exactly how much time you spend gazing, gawping, glowering and glaring at screens on a daily basis -- but with TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones being such a major part of our lives, you probably won’t be surprised to hear it’s a lot.

Virtual meetings specialist PGi was curious to find out exactly how much time the average person spends a day looking at various screens and has created an infographic which reveals the shocking (or, depending on your viewpoint, not so shocking) results.

The graphic pulls information from a variety of sources, including eMarketer, The Huffington Post and Gartner, and plots the average number of hours spent each day looking at a laptop/desktop, smartphone/tablet, TV, and "other". It shows that while the television is still hugely popular, computer use overtook it last year, and smartphones and tablets are rising fast.

Almost 50 percent of screen time is devoted to entertainment, with streaming video viewership growing by 50 percent last year. 51 percent of Americans say they watch at least one streaming video a week.

The Screen Fiends infographic also breaks down what we’re doing online, with social networking (20 percent), email (18 percent) and online video (13 percent) accounting for the top three slots.

So just how much time do we spend in front of screens? According to the results it’s a staggering 12 hours a day. And if you factor in the eight hours sleep we’re supposed to get, that leaves just four hours a day when we’re using our eyes to look at the world around us.

Of course the results likely don’t take into account that we’re frequently looking at tablets or mobiles at the same time as watching TV -- meaning it would be wrong to simply add up the time on each device to come up with a grand total -- but even so most of us now spend more time staring at screens than we do sleeping.

Do you think you spend 12 hours a day looking at screens? Is it more/less? Reveal all in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Hasloo Group Production Studio/Shutterstock
Facebook releases official app for Windows 8.1

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 12:11pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Facebook fans running Microsoft's tiled OS need no longer turn to third party solutions -- the official Facebook app is now available in the Windows Store.

It has been a very long time coming, but the social network finally has its own official app, arriving just in time for the release of Windows 8.1. The app has the look and feel of Modern UI apps and includes a live tile that is used to display updates.

The app itself is a fairly simple affair, with the interface divided into three sections. It will look familiar to anyone who has used mobile versions of the app before, with links to different sections of your account appearing in a sidebar to the left of the screen -- the same sidebar that slides out from the left in mobile versions. To the right, you'll find the chat sidebar while the central section is occupied by your newsfeed.

It is possible to have the app running in the background at all times so you can receive notifications of messages and events as you get on with other things.

Being a Modern UI Windows 8.1 app, there's support for Snap view so status updates can be seen as you work in desktop apps. There are no settings to choose from within the app. If you try to visit Account Settings or Privacy Settings you'll be taken out of the app and transported to the Facebook website.

You need to be running the RTM version of Windows 8.1 (or the full version when available) if you want to install the app. Grab yourself a copy of it from the Windows Store.
And the winner of best security software for small business users is...

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 11:15am CEST par Ian Barker

Independent testing organization AV-comparatives has released the results of its 2013 Business Software Review. This looks at security software for smaller and medium businesses, taking as its basis a single site network with a Windows Server 2012 domain controller and 25 client PCs running a mix of Windows XP, 7 and 8.

The key thing here is that this is the type of business which may not have its own IT manager so the report considers the management and monitoring of the software from the viewpoint of someone who isn't a specialist in IT and only looks after the system part time.

The ten products tested were: AVIRA Endpoint Security 13.0, Bitdefender Cloud Security for Endpoints 5.1, ESET Endpoint Security 5.0, F-Secure Client Security 11.0, G DATA AntiVirus Business with Patch Management 12.0, Ikarus security.manager 4.2, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced 10.1, Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 10.2, Symantec Endpoint Protection12.1 and Webroot SecureAnywhere Endpoint Protection 8.0.

All of the packages were found to have a straightforward interface which shouldn't present problems for part-time system admins. However, Ikarus was noted as being more suitable for confident administrators, F-Secure may require some initial configuration by an IT professional, and ESET needs a little practice for users to find their way around.

Webroot, Symantec, G DATA and Bitdefender gained particular praise for their simple to use interfaces, making key information easy to access.

Overall the ten programs were found to be pretty evenly matched, all offering trouble-free installation and user-friendly interfaces for both console and client deployments. As a result all get AV-Comparatives Approved Business Product award thanks to no major flaws being found. It seems therefore that the best security package for smaller businesses is… All of them, so it will pay to compare features and shop around for a good deal. You can download the full, detailed findings of the report as a PDF.

Image Credit: alphaspirit/Shutterstock
Vizio unveils Co-Star LT, lite version leaves off Google TV

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 3:24am CEST par Alan Buckingham

Vizio Co-Star has remained one of the more popular set-top boxes for those looking for a Google TV experience. The tiny device brings along all of the features found in more expensive cousins from the likes of Sony, but with less of the big-name price. While rumors persist of an impending name-change for the search giant's foray into the living room, details of an updated media OS have been tough to come by.

Vizio, leaving nothing to chance, is hedging its bets with a new model of that Co-Star box that shuns Google TV...ah, Android TV...you get the picture. Instead, the television manufacturer is focusing on bringing its smart TV technology to, well, dumb TV's.

The Co-Star LT "includes the more intuitive smart TV platform, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus, as well as HDMI input and HDMI output, allowing users to browse apps while still watching live TV", according to the announcement.

The new box also comes along with second-screen technology for use on your smartphone or tablet, as well as built-in WiFi for those unwilling to hack walls for that ethernet connection.

Just because you aren't getting Google TV does not mean the box will be handicapped -- Vizio promises integration for Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime Video, iHeartRadio, M GO, Netflix, YouTube, VUDU and more. All of this will be intertwined with a new interface and support for HTML5.

"Committed to providing an exceptional experience with the latest technology, the Vizio Co-Star LT stream player not only adds smart TV features to standard HDTVs, but also delivers intuitive second screen interactivity", the company promises.

The Vizio Co-Star LT is available beginning today and retails for $79.99, which knocks $20 off the standard Co-Star set-top box. It's a small savings and, regardless of Vizio putting a good light on it, still lacks what Google brings to the experience. Despite its shortcomings, Google TV adds a web browser and access to Google Play, which makes up for a lot.
Verizon LG G2 -- an old-school Android smartphone [Review]

Publié: octobre 17, 2013, 1:38am CEST par Brian Fagioli

The Android operating system and school of thought are undergoing a major change; a sea change brought on by the Motorola Moto X and its voice interaction. After using it, I remarked that specifications and benchmarks melted away and I was enveloped in the experience. However, not everyone wants to interact with their smartphone using voice. Some people, myself sometimes included, just want to touch a big beautiful display and have the best specs and most bragging rights... and that's OK. People are different as is their usage.

The LG G2 represents Android's old-school, previous school of thought. It is fast and flashy and will trounce the Moto X in speed. However, the phone infamously has a new trick up its sleeve by assigning the buttons to the rear. This feature stole the focus from the device in the media and rightfully so. After all, it is an out-of-the-box approach that people just haven't seen before. I have been using this smartphone for a couple of weeks now and I finally feel ready to share what it is and what is isn't. At the end of this article, you will find out whether I can recommend it or not.

Upon removing the phone from the packaging, I was a little worried about the size. However, even though the G2 has a 5.2-inch screen, the bezel is so small that it is almost the same size as the Motorola Droid Maxx which has a 5-inch screen. In other words, LG has engineered a phone with a huge screen but minimized the footprint with a tiny bezel. I was pleasantly surprised by the feeling of the smartphone in my hand; not too big, more like just right. I have held a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and thought it was insanely too big. I think LG has found the sweet-spot.

Booting up the device was a normal affair -- other than pressing the power button on the rear. The screen was anything but normal; it is absolutely awe-inspiring. Once on the home screen, it was like a retina-orgasm -- colors popped and text was sharp. It is really a wonder to experience such a large and beautiful screen. Watching HD videos and scrolling through high-res pictures was a dream come true. From a multimedia standpoint, the G2 is a winner.

Typically, one of the first things I do on an Android phone is to install Nova launcher which gives a stock-like experience. However, I couldn't bring myself to do it on this device. You see, LG's launcher is in many ways superior to the stock launcher; it is exceptional. By long pressing the home screen, you can change wallpapers and widgets like most other launchers. However, in addition, you can also scroll through apps and add them too. While this sounds like a minor feature, I can assure you that it is not -- it is a huge time saver. Also, the pull-down menu is chock-full of options. While it comes close to being overwhelming, the big screen accommodates all the options comfortably.

LG's improvements do not stop there. Once in the app drawer, the user can select a cog-icon which will put it into edit mode. From here, users can uninstall multiple apps with ease. On other launchers, it is a one-by-one repetitive affair by dragging them one by one to the home screen and long-hovering to uninstall. Much like the home-screen improvements, I must ponder why Google does not bake these features in.

On the hardware font, the rear buttons are genius -- once you get used to them. I will admit that at first, I would constantly hit the wrong button. Instead of turning off the device, I would turn the volume up or down. However, with time my muscle memory kicked in and it became second nature. Rear buttons lend to an overall beautiful and sleek design that makes the phone feel futuristic.

Another ballyhooed feature is "Knock On" which allows the user to double-tap on the display to turn it on and off. I am very familiar with this one as it was already available for the Nokia Lumia 928 (to unlock) and Nexus 7 2013 (with the appropriate kernel). However, on the G2 it is very unreliable. From my testing, it works about 25 percent of the time. While the feature can be turned off, I chose not to. Why? Wireless charging.

Yes, the Verizon variant of the LG G2 is the only model with wireless charging. However, since the power button is on the rear, Knock On is the only way to turn the smartphone on without removing it from the Qi charging plate. And so, this is the only reason why I do not turn off the unreliable feature.

A phone's camera is a very important feature to me and the G2 is very impressive. It has a 13 MP back-facing camera with optical image stabilization. I have been using it as my main camera for both stills and video with excellent results. The HD videos I have taken for YouTube have exceeded my expectations. However, it still does not match the quality of my Nokia Lumia 928.

One of the most pressing issues for smartphone users is battery life. It is very frustrating to need to charge multiple times per day. I previously praised the wonderful Droid Maxx for its impressive performance thanks to its 3,500 mAh battery. However, the G2 has usurped Motorola's device even though it has a smaller 3,000 mAh battery. It is as if LG's flagship is magic... the battery just keeps going! With heavy usage, I can surpass two-days between charging.

Overall, the LG G2 is wonderful. With that said, I must maintain that the Moto X is the best Android phone -- for some people. For other people, the LG smartphone is the best device. Again, it comes down to which type of user you are. If you are "old-school" and you just want the best specs and hardware and you do not care about voice-interaction, the LG G2 is simply the best Android phone you can buy. If you are "new school" and looking for the ultimate Google experience, with voice interaction (and specs aren't as important), the Moto X is the best device for you. Either way, you can't go wrong... it is a great time to be an Android user.

What type of Android user are you, old-school or new-school? Tell me in the comments.