We wish all our readers a happy New Year, filled with health, wealth and happiness!
From the MSPoweruser.com team
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Saturday, December 31, 2016
Deal: NewEgg has Xbox One S 500GB console bundles for $229
While Microsoft may no longer have its console bundles discounted after the holiday season has officially passed, online retailer NewEgg has your back with its own discouncts matching even the lowest of Redmond's prices.
Right now you can grab either the Xbox One S 500GB Console – Minecraft Favorites Bundle or the Xbox One S 500 GB Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle for a special checkout price of only $229.99. Act quickly as shipping is free right now, with an estimated arrival date of January 11 in the US.
The deals are limited to 3 per buyer, and NewEgg is also offering a 3 yr warranty from SquareTrade for $34.99. You can find the Minecraft deal here, and the Battlefield deal here.
While you're at it, for the next 14 days you can also pick up an Xbox Wireless Controller for only $39.99 with free shipping, down from the original price of $59.99. However the black color is already sold out, so you're limited to white, though at this price it shouldn't matter at all.
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Ring in the new year with these apps for your Windows phone
2016 is just about over and the new year is upon us. Here are some all suggestions to make the most of New Years Eve (Old Years day).
Vinci
While Windows phone doesn't have Prisms, Vinci is more than an acceptable substitute for fans of the photo editing app/service. After all, if you don't have a heavily filtered image of the end of 2016, did it really happen?
WP-Appbox: Vinci (Free, Windows Store) →
With Instagram Stories, you can now share brief moments on Instagram with your family and friends.
WP-Appbox: Instagram (Free, Windows Store) →
Skype
Microsoft's Skype still offers one of the best video conferencing services slowing you to keep in touch with your family and friends across the globe.
WP-Appbox: Skype Preview (Free, Windows Store) →
Facebook Messenger/WhatsApp
Let's face it, Facebook is dominating the messaging scene right now. If you want to keep track of your friends plans, you wouldn't go amiss downloading one of these two apps.
WP-Appbox: Messenger (Free, Windows Store) →
WP-Appbox: WhatsApp (Free, Windows Store) →
Yummly
An oldie, but a goodie. Improve your cocktail game with the Cocktail flow app for Windows phone.
WP-Appbox: Yummly (Free, Windows Store) →
Groove Music/Spotify
Spice up the party with your favorite tunes using either Microsoft's excellent Groove Music app or Spotify's near ubiquitous app.
WP-Appbox: Groove Music (Free, Windows Store) →
WP-Appbox: Spotify (Free, Windows Store) →
6tin/Tinder
Need a last minute date? Tinder is available for Windows phones via these two third party apps and offers opportunities for all genders and orientations.
WP-Appbox: 6tin (Free+, Windows Store) →
Netflix
Nothing like a quiet night in binging Sense8, Daredevil or Stranger Things to start the year off quietly.
WP-Appbox: Netflix (Free, Windows Store) →
Uber
While some cities are offering free transport from New Year's Eve to the 2nd of January, getting home by Uber is still a safe and convenient method for people who may be less inclined to travel by public transport after a night out.
WP-Appbox: Uber (Free, Windows Store) →
Are you excited for 2017? Let us know in the comments below.
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Bitcoin Currency Format Support Coming Soon To Microsoft Excel on Desktop and Mobile
Microsoft is working on BitCoin format support in Excel. When this feature becomes available, users can use Excel to track, calculate and analyze Bitcoin data using native Bitcoin number formatting options. This new feature will be first rolled out to Excel 2016 for Windows, Excel Online, Excel Mobile for Windows and Excel Mobile for Android.
This feature is expected to be available in the first half of 2017.
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Microsoft granted a patent for a transparent camera
Microsoft has been granted a patent for the seemingly impossible – a transparent camera.
The patent is in fact only for a transparent camera housing – the cover for the lens and sensors which prevent stray light from hitting the sensor and interfering with your image being recorded, but which Microsoft notes forms the bulk of the assembly..
The trick is that the camera sensors Microsoft are interested in are only for recording infra-red or ultra-violet light, as used by the Windows Hello face recognition or Kinect range-finding cameras.
Their patent would use a camera housing which was transparent to visible light and opaque to infra-red light, and would make the cameras less visually obtrusive when used in near eye displays like the HoloLens headset or its successors.
As can be seen in diagram above, the camera could be pointed towards the eye, and used for eye tracking, or pointed outwards, and used for range finding and environmental sensing.
The innovation is just one of a number of recent HoloLens patents which suggests the headset is the subject of intense research and development in Microsoft, and we will hopefully see the fruits of this work in the next version of the headset due towards the end of 2017.
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Microsoft accidentally spurs “browser fight” with erroneous tweet
Microsoft's Edge browser is many things. It provides the best battery life for Windows 10 portable devices, it is very light on RAM, it's quick to start-up, all good things. What it doesn't have – as Microsoft failed to remember – is any substantially interesting differentiating features. Yesterday (or last year, or two days ago depending on where you are), Microsoft's Edge Twitter account tweeted that Edge was "The only browser that lets you pin and preview tabs".
Clearly, Microsoft's browser competitors couldn't resist correcting the record with Opera noting in faux shock that they were "also the only browser to do this".
Smaller browsers Vivaldi and Brave also confirmed that they too were the "only" browsers with this unique feature.
Lighthearted jabs aside, Microsoft is planning to improve Edge substantially in 2017 with features being planned to expand Edge from more than a simple web browser and PDF reader. Microsoft is expected to include Wallet integration into Edge, support an e-book store in addition to the e-book capabilities it currently has in insider preview builds and more.
It's still worth noting that Edge has some issues with freezing and stability, with more users opting for Chrome and other browsers over Edge and Microsoft's decimated share of the mobile market ensuring Edge's mobile footprint is somewhere between irrelevant and nonexistent.
Nevertheless, perhaps next year Microsoft will truly have some useful "exclusive" features to tweet about in Edge.
Are you excited about Microsoft Edge in 2017? Let us know in the comments below.
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How to run themes on your Windows 10 device right now
A Windows theme is essentially a file which includes a collection of images for wallpapers, sounds, and other effects. Once installed, the theme helps customize the visual appearance of the Windows PC to some degree.
For instance, installing a nature theme on your Windows 10 PC would result in your sounds being replaced by sounds of the jungle, as well as images of various fauna and flora replacing your wallpaper.
Unlike Android devices, Windows themes do not change the appearance of the default and installed apps with the exception of the accent color.
That being said, Microsoft is making it easier for Windows users to install themes in Windows 10 from the Creators Update by adding theme packs to the Windows Store. For users who want to use Microsoft's theme packs on their Windows 7, 8 or 10 PCs before the update is released – it remains simple enough,
- Navigate to this Microsoft's online theme repository here.
- Select the theme pack you want, Microsoft offers several theme packs from weather themed ones to nature, to movie themes and more.
- Download the theme.
- Navigate to "Settings" > "Personalization" > "Themes" or "Control Panel" > "Appearance and Personalization" > "Personalization"
- You will find a section that allows you to customize your theme settings.
- Select the theme and apply it
While Microsoft is planning to make theme installation much easier and less convoluted in the Windows 10 Creators Update, for users who want to use themes right now without waiting – this is undoubtedly the best solution.
Are you using themes on your Windows PC? Let us know in the comments below.
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Coming to Windows 10 Mobile in early 2017: Web Payments, improvements to Edge, Settings, Windows Update, and more
Earlier this week, we reported about a handful features coming to Windows 10 PCs in 2017 — this includes improvements to Microsoft Edge, the Settings app, Windows themes, Blue Light Reduction, and more. Some of these features are coming to Windows 10 Mobile in 2017 as well, but not all of the features are available just yet. It has been a while since Windows 10 Mobile saw any major updates in the Insider preview when compared to Windows 10 PCs but looks like Microsoft will have some features for Insiders soon. Screenshots sent to MSPU revealed some of the upcoming changes (they're pretty nice, but they are not very huge), so let's take a quick look.
Microsoft Edge
Firstly, Microsoft is introducing a couple of improvements to Microsoft Edge. The company is introducing a major new feature called Web Payments on Windows 10 PCs and Windows 10 Mobile — this feature was available for PCs with build 14986 but it is also available on one of the latest Windows 10 Mobile internal builds. Web Payments will basically make the payment process on the websites that support the Payment Request API a lot easier — you can get a deeper look at Web Payments on Windows 10 Mobile here.
Microsoft is also revamping the hub on Edge in Windows 10 Mobile to make it look similar to the PC interface. The browser now shows a bit more information about the different options available in the Hub, along with a neat little graphic similar to Windows 10 PCs.
Another feature Microsoft is working on Edge is an integrated book store which will possibly allow users to save/bookmark EPUB books — this is a feature which will build-up on some of the EPUB features Microsoft added recently, this includes support for EPUB files and a very nice UI to make the viewing experience a lot better.
Settings
Similar to Windows 10 PC, a range of new updates are coming to Windows 10 Mobile's Settings app as well. Firstly, Microsoft has re-organized some of the sections in the Settings app to make navigating around the app much easier. For instance, the Settings app has a whole new section for Apps where users can find more details about the installed apps, reset them, and more.
Microsoft has also revamped the Devices section similar to the recent improvements that we saw on Windows 10 PCs. The company has tweaked the UI for the connected devices, which now shows separate categories for the different type of devices that are connected to your device. In addition to this, the Add a device UI has also been improved slightly.
Another feature that's making its way to Windows 10 Mobile is the ability to pause updates in Windows Update for up to 35 days. It's unlikely you will be using this feature in Windows 10 Mobile, but if you need to or don't want to install a build at a certain point, you can simply use this feature to pause it and install it later.
Oh, there's a new icon for Continue App Experiences too.
View 3D
Microsoft recently added a new View 3D app to Windows 10 PCs which essentially allows users to view 3D content on their device. This feature is also making its way to Mobile devices as it's now pre-installed in one of the latest internal builds. At the moment, View 3D only allows you to view 3D content (3MF, PLY, OBJ, FBX, and STL files) but in the future users will likely be able to capture 3D content similar to what Microsoft announced back in October.
These are just some of the new stuff that'll be coming to Insiders in January. The company is yet to add any major features to Windows 10 Mobile for the Creators Update release, but it's expected to introduce a couple of big features for Continuum with Redstone 2.
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First look: Windows 10 Mobile’s upcoming Web Payments feature aims to make payments on the web simpler
Microsoft recently announced that the company will be integrating the Payment Request API into Microsoft Edge with the Windows 10 Creators Update. The feature isn't available on Windows 10 PCs, but we were able to get a sneak peak at how the feature will look and work on Windows 10 Mobile — so here's a quick look:
Web Payments on Microsoft Edge will basically integrate with Microsoft Wallet to make the payment process a lot simpler and seamless. When you purchase something from a website that supports the Payment Request API, you will be taken to Microsoft Wallet where you will need to login to your Microsoft Account and setup Wallet. Once setup, Microsoft Edge will automatically log you in the next time you try to purchase something on a website that supports the Payment Request API.
The feature will automatically use the payment methods from your Microsoft Account, making it much easier to pay online as you will not have to manually add your credit card details everytime you buy something. But of course, if you want to use a different payment method, you can do that too.
Web Payments on Microsoft Edge is definitely a very neat feature — unfortunately though, the Payment Request API is a fairly new API which is yet to be supported by major browsers on both desktops and mobile devices. Along with Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome is the only browser that supports the Payment Request API on PCs and Android devices — leaving out Apple's Safari and Mozilla's Firefox browsers which are also widely used. It will take a while until the Payment Request API is the standard for online retail as it is only available on a select number of browsers so far — but it may start showing up across the web in a few years time when more browsers start supporting the API.
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Microsoft running training sessions for prospective Microsoft Team customers
Microsoft is giving companies the opportunity to sample Microsoft's new Teams collaboration product as part of its Customer Immersion Experience service.
In the 90-minute session businesses will be able to take part in an online round table discussion with a trained facilitator and then transitions into a live environment in the cloud running on an online remote desktop.
During the interactive online session, potential buyers will be able to explore how to use Teams to improve collaboration, how to integrate the service with other Office 365 apps, build customized options for each team and personalize the service.
The sessions will also explore security and compliance, a strength of the Teams service, and also how to get immediate productivity gains.
Each session is open to 12 participants and is available via reservation. U.S. customers can register her and those outside the U.S. here.
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Friday, December 30, 2016
Developer Submission: Talkinator goes open-source!
The year is coming to an end, yet we wanted to make the Talkinator end this year with a bang! We've updated the design to make it even easier to use (and to make it look a lot better!) and we've completely disabled ads for everyone!
To make things even better, we completely open-sourced the app! You can check the code (or make your own fork) here: http://ift.tt/2hDOqfu
All right, time for the full changelog:
v1.3.5.0 (29-12-2016):
– NEW: Talkinator is now open-source! Check the source code here: http://ift.tt/2hDOqfu
– NEW: Added a banner to our Patreon-page.
– NEW: Go directly to the systems Speech-settings (to install new voices) by tapping the icon next to the list of installed voices.
– IMPROVED: New layout to make the app even easier to use! (and to make it a tad sexier ;P)
– IMPROVED: Improved navigation with the Xbox-controller.
– IMPROVED: Various cleanups in the code to make the app run better.
– REMOVED: Removed advertisements completely for everyone. Thank you so much for all your support!
We hope you'll all enjoy the new looks of the app. If you like our work, support us on Patreon! We'll be giving away a free code for the digital Retro City Rampage Soundtrack to one lucky Patreon of us on January 1st, so be sure to become one before the end of the year at http://ift.tt/2hVqqAG!
Thank you all so much for your support this year, and on to an even more awesome 2017!
WP-Appbox: Talkinator (Free, Windows Store) →
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Deal: Get ‘Halo 5: Guardians’ for Xbox One for only $19.99 from Best Buy
As part of Best Buy's daily deals, you can pick up 'Halo 5: Guardians' for Xbox One for only $19.99. That's $20 off of the original price of $39.99.
A mysterious and unstoppable force threatens the galaxy, the Master Chief is missing and his loyalty questioned. Experience the most dramatic Halo story to date in a 4-player cooperative epic that spans three worlds. Challenge friends and rivals in new multiplayer modes: Warzone, massive 24-player battles, and Arena, pure 4-vs-4 competitive combat.
Features Include:
An intense new story on a galactic scale: Play as the Master Chief and Spartan Locke as the hunt plays out across three new worlds.
Your team is your weapon: Choose how to achieve objectives while playing solo with AI teammates or with friends in a 4-player cooperative experience using your Xbox Live 14-day Gold trial.1
Warzone: New, massive-scale multiplayer mode that supports 24-player battles with both friendly and enemy AI dropping in. It's nonstop action when you confront Spartans, Covenant, and Forerunners while trying to complete a variety of objectives.
Arena: Halo's established legacy of pure, skill-based 4-vs-4 competitive combat.
New rewards system: Earn Requisition Points throughout the multiplayer experience, redeemable for REQ packs that deliver new gear, weapons, vehicles, and more.
Extensive Multiplayer Content: Receive more than 15 new free maps and earn fresh, new content like weapons and gear, each month after launch.1
1Offer cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash, or combined with any other offer. Offer is not valid on prior Xbox Live Gold membership purchases.
After 14-day trial, online multiplayer features require Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately). Monthly Updates from December 2015 through June 2016. Download from Xbox Live; ISP fees apply. Dates and content subject to change.
You can take advantage of this deal here, along with other deals like EA's UFC 2, which is discounted $20 to $39.99.
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How to change the default search engine to Google in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
While Microsoft has made a case for setting and using Bong in Windows 10 as your default search browser in Microsoft Edge, there are various reasons one might one to switch to a different search provider for personal use.
For instance, one might prefer to use Google lover Bing for better search results across the board and in non-US countries(which Microsoft still has problems acknowledging the existence of) or DuckDuckGo for increased privacy when searching the web.
While Microsoft doesn't let you manually select and configure the search engine URL yourself, it is still relatively easy for users to change the default Edge search engine by following a few steps.
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge, all you'll have to do is to follow the following steps;
- Navigate to Google.com (or regional/preferred search engine of your choice) This should trigger the autodiscovery mechanism in Edge which allows users to choose a default search engine from a bevy of options.
- . Navigate to Edge settings by clicking or tapping on the (…) button.
- . Click on "view Advanced Settings.".
- Navigate to the option which says "Search in the address bar with …". If you're still on the default settings, Bing should be highlighted for you already.
- Click on "Change search engine". The system will now show you a list of search engines whose home pages you may have visited – in this case – Google.
- Select Google (substitute for search engine of choice)
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Developer Submission: Wallpaper Studio 10, the ultimate background wallpaper app, is now available on Xbox One
The number one wallpaper application on Windows Store, Wallpaper Studio 10, now available on Xbox One. If you want to personalize your console, give it a fresh look every day Wallpaper Studio 10 is the right choice for you.
Wallpaper Studio 10 offers you over 30,000 high-quality HD and UltraHD images to help your device better reflect your personality. If you want to sync your favorite wallpapers across your Windows 10 PC, Windows 10 phone, Windows Holographic and Microsoft Band 2, Wallpaper Studio 10 is the app that allows you to do just that. Wallpaper Studio 10 syncs all your Windows 10 devices with one click.
Upload and get likes for your own wallpapers and share them with tens of thousands of users.
Gallery
Features:
- Upload your own wallpapers and share them with tens of thousands of users. (Not available on Xbox One)
- Ability to save wallpapers or to use any of your Windows 10 device as Background or Lock Screen wallpaper with one click (Lock screen not available on Xbox One)
- Create your own folders and slide show
- Daily new pictures
- Search through categorized wallpapers, tags & colors
- The most popular wallpapers within reach
- Save and view your Favorite wallpapers
- Sort the wallpapers by date or popularity
- Rate and share wallpapers
- Microsoft Band themes, color schema & wallpapers (Not available on Xbox One)
You can download Wallpaper Studio 10 from the Windows Store for free.
WP-Appbox: Wallpaper Studio 10 (Free+, Windows Store) →
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Get a 7 day free trial for Xbox One UFC app
The #1 App for the UFC Fan
Watch UFC Pay-Per-View events live. Subscribe to UFC FIGHT PASS digital streaming service, giving you access to exclusive live events, the largest Fight Library ever, and more.
With only an Xbox Live membership, UFC is giving away a 7 day free trial for its UFC FIGHT PASS. With the fight pass you can watch live International UFC Fight Nights, have access to the largest MMA library, and enjoy premier original exclusive content! The UFC app allows users to watch PPV events live and re-watch them as many times you like in a 24 hour period. You also get tons of original programming, like Fightography, Pioneers of MMA, and much more.
EA released its 'UFC 2' earlier this year on the Xbox One to pretty positive reviews, which just recently became free for users with EA Access.
You can sign up for the 7 day free trial for the UFC app here.
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Xbox Live gamers can grab ‘Forza Motorsport 6’ for free until Dec. 31
For those of you looking to nab a free title for you new Xbox One S console, you'll be happy to know that Xbox Turkey rewards is giving away a free copy of 'Forza Motorsport 6'. To get your game, all you have to do is register here with your email address and the GamerTag for your Xbox Live ID. To be eligible, gamers must have been active on Xbox Live in the past seven days.
Though the promotion is through Xbox Turkey, users from varying countries have reported success with downloading the game. The codes will be sent within 30 days.
Forza Motorsport 6 was released exclusively for the Xbox One in 2015, and features new gameplay elements, such as rain and night racing. It also features a new story mode called "Stories of Motorsport", which offers approximately 70 hours of gameplay. 'Forza Motorsport 6' features more than 450 cars, more than twice the number of cars in its predecessor 'Forza Motorsport 5'.
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Deal Alert: All DC TV shows 50% off at the Windows Store today only
If you have cut the cord and are looking to catch up on some super hero inspired TV Microsoft has a deal for you to tide you over the remains of the holiday season.
Today only they are offering 50% off on all DC TV series.
The list includes the 3 seasons of the Flash (for $22.99 vs $44.99), the 5 seasons of The Arrow for only $19.99, and 10 seasons of Smallville for only $14.99, and many more.
Grab the deal before it doubles in price at the Windows Store here.
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Microsoft stops selling Lumia in the USA
After its newest Lumia went out of stock in the USA, Microsoft has finally stopped selling phones from the Lumia line in the USA and several other regions.
First spotted by Neowin, both people who inexplicably want to buy a Windows phone a the end of 2016 will find that Microsoft no longer offers them in the USA. In fact, buyers are prompted to instead purchase the low-end Acer M330 phones, or the HP Elite x3 instead.
This isn't limited to the US, however, in Ireland Microsoft no longer sells any Windows phones at all – Lumia or otherwise. In the France, only the Lumia 550 remains at a reduced price. In the UK, while all the Lumia devices are listed in the store, upon clicking the individual entries, potential buyers are advised that the devices in question are now out of stock.
Windows phone fans who want to make do with the platforms are now faced with expensive phones such as the HP Elite x3, the Alcatel Idol 4S (T-Mobile exclusive for now and Acer's aging Jade Primo. There are a bunch of low-end phones here and there, but there are mostly terrible and we do not recommend them.
Microsoft was rumored to have shuttered production of the Lumia line with the Lumia 650 being the final chapter of the Lumia story. While it is uncertain whether Microsoft would be getting back into the phone market again, reports by trusted sources place the earliest possible incursions by Microsoft into this market as late as Spring 2018 with the mythical "Surface Phone".
Would you want to buy another Windows phone? Let us know in the comments below.
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Samsung Smart Switch app updated with support for Windows 10 Mobile devices
Samsung Smart Switch app allows users to move their contacts, music, photos, calendar, text messages, device settings and more to their new Samsung Galaxy device. A few months back, Samsung released a new update for this app with support for Windows Phone devices. Today, Samsung updated its Smart Switch app with support for Windows 10 Mobile devices.
If you own a Windows 10 Mobile device and you are planning to buy a new Galaxy device, you can use this updated app to transfer your content with ease. Also, you don't need any cable to perform this transfer since it supports wireless transfer.
Download this updated app here from Play Store.
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Deal: Get Gears of War 4 Xbox One Edition for $24.99
Gears of War 4 Xbox One game is now available for just $25 from BestBuy in the US. A new saga begins for one of the most acclaimed video game franchises in history. After narrowly escaping an attack on their village, JD Fenix and his friends, Kait and Del, must rescue the ones they love and discover the source of a monstrous new enemy.
For a limited time, Gears of War 4 includes the entire Xbox 360 Gears of War collection for use on Xbox One! Includes Xbox 360 titles Gears of War, Gears of War 2, Gears of War 3 and Gears of War: Judgment.
Find the deal from BestBuy using the below link,
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Samsung rumoured to release two new Windows 10 tablets at CES
Samsung has not released a new Windows 10 tablet in recent months, making the prolific hardware manufacturer due for an update.
SamMobile, who in August revealed that Samsung is working on a new Galaxy Tab Pro S2 running Windows 10, has heard that the Korean company plans to launch two new Windows 10 tablets at CES.
They expect the tablet to be designated the SM-W720, a successor to the existing Galaxy TabPro S (SM-W700) and to feature a 12-inch Super AMOLED display (2160×1440 pixels) — which is exactly what the original TabPro S sports and come with an Intel Core M processor.
The other tablet is expected to be the SM-W620, a lower end model with a small display and lower specifications.
Samsung's original Galaxy TabPro S was pretty well-received, and was a pretty good alternative to Microsoft's own Surface devices. It offered a high-end Windows 10-powered tablet powered by an Intel Core M processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, 5,200mAh battery with fast charging support, 12-inch 2160×1440 pixel resolution Super AMOLED display, 5-megapixel front and rear camera, USB Type-C and more.
Samsung also included some extra features to the device, including things like integration with Galaxy smartphones.
It will be very interesting to see if the company does something special with the upcoming Galaxy TabPro S2, rather than just bumping up the specifications. Microsoft is also expected to introduce its new generation of Surface devices sometime soon, and Samsung would definitely want to make sure its devices are capable of competing with Microsoft's Surface devices.
We will be reporting heavily on CES so keep an eye on the site for more information about the Galaxy TabPro S2 if it does arrive.
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Deal Alert: Snag a 200GB Micro SD card from Amazon for just $63
Out of space of your Surface or Windows phone? Amazon is offering the 200GB Sandisk Micro SD memory card for jut $63 in the USA today.
- Ideal for premium Android-based smartphones and tablets
- Transfer up to 1200 photos a minute with premium transfer speed of up to 90MB/s
- Holds up to 20 hours of Full HD video
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback
- Water proof, temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof and magnet proof
- Comes with SD adapter for use in MIL cameras
The Micro SD card also supports Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile devices with its extended support for external storage allowing you to install apps, games, and download media on it.
The deal is available from Amazon from the source link below.
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‘Belize’ is Microsoft’s upcoming cross-platform ‘digital memories’ service
More than 8 months ago, we reported about an upcoming service from Microsoft which plans to change how people view and share photos and videos. And now, it seems like the service will be called "Belize" and it will be a cross-platform service with apps for Android and iOS. As for Windows 10 devices, the feature will likely be integrated into the Microsoft Photos app which comes pre-installed with Windows 10, but Microsoft may end up releasing a separate UWP app for Belize.
This information actually comes from some files of the Microsoft Photos app in Windows 10 — there are a couple of files for Belize, including the logo itself (which you can see above), and a handful of intro music which will likely be used for videos made with Belize. Additionally, there's also a couple of images with QR codes which link to HockeyApp for the official Android, iOS, and Windows 10 apps — but these links are private at the moment.
As we previously reported, Belize is being built by Microsoft's Evoke Studio (along with its OneDrive and MSR teams) which is under the company's Windows Apps Studio team. Evoke studio also published a couple of vacancies earlier this year for its new service, which gave us a pretty clear idea about the service:
We're building a service to complement our Evoke client applications. This new service will run revolutionary computer vision and machine learning algorithms over billions of digital assets to create a new realm of possibilities, and transform how people tell their stories and preserve their memories through photos and videos. The collection and subsequent high scale analysis of digital assets enables us to derive information that enables a much richer, more personalized digital memory experience for our users.
Belize seems like a very interesting service from Microsoft which may just change how you share photos and videos in Windows 10. We'll have to wait and see how this service actually looks and works when the service is officially released — so keep an eye on MSPU for more on Belize in the near future.
Thanks to our reader Vitor M. for the tip!
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Suppliers peg Surface Pro 5 release date for the first quarter of 2017
Microsoft may have refreshed its Surface Book earlier this year, but fans of the firm's previous ultrabook attempts have been left wondering about a refresh to the more ambitious Surface Pro devices.
Although this doesn't count as confirmation, we now have a report from one of Microsoft's suppliers- Pegatron (via Digitimes) – claiming the device is due for release in the first quarter of 2017.
According to Digitimes, the new Surface will feature an Ultra HD display and "magnetic charging" (it is unclear whether this refers to the current magnetic connector of the Surface Pro family or a new technology altogether.)
The report also notes that Microsoft has considered adding a new supplier to the Surface like – Quanta Computer – although whether this is due to improved sales forecasts or other factors is not entirely clear.
This tallies up with earlier rumors of the device coming in March 2017, possibly side by side with the new Windows 10 Creators Update.
It is unknown whether Microsoft will also update the Surface Pro 4's connectors to include USB Type C and/or change the size and aspect ratio. While many PC manufacturers have moved on to USB Type C in their devices, Microsoft has oddly enough not adopted the new standard in its newer devices, instead sticking to a combination of its own proprietary Surface Connect adapter and legacy USB ports on its Surface devices. Much like Apple's iPhones, Microsoft has seemingly kept to a ticktock update scenario with the Surface Pro line so far – meaning the Surface Pro family is just about due for more than a spec bump.
What are you expecting from the new Surface? Let us know in the comments below.
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2016’s Microsoft Moments
Vernon E. L. Smith and Andrew Bennett are back again for the last episode of 2016! This week both Vernon and Andrew look at some of their favorite Microsoft moments from the past year.
You can listen to the podcast on SoundCloud above, or watch the video here:
You can subscribe to the MSPoweruser Podcast below:
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Kodi for Windows nearing final release, updated with new Touch-friendly UI
A few months ago Kodi posted their iconic Xbox Media Centre-derived media player to the Windows Store as a Centennial app.
The award-winning app is a free and open source cross-platform software media player and entertainment hub for digital media for HTPCs (Home theater PCs). It uses a 10-foot user interface designed to be a media player for the living-room, using a remote control as the primary input device. Its graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to easily browse and view videos, photos, podcasts, and music from a harddrive, optical disc, local network, and the internet using only a few buttons.
Now the app has been updated to version 17, code-named Krypton, which is the release candidate. The update also brings an improved Touch-friendly user interface called Estouchy and other significant changes and improvements, including a smart playlists implementation on the home screen to automatically show you what probably interests you the most.
See screen shots of the app below:
Gallery : Kodi media player
You can get the Kodi app for Windows 10 only from the link below and read about all the improvements at Kodi here.
WP-Appbox: Kodi (Free, Windows Store) →
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