Microsoft releases Office 2016 -- upgrade today!

Office 365

If you’ve been waiting for the latest version of Microsoft Office, we have some good news for you. The newest addition to Office 365, Microsoft’s cloud-based subscription service, is available to download now.

Office 2016 delivers new versions of the desktop apps for Windows, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Project, Visio and Access. Office 365 subscribers can choose to download the new Office 2016 apps as part of their subscription (automatic updates will begin rolling out to consumers and small-businesses next month). The new suite is also available to buy for a one-off fee from today.

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CCleaner is now available in the cloud

ccleaner4-200x175

If you want to clear out temporary files and other left over junk on your computer’s hard drive, Piriform’s CCleaner is arguably the best free solution.

For the past two years, the publisher has been working on a web-based version of CCleaner called Project Agomo. The service was in private beta, so to use it you needed to register your interest and await an invite. That all changes from today however, as Project Agomo is no more. Say hello to its replacement -- CCleaner Cloud.

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Apple Watch owners rejoice -- watchOS 2 is finally available to install

Apple Watch

The latest version of the OS that powers Apple’s first wearable was supposed to be released last week, on the same day that iOS 9 hit devices. However, a last minute bug delayed things, leaving Watch owners like myself disappointed.

Since it was only the one -- albeit major -- bug delaying things it was always going to be a case of the updated OS being held back by no more than few days, and today Apple has finally (and quietly) released the new version. If you own an Apple Watch, you can update it now.

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Fix Windows 10 problems with these troubleshooting tools from Microsoft

Windows 10 solution

Upgrading to Windows 10 from either Windows 7 or 8.1 should go smoothly and be relatively painless afterwards, but we know from the enduring popularity of features such as How to fix Windows 10's worst problems that it often isn’t the case.

Microsoft also knows that upgraders are encountering all sorts of issues with the new OS, and so has put together a selection of automated troubleshooters designed to fix problems you might be having post-upgrade.

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Amazon goes after gamers with the new Fire TV Gaming Edition

Fire TV gaming

As well as refreshing its Fire TV and Fire TV Stick streaming hardware, Amazon has also introduced a new variation of its set top box aimed squarely at gamers.

The new Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition combines the updated Amazon Fire TV box with a game controller, a 32 GB microSD card, and two free games: Shovel Knight and Disney’s Ducktales.

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Amazon revamps its TV products, adds support for 4K Ultra HD streaming and voice control

Amazon TV and Fire stick

Clearly not fazed in the slightest by the new Apple TV, Amazon today introduces a new version of its own set top box, Fire TV. This new version is 75 percent more powerful than the older model, and offers Alexa support, and 4K Ultra HD streaming.

Alexa, the brain behind Amazon’s Echo, handles all voice requests, meaning you can now ask your Fire TV for music, information, weather, traffic, and more. There’s also a new Fire TV Stick with Voice Control.

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Amazon announces three new tablets -- Fire HD, Fire, and Fire Kids Edition

Fire HD

It’s been a while since we’ve seen new tablets from Amazon, but today the retail giant revamps its range with three new low-cost devices.

The all-new Fire HD has, according to Amazon, been redesigned from the "ground up for entertainment" and is available in 8 inch or 10.1 inch trims.

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Bad news for Apple Watch owners, watchOS 2 won't be released today after all

Apple Watch

As an Apple Watch owner I’ve been excitedly awaiting the arrival of the next generation of watchOS for my device. I really like Watch, but it’s currently fairly limited. The updated OS gains support for native apps (you’ll be able to run apps on the Watch not just mirroring them from your iPhone) and there are new communication features, improved Siri functionality and additional faces to look forward to as well.

Unfortunately, while watchOS 2 was set to be made available later today, the discovery of a major bug has scuppered those plans.

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Will you buy an Apple iPhone 6s? [Poll]

Apple iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Over the weekend my colleague Brian Fagioli revealed he'd pre-ordered his first iPhone, and detailed the reasons for making the switch from Android. He opted for the 128 GB super-sized 6s Plus model.

I also pre-ordered the new Apple phone over the weekend. My reasons for doing so aren’t exactly worthy of a special post -- I have an iPhone 5s and it’s time to upgrade. As much as I like my wife’s HTC One M9, and most of Samsung’s flagship phones, I love the iPhone, and its apps, and the 6s offers enough new functionality -- 3D Touch in particular -- to make upgrading a no brainer. I also opted for the 128 GB size, but I went with the pocket-friendly iPhone 6s. No plus size for me, thanks.

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Happy birthday Mario! Nintendo's iconic game character turns 30 [Infographic]

Mario

30 years ago today, iconic Italian plumber Mario made his first appearance in the legendary Super Mario Bros.

Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario remains Nintendo’s most enduring -- and recognizable -- creation, and while the hardware his games appear on might have changed considerably over the past three decades, Mario himself is still the same lovable character he’s always been.

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Remove unwanted Windows 10 upgrade files from Windows 7 and Windows 8.x

Delete Keyboard Key Button

Microsoft has reportedly been downloading Windows 10 installation files on to computers running Windows 7 and 8.x, regardless of whether the users plan to upgrade to the new OS or not.

If you’re thinking of making the switch, and have requested an upgrade, that is fair enough. But if you’re more than happy to stick with your older OS for now, you might not be too happy about Microsoft cluttering up your hard drive with junk install files you don’t want. Fortunately, removing these files is easy enough.

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Upgrade to Windows 10 and win a trip to New York

NYC

If you haven’t already upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft has another incentive for you to make the switch. The tech giant is offering upgraders the chance to win a trip for two to New York, with flights and hotel accommodation included.

The competition is to celebrate the grand opening of Microsoft’s flagship store and the winner will have front of line access to the store, and also VIP concert tickets with a meet and greet with the (as yet unnamed) band at the grand opening concert. They’ll also receive Microsoft hardware including Surface Pro 3, Xbox One and Microsoft Band.

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How to find the wallpapers and lock screen images in Windows 10

Windows 10 lock screen

I quite like the look of Windows 10, and the images that come with it, but like all previous versions of Microsoft’s operating system it’s easily customizable.

Changing the look of the wallpaper and lock screen is done through Start, Settings, Personalization, and you can spice things up with your own photos. But what if you want to view the default images? Windows 10 stores them in a less-than-obvious place.

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iOS 9 gets an official release date

iOS 9 edited

The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system was announced three months ago, and developers and brave beta testers have been able to try it for a while. What we didn’t know -- until today -- was when the latest iteration would be available to the world at large.

If you’ve been waiting for iOS 9 the great news is you don’t have too much longer to go. The updated Apple OS will be available to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users from September 16.

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Oh yes, there's a new iPad mini too

ipad mini 4 edited

The big iPad news coming out of Apple today was undoubtedly the new super-sized iPad Pro, but it wasn’t the only iPad mentioned. While there’s no sign of a successor to last year’s iPad Air 2 (rumors say that’s not expected until next year) Apple did mention -- in passing -- a new iPad mini 4.

This is the first update of the smallest iPad in nearly two years, and it’s been worth the wait.

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