SoftMaker FreeOffice 2016 improves performance and interoperability with Microsoft Office
SoftMaker Software has released SoftMaker FreeOffice 2016, a brand new version of its office suite for Windows and Linux that’s free for both personal and commercial use.
The new release comes with the promise of improved performance as well as better compatibility with Microsoft Office documents. It also includes a number of new features and tweaks, confined largely to the suite’s presentation and spreadsheet components.
Minecraft fans, here's how to score MINECON 2016 tickets
Minecraft isn't just a game, it's a phenomenon. When I go shopping at a store like Target, I see toys, clothes, and more featuring things from the game. When Microsoft bought it for $2.5 billion, I thought it was crazy, but between merchandising and other potential revenue generating aspects, it could end up being a bargain.
If you are a super-fan of Minecraft, you are no doubt planning to attend MINECON 2016 -- a conference for both players and developers to come together and celebrate the game. Today, Microsoft announces crucial details for scoring tickets, so you need to pay attention.
Microsoft makes Skype free for Ecuador earthquake victims, Canon donates money to Japan
In the past week the world has suffered several earthquakes, striking firstly in Japan and then in Ecuador. Both were followed by aftershocks that still continue and each robbed the world of lives. It's a tragedy with broad repercussions, as family members from around the world seek word on their loved ones.
Microsoft immediately jumped in to offer free Skype calls to Japan and now the software giant is doing the same for those with family in Ecuador.
Windows 10 Mobile to support upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 processor
One of the biggest mistakes that Microsoft has made with Windows Phone is not adding support for the latest hardware in time. For instance, while Android flagships were coming out with quad-core chips and 1080p displays, for a long period of time after smartphones running the tiled operating system still had to make due with puny dual-core chips and lesser 720p screens.
Fortunately, this is a mistake that Microsoft will not repeat with Windows 10 Mobile. The company appears to be forward-thinking this time around, as its new smartphone operating system supports all the latest hardware -- including even a yet to be released high-end processor from Qualcomm.
What the future holds for Wi-Fi
Throughout its more than 20-year existence, Wi-Fi has evolved to be ever faster. That evolution continues but arguably it has already reached a point where home broadband, device processors and other limitations mean that greater speeds are not of benefit to most. So where next, if anywhere, for Wi-Fi?
Of course, the continued success of Wi-Fi is in little doubt. It is in almost every home in the developed world. Wi-Fi chips are embedded in every phone, tablet, laptop and computing device. We send ever-more data each year across WiFi. It has been said that if you want to hold a family conference, go to the room in the house where the router sits, turn it off, and wait a few minutes.
Microsoft's Outlook app gains Android Wear support
Smartwatches cannot do much on their own, but with some apps they can quickly be turned into useful gadgets. The good news is that major developers are paying attention to this market, slowly adding support for the two main platforms: Apple Watch and Android Wear.
In the case of Outlook, Microsoft's popular email client for Android and iOS, support for Apple Watch arrived first, in August of last year, and now it is the turn of Android Wear to receive the same treatment. Here is what you need to know.
How to say goodbye to Windows 10 and revert to your previous operating system
Personally I think Windows 10 is a great operating system. It’s a bit unfinished still, but the Anniversary Update coming in July will fix a lot of the problems, and also introduce additional features. That said, I can fully understand why some people might decide Windows 10 is not for them and opt to roll back to a previous OS.
Microsoft allows users to 'undo' an installation directly from within Windows 10, but there is a catch -- you only get 30 days in which you can do this. That’s not the only method of rolling back Windows 10 though, there are other tools which you can use for the task beyond that time limit.
Apple could add paid search in App Store
In 2008 Apple debuted its App Store to help its users discover, purchase and download new apps for their iOS devices.
While the store has seen many tweaks and upgrades over the years it has yet to have a complete overhaul. Now the company has formed a secret team to explore changes to the store, including a paid search model that could cause quite the stir amongst app developers and the way iPhone and iPad users discover new apps.
Block unauthorized webcam usage with Who Stalks My Cam
Who Stalks My Cam is a free Windows application which alerts you to dubious software attempting to access your webcam.
The download unzips to a regular installer, but there’s also a portable version if you just want to take a quick look. Once it’s running, Who Stalks My Cam displays an audio alert and a popup whenever a program tries to access your webcam.
UK bosses support a six-hour workday
When workers say they’d love a six-hour workday, no one finds it particularly shocking. Ask them for a two-hour workday and you’ll hear similar responses.
But when bosses and HR people also start supporting the idea, that’s when we really start to listen. And believe it or not, a new survey says bosses and HR people really do support the idea.
9.7-inch iPad Pro Preview
The more I use Apple's smaller Pro tablet, the less likely I am to reach for the larger one. I have tested the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch tabs side-by-side since March 31st—and the bigger one is my primary PC (most days). Unquestionably, the behemoth is capable of replacing a laptop, as Apple CEO Tim Cook asserts. The smaller-size model is a fine notebook companion, and certainly can substitute sometimes. But more than two weeks using this surprisingly satisfying kit, I can't yet (and may never) recommend it as your next PC.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which screen measures like all its forebears, falls into a category I griped about in September 2015: Apple products without purpose—or none that's easily obvious to majority of shoppers. Don't misunderstand. The technology under the hood is quite innovative, and I really, really, really enjoy using this tablet. But I'm not most people, and looking at the broader consumer marketplace, I see the device as being more for the few than appealing to the many; that is until the next release cycle, when current prices decrease. Now, putting aside these caveats, 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the device I most often grab first. Many of the benefits have purpose that is subtle. The question: Are they good enough for you?
Google refuses to censor search results that identify PJS and YMA
There's nothing like a good sex scandal to get people talking, and that's certainly what's happened in the case of a celebrity threesome that's currently subject to a superinjunction banning the involved parties from being named. While the identities of the couple cannot be revealed by British newspapers, their names are well-known in other parts of the world, and all over the web.
The British press has played ball, agreeing not to name YMA, his husband PJS and the two others, AB and CD with whom a threesome is supposed to have taken place but it is impossible for law enforcement agencies to control what appears online. Google has been the first port of call for many curious-minded people eager to learn the names of those involved, and the search giant has said that -- despite many requests to do so -- it will not censor search results that could lead people to the names.
Kyocera unveils $99 waterproof Hydro REACH Android phone for Boost Mobile and Virgin USA
When buying a smartphone, there are many things to consider. Should you get Android or iOS? How much should you spend? Which carrier will you use? It can be very confusing.
If you are on a budget, however, Android is the best option -- Apple does not offer truly affordable off-contract phones. Choosing a value-focused, pre-paid carrier -- such as Boost Mobile or Virgin USA -- can be another way to save money. Today, Kyocera announces an affordable waterproof Android handset for those aforementioned carriers. Just how affordable is it? $99!
Google set to improve transparency and privacy for Chrome extensions
Google is looking to take steps that will enable Chrome users to make more informed decisions about the extensions they install. Specifically, developers will have to provide more information about data collections in the interests of transparency.
In addition, developers will have to produce a privacy policy for their extensions, and must ask for permission before collecting data about users. Google's new User Data Policy introduces these extra requirements in the wake of increased demands from users for more information about what is going on in the background.
Microsoft helps friends and families of Japanese earthquake victims with free Skype calls
While many people worry about terrorism as a threat to human lives, and understandably so, mother nature can be quite destructive too. Between natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, nature can be downright scary.
Speaking of earthquakes, Japan has been dealing with many of them lately in Kyushu, causing death, injuries, and destruction. If you have friends or family in that country, and you are worried about them, Microsoft is here to help. It is currently offering free calls to Japan through its Skype communication service.
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