We're closing in on a month since the official launch of Windows 10. Millions of people have had a good amount of time to react to it, and it looks like overall impressions are positive. According to a study done by Brandwatch,
which measured the response to Windows 10 on social media, the number
of people who love Windows 10 far outnumbers those who hate it. In all, 92% of responses have been positive, but Brandwatch does note that hostility is growing slightly, with 100 people expressing negative reactions for every 500 the profess a positive experience.
BrandWatch also took a look at which features were the most popular according to positive and negative mentions. Cortana is in the lead, with just over 80% of people expressing love for the digital assistant. Following behind Cortana (in order) are Edge, Xbox integration, Start Menu, Multiple Desktops, Action Center, and the taskbar. At the bottom of the list is the Office Suite, with right around 40% of people in the study expressing a positive experience.
Keep in mind that this study comes from a relatively small sample
size of just 7,000 persons, and is by no means definitive given there
are many millions of Windows 10 users out in the wild now. However, the
study does provide an interesting look at how Windows 10's features are
doing, as well as the OS overall.
Microsoft's internal memo to employees has revealed that the company will be launching Office 2016 on September 22. Last month, Microsoft launched the Mac version of Office 2016
leaving Windows users waiting for their turn. Now it seems the
productivity suite is almost ready to ship as the company is preparing
to launch it in a month's time.
According to a leaked memo acquired by WinFuture.de, the company has
asked its employees to start using the public preview of Office 2016 and
keep track of readiness, training and marketing material related to the
product prior to the release on the 22nd of September. Various applications that will be part of the release include Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Skype for Business, Project, Visio
and Publisher, while updates to Office 365 and on-premise servers such as SharePoint Server will be made available later in the second quarter. Office 2016 is expected to retail at a starting price of about €130
for the basic Home and Student version. We'll know more about it after
Microsoft officially makes an announcement next month. Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/leaked-document-reveals-office-2016-release-date
Vint Cerf is known as a "father of the Internet," and like any good
parent, he worries about his offspring -- most recently, the IoT. "Sometimes
I'm terrified by it," he said in a news briefing Monday at the
Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Germany. "It's a combination of appliances
and software, and I'm always nervous about software -- software has
bugs." The Internet of Things will offer the ability to manage many of the
appliances we depend on, acknowledged Cerf, who won the Turing Award in
2004. With its ability to continuously monitor such devices, it also
promises new insight into our use of resources, he said.
Devices
such as Google's Nest thermostat, for instance, can "help me decide how
well or poorly I've chosen my lifestyle to minimize cost and my use of
resources -- it can be an important tool," he said.
As with so many technological tools, however, there are plenty of potential downsides. Safety is one of them. Cerf
is now vice president and chief Internet evangelist at Google, but you
won't find him enjoying any of the massage chairs the company provides
for its employees. "I know they're run by software -- I worry they will
fold up on me," he quipped. As
more such appliances are run by software, people will be increasingly
reliant on programmers' ability to write good code, he pointed out. "It's
fraught with issues, some technical and some legislative," he said.
"Who is liable when an appliance doesn't work the way it should, and
what if that's a software question?"
Then, too, there's the possibility that information from the IoT will fall into the wrong hands. Even
data from a device like Nest could be used for nefarious purposes by
would-be burglars, Cerf said, such as to learn how many people live in a
house and figure out when they're not home. Strong authentication
protocols will be essential to keeping data safe, he said, but it will
also be important to give users the flexibility to share access if they
wish, such as with providers of security systems. Access must be under the user's control, but it won't always be easy to distinguish the "right" from the "wrong" hands. "Say
the house is on fire," Cerf said. "It would be helpful if the fire
department could figure out how many people are in the house and what
rooms they're in." Standards will be another essential component in the Internet of Things, Cerf added. "If
everything is separate and there's no standardization, we'll need
different control and monitoring systems for everything," he explained.
"I don't want seven different hubs and systems to control all the pieces
in my house."
Samsung just might have the holy grail of batteries on their hands.
The company, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) has figured out a way to make batteries last
'indefinitely'.
How do they perform magical feat, you ask? Batteries usually use a
liquid as the electrolyte - the solution through which electricity is
conducted - but Samsung and MIT believe that replacing this with a solid
could increase the life of a battery exponentially.
Usually, when a battery is charged, it gradually starts degrading and
this is why you need replace the battery in most electronics after a
few years. By changing the electrolyte to a solid, however, this
degradation is stemmed and would allow the battery to potentially
undergo "hundreds of thousands of cycles" of recharging and discharging.
Not only that, but MIT also claims that the discovery “solves most of
the remaining issues in battery lifetime, safety, and cost," and argues
that it's a "game changer". These batteries would also not catch fire
because, as MIT so elegantly puts it,
You could throw it against the wall, drive a nail through it. There’s nothing there to burn
Three years ago we were benchmarking Microsoft's then latest operating system, Windows 8. At the time we were keen to make sure Windows 8 performed as well as Windows 7, which was a huge upgrade from 2006's Windows Vista.
In the end, we determined that Windows 8 was on par with 7 and at times a fraction faster, leading us to this conclusion in our performance review:
"Looking beyond benchmarks, Windows 8 appears more polished than Windows 7, even if you plan to live on the desktop and aren't too fond of the Start screen, general usage is smoother and appears to be faster on Windows 8, which I found most noticeable on our somewhat underpowered Athlon II X4 system. If anything, it's a great start. Now the Metro/Modern style will have to prove itself as a cross-platform OS that marries desktop, laptop and tablet PCs."
It's obvious now that the 'Metro' Start screen was an epic failure and in my opinion it was the only real issue with Windows 8, as I thoroughly enjoyed using the operating system with Classic Shellinstalled.
Fortunately, Microsoft learned from its mistakes and addressed some of Windows 8's shortcomings in Windows 10, which we believe is the best version yet, if only for its improved looks and functionality across devices and form factors.
After running the beta for months, I installed Windows 10 on launch day with the impression that it was relatively fast and stable, though it remained to be seen precisely how fast it was compared to Windows 8.1 and the beloved Windows 7.
That's what we plan to find out today as we test various aspects of the operating system including boot up and shutdown times, file copying, encoding, browsing, gaming and some synthetic benchmarks.
Test System Specs
All three operating systems were tested using a fresh install with all the updates applied and then our test software installed. The exact same hardware was used for each configuration with the only difference being the OS used.
Intel Core i5-4670K (3.4GHz - 3.8GHz)
Asrock Z97 Extreme6
8GB DDR3-2400 RAM
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
Crucial MX200 1TB
SilverStone Essential Gold 750w
Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Boot, Sleep & Hibernate Performance
Using BootRacer we measured the time it took for Windows to boot. Windows 8.1 delivered the best result taking just four seconds opposed to six seconds on Windows 10, from the Windows logo to usable desktop.
Manually measuring boot time with a stopwatch delivered similar results, though in realistic terms I struggled to find real differences, with the three operating systems just one or two seconds apart from each other on a fresh install.
Surely these results will vary depending on hardware used, configuration and state of the operating system after months of use, patching and third party apps taking its inevitable toll. We know our hardware was identical for all three OS configurations, so with this setup Windows 10 does appear slightly slower at booting.
Here we measured the time it takes for the system to wake up from sleep. The test stops the moment the desktop is loaded and we induced sleep with a custom shortcut.
Windows 7 takes quite long to wake from sleep -- 17 seconds on average. Windows 8.1 is considerably faster taking just 12 seconds, though Windows 10 was able to improve on this shaving off an additional 2 seconds.
Editor's note (Update): Many readers have pointed out how slow these wake up from sleep times are compared to your laptop where either version wakes up almost instantaneously. The reason is that we ran all tests in a desktop PC, where Windows defaults toHybrid Sleep. Hybrid sleep is a combination of sleep and hibernate meant to prevent users from losing work in case of a power failure.
The wake up from hibernation results are similar to wake from sleep. Here Windows 10 took just 21 seconds, while Windows 8.1 was slightly slower taking 23 seconds and then Windows 7 at 27 seconds.
In the image at the top of this post, one user has Periscope up and running on his Lumia 920.
For starters, not all devices are supported at this time and make sure you are running the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile. Knowing you could damage your device, if you want to try out Android apps, read below.
Here is the list of supported devices:
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 925
Nokia Lumia 929 / Verizon Icon
Nokia Lumia 830
Nokia Lumia 930
Nokia Lumia 1520
Nokia Lumia 635 (1GB RAM variant)
Nokia Lumia 730
Nokia Lumia 820
Nokia Lumia 435
Nokia Lumia 928
If you have one of the above devices, here’s how to install the apps:
Download Android SDK’s ADB and wconnect tool from here.
Extract the files in the folder and Open the folder wconnect,then installIpOverUsbInstaller.msi and vcredist_x86.exe
Open the Windows 10 Mobile’s Settings page ->Update & Security > For Developers and enable Developers Mode, as well as Device Discovery
Open the extracted wconnect folder, open an elevated command prompt (Shift+right click > Open command window here)
Then you’ll need to connect to the phone — (USB method is recommended):
To Connect using USB, type wconnect.exe usb and hit enter
Then it’ll ask for the pairing code, enter the code and hit enter
Then navigate to the extracted adb folder and open an elevated command prompt
To make sure that your device is connected, type adb devices and hit enter to show the list of devices that are connected
Lastly, place the APK file that you want to install on the same directory (adb folder) and type in adb install APKNAME.apk (replace APKNAME with the APK file’s name)
That's it, then you can install the APKs.
Couple of things to keep in mind, obtaining APKs may not be legal in your area, so keep that in mind, also, this is highly experimental at this time and many users are reporting that this is causing their devices to be frozen and forcing a complete re-flash of the device. Do not try this on anything other than a development device.
But what this will allow you to run some Android apps on your phone but at this time, if they depend on a Google service, not surprisingly, they will not be functional on a Windows 10 Mobile device. But, seeing as users are already getting some apps up and running, shows that for Android developers, bringing their apps over to Windows 10 Mobile is going to be a trivial task.
While this move may sound like Microsoft is giving up on native app development for Windows 10 Mobile, it does solve the bigger issue of not having enough high quality apps on its mobile devices.
In the image at the top of this post, one user has Periscope up and running on his Lumia 920.
For starters, not all devices are supported at this time and make sure you are running the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile. Knowing you could damage your device, if you want to try out Android apps, read below.
Here is the list of supported devices:
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia Lumia 925
Nokia Lumia 929 / Verizon Icon
Nokia Lumia 830
Nokia Lumia 930
Nokia Lumia 1520
Nokia Lumia 635 (1GB RAM variant)
Nokia Lumia 730
Nokia Lumia 820
Nokia Lumia 435
Nokia Lumia 928
If you have one of the above devices, here’s how to install the apps:
Download Android SDK’s ADB and wconnect tool from here.
Extract the files in the folder and Open the folder wconnect,then install IpOverUsbInstaller.msiand vcredist_x86.exe
Open the Windows 10 Mobile’s Settings page ->Update & Security > For Developers and enable Developers Mode, as well as Device Discovery
Open the extracted wconnect folder, open an elevated command prompt (Shift+right click > Open command window here)
Then you’ll need to connect to the phone — (USB method is recommended):
To Connect using USB, type wconnect.exe usb and hit enter
Then it’ll ask for the pairing code, enter the code and hit enter
Then navigate to the extracted adb folder and open an elevated command prompt
To make sure that your device is connected, type adb devices and hit enter to show the list of devices that are connected
Lastly, place the APK file that you want to install on the same directory (adb folder) and type in adb install APKNAME.apk (replace APKNAME with the APK file’s name)
That's it, then you can install the APKs.
Couple of things to keep in mind, obtaining APKs may not be legal in your area, so keep that in mind, also, this is highly experimental at this time and many users are reporting that this is causing their devices to be frozen and forcing a complete re-flash of the device. Do not try this on anything other than a development device.
But what this will allow you to run some Android apps on your phone but at this time, if they depend on a Google service, not surprisingly, they will not be functional on a Windows 10 Mobile device. But, seeing as users are already getting some apps up and running, shows that for Android developers, bringing their apps over to Windows 10 Mobile is going to be a trivial task.
While this move may sound like Microsoft is giving up on native app development for Windows 10 Mobile, it does solve the bigger issue of not having enough high quality apps on its mobile devices.
Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/it039s-now-possible-to-run-android-apps-on-windows-10-mobile
Intel and Micron begin production on new class of non-volatile memory, creating the first new memory category in more than 25 years.
New 3D XPoint™ technology brings non-volatile memory speeds up to 1,000 times faster1 than NAND, the most popular non-volatile memory in the marketplace today.
The companies invented unique material compounds and a cross point architecture for a memory technology that is 10 times denser than conventional memory2.
New technology makes new innovations possible in applications ranging from machine learning to real-time tracking of diseases and immersive 8K gaming.
3D Xpoint™ technology is up to 1000x faster than NAND and an individual die can store 128Gb of data
3D Xpoint™ technology wafers are currently running in production lines at Intel Micron Flash Technologies fab
SANTA CLARA, Calif., and BOISE, Idaho, July 28, 2015 – Intel Corporation and Micron Technology, Inc. today unveiled 3D XPoint™ technology, a non-volatile memory that has the potential to revolutionize any device, application or service that benefits from fast access to large sets of data. Now in production, 3D XPoint technology is a major breakthrough in memory process technology and the first new memory category since the introduction of NAND flash in 1989.
The explosion of connected devices and digital services is generating massive amounts of new data. To make this data useful, it must be stored and analyzed very quickly, creating challenges for service providers and system builders who must balance cost, power and performance trade-offs when they design memory and storage solutions. 3D XPoint technology combines the performance, density, power, non-volatility and cost advantages of all available memory technologies on the market today. The technology is up to 1,000 times faster and has up to 1,000 times greater endurance3 than NAND, and is 10 times denser than conventional memory.
"For decades, the industry has searched for ways to reduce the lag time between the processor and data to allow much faster analysis," said Rob Crooke, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group. "This new class of non-volatile memory achieves this goal and brings game-changing performance to memory and storage solutions."
"One of the most significant hurdles in modern computing is the time it takes the processor to reach data on long-term storage," said Mark Adams, president of Micron. "This new class of non-volatile memory is a revolutionary technology that allows for quick access to enormous data sets and enables entirely new applications."
As the digital world quickly grows – from 4.4 zettabytes of digital data created in 2013 to an expected 44 zettabytes by 20204 – 3D XPoint technology can turn this immense amount of data into valuable information in nanoseconds. For example, retailers may use 3D XPoint technology to more quickly identify fraud detection patterns in financial transactions; healthcare researchers could process and analyze larger data sets in real time, accelerating complex tasks such as genetic analysis and disease tracking.
The performance benefits of 3D XPoint technology could also enhance the PC experience, allowing consumers to enjoy faster interactive social media and collaboration as well as more immersive gaming experiences. The non-volatile nature of the technology also makes it a great choice for a variety of low-latency storage applications since data is not erased when the device is powered off.
New Recipe, Architecture for Breakthrough Memory Technology
Following more than a decade of research and development, 3D XPoint technology was built from the ground up to address the need for non-volatile, high-performance, high-endurance and high-capacity storage and memory at an affordable cost. It ushers in a new class of non-volatile memory that significantly reduces latencies, allowing much more data to be stored close to the processor and accessed at speeds previously impossible for non-volatile storage.
The innovative, transistor-less cross point architecture creates a three-dimensional checkerboard where memory cells sit at the intersection of word lines and bit lines, allowing the cells to be addressed individually. As a result, data can be written and read in small sizes, leading to faster and more efficient read/write processes.
Interactive Photo Capsule: 3D XPoint™ Technology
3D XPoint technology will sample later this year with select customers, and Intel and Micron are developing individual products based on the technology.
Just a quick-hit
tip here. Those that are familiar with gaming know that there's almost always a
tweak available to find that will enable god-like powers in games. These tweaks
give you things like unlimited lives, indestructibility, and infinite powers.
In reality, it's a cheat. But, who hasn't enjoyed it and used it to learn how
to beat the toughest levels of gameplay?
For those Windows
10 testers hungry to have similar god-like powers, Windows 10 has its own
GodMode. GodMode for Windows 10 gives you access to 262 new god-like powers.
And, while it doesn't give you unlimited lives or save you from bluescreens, it
does expose some additional features and tools to play with.
How to enable it
Enabling GodMode is
pretty simple. You simply create a new folder (can be created anywhere, but I
suggest putting it on the Windows 10 Desktop so it's easy to locate), and give
the new folder an intricately specific name.
1.Create a New Folder on the desktop…
2.Rename the folder to exactly this (copy and
paste is best):
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Voila! Welcome to GodMode! Have fun with it.
I'll be digging through these and talking about some of the more unique and valuable ones. Stay tuned.
P.S. While I've
written this tip is for Windows 10, it also works for other versions of
Windows. Try it on the version you are using. Works great for Windows 8.1,
which exposes 270 functions.
