New Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

New Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 10 has now been with us for a number of days with initial consumer reaction suggesting that it’s a hit with those who have already upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1. Sitting amongst the many changes and improvements within Windows 10, comes a new focus on the desktop, and with that ultimately comes a whole new set of keyboard shortcuts for desktop users to memorize and get to grips with. As you might expect, we are right there by your side with a comprehensive list of the available shortcuts that are centric to Cortana, Activity Center, Microsoft Edge and much, much more.

Regardless of whether you’re a general user who interacts generally in the web browser, or even a hardcore user who deals with new features like Cortana, Virtual desktops, Activity Center or recording of the screen, this list should have enough shortcuts to sort out your needs.

Here’s a list of keyboard shortcuts that are new in Windows 10:
Cortana
Windows Key‌+S – Open search
Windows Key‌+C – Open Cortana in listening mode

Activity Center
Windows Key+A – Open Action center
Windows Key+V – Cycle through notifications
Windows Key+Shift+V – Cycle through notifications in reverse order
Windows Key+B – Set focus in the notification area
Virtual Desktops
Windows Key+Ctrl+D – Add a virtual desktop
Windows Key+Ctrl+Right arrow – Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right
Windows Key+Ctrl+Left arrow – Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left
Windows Key+Ctrl+F4 – Close the virtual desktop you’re using
Windows Key+Tab – Open Task view
Game bar
Windows Key+G – Open Game bar when a game is open
Windows Key+Alt+G – Record the last 30 seconds
Windows Key+Alt+R – Start recording (press the shortcut again to stop recording)
Windows Key+Alt+Print Screen – Take a screenshot of your game
Windows Key+Alt+T – Show/hide recording timer

Microsoft Edge
Ctrl+D – Add current site to favorites or reading list
Ctrl+J – Open downloads pane
Ctrl+I – Open favorites pane
Ctrl+H – Open history pane
Alt+C – Open Cortana
Ctrl+Shift+R – Enter reading view
F12 – Open F12 Developer Tools
F7 – Turn caret browsing on for the current tab
Ctrl+K – Duplicate tab
Ctrl+Shift+P – Open a new InPrivate Browsing window

General
Windows Key+K – Open the Connect quick action
Windows Key+I – Open Settings
Windows Key+E – Open File Explorer
Windows Key+H – Open the Share charm
Windows Key+T – Cycle through apps on the task bar
Ctrl+Shift+Esc – Open Task Manager

Mozilla cries foul on changes to Windows 10's default browser settings

Mozilla cries foul on changes to Windows 10's default browser settings

In a recent blog post and open letter by Mozilla to its CEO, Satya Nadella, Microsoft has come under fire for the changes made to default settings in Windows 10, with Mozilla CEO Chris Beard going as far as to say that "user choice has now been all but removed [in Windows 10]."

He goes on to state:

The upgrade process now appears to be purposefully designed to throw away the choices its customers have made about the Internet experience they want...On the user choice benchmark, Microsoft's Windows 10 falls woefully short, even when compared to its own past versions. While it istechnically possible for people to preserve their previous settings and defaults, the design of the new Windows 10 upgrade experience and user interface does not make this obvious nor easy.

If the strong language used in this post wasn't enough, Mozilla has also penned an open letter to Satya Nadella, outlining all the issues they have with the new version of Windows. The company claims that changes to the default API settings are now less intuitive and make it harder for users to use third party apps, with changing your defaults requiring twice as many clicks compared to previous versions of Windows.

The letter ends with the following exhortation:

We strongly urge you to reconsider your business tactic here and again respect people's right to choice and control of their online experience by making it easier, more obvious and intuitive for people to maintain the choices they have already made through the upgrade experience. It should be easier for people to assert new choices and preferences, not just for other Microsoft products, through the default settings APIs and user interfaces.

It looks like Microsoft is under increasing fire regarding its new browser, Microsoft Edge, as Symantec - the company behind Norton Antivirus - have already taken issue with the lack of extensions, arguing that it leads to a less secure experience for users. Following that, we now have Mozilla, one of Microsoft's biggest competitors in the browser space, all but accusing the company of being anti-competitive.

Source: Mozilla

How to Force Download Windows 10 Free Upgrade

How to Force Download Windows 10 Free Upgrade, Tutorial

Today is July 29, the day Microsoft launches final version of Windows 10. However unlike previous versions of Windows, Microsoft is doing a phase rollout of Windows 10 upgrade, which means not everyone will get the update on the same day.
But as they, where there’s a will, there is a way. And so if you are in the same boat as many others whose Windows 10 upgrade hasn’t automatically started downloading yet, you can follow the tutorial below to force Windows Update to download the update for you right now. I have personally tested this and can confirm it worked on my Surface Pro 3. There’s no reason why it won’t work for anyone of you on any other computer running Windows.

How to check if your PC isn’t already downloading the Windows 10 upgrade? Navigate to C:\ drive and see if it has a folder named $Windows.~BT (you may have to enable Hidden items to check this). If it is there, you are all set, but if it isn’t there, you will need to follow the instructions below to force Windows 10 downloading.

Ready? Lets do this!

Pre-requesites:

• Must be running genuine copy of either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
• Must have all the previous updates installed from Windows Update.
• Make sure your PC meets all other Windows 10 requirements, you can check those here: How To Prepare Your PC For Windows 10 The Right Way [Guide].

Step 1: Make sure you have reserved your free copy of Windows 10. If you haven’t done this already, you can follow the instructions here on how to reserve your free Windows 10 upgrade.

Step 2: Run Windows Update, and make sure you are set to receive updates automatically.

Step 3: Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder and delete everything in this folder. Don’t worry, it wont ruin your system.

Step 4: Now run Command Prompt utility in Administrator mode. Simply search for ‘cmd’ from Start Menu/Screen, right click, and then click on run as administrator.

Step 5: Type this command and press enter: wuauclt.exe /updatenow.

Step 6: Now after a few minutes, check for updates in Windows Update. You should now see Windows 10 being downloaded on your PC. The size of this download will vary depending on the version of Windows you are currently running. Download time will also vary depending on the type and speed of Internet connection you have.

Step 7: Once the download is complete, it will start ‘Preparing for installation’ after which you can install the update.

Enjoy it !!!

Major Android security flaw leaves 950 million phones vulnerable to being silently hacked

Major Android security flaw leaves 950 million phones vulnerable to being silently hacked

A huge security vulnerability in Android has been uncovered by a researcher, who revealed that devices can be hijacked using nothing more than a simple MMS message. The exploit is believed to affect almost all Android devices currently in use today, including those running all versions of the OS from Android 2.2 FroYo onwards.

Joshua Drake, VP of platform research and exploitation at mobile security specialists Zimperium, discovered several vulnerabilities in a core component of the OS called 'Stagefright', which is used to play, create and edit multimedia files. He describes this latest Android security flaw as "the worst Android vulnerabilities discovered to date", adding that "if 'Heartbleed' from the PC era sends [a] chill down your spine, this is much worse."

He found that some of these vulnerabilities could be exploited to remotely run code on the device, simply by receiving an MMS message, or by watching a specially constructed video file in a web browser, or even viewing a seemingly innocent web page with embedded media content.

As PC World explains:

The library is not used just for media playback, but also to automatically generate thumbnails or to extract metadata from video and audio files such as length, height, width, frame rate, channels and other similar information.
This means that users don’t necessarily have to execute malicious multimedia files in order for the vulnerabilities found by Drake to be exploited. The mere copying of such files on the file system is enough.

What makes this threat particularly troubling is that it doesn't require any authorizing action on the part of the user at all. Drake points out that your phone could receive an MMS while on silent as you're sleeping, execute malicious code on the device, and then set the MMS message to delete itself, so you'd never even be aware of the fact that your device just got pwned.

However, attackers are limited in the capabilities that can be exploited using this vulnerability; some devices afford higher privileges to the Stagefright framework than others, so the extent of the vulnerability will differ between devices. On most of them, the camera, microphone and and external storage partition will be vulnerable - but Drake believes that around 50% of affected devices run Stagefright with higher privileges, making it easier to gain root access and fully take control.

Drake didn't only publish information about the vulnerabilities - he also created patches and gave them to Google in April. He says that Google added the fixes to its internal Android code base within 48 hours.

However, the rate at which Android updates roll out is notoriously slow - eight months after its launch, Lollipop had only reached 12% of current devices. Drake believes that around 95% of Android devices in use today - around 950 million in total - are still affected.
You might want to blame the carriers for that, but even Google's own Nexus devices remain impacted today, as the company has not yet patched all of them against this vulnerability. Drake told PC World that the Nexus 6 was the only device in Google's range to have received fixes so far, and on his blog post, he even includes screenshots (shown at the top of this article) captured on a hijacked Nexus 5 running the very latest Android release, 5.1.1 Lollipop.

And because many manufacturers and carriers abandon their devices after 18-24 months, rolling out no further updates after that initial period, he believes that it's optimistic to believe that even 50% of Android devices vulnerable to this threat will actually be properly patched, which - if accurate - will leave a huge number of users at risk.
Drake will present more details on his research into the vulnerability at the Black Hat USA security conference on August 5, and at DEF CON 23 on August 7.

Source: Zimperium via PC World

Sony Xperia Z5 could launch with Spectre movie... and keep current CPU

Sony Xperia Z5 could launch with Spectre movie... and keep current CPU

No Mr Bond, I expect you to upgrade!
One of the benefits of being a multinational conglomerate with both a movie studio and a mobile phone division is that you can use one subsidiary to promote another - and it sounds like that's exactly what Sony plans to do.

Leaked images from China suggest the upcoming Sony Xperia Z5 is going to be "Made for Bond" - in other words, the company's next flagship phone will feature heavily in the Spectre movie and launch alongside it.
That means an arrival in late October or early November depending on where in the world you are. Intriguingly, the images blur out the "Z" part of the Z5, suggesting Sony might be ditching its long-time naming strategy.

Out with the old?

The images may have been mocked up by a bored Bond fan in Photoshop but the timing and the strategy make sense, so we thought they were worth reporting. They're not the only Xperia rumours doing the rounds this weekend either.
User agent profiles spotted on the Sony website suggest there are indeed two new flagships coming this year - potentially the Z5 and Z5 Compact - but these profiles keep the Snapdragon 810 CPU of existing models, and the same screen resolutions too.
Would Sony bother with such an incremental upgrade for its next flagship phones? Or does it just want new handsets to tie in with the upcoming Bond film? Our spies will keep their ears close to the ground.

Fan-made 'GTA V' interactive map app puts Rockstar's to shame

Fan-made 'GTA V' interactive map app puts Rockstar's to shame

Grand Theft Auto V really seems like the gift that keeps on giving. The latest present? An unofficial map app (Android, iOS and web) that's been updated with collectibles locations from the current-gen releases like Peyote plants that let you play as sharks, eagles and more -- yes, flying around as a bird of prey is bizarre as it sounds.

The differences between this and the official app are pretty major, too. As VG24/7 reports, you can add personal notes to the map, track your collectibles progress and even switch between atlas and satellite views of the terrain. Future plans include making streets searchable by name. Interested? Hit the source links below to grab it for your device of choice.

VIA: VG 24/7

SOURCE: Google Play, iTunes, GTA 5 Map

Intel and Microsoft are working on a fixing a bug that reduces battery life in Windows 10

Intel and Microsoft are working on a fixing a bug that reduces battery life in Windows 10

As Microsoft is getting closer to the finish line, the company is becoming increasingly vigilant about squashing any and all bugs they can find. To that end, the company has already released numerous hotfixes and security patches since last Thursday, when build 10240 hit RTM. A bug that is currently affecting the battery life of some laptops running Windows 10 is being worked on by Intel and Microsoft.

Intel confirmed the existence of the problem and stated:

Intel and Microsoft are working to optimize drivers for battery performance on Windows 10 across Intel platforms. While we are working on technical optimizations, we have seen very minor hits to battery life but even the upper end of what we have seen is below 10 percent. Do know that we expect battery life on Windows 10 systems to be nearly the same as on Windows 8.1 systems once the final Windows 10 drivers have been updated and released.

Microsoft isn't alone in ramping up optimizations as the launch of the highly anticipated OS draws closer. Several OEMs, such as HP, Dell and Acer, and readying their supply chain and distribution channels for shipping Windows 10 PCs; enterprise-oriented partners and accessory makers are also tuning their wares to better support the new OS.

Source: PCWorld

Microsoft is bringing Xbox achievements to Minecraft on Windows 10

Microsoft is bringing Xbox achievements to Minecraft on Windows 10

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition. As its name suggests, it’s a version of the popular game designed for Microsoft’s next-gen OS, and the first beta will launch on July 29, the same day that Windows 10 rolls out.

It’s now been revealed that Microsoft will be bringing Xbox achievements to Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition, thanks to the company’s Mike Ybarra, who confirmed that detail in response to an enquiry on Twitter:

@opticon9 Yes, Minecraft will have achievements on Windows 10.

— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) July 22, 2015

Windows 10 Edition won’t replace the PC version of Minecraft, but the company says that it will “take advantage of the advanced technology and gaming platform provided by Windows 10”, allowing users to switch between tablets and PCs, and controller, touch, or mouse/keyboard input as desired, with the user interface adapting to the input method.

If you already play Minecraft on your PC, you’ll get Windows 10 Edition free. If you don’t, you’ll be able to buy the new version at the reduced price of $10 for a limited time.

Source: @XboxQwik via Windows Central

Microsoft promises “a more delightful experience” in latest Skype update on Android

Microsoft promises “a more delightful experience” in latest Skype update on Android

Microsoft released the latest update for its Skype app on Android this week, with a refreshed UI design that the company says “brings a more delightful experience” to the app. In fact, Skype for Android 5.6 doesn’t include any new features – but the changes aren’t all skin-deep.

Microsoft says that the update makes the app “even more beautiful to look at and even easier to use”. Its release notes explain how the visual changes improve things:

See more chats at a glance

When you have multiple chats going at the same time, it could be challenging to follow along. In Skype 5.6 for Android, we’ve updated the app to let you see more chats on the Recent tab. Now a quick glance allows you to catch up on more conversations, and you can easily jump in to start chatting.

See friends’ online status with lovely round avatars

In addition, we’ve made updates so you can easily see which of your friends are online, no matter where you are in the app. We have also polished and unified the avatar pictures, giving the app a simpler and more consistent look and feel.

See chat messages more clearly

Within each chat, you’ll notice that we adjusted the color of chat bubbles to make the text pop more. Now, not only can you read messages with added clarity, you’ll find it easier to tell what you said from what everyone else said. You’ll find this update particularly helpful if you have group chats with lots of participants.

But while most of the changes in this release are cosmetic, Microsoft says that version 5.6 “also includes a number of fixes and improvements to make the app more stable.”

The update is already available for existing users, but if you haven’t got the app installed on your Android device, you can grab it via the link below.

Download: Skype for Android (Google Play)
Source: Microsoft via Android Central

Here's another look at the Windows 10 messaging app

Here's another look at the Windows 10 messaging app

Windows 10 will bring various new features when it launches next week, including streaming Xbox games, a screen recording utility, a revamped Start menu, Universal App support, and much, much more. One of the features which was previewed in Microsoft's consumer event in January but which will not be available at launch, was the Messaging app, which sought to integrate Skype chat and even SMS into one app.

Microsoft has now - seemingly by mistake - give us another glimpse at the app in one of its '10 reasons to upgrade' videos.

As can be seen at the at the 24-second mark, the Messaging app integrates quite well with Action Center, showing not only pictures but also allowing you to reply from within the Action Center, without having to open the app.

The app, when first talked about by the Skype team, was supposed to be a Universal app across desktop and Mobile Windows 10 and natively integrated Skype into the OS. You could send SMS and Skype messages in the app on your phone - with further talk of brining SMS continuity to the desktop too, similar to what Apple has already done.

Alas, apart from the above mockup first released by the team - and this tiny leak - Microsoft is still not talking much about the app and it is likely that we won't see it anytime soon, probably not until Threshold Wave 2 or maybe even Redstone.

Microsoft will open the doors of its Universal App Store to developers on July 29

Microsoft will open the doors of its Universal App Store to developers on July 29

Windows 10 is coming soon - in a week, in fact - as Microsoft has already released the latest build, build 10240, to its manufacturing partners and to all Insiders. The company had previously announced that a new, unified store will be coming soon, allowing users to access applications for both the mobile and desktop versions of the OS in one place. The store isn't up yet but will be, on the same day that Windows 10 launches. A report by Mary Jo Foley has now revealed more information about the Windows 10 Universal Windows Platform (UWP), the new store and when developers can submit their apps to the new store.

Developers will receive the final version of the Windows 10 Universal Windows Platform (UWP) on the same day that Windows 10 launches. UWP apps are, as Microsoft has previously explained, universal applications that run on (almost) all of Microsoft's platforms, spanning Windows 10 PCs and Windows 10 Mobile devices; Xbox, HoloLens and even the Raspberry Pi will follow soon.

Windows recently updated its runtime to .NET Native, previously known as 'Project N', and this will be found in the core OS for all these devices. Serving as the default runtime and framework for all UWP apps, not only will .NET Native allow developers to run the same app on multiple devices but also promises to offer significantly better performance, with ahead-of-time compilation allowing programs to run faster - possibly as much as 60% - and use 15-20% less memory, providing an overall superior experience to end users.

These benefits are, however, contingent on developers tweaking their existing apps for Windows 10. Developers' existing apps will work and be available in the new Store but new UWP apps will start being accepted on the day Windows 10 launches.

Source: Zdnet

Better Apple Watch charging docks can't get here fast enough

Better Apple Watch charging docks can't get here fast enough

Good news since we have to charge up every few days The arrival of new hardware usually comes with releases of accessories for it, and it's no different with the Apple Watch. Charging docks seem to be the hottest item and it looks like manufacturers will soon be able to make their add-ons more useful.

Currently, Apple Watch charging docks require a work-around to allow Apple's proprietary charging module sit comfortably. According to 9to5mac, Apple will allow companies to incorporate the module directly into their designs through the Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) licensing program.
This should take effect by the end of the year, and more useful charging docks should start popping up without the need for a Watch charge cord.

Hopefully accessory companies will also take watchOS 2 into consideration and allow charge docks to sit horizontally. The upcoming fall update will allow the Watch to enter Nightstand mode, turning into a mini alarm clock where the Digital Crown becomes a snooze button and the side button turns off alarms.

Rise of the Tomb Raider will head to PS4 a year after Xbox

Rise of the Tomb Raider will head to PS4 a year after Xbox

Square Enix has finally revealed that Rise of the Tomb Raider will be an Xbox exclusive for about a year before you'll be able to play it on the PlayStation 4.

Set to launch on November 10, Square Enix had until today only said that the game would be a timed exclusive on Microsoft's Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles.
Last year, Xbox chief Phil Spencer had also confirmed that Microsoft's exclusive was for only "a duration" of time.

The game publisher today announced that the game will be coming to the PS4 in "Holiday 2016," a year after its initial launch, though no firm dates were given.
Rise of the Tomb Raider will also be available on Steam and Windows 10 starting early 2016, but again, no dates were revealed.

The first flagship Windows 10 phones might have iris scanners

The first flagship Windows 10 phones might have iris scanners

Windows Hello and support for the Surface Pen could be headed to Microsoft's upcoming flagship devices. We recently reported on the specs rumored to be stocked in the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, and now, it's looking like some of those specs could clue us into how Microsoft is planning to unify its mobile and desktop experiences in Windows 10 Mobile.

Windows Hello and support for the Surface Pen could be headed to Microsoft's upcoming flagship devices. We recently reported on the specs rumored to be stocked in the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, and now, it's looking like some of those specs could clue us into how Microsoft is planning to unify its mobile and desktop experiences in Windows 10 Mobile.
Windows Hello is an iris-scanning feature built into Windows 10 that allows users to log-in without a password, just a camera. Microsoft showed it off on desktop earlier this year, but this is the first that we're hearing of it being baked into the mobile flavor of the OS. This front-facing camera's infrared functionality, if the rumors are true, could allow users to speed up the cumbersome process of signing into their devices. It would also be a safer alternative to typing in a PIN or using a fingerprint scanner.

Next up is Surface Pen, which is a feature that's at the heart of what makes using tablets like the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 a unique experience. In a move that would please business types, as well as artists and note-jotters, the Lumia 950 and 950 XL could be stocked with support for the Surface Pen.

The device render above for the Lumia 950 XL, codenamed "Cityman," was whipped up by Windows Central. It shows the 5.7-inch device and what might be its iris-scanning camera in the corner. While we don't know what the Lumia 950, AKA "Talkman," will look like, the size reduction to a 5.2-inch screen could just mean a miniaturized XL, a la iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6.

Here's the full spec breakdown:

Talkman (Lumia 950)

• Matte White or black polycarbonate body
• 5.2 inch WQHD (1440x2560) OLED display
• Snapdragon 808, 64-bit Hexa core
• Iris scanner (infrared) for Windows Hello
• 3GB of RAM
• 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot
• 20MP PureView rear camera
• 5MP Wide-angle front facing camera
• 3000 mAh removable battery
• Qi wireless charging with flip cover
• USB Type-C

Cityman (Lumia 950 XL)

• Matte White or black polycarbonate body
• 5.7 inch WQHD (1440x2560) OLED display
• Snapdragon 810, 64-bit Octa core
• Iris scanner (infrared) for Windows Hello
• 3GB of RAM
• 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot
• 20MP PureView rear camera with triple LED flash
• 1mm silver ring inside the circumference of the black camera pod
• Aluminum side buttons
• 5MP Wide-angle front facing camera
• 3300 mAh removable battery
• Qi wireless charging integrated
• USB Type-C

Windows fans, do these specs satisfy you? If the rumors are true, the Lumia 950 XL and even it's lil' bro, the 950, could give the competition a jolt. Heck, I'll just be happy if these Windows 10 Mobile phones are more than just reskins of popular Android phones. (We're looking at you, HTC One M8 for Windows.)

Via The Verge

Android 5.1 Lollipop rolls out to Sony's Xperia Z3 and Z2 Series

Android 5.1 Lollipop rolls out to Sony's Xperia Z3 and Z2 Series

Last month, Sony outlined its plans to roll out Android 5.1, revealing that all Xperia phones and tablets that qualified for the Android 5.0 upgrade will be updated to 5.1, along with a couple of additional devices.
The company promised to begin updating the first devices in July and, true to its word, it has now announced the start of that process.

Android 5.1 Lollipop is now rolling out for the following devices:

• Xperia Z3
• Xperia Z3 Compact
• Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
• Xperia Z2
• Xperia Z2 Tablet

As with all updates, Sony warns that "timing and availability may vary by market and/or carrier". Sony's blog post on the update explains more about what's included:

• After blending Google’s latest Lollipop release with our Sony software, some of our favourite goodies include;

• Increased customisation options – so you have even more control over the way volume, silent modes and your alerts function

• Brand new LinkedIn integration – be more productive with intuitive contact synchronisation in your Calendar

• Camera improvements – with faster, more accurate Superior Auto Mode focus for great images, regardless of conditions

• Enhanced enterprise support – with our latest Xperia in Business features for work

• SmartWear integration – selfie snapping made that bit easier, with SmartWatch 3 as a remote shutter button

Next to be upgraded will be the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra - the update to 5.1 for those devices will begin "over the coming weeks - followed shortly thereafter by Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia C3, then the original Xperia Z Series... with Xperia M2 and Xperia M2 Aqua after that."

While Sony continues the rollout of its new Android update, it's already looking forward to future versions. Last month, it released a preview of Android 'M' - the next major version of the OS, launching later this quarter - for some of its Xperia phones and tablets on its Open Device program.

But the company is looking even further ahead than that. As we reported earlier today, the firm is developing new "concept Android software with a fresh take on the Sony user experience", and a preview is now exclusively available for the Xperia Z3.

After 360 content, YouTube is now introducing 360-degree ads

After 360 content, YouTube is now introducing 360-degree ads

Most of us don’t yet own a virtual reality headset, but that hasn’t stopped Google from already starting to populate YouTube with VR-compatible content. And, of course, first came the content, now come the ads.
Google recently introduced 360-degree videos, which are compatible with its Cardboard VR headset, and offer users a more immersive and unique experience. And now the company is introducing ads in the same format, which could capture the viewers’ attention much more easily than traditional ads.

Luckily, these 360-degree videos and experiences aren’t entirely limited to VR headsets. Instead, they also offer something to all of us with a simple browser, iOS or Android YouTube app. Regular users can still use their mouse or tilt their phones around to explore the whole 360-degree scene.

It’s a really cool way to explore something, and it also makes people much more likely to rewatch your content to see the parts they may have missed. As for ads, it’s normal to see Google want to expand its ability to make piles of cash. Plus, at least these new ads may be a bit more interesting and appealing than your regular text pop-ups.

This is a 360-degree promotional video for Warcraft. Make sure to click and drag across the video!

Source: Google AdWords

What it's like to use Samsung's Tizen-based 4K TV (in a non-4K world)

What it's like to use Samsung's Tizen-based 4K TV (in a non-4K world)

It's not easy getting a massive 65-inch TV inside a Brooklyn apartment. But, oh, is it worth the trouble. In this case, I'm talking about the Samsung JU6500, a 4K (3,840 x 2,160) smart TV powered by the company's newly minted, homegrown Tizen OS. Unless you were dead-set on Android TV, the set comes with most everything you would want in 2015: support for Ultra High-Definition media, access to entertainment apps and an actually reasonable price point. Although it's listed at $2,800, you can get one for around $2,100 from retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, Adorama and Samsung's own site. Unfortunately for the company, its JU6500 seems expensive compared to Vizio's cheap 4K series -- which makes the buying decision harder for people who want a UHD TV.

Beyond that, the JU6500 delivers stunning picture quality, with bright colors, deep blacks and true whites, while a contrast enhancer gives you a sense of depth when you're looking at the LED display (think: a bit like 3D). Additionally, there's a quad-core processor, 120Hz refresh rate, four HDMI inputs, three USB ports, Bluetooth, Ethernet, WiFi and DTS Premium Sound 5.1. At 2.5 inches thick and 60.6 pounds (with the stand), it's relatively thin and light too, but then again, most high-end TVs are nowadays. You'll also find video and music apps, an upscaling feature that takes 720p and 1080p content to near-4K resolution and PlayStation Now, Sony's game-streaming service. What you won't see here, however, is a 3D mode; Samsung says that's an omission it made to keep the cost down.

Running down the spec sheet, Samsung's JU6500 easily stands out as a top-of-the-line TV. That's because it is. Watching movies and shows and playing video games on it is a pleasure; everything looks and sounds crisp; totally immersive. I'm not just talking about enjoying 4K content, either, which is obviously one of the main strengths of this TV. To give you an example, I started watching HBO's The Wire again, and it's as if I had never seen the show before -- the remastering helps, naturally, but I also watched it on my 42-inch, 1080p TV and the experience wasn't as enjoyable. The same goes for gaming on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Wii U; graphics look incredible on everything from FIFA 15 to Battlefield Hardline, Titanfall and Mario Kart 8.

One of the few times I felt disappointed was while using PlayStation Now. Granted that wasn't the TV's fault. Even though I have internet speeds capable of handling the streaming service, the visuals from PlayStation 3 games don't cut it anymore. This is particularly true on a 65-inch device, where you can easily notice just about every dropped frame -- and that happens often on PlayStation Now. If you're willing to deal with this, you can still have plenty of fun playing old-school titles, including Batman: Arkham City and the Uncharted series. The TV's streaming functionality also extends to smartphones, since Samsung lets you pair it with some handsets for AirPlay-esque features.

It's also worth noting that, since the day I've had it (close to a month now), the JU6500 has lost its cool on me a few times. In more than a couple of occasions, it froze as I tried to stream a 4K movie via Amazon Instant Video. The same happened while I was browsing Samsung's smart TV app store, becoming unresponsive and requiring a hard reboot (read: disconnecting the power and plugging it back in). Sure, bringing it back to life isn't hard, but you shouldn't have to worry about that with a $2,000-plus, high-end TV.


For the most part, though, the JU6500 presents a seamless experience, and that's thanks to the work Samsung's done on Tizen OS. The menu system is simple and straightforward, allowing you to quickly find any setting you may want to change, like your picture and sound modes as well as network connectivity and power options. On the big screen, Tizen OS relies on a card-based system that never lets you feel lost as you're browsing the menu. Say you end up jumping into the wrong option; you can easily get back to the previous window by simply clicking the left arrow. If you've ever used a TV (smart or otherwise) with a tedious menu, then you'll definitely appreciate this.

Speaking of Amazon Instant Video, you're going to need it if you want to get the most out of this (or any) 4K TV. At the moment, that's one of the few applications actually offering UHD content, and even then, its selection is quite limited. The others are Netflix and M-Go, a video app developed in part by Samsung, both of which have a small library of 4K movies and TV shows to stream and buy or rent, respectively. Amazon does deliver its latest original series in 4K (Bosch, Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and Alpha House), but Prime members also get access to some movies at no cost. Netflix's 4K programming, on the other hand, includes House of Cards and Breaking Bad, as well as films like Philadelphia, Jerry Maguire and The Smurfs 2.

Want to buy movies or TV episodes instead? Don't fret -- Amazon has you covered there as well. But do keep in mind they won't be cheap and that, again, you won't have many options to choose from. For example, one of my UHD purchases was Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco -- which costs $25, whereas the Blu-ray is $10. Still, you get what you pay for. In general, there are too many details in the 4K picture quality that can't be ignored, such as a facial pore on Franco's face you wouldn't normally see in the 1080p version. Here, it's exposed for your viewing pleasure. That's not to say 1080p video doesn't display well on this UHD TV; the upscaling feature works great across the board, like when you're watching Blu-rays or streaming content from non-4K apps such as HBO Go or Hulu Plus.

Ultimately, what holds back the JU6500 isn't its hardware or software, but rather the shortage of Ultra High-Def content currently available. The good news is that, if you spend the money on it right now, you're setting yourself up for the future -- everyone's working hard to make 4K a reality, so it's only a matter of time before the technology becomes the norm.

SOURCE: Engadget

Sony is testing a 'stripped back' version of Android

Sony is testing a 'stripped back' version of Android 

If you've ever wished that Sony would ditch its custom Android interface in favor of Google's 'pure' experience... well, you'll want to book an impromptu Scandinavian vacation. Sony is launching a 500-person Swedish trial of Concept for Android, a "stripped back" take on Android 5.1 for the Xperia Z3 that looks and feels like the stock Google interface while including Sony's more popular apps and features.

If you're fortunate to be part of this test run, you'll both improve the software itself and shape Sony's overall strategy -- it's moving toward development based on "real user input" that will hopefully lead to more meaningful upgrades. And don't despair if you don't get in right now. The company is promising trials for more areas and more devices if this catches on, so you may still get a sneak peek at Sony's Android plans.

SOURCE: Sony Mobile Blog

Microsoft makes it way easier to report revenge porn

Microsoft makes it way easier to report revenge porn

Revenge porn is disgusting, destructive and getting to be tragically common, so much so that titans of the web have been cooking up ways to deal with it. Microsoft is the latest to join the fray, as it just joined Google in giving victims a way to shut down illicit stuff they don't want seen. Starting today, people can fill out a form on Microsoft's support site to flag the content in question, confirm that they didn't want whatever it was to be distributed in the first place and provide legal documentation if they've got it.

If the request is valid, Microsoft will then strike the offending matter from the web-crawling record that is Bing, as well as "remove access to the content itself when shared on OneDrive or Xbox Live." As valuable as the tool might seem (we'll see how quickly Microsoft resolves these cases) it's still just part one part of the process a revenge porn victim has to deal with. If that not-so-private content got indexed by Google, for instance, that's yet another search party to contact and deal with. And these steps are what need to happen just to ensure such results don't infect a person's search engine presence; none of it even begins to deal with the other creepy randos serving up the offending photos and videos themselves. 

Revenge porn will live on as long as shitty people do -- and that won't change any time soon -- but at least it's getting a just a little easier to mitigate.

SOURCE: Microsoft on the Issues

Apple already took 75 percent of the smartwatch market

Apple already took 75 percent of the smartwatch market

The official numbers for Apple Watch sales are still a mystery. But, according to a report by research firm Strategy Analytics, the Cupertino company shipped an estimated 4 million units during the second quarter of 2015. As a result, Apple's already captured 75 percent of the smartwatch marketshare across the world, despite only being available since late April. Strategy Analytics also points out that, thanks mostly to the Watch, global smartwatch shipments saw a remarkable 457 percent growth year-over-year. Meanwhile, Samsung was the big loser in Q2 2015, as it fell to second place and is said to have shipped a mere 0.4 million devices during that timeframe.

While Apple hasn't been clear-cut about how its Watch business is doing, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri did reveal yesterday that the product was responsible for around a billion dollars in quarterly sales. A billion dollars doesn't sound half-bad, sure, but wouldn't it be much better if Apple just told us how many wrist wearables it has sold so far? 

SOURCE: Strategy Analytics

This is what the OnePlus Two looks like: fingerprint scanner and all

This is what the OnePlus Two looks like: fingerprint scanner and all

Information about the upcoming OnePlus 2 handset has been slowly leaking out to the public, but now we finally get our first real look at the device.

The OnePlus 2 has passed through Tenaa certification, a sort of Chinese FCC, and images of the device have leaked online. As you can see above the new handset features a somewhat familiar design, though it does look a bit cleaner that the original OnePlus One.
Also of importance is the home button, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. This feature had been rumored for a long time and now we have some confirmation that it’s actually coming.

Finally, the location of the camera seems to have changed a bit, being noticeably lower on the device than in the previous model. There’s also no “dual camera” as had been rumored. Instead the device may feature laser focusing to help it take better images.
All of this sounds very interesting, and if OnePlus manages to keep the device’s price comparable to the One’s $300 tag, then there’s little doubt that Two will sell well.

Source: Tenaa 

via: Engadget

Here's your clearest look yet at the next Moto G

Here's your clearest look yet at the next Moto G

If there was any doubt left that Motorola will unveil a new Moto G at its July 28th event, Swiss retailer Digitec just removed it. The store has posted listings for a "3rd gen" Moto G that offers the clearest look yet at what this budget smartphone will likely deliver. Besides a fresher design, it could be far more potent than its predecessor

Digitec claims that the new G touts :

• 5-inch 1080p display, 
• 2GB of RAM, LTE and 
• 1.7GHz quad-core chip (likely the 64-bit Snapdragon 610). 

If it weren't for the 8GB of expandable storage, this could easily pass for a mid-range phone. You probably won't have to pay mid-range prices, though, since the G tentatively costs $245 off-contract in Switzerland. We'd still take the listings with a grain of salt, since retailers occasionally botch specs. If they're accurate, though, they suggest that you're in for a treat if you want an affordable, near-stock Android phone this summer.

VIA: Giga.de (translated) 

SOURCE: Digitec (translated )

Google Drive syncs files directly from Windows Office apps

Google Drive syncs files directly from Windows Office apps

Google already added tools that help Drive play nice with Office files, and now it's offering easy access from inside Microsoft's apps.

With a new plug-in, you can open files for Word, Excel and PowerPoint from Drive. When the time comes, you'll be able to save them in Google's cloud-based repository, too. It seems simple enough to use, and it's sure to come in handy for folks who prefer Google's storage option over Microsoft's, but still use Office to get work done. For now, the add-on works for Office on Windows machines, and there isn't any mention of when or if we can expect the same tool to arrive for the productivity suite for Mac.

SOURCE: Google