Tuesday, June 12, 2012

What’s New from Apple and More Hits for Microsoft

Yesterday was another big day for Apple. While it was their annual Developer Conference for independent application writers, they took the opportunity to introduce new products (computers mostly) and give us previews of their forthcoming new operating systems for computers and portable devices. The big product news was the introduction of a new MacBook Pro with a Retinal Screen, similar to the one on the iPad 3. Impressive but very expensive…$2,200.

But the most interest was generated by Apple’s iOS6 operating system for the iPhone and the iPad. I have included a story about the OS and what it will do for those of us who use the portable Apple products. It will be released in the Fall.

But not to leave Microsoft out, I’ve got three new stories about the forthcoming Windows 8…all opinions ranging from bad to mediocre. As I promised, I am trying to be fair with the new operating system…just passing along what the experts think. And while it appears at first glance that Apple is Windows 8 biggest competitor, it isn’t. The big competitor is Windows 7. Think about it.

OK, let’s get this show on the road. - JRC

Apple's WWDC news: New Macbook Pros, iOS 6, upgraded Siri

Apple comes on strong with a slew of announcements including a brand new MacBook Pro, and tons of features on iOS 6 and OS X.

By adding new maps and more FaceTime, iOS 6 hits major marks

Coming this fall for the iPhone and iPad, iOS 6 will adds several long-awaited features, including turn-by-turn navigation and FaceTime calls over a cell network.

Final thoughts on Windows 8: A design disaster

The biggest problem with Windows 8 is that it wasn’t born out of a need or demand. Its design failures, particularly with ‘Metro UI’ will likely be its downfall. Here’s why.

Windows 8 nears the finish line: What's good, what's bad

Microsoft lifts the Windows 8 kimono one last time before the finish line. Here are the improvements and inconsistencies

Windows 8: Give Microsoft credit for betting the farm

Microsoft’s Windows 8 and its Metro UI has sparked extreme reactions and there appears to be little middle ground. Windows 8 will either be a hit or the next Vista. But let’s give Microsoft credit for making one gutsy bet.

Tech's biggest flops of 2012 (so far)

The tech world moves so fast that you've probably forgotten about at least some of the big flops that have already happened this year. Here's a quick rundown to keep you in the loop

California's budget crisis sparks controversial BYOD plan to save money

California Department of Health Care Services wants employees to use their own smartphones without any subsidy; state employee unions are fighting it

20 Reasons to Switch to Google+

Thinking of truly embracing Google+ as your go-to social network of choice? The folks at Infographic Labs have put together a compelling infographic as to why the Google service is worth your time.

How to transfer files from Windows to the iPad

The iPad (and other iOS devices) might be the coolest computing device, but it lacks a clear and simple way to share files with Windows PCs. Sure, iPads contain storage and connect to PCs via USB, but they don’t behave like flash drives or Android phones. Here are three tricks for moving files on and off an iPad. (PS: I use the new Skydrive)

PC Wizard 2012 2.0 (Windows, free)

PC Wizard 2012 is a powerful utility designed especially for detection of hardware, but also some more analysis. It's able to identify a large scale of system components and supports the latest technologies and standards.

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