Tuesday, March 26, 2013

New Microsoft Stuff Designed to Promote Mediocrity

Sadly, Windows 8 is back in the news with one update and one peek at Windows Blue. If you use Windows 8, you will be happy to get updated fixes for three built-in Metro Apps. But be warned, the fixes still don’t make them top-of-the-line applications. Far from it.

But, even bigger news was the very unofficial peek (substitute the word “pirated” here) of the Windows 8 Blue update due this summer. As our second story points out, Window Blue is less-than-exciting and changes very little in the Windows 8 operating system.

But, several key Windows experts point out that the update is yet another signal that Microsoft intends to kill off the desktop environment over time, leaving everything to run in the Metro environment. Over my dead body…not mention the bodies of most consumers and corporate customers. I hate printing rumors and speculation here, but this was too important to skip. Again I ask, what is Microsoft thinking?

The bottom line…it’s Microsoft’s way or the highway.

Besides the Microsoft stories, there are some other interesting news and features here. In an effort to boost sales, T-Mobile is doing away with cell phone contracts. That bears knowing about and I’ve got the story here.

Also there is the new app from Google, “Keep.” It’s a note-taking application designed to rival Evernote and Microsoft’s OneNote. I’ve looked at it…no big deal…but you decide. After what Google did to Reader, I would not trust them to keep any application. Stick with Evernote and OneNote…much, much better anyway. 

If that is enough, there is still more information that you might find of interest. So, away we go!! -JCR

Major Windows 8 built-in app updates due Tuesday, Google Calendar sync will be disabled

Microsoft is preparing some major updates to its built-in Windows 8 applications starting today. The company is refreshing its communication apps: mail, calendar, and people.

Windows Blue: We waited for this?

A pirated copy of Windows Blue has hit the ether, and it may be the least interesting update to Windows ever

Windows Blue: a video preview of what's next for Windows 8

The Blue upgrade to Windows 8 looks like it's going to bring a host of improvements, fixes, and some new built-in apps too, but the biggest changes are on the UI side.

No Windows desktop mode!? No!

The early look at Blue have some Windows experts thinking that Microsoft is getting ready to dump Windows 8's desktop mode once and for all in favor of Metro. No!

T-Mobile USA kills traditional cell contracts in subscriber boost bid

By killing traditional cell phone contracts, the fourth largest US cellular network hopes to undercut its rivals who have taken on most of its defecting customers. Also, the iPhone is now available on T-Mobile.

Google Keep, an Overdue Answer to Evernote, Arrives

Google Keep stores photos, notes, voice recordings and checklists in Google Drive, so users can access their reminders from the web or any Android device — as long as its running Ice Cream Sandwich or newer.

Email forever! Why social apps can't replace it

The reality is that email is very good for what it does, and nothing out there is better. Email isn't about to go away, and trying to kill it is silly at best.

Get Organized: Keep or Delete?

Your computer likely houses a number of files that you don't actually need, but if you delete the wrong one, all hell could break loose. How do you know which ones to save and which to delete?

9 classic hacking, phishing, and social engineering lies

Whether it is on the phone, online, or in person, here are 9 lies hackers, phishers, and social engineers will tell you to get what they want

Best Free Online Applications and Services

With online applications and services, you do not need to download and install them into your computer for using them—you just need to open up a browser to access them online. We have compiled a list for best free online applications and services

8 Hidden Secrets Of Your Computer Mouse

Most computer users don’t know the hidden secrets of computer mouse. Here are some of the best computer mouse tips and tricks which help you to increase your overall productivity while on the computer.

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