Once Again Microsoft Makes Good News…And Bad

Last time, I published a strongly substantiated rumor that the new Windows 8.1 would not be released until mid October. That rumor has now been confirmed by Microsoft…October18 to be exact. I hope I can put up with Windows 8 on my laptop until then…since my laptop is all I will be using for the next month as I head north to the San Francisco Bay Area to housesit (and dog sit).

I will still be putting out this blog during that time, but probably on a more sporadic basis. Sorry, but it is a vacation of sorts. Will be going to a Giants game and the opening day game for the 49ers…among other things. So I will be a bit busy. But I won’t leave you totally in the lurch. 

Back to other news…on Patch Tuesday, two days ago, Microsoft released six bad patches. I am sure they will be fixing those soon. I also mentioned last time about an article I read regarding the end-of-life for Windows XP and how hackers will take advantage of this. I decided to include the whole article in this edition as it is important (story #4).

There is lots more here so I will let you read it for yourself while I get back to my packing. I will see you soon. -JRC

Windows 8.1 shipping, online and physically, on October 18th

Windows 8.1 will be available as a free update to all existing Windows 8 users, downloaded and installed through the Windows Store.

Microsoft confirms Skype will be bundled with Windows 8.1

Skype is joining the growing set of Microsoft-developed consumer apps that will ship 'in the box' with Windows 8.1.

Microsoft botches six Windows patches in latest Automatic Update

In an amazing tour de force, Microsoft's Automatic Update chute released at least six bad patches on Tuesday. Here's what's amazing: It's just 48 hours or so since the bomb bay doors opened, and Microsoft has acknowledged problems with all of these patches.

XP's retirement will be hacker heaven

Hackers will bank bugs until after Microsoft retires Windows XP in April 2014; expect attacks, say security experts

Google Search Gets More Personal, Now Lets You Find Your Flight Info, Reservations, Photos And More

Google today announced a number of search features that make it easier for you to find your own personal information through Google Search.

Word from the street: The next iPhone better wow us

The next iPhone is rumored to be announced in a few weeks and conversations with Apple's customers makes it clear it needs a big wow factor.

Battle of the Office Suites: Microsoft Office and LibreOffice Compared

For a long time, Microsoft Office has been the reigning champ of office suites, but that doesn't mean the free alternative, LibreOffice, isn't worth considering. Let's take a look at how the two compare, and if it's finally possible to ditch the paid option for the free one.

A ‘no-reformat reinstall’ for Windows 8

"Win8′s Refresh your PC without affecting your files feature lets you rebuild your operating system in minutes. A refresh returns Windows 8 to like-new condition while leaving users’ accounts, data, passwords, and personal files intact.

Best cloud storage apps for iPhone and iPad: Dropbox, Google Drive, SugarSync, and more!

Since it's Cloud week on Talk Mobile, and today's all about picking the best cloud for you, we're going to show you the best clouds available for iOS

Scan Any Suspicious File, Or Windows Process, With 40+ Products

VirusTotal is a web-based system that scans any uploaded file with more than 40 different antivirus products."

Windows 8.1 Update Delayed Again?

Microsoft again falls behind the 8-ball…this time for falling behind on the delivery of the Windows 8.1 update. They say they will finish the RTM (release to manufacturing) version late this month, but the word is consumers will not see it until October. I think it is not-ready-for-prime-time, according to those who have secretly gotten their hands on the latest build.

Microsoft is also being sued in a class-action suit for not telling the truth about the failure of Windows RT…at least in terms of financial disclosure. Will it never end?

But they did get one thing right…they keep issuing updates and patches to all their Windows Operating Systems, the newest one coming out today. Good job on that front, Redmond.

I also read an interesting article about the end-of-life for XP, which happens next year. Microsoft no longer will issue security patches, so hackers and bad guys will have a field day finding new vulnerabilities and attacking those computers still running XP. So if you are one of those folks, you might want to think long and hard about changing in the near future.

So with all that said, lets take a look at all the other news and information that might be of interest to you. -JRC

NSA 'secret backdoor' paved way to U.S. phone, e-mail snooping

The National Security Agency created a "secret backdoor" so its massive databases could be searched for the contents of U.S. citizens' confidential phone calls and e-mail messages without a warrant, according to the latest classified documents leaked by Edward Snowden. "

Microsoft's Windows 8.1: When will users get the final bits?

Even though Windows 8.1 is still looking like it will be released to manufacturing in August, users may have to wait a couple more months to get the final version.

Microsoft Patches 23 Vulnerabilities in Windows, IE, Exchange

Its Patch Tuesday and there are some important fixes coming your way. All versions of Windows and Internet Explorer are vulnerable to one or more critical flaws. There are non-security updates as well.

Class-action suit filed against Microsoft over Surface RT

The firm is claiming that Microsoft "issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial performance and its tablet computer, the Surface RT.

Giving kids iPads won't solve the education challenge

"Los Angeles's program to supply iPads to 640,000 students is the latest example of confusing technology with teaching

Why storing passwords in Chrome is a bad idea

Chrome does not provide any protection for the passwords it stores-there is no master password that locks access to managing the saved passwords. The passwords are stored in plain-text, and can be exposed by simply clicking the "show" button next to the password field.

Hey hotel operators: Free wi-fi is no longer an option

It's hard to believe that many hotels still don't offer free wi-fi. Some don't have wi-fi at all, or have wi-fi that barely works at exorbitant rates.

Why I'm using my smartphone less and less every day

When smartphones first appeared I happily did everything with mine. Surfing the web on the phone was a heady experience, along with lots of other activities. Then something changed, at least for me.

How to Pin Anything to the Taskbar in Windows 7 and 8 the Easy Way

Have you ever wanted to pin your favorite folder, document, or control panel item to the Windows taskbar, only to find that you can’t do that directly? Now there is a way.

Add-ons that help browsers block Web trackers

Browsers provide a fairly good first line of defense against Web tracking, but to protect against beacons, JavaScript trackers, and widgets, you need more. Third-party browser add-ons and applications can provide better defenses against websites that want to follow your online activities."

Review: Apache OpenOffice 4 vs. LibreOffice 4.1

Not so fast, LibreOffice -- OpenOffice has a shiny, new, and improved major release of its own

Another Special Edition About Tablets and Phones

We are loaded today with stories, tips, tricks, and recommendations about the world of portable computing. Since Android and iOS dominate this world, the stories here are pretty much about them.

As you probably know, my current portable world consists of an iPad, an iPod, an iPhone, and a Kindle e-book reader. So, with the exception of the Kindle, you might say my portable computing life is dominated by Apple. Well that is about to change

Today, I ordered the new Google Nexus 7…without much doubt, the finest 7” tablet on the market today. It was just released 9 days ago and the reviews have been nothing less than raves…and it is only $229…that is $100 less than the Apple iPad Mini. It is a remarkable tablet for the money in every aspect. Gorgeous screen, powerful hardware, long battery life and exceptionally lightweight. You can read about it in story #3.

While I will still use my Apple devices quite regularly, I have trip coming up where the smaller Nexus 7 (running Android 4.3) will be an advantage. I am looking forward to getting my hands on it.

Frankly, I think Android has moved ahead of Apple in innovation and product development. While still making very good products, Apple seems to be standing still. Apple has done very little this year, although the forthcoming iOS 7 looks good. So far, Apple hasn’t done much innovation since the death of Steve Jobs. But, we shall see how if they can move forward. But, the clock is ticking.

If you are looking for a tablet, no matter what size, check out the Website recommended in story #4. It really helped me finally decide to get the Nexus 7.

As I said, this edition is loaded with stories to help you in this burgeoning world of tablets and smartphones. There should be something in here for everyone. So let’s go! -JRC

Expect more Android security issues in 2013

Android devices are directly in the crosshairs of hackers as threats proliferate and the user-base expands with little thought given to security.

Best Free Antivirus App for Android

No need to pay for security. There's a wide choice of free security apps that will cover all your needs including a group of complete security suites with Anti-Theft capabilities.

Best Android tablets (August 2013 edition)

Don't want to get locked into Apple's ecosystem by buying an iPad or iPad mini? No problem! Here are my top Android tablets for August 2013. And if you're looking for budget Android tablets, there are two here you might be interested in.

Tablet comparison 2013 - Over 100 tablets compared side by side

Thinking about a new tablet or your very first tablet? Here is a great place to compare the major tablets and see the reviews.

Google announces tool to track lost Android phones

Later this month, anyone with a Google account will be able to locate their devices on a map in real time, activate their ringer, and even wipe their contents.

Google Launches New Version Of Web Play Store, Is Absolutely Stunning, Lightning-Fast, And Full Of Cards

Google has officially launched the new web version of the Play Store, and it's a looker. The new interface is based around - you might have guessed - cards and sidebar navigation. I can't find a single page that hasn't been completely revamped.

Microsoft Office for Android is pathetically bad, too

Office Mobile for Windows Phone is bad, Office Mobile for iPhone is bad, and Office Mobile for Android makes it a trifecta

15 best Android games

"Having trouble finding the right games to download for your Android device? Here are 15 of my favorites.

30 best iPad games

Trying to figure out which iPad games to buy with your hard-earned dough? Here's a look at our current top 30 favorites.. PS Most are available for Android also.

Google posts six tips and tricks for Google Maps on iOS, Android

There's still more to learn after the recent Google Maps revamp for iOS and Android. Here are six tips straight from Google.

The 100 Best iPhone Apps

Scouting for some new, different, or tried-and-true iPhone apps? Here are 100 of the best we've found. From PC Magazine

15 feel-good features in iOS 7 to make you love your iPhone again

Here's a look at just a few of the best and most noticeable features of the forthcoming iOS 7 that will reignite your love for your Apple-branded smartphone again.

14 Things You Can Do With Your iPad

There are many features on the iPad that you can take advantage of if you know the right settings, gestures, or apps. (Slide Show)

How to request a refund for an iTunes or App Store purchase

Ever had a time where you needed a refund for either an iTunes or App Store purchase? Apple does give you the ability to request refunds for any kind of media as well as App Store purchases all in one place.

Less Talk…More News

Last week, one of my blogs had almost no news in it. Well, it is just the opposite today. We’ve got lots of new here, most of it relevant to what this blog tries to achieve.

Like most folks, I am a bit surprised that Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, bought the Washington Post. On the surface, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. But, there must be good reasons. He may be single handedly trying to save the dying newspaper business. I hope so. I’ve included a story about the purchase details and another story as to the possible reasons.

I am also surprised that the President intervened on the ban that would have prevented Apple from importing older model iPads and iPhones into the US. I truly hope it is the first step in revising these ridiculous patent and copyright laws we are stuck with.

But Apple also had some bad news as the Department of Justice proposed punishments and remedies for Apple’s violations of anti-trust laws involving the sale of books. It is steep. It will be interesting to see if the judge in the case will approve them.

Well, as the headline implies, it’s time for me to shut up and get on with today’s feature stories. -JRC

Apple iPhone and iPad patent ban overturned in US

A ban on sales of older models of Apple's iPad and iPhone in the US has been overturned by the Obama administration.

Microsoft cuts Surface Pro price by $100 following Surface RT reductions

Microsoft is discounting its Surface Pro tablet this weekend, following heavy reductions to its Surface RT costs recently. The 10 percent price cut to Surface Pro reduces the cost of the 64GB and 128GB models by $100 each in the US.

Why Microsoft will stick with Windows RT

Is there any chance Microsoft is going to do a 180 and dump its Windows RT operating system? My bet is no, and here's why.

Jeff Bezos buys The Washington Post for $250 million

Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has announced a surprise plan to buy The Washington Post for $250 million in cash. Bezos is snapping up one of the country's most respected daily newspapers in a private deal that is separate from his role at Amazon.

Why Jeff Bezos Bought The Washington Post

Anyone rooting for the Washington Post to transform into a successful digital business should be thrilled that Jeff Bezos is buying it.

Amazon starts selling art

The site showcases more than 40,000 works from over 150 galleries and dealers that run the gamut as far as subject, genre and period are concerned.

Redbox Instant comes to Roku

The fledging joint venture from Redbox, the DVD-rental kiosk company, and Verizon adds another device to push its catalog of streaming movies straight to TVs.

DOJ proposes ways to halt Apple e-book price-fixing

Apple would need to pay for an external monitor, sever deals with publishers, and let Amazon and Barnes & Noble link their iOS e-book apps to their respective online stores, among other proposed measures.

An 83,000-Processor Supercomputer Only Matched One Percent of Your Brain

Taking advantage of the almost 83,000 processors of one of the world's most powerful supercomputers, the team was able to mimic just one percent of one second's worth of human brain activity—and even that took 40 minutes. Good to know we are not obsolete.

The blink tag is finally dead, killed off by Firefox 23

According to the release notes for the new browser, Firefox 23 completely drops support for the "blink" element, preventing browsers from rendering text that, well, blinks.

The 10 Best Scanners

Our favorite scanners include high-speed desktop scanners, film and photo-print scanners, portable models that will let you preview scans on a smart phone, and hybrid desktop models that you can undock and take with you on the road.

Youtube Downloader HD (Free)

Youtube Downloader HD saves videos to your computer for playing outside a browser or offline viewing. The videos can be downloaded in Flash video format (FLV) or, if available, higher quality H.264 (MP4) formats, playable by iPhone, iPod, etc.

Privacy is Dead…But We Should Have Guessed That

NSA snooping is back in the headlines…more revelations about the data it gathers. According to story #1, an NSA employee can, “…with just a few clicks, obtain everything from phone numbers to e-mail addresses. The agency also can see e-mail content, full Internet activity, browser history, and an IP address. According to the files and Snowden, the NSA can essentially see everything a person is doing on the Internet without the need for a warrant.”

Our second story focuses on phone snooping and how NSA analysts listen to intercepted phone calls of American citizens without a warrant. I find all this quite disturbing.

Our third story tells you how to protect your privacy from not only the government, but from corporations who want to know everything you do in order to make more money. It’s a lengthy article, but well worth the read.

Do you remember a few months ago how Microsoft found it had no right to use the name “Metro” in Windows 8?  Well its happened again…now Microsoft will have to change the name “SkyDrive” to something else. Seems a British company has taken the Redmond boys to court over the name…and won. Microsoft may need to fire some lawyers who are supposed to check out these things. Ridiculous!

And speaking of Windows 8, I am so close to dumping it off my laptop and installing Windows 7. This time my gripe is about backup. One of the great features of Windows 7 was the ability to make image backups of your whole system. I went to do that in Windows 8 and found that it was not there…or at least I thought it was not there.

Thanks to a little research on the Web, I found it, only hidden in a place you would never find and mislabeled. I would have discovered it without the help of the Web. I used it to backup my drive and it all went well. Why the good folks at Microsoft chose to hide and mislabel it, I will never understand. I will wait for the release of Windows 8.1 before I make my final decision on dumping it. But I sure dislike it even more than I thought I would.

Want to hear about another Microsoft misstep? The man in charge of creating the mess that is Windows 8, the megalomaniac Steven Sinofsky, was fired a few months ago. Now Microsoft is paying him $10 million not to work for Apple, Google, Amazon or other competitors. They should have saved their money and let him work for whomever he wants. Letting him loose in one of these other companies could potentially help Microsoft become relevant again.

Anyway, let’s get on with our reading, my friends. -JRC

Newly leaked NSA program sees 'nearly everything' you do

The X-Keyscore program, which has been revealed by NSA leaker Edward Snowden, may be the "widest-reaching" intelligence system yet uncovered.

Feds declassify more details on NSA's phone snooping

Three documents declassified by the Director of National Intelligence confirm key facts about the NSA's PRISM program.

You’re being followed! How to block Web tracking

Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean you’re not being watched. When you’re on the Internet, there are good reasons to have that eerie sense of being followed.

And the new ISP for US Starbucks stores is ... Google?

Coffee mega-chain Starbucks has announced that Google will replace AT&T as the internet service provider for its company-owned stores in the US.

Nokia Grows Frustrated With Microsoft's Pace In Windows Phone

The cracks are beginning to show in the multibillion-dollar mobile-phone partnership between Nokia and Microsoft. As Windows Phone continues to register minimal growth, Nokia has grown frustrated with how slow Microsoft is to improve the operating system.

Microsoft to rename SkyDrive after losing trademark suit

Microsoft will be forced to rename its SkyDrive cloud storage service after failing to defend its trademark against U.K. broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting.

Apple and the fear of flopping

Apple has set itself up to flourish or flounder in a hit driven business. For the last decade, the company has flourished, but a flop could quickly erode the company's stellar reputation.

Get Organized: Email Contacts

Switching jobs? Migrating to a new email system? You'll want to bring your address book with you, no doubt. Here's how to do it, and some tips on keeping up your contact list in other ways, too.

Win the inbox war: Four utilities fight email onslaught

New tools and services can help you tame that ever-expanding beast, making it easier to weed out the junk, highlight the important, and organize the rest-all without the hassle of manually creating a complex system of filters and folders.

Seamlessly sync your data across devices

Today's unfettered mobility means its more critical than ever that you’re able to access important files across devices, platforms and apps. Follow these tips for keeping all your data in sync, so you can keep doing business wherever your business takes you. "

Take the world's best courses, online, for free

Coursera is the best online free education company that I know. It partners with the top universities and organizations in the world to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. Their courses are taught by world-class professors which let you learn at your own pace.