Friday, October 21, 2016

Microsoft and Apple to Make Big Announcements

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Over the next couple of weeks, Apple and Microsoft will hold special events to announce new products. Next week, October 27 to be exact, Apple will likely announce all new MacBooks. It’s about time. Apple has not updated the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air in three years. They updated the newer MacBook not long ago, but because of its smaller screen, less powerful processor and having only one USB-C port, it is not a big seller. But, is it too late for new Apple laptops? Our first article explores that possibility.

On November 2, Microsoft’s event will probably focus on it’s Office line of products and possibly an updated Skype. We could also see new Surface Tablets. The company has been very cagey about it is going to announce at this event.

One thing is for sure: Microsoft has been out-innovating Apple for some time now. You may have seen the recent ads showing Apple’s iPad Pro as a laptop alternative…followed quickly by Microsoft’s ad showing the Surface tablets to be a far superior alternative. And I agree with Microsoft…the iOS operating system limitations, for me anyway, exclude any iPad tablets as a serious computer. The iPad is great and I love mine, but not as laptop computer.

On the other hand, the Surface tablets run a full Windows 10 OS, the same as a desktop computer and laptop. So the Surface can be used as a laptop. In fact, if my MacBook Pro and Samsung laptop both disappeared and I could only purchase one new laptop, I think I might just purchase a Surface or some other Windows-based laptop to replace them both. 
 
But I withhold judgement on that until after the two companies make their forthcoming announcements. I will be watching both and will report back to you on what is covered at these two events. So stay tuned! -JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Has Apple given up on the Mac?

Opinion: Apple is rumored to be preparing a long-overdue update to its Macbook line, but will this be too little, too late? In the PC business, Microsoft is wearing the innovation crown these days.

 Apple: 90 percent of 'genuine' Apple items on Amazon are fake

Apple is suing an electronics distributor over what it says are bogus Apple accessories sold on Amazon.

 FCC chief: We're here to reinforce consumer rights

Commentary: Chairman Tom Wheeler says the FCC is working hard to protect your privacy and allow you to watch pay-TV programming without renting a set-top box.

Microsoft Has a Bill Belichick Problem

New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick has spent his career destroying the hopes and dreams of the competition. But now he’s turned his ire on Microsoft’s Surface tablets. And the results are not pretty.

 Did trolls cost Twitter $3.5bn and its sale?

Walt Disney and Saleforce reportedly decided not to pursue a bid for Twitter Inc. partly out of concern that bullying and other uncivil forms of communication on the social media site might soil the company’s wholesome family image


Computer Tips and Tricks

Complete Guide to Windows 10 Version 1703

This article will collect the new features as we discover them and expand over time into a complete look at what’s new.

 How to find out what Facebook knows about you

Facebook uses your online activity to build an advertising profile about you. Here's how to look at (and edit) some of that information.

 How to Delete Your Facebook Account

Sick of the world's leading social network? Say good-bye to all those "friends" by following these instructions.

 Here's everything that's included with Amazon Prime

Here's a look at every single benefit included with Prime -- along with a few Amazon services you might think are included, but actually cost extra.

 12 Ways to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Worried about the security of your Wi-Fi connection? Follow these steps and you'll be in a wireless Fort Knox.


Mobile Computing

Apps for easy photo sharing

Make sharing photos with friends even simpler. For iOS and Android users.

 Duplicating a Photo in the iOS Photos app

One of the smaller features that Apple quietly snuck into iOS 9.3 is the ability to create a duplicate of any given photo or set of photos in the iOS Photos app.

 Best free Android games 2016

The best free games on Android for phone and tablet.

The Best Android Tablets of 2016

No love for the iPad or Windows slates? Here's what to look for in an Android tablet, along with the top-rated models we've tested.

 The Best Windows Tablets of 2016

Today's tablets offer full Windows PC power in a convenient, touch-friendly form factor. Here's what you need to know when shopping for one, and our top recommended models.

 How to set up automatic iCloud backups for your iPad

If you still haven’t ever backed up your device, pay close attention. These few easy steps are so painless and important.

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