Friday, May 12, 2017

Another Important Week for Windows 10

This was Build Week, 2017. This year’s annual conference for Microsoft developers was held in Seattle. They held two keynote addresses, plus a series of individual classes for developers. But, we non-nerds are only interested in the keynotes…well maybe not the first one. That was for real nerd developers.

But the second one, held just this morning, was about the future of Windows…specifically the next big update called, “Fall Creator’s Update.” Although we will have to wait until October (or later) to get our hands on it, it has some very interesting new features that I look forward to seeing. Many of them are detailed in our first three stories.

The big shocker…Apple’s iTunes is coming to the Windows Store. No one saw that coming. But, the most ambitious new feature is one that breaks down the barriers many companies put up to keep you buying their products. For example, if you begin work on a presentation on your PC, your phone will ask if you want to continue working on it once you're on the go. Copy something off a webpage on your PC, and paste it on an iPhone. You can even save files on one device and pick them up on another.

There is much more, but our first three stories should get you started. We will have more in the next edition. I should mention that Microsoft wasn’t just teasing us about future Windows updates. Rather they were giving developers the information and tools they need to develop applications for Fall Creator’s Update. 

Last time, I mentioned I had not received the Creator’s Update on any of my four computers running Windows. Well, late yesterday afternoon, I got it on my HP Spectre laptop. Since that is my newest computer, it makes sense that it came first. Microsoft did say newer computers get priority. Have not had much of a chance to play with it, so more on it soon. Have a great weekend! –JRC

Tech News and Opinions

Microsoft reveals new Windows 10 features coming in fall update

On day 2 of its Build 2017 developers conference, Microsoft announced a name for its fall release of Windows 10 and showed off a few new features that will be in that update. A surprise announcement: iTunes is coming to the Windows Store.

 

Microsoft's new plan for mobile relevance: Use Windows to make other devices better

"Microsoft's new motto: "If you can't beat them in mobile, join them." The coming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and some under-the-cover developer technologies are key to trying to make this happen.

 

Windows 10 Getting New 'Fluent' Look With Fall Creators Update

At Build, Microsoft revealed details about its fall Windows 10 Creators Update and mixed reality gear from partners, including new motion controllers.

 

Amazon Reveals $230 Touch-Screen Echo Show

With Echo Show, Alexa can 'show you things,' Amazon says of its new gadget...and you can make video calls to others who have the device.

 

Trump's cybersecurity executive order met with mixed reviews

The order asks for a full review of all cyber capabilities in an effort to strengthen federal systems, but that might be tough — if not impossible — given the timeline.

 

Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks

Opera’s new browser gives you direct access to WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram

Opera may be the underdog of the browser world, but it continues to fight hard, adding interesting new features to try and win over users.

 

Windows 10 tip: Use filters for faster and more accurate searches

The Windows 10 search box does an amazing job of helping you find files and folders, photos, apps, settings, and more. Typing one of eight words at the start of a search can make your results even more useful. Here's the list.

 

26 Google Maps Tricks You Need to Try

The mapping product that can do everything can actually do a whole lot more.

 

The Best Office Suites of 2017

Everyone knows Microsoft Office, but it's not your only choice for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. These office suites are tops, whether you want local or cloud-based office functionality.

 

Windows 10 Creators Update: the 10 best new features

While the previous Anniversary Update included more significant features, the Creators Update includes some small and welcome additions.

 

Mobile Computing

How to record your own voice for Waze navigation

Love the sound of your own voice? Now you can listen to it give you driving directions!

 

How to fix photos not uploading to or downloading from iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library is great… at least when it works as it should.

 

Google Photos — Everything you need to know!

Organize, browse, and fall in love with all your mobile photos and videos easily from one convenient location using Google Photos!

 

Allo's next trick: Turning your selfies into emoji

The new features takes advantage of Google's machine learning abilities to make a set of stickers based on your face.

 

Any.Do 4.0 for Android Update Adds Integrated Calendar and Assistant

With the integrated calendar, you finally don’t need to leave Any.Do to manage tasks and check your calendar. The calendar features daily, weekly, and monthly views, and should be just the amount of calendar you need to fully manage your to-do list life.

 

Google Maps for iOS will now remember where you parked

Despite the improvements Apple has made to its own Maps platform, Google Maps is still the number one choice for millions of iPhone users. And it keeps getting better.

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