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Tag: microsoft

  • Surface Pro 4: Things we wish Microsoft did right

    Surface Pro 4: Things we wish Microsoft did right

    Microsoft Surface Pro 4, a high-end portable hybrid tablet has been recently launched by Microsoft. It is the upgraded version of their current Surface Pro 3 and is currently creating a lot of buzzes, but considering that it is launched with a very high price tag and is specifically targeted for the high-end users, we feel a bit disappointed. Though specification wise Surface Pro 4 is very well loaded but we found that there are 4 features that could have made it a lot better.

    1 Windows Help/ Passport

    girl microsoft surface pro 4

    Image Courtesy: Microsoft

    Edit: Windows Hello is actually present in Surface Pro 4, which allow users to seamlessly and securely log into their PCs. Windows Hello supports three types of biometric entry, which includes fingerprint recognition, iris, and facial recognition. Sorry for the wrong information. Thank you! “Andy_Elvis” for this tip.

    Windows 10 came out with some of the most magnificent features which are specifically designed to make operating easily. Microsoft has kept the marketing of Windows 10 around the proposition that Next Gen babies of today will grow in a password free world.

    There are many PC around the world which has the capacity of utilising windows Hello facial recognition software but with surface Pro 4 this feature is missing. Even if they were not able to fit in the Intel RealSense 3D camera they could have at least installed the fingerprint sensor which could have let users utilize the biometric authentication with the help of Microsoft Passport.

    2. USB Type-C

    USB Type-C is now making inroads into most of the high-end device which are available in the market. It has now become a norm for all high spec devices to use it because of its amazing variety and features. The omission of the USB Type-C is a huge disappointment considering that other devices of the same category have it.

    There are currently two USB ports in the Surface Pro 4, one of them could be easily devoted support the new tech if they were concerned about the legacy support and backward compatibility on the device. Maybe Microsoft would have thought that as there are not many devices currently in the market which have USB C types, but it would have made sense considering the future belongs to USB C and if not anything perception wise it would have given a good boost to the product.    

    3. 4G / LTE

    z digitfreak 00445

    Image Courtesy: Microsoft

    In this day and age its very difficult to imagine that a premium ranged hybrid PC is not equipped with 4G connectivity. 4G connectivity is something which for this kind of device was an absolute necessity as it would have been essential getting a better coverage in the area which lack the facilities of WiFi.

    4. Battery

    Battery backup is something which would have been compromised with 4G but having it as a feature was highly necessary for Microsoft. There is one thing that Microsoft got correct this time which is that it can utilize the same docking station of Surface Pro 3. When rumours began to fly that Microsoft was planning a larger Surface Pro it was a big cause of worry for the fate of docking station but Microsoft has remained true to their word and has retained the same docking station as the Surface Pro 3.

    But it must be said that even after considering all these flaws, the product line announced last week is very exciting. Microsoft is certainly making a valiant effort to rub shoulders against its age-old rival Apple with a good premium range Hybrid. They have certainly set a good platform for others to know the right way to build a premium Windows 10 device.

  • The Cross Platform Microsoft Office 2016

    The Cross Platform Microsoft Office 2016

    Microsoft has changed its strategies drastically with the release of Windows 10 and has shown the intent of developing products that are more customer centric and more convenient to operate. Windows 10, as announced by Microsoft is the last version of Windows that will receive frequent updates and is claimed by Microsoft to run efficiently on both desktop as well as mobile devices. What Microsoft has tried to do with this version of Windows is to pose a tough challenge for Android and iOS.

    Moving another step in this direction is the latest version of Office. Office 2016 will be a cross platform application with versions for Mobile devices and computers. Microsoft Office is still one of the most preferred office suite in the world irrespective of the availability of other open source alternatives that are available for free.

    apertura microsoft office 2016 2015

    What Microsoft seems to have got right this time is the fact that they have understood well is that though they are still the current market leaders, it will not be long before they may lose their leadership position to someone else. In the world of technology that is getting more inclined towards mobile devices and where users use multiple devices with different operating systems, Microsoft can no longer afford to keep its applications limited to function only on one particular platform or one particular device.

    office 2016 announced 640x400

    Microsoft therefore announced the launch of Office 2016 for Mac in the second week of July and the Android version will be available soon. After the release of these two versions, the company will release the mobile version of Microsoft Office 2016 for Windows devices. By the end of the year, the version for desktop will be launched.

    Currently Office 2016 for Mac is available as an update to Office 365 users and the one time subscription option will be available from September. Though there have been previous versions of Office like Office for Mac 2011, by giving precedence to the Mac and Android versions by announcing their release before the version for Windows, Microsoft has displayed to have adopted a more flexible strategy this time.

    microsoft corporation releases office 2016 for consumer preview and rolls o

    Microsoft has termed this version of Office as a mobile first and Cloud first version as it is targeted primarily for mobile users. It seems to be going in the right direction with this version of Office with a more flexible approach that might turn the fortunes of the company that has just written off US$ 7.6 billion from its deal with Nokia and has decided to fire 7,800 of its staff.

  • Microsoft Wireless Desktop 800 USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo [Review]

    Microsoft Wireless Desktop 800 USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo [Review]

    I ordered “Microsoft Wireless desktop 800 USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo” one day, when I was annoyed by the fact that I have to carry my laptop on my lap all the time while typing or working on it.

    If you work on a laptop everyday like me, You would probably understand what I am talking about. I just hate it when I have to work on my laptop, sitting in a single position because you can not always use the keyboard effectively at every sitting positions. This is what led me to buy the wireless keyboard and mouse, so that I could work within my comfort zone.

    This is just me, but you might have some similar situation where you wanted to go wire free and work on your desktop or laptop from a feasible distance. Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and Mouse is the perfect companion for such scenarioes, And guess what? It falls right under the budget of Rs 1,500 (~$25).

    Box Accessories

    The package includes a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard, Mouse, USB transmitter, Manual, 2 AA size battery and 2 AAA size battery.

    Build Quality & Design

    IMG 20150401 165401371 1

    The “Microsoft Wireless Desktop 800 USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo” has a really sturdy and premium build quality, which makes it stand out in the crowd. The button are really soft to press, and they doesn’t seem like getting chunky any sooner. The curved layout of the keyboard button makes it really easy to type and compose texts.

    I am typing this article on the keyboard and so far I am loving it. The buttons are so soft that it feels like you’re moving your hand over butter. There are several easy access hot keys, like the calculator, Play/Pause button, Mute button and volume up or down button.

    IMG 20150401 170033172 1

    The wireless mouse provided by Microsoft is equally good and delivers the performance promised by them. Microsoft Optical Technology benefit from responsive cursor control that takes advantage of 1,000 dots per inch (DPI) tracking, which makes sure you have a precision control over the mouse cursor.

    Features

    Both Keyboard and mouse can be operated from the distance of 30 foot range, with virtually no interference with the 2.4 GHz wireless technology. The Snap-in Transceiver provides plug and play feature, which means you don’t have to install any additional drivers to make the hardware work. There is battery life indicator on both Keyboard and Mouse, which glows red when battery is low.

    IMG 20150401 165925622 1

    There is a power on/off button at the bottom of the mouse, which is really helpful to save battery while the device is not in use. However, this feature is missing on the Keyboard, but Microsoft claims that Both keyboard and mouse can have battery life of upto 15 months.

    Another drawback of the keyboard is smaller function keys (F1 to F12), which is little annoying for developers and debuggers. If you don’t use them often, you’ll probably never notice it.

    Mouse is little on the heavier side because of 2 AA size battery, but you will get used to it after sometime. I didn’t noticed any lags while using the keyboard and mouse simultaneously what so ever. My experience with this combo product has been really good so far. You can’t expect much from the $25 (~Rs. 1,500) product. You can definitely go for it.

    GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
    Interface Wireless
    Brand Microsoft
    Model Desktop 800
    Type Standard Keyboard
    Part Number 2LF-00001/ 2LF-00020
    OS Supported Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X v10.4x -10.6x
    Battery Life Up to 15 months of battery life.
    Features
    1. Secured Wireless Connection; Enjoy the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) wireless technology, which delivers a reliable connection with up to a 30 footrange, with virtually no interference.

    2. Easy Access hot keys; Quickly access frequently used tools, like the zoom and audio controls by using shortcut keys.Quickly access frequently used tools, like the calculator and audio controls by using shortcut keys.

    3. Microsoft Optical Technology; Benefit from responsive cursor control that takes advantage of 1,000-dots-per-inch (DPI) tracking.

    4. Snap-in Transceiver; Plug the wireless receiver into your computers USB port when youre ready to work. Then snap it into the bottom of your mouse when you travel, and the mouse will automatically turn off.

    5. Battery Life Indicator; Avoid getting caught with a dead battery. The battery status indicator glows red when the battery is running low.
    WARRANTY
    Warranty Summary 2 Year Limited Warranty

  • Top 10 billionaires who achieved big in Tech Industry [2015]

    Ever since the first generation computer was invented, Technology is something which always contributed towards the comfort and reduced human efforts to get a job done. Early Tech adopters who recognized the potential of this rising industry is one of the most successful people on the planet right now. Technology reduces time, and we all know that “time” equals “money” — which in turn collects all the wealth for the most successful people in the world, who are dedicated in the technological advancement.

    Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page and Michael Dell are few of them who explored the untapped field and mastered it as their profession — creating an entirely new world! Let’s get to know about the top 10 richest people in the world who made a big name in Tech Industry.

    1. Bill Gates – Microsoft ($79.6 Billion | Global Rank – 1)

    z 00193He’s back. Helped by a bounce in Microsoft shares, Bill Gates returns to the top of our annual Billionaires list this year amid a leadership shakeup at the software giant he founded. He’s been the richest man in the world for 15 out of the last 20 years. After years focused on his philanthropy, Gates plans to spend more of his time working with product managers at Microsoft as rivals like Google and Apple continue to outshine the company in the market.

    2. Larry Ellison – Oracle ($50 Billion | Global Rank – 5)

    Larry EllisonSan Francisco lost $11.5 million hosting the America’s Cup during the summer of 2013, but that’s nothing compared to what Larry Ellison spent bringing the event to town. In September, his Team Oracle pulled off a stunning comeback from a seven-race deficit to win its second consecutive Cup, allowing the Oracle and founder and CEO to choose the setting for the next race. With a loss already on its books San Francisco may not want another event, though little gets in the way of Larry Ellison’s ambition–or mouth. In an Aug.

    3. Jeff Bezos – Amazon.com ($47.8 Billion | Global Rank – 18)

    z 00217Jeff Bezos fortune rose $13 billion in 2013 as shares in his online retailer Amazon soared 55%. In October he bought the Washington Post for $250 million. The next month he sold 1 million shares of Amazon, less than 1% of the company, for about $260 million. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton, Bezos headed off to Wall Street, where he saw that the internet was the fastest-growing industry on the planet. He quit his job, headed to Seattle and founded online bookstore Amazon in 1995. The company expanded beyond books and now sells anything to anyone.

    4. Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook ($41.2 Billion | Global Rank – 21)

    z 00219Facebook turned 10 this year and no one was celebrating harder than CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Facebook’s shares are up more than 130% over the past year as of Feb. 2014, enabling blockbuster deals like the $19 billion purchase of WhatsApp and more than doubling Zuck’s net worth over the same period, even after he gifted away 18 million shares in late December. He sold more than 41 million shares and exercised 60 million options around that time as well. 

    5. Larry Page – Google ($33.4 Billion | Global Rank – 17)

    z 00216CEO Larry Page is rearranging the furniture at Google. Over two weeks in January, he announced his company’s $3.2 billion, all-cash acquisition of smart-thermostat-maker Nest as well as the $2.9 billion sale of its Motorola phone business to Lenovo. Shareholders seem happy. The search giant’s stock continues to trade at record highs, up about 50% year-over-year as of mid-Feb. 2014.

    6. Sergey Brin – Google ($32.8 Billion | Global Rank – 19)

    z 00218Confining himself to a more background role, Brin lets Page run the show as CEO while he oversees the secretive Google X division, dedicated to breakthrough “moonshots” like driverless cars and Glass, the augmented-reality spectacles he wears everywhere. In April 2014, Google will undergo a stock split to introduce new Class C shares that will carry no voting power. That move will consolidate the voting power of executives including Brin, who owns more than 23 million Class B shares, which carry 10-to-one voting power.

    7. Jack Ma – AliBaba ($23.2 Billion | Global Rank – 33)

    jack ma

    Jack Ma or Ma Yun (Chinese: ??; born September 10, 1964) is a Chinese business magnate and philanthropist. He is the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, a family of highly successful Internet-based businesses. He is the first mainland Chinese entrepreneur to appear on the cover of Forbes.

    8. Steve Ballmer – Microsoft ($22.7 Billion | Global Rank – 36)

    z 00220You won’t have Steve Ballmer to kick around any more. He announced last August that he would be gone from Microsoft company within a year, and in February 2014 company insider Satya Nadella took over the CEO gig. Ballmer oversaw many years of growth at Microsoft, and generated $120 billion in profit, but will leave behind a legacy of having fallen behind Google, Apple and others in the post-PC mobile era.

    9. Laurene Powell Jobs – Apple ($21.4 Billion | Global Rank – 44)

    laurene powell jobs

    Laurene Powell Jobs (born November 6, 1963) is an American heiress; business executive; and the founder of Emerson Collective, which advocates for policies concerning education and immigration reform, social justice, and environmental conservation. She is also co-founder and President of the Board of College Track, which prepares disadvantaged high school students for college. Powell Jobs resides in Palo Alto, California, with her three children. She is the widow of Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Apple Inc.

    10. Michael Dell – Dell ($19.3 Billion | Global Rank – 47)

    michael dell

    Michael Saul Dell (born February 23, 1965) is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. He is the founder and CEO of Dell Inc., one of the world’s leading sellers of personal computers (PCs). He was ranked the 41st richest person in the world on 2012 Forbes list of billionaires.