Microsoft Archives

Cortana is expected to be released on Android in the UK

Posted on February 8, 2017 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

If you are not satisfied with your browsers like Siri or Google then you can now avail Microsoft’s Cortana on your Android smartphone. As the IOS version throngs in the app stores thereby increasing the working of the Cortana on Windows 10 and other devices.

You can use Cortana handsets just by saying “Hey Cortana”. News updates and weather updates is also provided by this app. If the system is updated then it provides you with the right kind of knowledge. The framework of the app is now disentangled. Consumers using Cortana on their Windows 10 phones should be aware that Cortana is now synchronized with all other devices connected with it. Therefore all your personal information and data will now be seen on your computer and Xbox. Xbox has come up in the market when Xbox One has been bought in by the organization.

Cortana was released at the Microsoft Build 2016 with CEO Satya Nadella proclaiming that bots will be seen as fresh apps. Bot Alexa from Amazon has been there since the announcement has been made. In around the month of October Cortana made an entry into the android smartphones.

Your attention will be bought in order to see how Cortana holds its image in front of the other Google aids when compared with them. For example, when you use Google Pixel Cortana acts as a very important tool. It answers perfectly to questions asked by you. All the questions are answered in the right way. Even your voice will be easily picked up even if you are in a chaotic room. As IOS and the Android phones consist of built in personal aids there would not be space for another one. The phones with such operating system might not support apps that needs to be downloaded and used through a different app.

Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Update Brings 10 Best New Features

Posted on August 9, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Happy Birthday, Windows 10!
Celebrating Windows 10’s first ever birthday Microsoft finally releases an anniversary update to its software. Available from Aug 2, this update is totally free and is featuring lots of upgrades to the PC software of Microsoft, with the inclusion of selfie login for apps and websites, and also an unlocked Cortana as well.

Through software updates, the company launches new features, the first of which is not the product launches, but the anniversary upgrade.
Here are the 10 best new features of the anniversary upgrade:

1. Better for Tablet:
Now get better usability on the tablet by the refresh of the Start menu which combines the tiles from Windows 8 with the real Start bar. It means that you don’t require going an additional step for seeing every app on your PC.

2. Get notifications on different devices:
Windows 10 helps you get notifications from iOS, Android and Windows devices direct to your PC.

3. Microsoft Edge extensions:
For engaging more people, Windows 10 anniversary update supports extensions for Microsoft’s Edge browser. They are quite same as Chrome extensions and ones like EverNote, LastPass, 1Password and AdBlock are already available.

4. Dark theme:
Windows 10 anniversary upgrade features an option of using your PC in dark mode, i.e. a black background with white text.

5. Project to PC:
Using this new option in Windows 10 anniversary update, now you can mirror any content on your computer, tablet or a phone to a PC running Windows 10.

6. Windows Hello for apps and websites:
Microsoft is improving Windows Hello which helps you log into your PC with fingerprint scan or selfie, including support for some apps and sites on the Edge browser.

7. Cortana collection:
This feature on Windows Store helps you easily find the apps which work with the intelligent assistant.

8. Cortana improvements:
Cortana, the digital assistant of Microsoft is gaining more improvement in Windows 10 anniversary update. Now it can speak more languages than before, scan your emails and calendar to help you organize your meetings and setting alarms.

9. Cortana unlocked:
In its anniversary update to its digital assistant Cortana, Microsoft has included the capacity of calling for help without requiring for logging into your device.

10. Windows Ink:
This is the best part of Windows 10 anniversary update. It has added Surface Book’s Stylus, with the inclusion of a hub for apps which supports a Snapchat-style app, Sketchpad, and Sticky Notes. It also works with Office, Microsoft Edge, and Maps.
Well, this update is not a complete update. Many other updates will arrive in coming years.

Microsoft’s 4K Video Game Xbox One S to Hit the UK on August 2

Posted on July 25, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Microsoft first launched the Xbox One S at E3 2016, and since then people have been waiting for it to arrive in the UK. However, this all-new 4K video game of Microsoft is a real match for all-winning PS4 of Sony. And finally, we have a confirmed launching date of this video game in the UK: August 2.

Xbox One S is really important as it’s less expensive than Xbox One. Its slim appearance shows that it can do everything we wanted from Xbox One and in fact more than that.

Here are some reasons why you must buy this console of Microsoft:
– Xbox One S is smaller than the Xbox One and it is 40% smaller in fact, and so it can fit even under your TV without making a scene.

– Alongside its smaller size, it looks more modern and cleaner also. Its better looks won’t make you to hide it out of sight when your friends are around you.

– Let’s face it that we prefer the cleaner video like Blu-Ray content in 4K and this all-new console of Microsoft is coming with 4K video playback.

– Undoubtedly, the Xbox One has been made with a very good controller, but the One S’s controller is going to be better than that.

– Along with 4K, Xbox One S is HDR compatible also and this will improve your picture more with its most significant display technology.

– Unexpectedly, this new Xbox One S is lesser expensive. You are going to get the One S’s 2TB version at just £349 and so, it’s definitely a worthy investment.

Microsoft first declared that this new flagship will be out in August; however, finally the organization has confirmed the release date, i.e. 2nd August.
So, if you still have not bought an Xbox One yet, then we must say that the One S will be really a solid and worthy purchase for you from Microsoft.

Microsoft Lumia 650 is now official and is bound for Cricket Wireless

Posted on February 16, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Microsoft has now launched its Lumia 650 handset, which is reported to be made for enterprise. This smartphone features a 5 inch display with 1280 x 720 pixels resolution but the remaining specifications are quite lacking. It comes powered by a Snapdragon 212 chipset with a quad core processor under the hood clocked at 1.3 GHz speed. There is a 2,000 mAh battery and 1GB RAM for faster processing.
Now, there are reports that Microsoft has posted a support page for this handset which links it to a user guide for this smartphone. The listing for the guide on the support page mentions the name Cricket. As we already know, Cricket was the first US carrier in the year 2015 to offer Microsoft’s Lumia 640 mid-range phone. And now it looks like Apple is all set to do the same thing with the successor of this handset in 2016 as well.

Thus, Cricket will sell the Lumia 650 phone which is just made official by the tech giant and this confirmation comes from the Microsoft’s official website, from the support page for this handset. Microsoft enables you to download the “Lumia 650 User Guide Cricket” in PDF form from this support page of the Lumia 650 smartphone.

Above information leaves us with no doubt that the newly launched smartphone of the tech giant will be offered by the retailer Cricket. However, where other retailers are already taking pre-orders for this smartphone overseas with 18th February to be the expected date of its release, Cricket on the other hand will start selling the Lumia 650 from April this year.

Microsoft’s phone will be priced at $200 at Cricket and while this model has the latest Microsoft office applications pre-installed. On the other hand, most of the businesses that plan on giving this phone to their employees will purchase it via other available channels. Also, there are reports that Cricket will sell this handset to consumers as a low cost phone which will go along its pre-paid service.

Microsoft Lumia 850 photographed in wild

Posted on February 3, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Microsoft Lumia 850 was seen in a few 3D renders late last year but now there are images revealing the actual device expected. Previously, there was some uncertainty regarding the screen size of this handset but now as per the latest reports this handset will come with a 5.4 inch display. There is a front facing flash lying above and an iris scanner for Windows Hello.

There will be a microUSB 2.0 port, which is confirmed to be 2.0 and not the new Type-C USB. This microUSB can be found on the top, while there is a 3.5 mm audio jack on the bottom. Microsoft Lumia 850 will come powered by a Snapdragon 617 chipset just like the HTC One A9 and Samsung Galaxy A5 phone.

Source

Microsoft reports 4.5 million Lumia phone sales for Q4, 2015

Posted on January 30, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

According to the latest fiscal earnings report released by Microsoft, the company made only 4.5 million sales from its Lumia phone in the last quarter of 2015. These figures show the sales record down from 10.5 million reported for Windows Phones in Q4, 2014.

Further, this translates into a drop in revenue to 49% in comparison to that in the last quarter of 2014. This number takes us back to the Q3 2012, which was the last time we saw such a few number of sales made by Windows Phones. On the other hand, IDC says that 399.5 million smartphone sales were made in the Q4 2015, which brings the total market share for Windows Phones to 1.1% while to 1.9% to the whole year.

It is suggested from this data that the installed database for the Windows Phones will soon drop down to less than 50 million. And we might see further declines in the market share from Windows Phone in the first quarter this year. Also, we know that Microsoft will not make any significant launches but will only release Lumia 650 in 2016. So, the other quarters in 2016 will be worse with no further launches at all, thus the market share numbers of the company will fractionally lower down approaching to those of BlackBerry currently.

Source

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL: Software and Features

Posted on January 29, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

The Lumia 950 phone runs on the latest Windows 10 operating system, which looks more interesting than the hardware of this handset. This phone is not provided by the fingerprint sensor but there is Windows Hello feature from Microsoft that allows you to unlock your phone with the help of your eyes. Just look at the front facing camera of this phone and the lens will automatically detect that you are a registered user or not and will then unlock the phone.

However, for getting a perfect result you will be required to hold the phone close to your face and keep it steady for Windows Hello to work. This will make you look a bit daft is you are out somewhere and can also prove out a bit tricky if you are walking. Also, in dark environment you will fail to get your phone unlocked using the Windows Hello feature. Instead, you will be forced to get it unlocked by entering a PIN. Even when Windows Hello feature is working it’s never faster than tapping the four digit code onto the phone using your fingers. A fingerprint sensor similar to the one on Sony Xperia Z5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 is most preferable.

Another interesting feature of the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL handset is the Windows Continuum, which allows you to attach your device to a TV or monitor through HDMI or Display Port and create a temporary desktop. We can say that Windows Continuum is a game changer feature from the manufacturer as it proves out that the mobile phones can replace almost anything on Tech available.

This new features doesn’t come to you free of cost with the Microsoft phone but you will be required to pay £100 to enjoy it on your handset.

Microsoft Lumia 650 was available to pre-order for some time

Posted on January 28, 2016 | by Sam | 1 Comment

Microsoft Lumia 650 was expected to get released by 1st February but now the phone is delayed until the mid of next month. Now, as we all are waiting for this smartphone to get official following a huge number of leaks, there are some reports suggesting that the phone already went up on pre-orders.

An online retailer in UK, MobileFun, has this unannounced phone available for pre-order and has priced it at £199, for the SIM-free and unlocked versions. However, the company has not yet mentioned any shipping date for this Lumia phone but we assume that it might be launched soon after its announced in the mid-February this year. There are also some reports suggesting that this handset could be the last Lumia phone from Microsoft.

This phone will come packed with a 5 inch IPS Touchscreen display and 720 pixels resolution. There is an 8MP rear snapper with LED flash for better quality clicks even in low light or sim light. It is powered by a quad core processor with 1.1 GHz clock speed and 1GB RAM for faster processing speed. For connectivity, there are many options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. There is a 2,000 mAh and runs on Windows 10 operating system.

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This phone was available to pre-order on MobileFun at http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/sim-free-microsoft-lumia-650-lte-unlocked-black-p57611.htm url. But now it has been taken down.

Microsoft Lumia 650 will not be released until mid-February

Posted on January 25, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Microsoft was expected to launch its new Lumia 650 handset by 1st February this year but now the source claims that this handset will not rolled out until mid-February. Apparently, we can say that the introduction of Lumia phone is delayed until mid of the coming month.

According to the reports, the reason behind this delay is some kind of software issues reported on this Lumia handset from Microsoft. This information could be believed as true because the source is quite close to the matter.

There were some news recently that Microsoft will not make this handset official at any launch event but it will be launching the Lumia 650 phone via a blog post from the company. However, this could also be the case that Microsoft has made the users to wait some more to get hands-on with their Lumia phone. As the announcement is delayed, we are assuming that this new handset will become available for purchase soon after it.

There is also some information that the metal edge of this smartphone is laser cut, which means that it is going to be matte on both the sides but is shinier on the edges. Microsoft’s Lumia 650 handset is also said to be the only new Lumia branded phone that is being launched by the manufacturer this year. And it’s also reported that the company has no plans to launch another Lumia phone in 2016. Also, there are some rumors that this could be the last Lumia phone from Microsoft.

Microsoft Lumia will be rolled out by early February

Posted on January 19, 2016 | by Sam | Leave a Comment

Microsoft’s Lumia 650 phone was seen in the leaked images for the first time last month end. Now, a new report revealed that the manufacturer will make it official early next month i.e. 1st February. As per reports, the unveiling will be a low key affair. Also, it is revealed that this mid-range handset will get its availability as well as pricing released by next month.

We can expect to get this handset announced in a blog post and not in a dedicated media event. Also, recently leaked smartphones of the company, Lumia 750 and Lumia 850 are cancelled and will not be rolled out by Microsoft at the MWC event this year. Microsoft has announced that this will be the first and last phone from the maker for 2016 and we should not expect any other phone from the company to get rolled out this year. However, the rumored Surface Phone will also be on track though.

Recently, the predecessor of the phone Lumia 640 has received the Windows 10 update which is actually yet to be released for a number of Lumia phones from Microsoft. A recent leak from Europe has revealed that this handset with the new Windows 10 operating system will be priced at $222.

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