Monthly Archives: October 2013
Microsoft Windows 8.1 upgrade will be available to download today
Microsoft is releasing its long-awaited Windows 8.1 upgrade as a free download for existing Windows 8 users starting on Thursday. Windows 8 was a dramatically different operating system that attempts to bridge the divide between tablets and PCs Windows 8.1 refines the new Windows experience with Microsoft implementing some feedback it received from users and added some features of its own on top. Here’s what’s new in Windows 8.1.
Return of the Start button: Microsoft is bringing back its iconic Start button in Windows 8.1 Desktop mode. However, the implementation is not the same as pre-Windows 8 environment where the Start button would pop open a menu of apps and other settings. Instead, clicking on the button would lead users to a different Start screen where they can see all the apps that have been installed on the machine without Live Tiles.
Boot to desktop: Now users will be able to directly boot their machine to desktop mode. Earlier Windows would only boot to the new user interface and users had to manually shift to the desktop mode every time.
Multitasking: Windows 8.1 changes will let users resize the apps according to their preference and even have more that two apps snapped at any given point of time provided their display is high resolution enough.
Search: Windows 8.1 brings universal search that would search for keywords on files stored locally, those stored on SkyDrive, keyword reference in apps, online search, photos and even Wikipedia. This is a huge feature, one that users would end up using a lot.
Windows Store: Microsoft is also talking about easier discoverability of apps from the Windows Store. Installed apps will also download automatically and the limits on re-installs have been removed.
SkyDrive: Microsoft’s cloud service, SkyDrive, was already integrated with Windows 8 and it gets even more tightly knit in Windows 8.1. Now all files will be automatically backed up on SkyDrive, which will also sync the user’s system settings, so whenever the user logs in from a different PC, those settings are already implemented.
Other improvements: There are a lot of other improvements like Internet Explorer 11, which now allows unlimited tabs and syncs bookmarks across devices. There are improvements made to the keyboard and some new pre-installed Microsoft apps. The lock screen can work as a personal photo frame of sorts. One can even have animated background on the Start screen and there are more size options for Tiles that can be resized more easily when not using a mouse.
The Window 8.1 update is free for current owners of Windows 8. Simply go to the Windows Store app to find it. It may take a few hours for updates to reach everyone.
via Blogger http://wetechgeeks.blogspot.com/2013/10/microsoft-windows-81-upgrade-will-be.html
Finalized Ubuntu 13.10 Releases are now Available for Download
The long wait for the latest stable version of Ubuntu is finally over. Now you can download your favorite UI version of Ubuntu 13.10, try out the Phone Edition, and grab a copy of the official manual using the compiled set of download links we have put together for your convenience.
Download Links
Ubuntu 13.10 Unity Edition (Desktop) Note: You made need to scroll down the page part way to find the download link.
Ubuntu 13.10 Server Edition Note: You made need to scroll down the page part way to find the download link.
Phone Edition
For those who are adventurous and want to give the Phone Edition a try, you can learn more details about it and download it via the links below. Keep in mind that this particular release is still focused more towards developers, industry partners, and enthusiasts versus general usage at this time.
Instructions for Installing Ubuntu on a Phone Note: Also lists the two devices currently supported for installing the system on.
[Ubuntu Phone Edition Reference via The Next Web]
Bonus!
You can download the official manual for the new release as well! When you visit the download page, use the three options/choices to get the particular version of the manual you want.
[Ubuntu Manual Reference via Softpedia]
via Blogger http://wetechgeeks.blogspot.com/2013/10/finalized-ubuntu-1310-releases-are-now.html
Datawind launches three new tablets UbiSlate 7Cx, UbiSlate 3G7 and UbiSlate 9Ci in India
Datawind better known as the maker of the Aakash table, has launched three budget tablets for the Indian market, the UbiSlate 7Cx, UbiSlate 3G7 and UbiSlate 9Ci.
The Datawind UbiSlate 7Cx features a 7-inch TFT display and runs the outdated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. The tablet is powered by a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor coupled with 512MB of RAM. Ubislate 7Cx comes with 2GB of inbuilt storage with microSD card support. The tablet does not sport any camera.
Datawind’s first 3G-enabled tablet, UbiSlate 3G7 comes with a 7-inch TFT display and is powered by a 1.2GHz Cortex A8 processor and 512MB of RAM. It comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage with microSD card support. It sports a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera. The UbiSlate 3G7 also runs the older Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. It provides broadband speeds with an embedded UMTS modem, without the need for external dongles.
The third tablet is the Datawind UbiSlate 9Ci which comes with 9-inch TFT display. It is powered by a 1GHz Cortex A9 processor with 512MB of RAM. It has 4GB of inbuilt storage with microSD card support. UbiSlate 9Ci runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean unlike the other two tablets. It sports a VGA front-facing camera.
The Datawind UbiSlate 7Cx comes for Rs. 3,999, while the UbiSlate 3G7 has been priced at Rs. 6,999 and the UbiSlate 9Ci at Rs. 4,999.
The company also mentions that the newly launched UbiSlate 7Cx, UbiSlate 3G7 and UbiSlate 9Ci will come preloaded with a range of educational (e-book app for Class 1 to 12 NCERT in English, Hindi & Urdu medium), entertainment, and utility apps for all age-groups. Some other such apps and features include, Test Preparation Tool, Free Higher Education & Soft-Skill Courses powered by CEC London, English language learning tools, Interactive multimedia-rich educational resources, Bollywood Music and Movies, Antivirus and Anti-theft Pack by E-Scan, MapMyIndia Navigation and more.
Datawind UbiSlate 7Cx key specifications
- 7-inch TFT display
- 1GHz Cortex A8 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 2GB inbuilt storage with microSD card support
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Datawind UbiSlate 3G7 key specifications
- 7-inch TFT display
- 1.2GHz Cortex A8 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 2-megapixel rear camera
- VGA front-facing camera
- 4GB inbuilt storage with microSD card support
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Datawind UbiSlate 9Ci key specifications
- 9-inch TFT display
- 1GHz Cortex A9 processor
- 512MB RAM
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- VGA front-facing camera
- 4GB of inbuilt storage with microSD card support
via Blogger http://wetechgeeks.blogspot.com/2013/10/datawind-launches-three-new-tablets.html
Google Maps updated with directions for multiple destinations,information events and more
Google has updated the Maps service and has added new features and tools based on feedback from its users. It adds support for multiple destinations based navigation along with two new tools to manage reservations and let a user know about any upcoming event data for venues. However, not all of these will be available across the countries, and some will rather be restricted to the US for now but we can expect a wider global roll out soon.
The support for directions to multiple destinations will let users plot the best route for them on a map when visiting more than one destinations on a single trip and get driving, walking and biking directions for these on the Maps. Users have to choose a starting point and then add the rest of the destinations or stops by simply clicking ‘+’ for each of these by using either the search box, or by clicking the locations directly on the map. Also one can drag and drop any destination on the map as well.
The directions for multiple destinations feature also ties in with the new Views carousel, which will let users preview their destinations using Photo Tours, Street View, and other available imagery, within the same window.
Besides, With the ‘Upcoming Events’ feature one can now also check Google Maps to know about the upcoming events, concerts, sports matches and more at a particular place or an area. If you are unsure about the venues in the area, you can select them by category, such as ‘music venues,’ to be able explore what events will soon be held near you.
For signed-in users, Google has tried integrating a Google Now-style digital assistant feature that will let user search for flights, hotels and restaurant on Maps. Google says that this will work as fast as it works on the recently tweaked Google Search. One will simply have to put in the present destination and Google will show upcoming plans related to the destination.
Google emphasized that these itinerary details are only visible to the individual user, and only when signed in on the desktop. However, the sad part is that this feature is currently rolling out to Maps users in the US and is available in English only.
Google however, has also promised that a lot more features for Maps will be coming soon.
Source: Google ‘Lat Long’ Maps blog
via Blogger http://wetechgeeks.blogspot.com/2013/10/google-maps-updated-with-directions-for.html
Samsung Galaxy J Officially launched at Japan’s NTT Docomo
Samsung has launched yet another smartphone running under the Android operating system, namely the recently leaked Galaxy J for the Japanese market. Samsung Galaxy J arriving as an enhanced version of the Qualcomm-based Galaxy S4. The new Galaxy device will be heading to NTT DoCoMo as a part of Japanese operator’s winter smartphone line-up.
The Samsung Galaxy J features a 5-inch full-HD Super AMOLED display and is powered by 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974) processor. Like Galaxy Note 3, It has 3GB of RAM.The Galaxy J includes 32GB inbuilt storage expandable up to additional 64GB with the help of microSD card. The device runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out-of-the-box.
It sports 13.2-megapixel rear camera with BSI CMOS sensor and LED flash, while also housing a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera. It packs a 2600mAh battery and comes with connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS, NFC and even supports Xi LTE networks (Japan).
Galaxy J will be available in three colors namely Coral Pink, Satin White, and Lapis Blue. The mobile phone measures 137mm x 70mm x 8.6mm and weighs 146 grams. The Samsung Galaxy J is expected to be available by the end of October, however, no pricing details have been revealed. Further, there is no word on the possibility of global availability for the smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy J key specifications
- 5-inch full-HD Super AMOLED display
- 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon MSM8974 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
- 13.2-megapixel rear camera with BSI CMOS sensor and LED flash
- 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera
- 32GB inbuilt storage, expandable up to 64GB via microSD card
- 2600mAh battery
via Blogger http://wetechgeeks.blogspot.com/2013/10/samsung-galaxy-j-officially-launched-at.html
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