Windows 8.1 to be released later this year!

14th August 2013

Microsoft are said to be releasing Windows 8.1 via the windows store on the 17th October 2013 and a retail version on the 18th October 2013. So far this is showing that Microsoft are living up to their word when they said they will be releasing a new operating system every year!

Windows 8.1 build (9471) is an internal RTM branch copy which has recently been leaked to the public. This version of Windows is said to have the much loved start button back without needing a 3rd party program to achieve this.

Relating to this version of Windows smartphone manufacturer Nokia is rumored to be releasing a Tablet Device operating on this version of the Operating System.

Microsoft 

The ITC have banned Samsung products said to be infringing on Apple Patents.

9th August 2013

Apple has won a significant victory in their ongoing patent war with Samsung on Friday. Due to the ruling of the U.S. International Trade Commission there will likely be a ban made on and Infringing products produced by Samsung.

The final determination of the ITC found that Samsung have infringed on two of Apple’s patents, one of which was the touchscreen control method and the other for the I/O technology of the headphones, this means there will be an import ban on all products which are using these infringements.

Before the ban can fully take effect it must undergo the Presidential review period of 60 days, this could also see the reversal of the ITC order. A similar case happened with a Samsung complaint against Apple, this case saw the ITC’s ban of older Apple devices reversed.

Friday’s ruling is a result of the investigation into Administrative Law which was initially determined in October 2012, this had found that Samsung was infringing on Apples Patents, where neither party was satisfied with the decision made.

Apple 

Intel’s competitor to the Raspberry Pi

31st July 2013

Intel are working in conjunction with CircuitCo to develop a low cost, embedded-type motherboard which is being based around the low power Atom Processor called the MinnowBoard. The board is being marketed as a fun and hobbyist friendly board which looks to be a competitor of the Raspberry Pi.

The board will be using Intel Architecture but the hardware will be open and will be running Angstrom Linux Distro which is an open-source Operating System.

The specifications of the MinnowBoard include the following:

• Intel Atom E640 (dual-core) 1GHz Processor
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 600
• 1GB DDR-2 Memory
• UEFI firmware with 4MB SPI flash

The I/O ports of the device include, DVI via HDMI, micro SD, 2 USB ports, PCI Express, a micro USB-B port, a micro USB-B debug port, SATA 3Gbps, and a LAN port.

The MinnowBoard however is a higher price than the Raspberry Pi.

Intel 

Google Glass developers to start developing Android-based apps

26th July 2013

Google is about to release a new wave of more powerful applications for the Google Glass platform.

Glass developers can currently only build web based services that communicate with the user’s hardware using a simple and limited API. Google announced at their I/O Developer Conference earlier this year that they will be releasing the GDK (Glass Development Kit) which would allow developers to build Android based apps for Glass.

Google is still yet to release the GDK but they are encouraging developers as of today to start working on android apps for Glass using the standard Android SDK to experiment with their ideas.

Glass currently runs on Android 4.0.4 which is a well-known version of the popular smartphone platform . Google has also released a number of simple apps such as stopwatch, compass, etc, designed to help newcomers get started.

Developers will still however need better access to the devices hardware for Glass to reach its full potential, but it is good to see that Google are taking steps forward with the development of this exciting new tech!

Glass Google 

How to save iOS Google Maps to your phone for offline-use

19th July 2013

Did you know, you can save maps for offline use in version 2.0 of Google Maps on iOS?

The new update, released this week allows users to opt to save their chosen route, directions or mapped area to use later ‘offline’.

Why would you want to do this?

• You don’t need to rely on a Data Connection – so if you’re in a bad reception area the signal and the signal may be be dropping regularly, it won’t matter
• You can also avoid using or running over your data allowance
• This method also generally makes the map of the saved area load much faster

To store offline maps in iOS:

• Zoom out of your map until you can see the area you’d like to be save for offline use
• Then type ‘ok maps’ into the search bar and click search (again)
• Google Maps will then display an icon letting you know it’s pre-loading

We recommend you perform this action on a Wi-Fi connection where possible, prior to leaving the house / office / coffee shop, etc, on your travels.

Apple How To... 

New Windows Updates Released

12th July 2013

A new batch of updates were released for the Windows operating system today!

We advise (if you’ve not already), that you download and install the new updates as soon as possible on all your Windows machines.  The updates are a collection of application hot fixes which help keep your computer safe and secure from web based threats, improve program compatibility, as well as fixing issues and security loopholes within Windows.

Today’s updates include the July version of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, this is great for removing nasty worms and viruses should they bypass your internet security software. This is a highly recommended application, and demonstrates why it is important that you check for new Windows Updates on a regular basis to help protect your system from vulnerabilities, infections, malicious attacks and even damage.

Should you need any help installing Windows Updates or have any questions about Windows security, give us a call, send us an email, or tweet & facebook us for answers!

Microsoft Windows Updates 

12 Things to know about Intel’s new ‘Haswell’ CPUs

4th June 2013

Intel has just released its new fourth-generation Core processors (formerly code-named “Haswell”), which use a new 22-nanometer process and promise to give users the one-two punch of better energy efficiency and improved performance – look for these new lines later in 2013.

For now, here are a dozen points to help you better understand what fourth-generation Core processors may be able to do for you and your computer.

1. Mobile PCs are getting even thinner and lighter.In years past, if you wanted the thinnest possible mobile PC, you’d have to buy a nettop built around a low-power Intel Atom processor – and have to endure the slow performance that entailed. If you need to power through a 10,000-cell spreadsheet, you want at least a Core i5 processor to work on those recalculations. Fourth-generation Intel Core chips will give you an ultrabook that can do those tasks while measuring in at 0.68 inches thick (or thinner) and under two pounds. These chips are more power efficient, which means that smaller, thinner batteries can be used, and they run cooler, so large cooling fans are no longer necessary.
2. Desktops will still be towers, but the all-in-one desktop is branching into subcategories.
   High-volume PC manufacturers like Acer, Dell, and HP will continue to produce tower desktops, but innovative all-in-one desktops won’t be a monolithic style of chassis as in years past. Improved power management will mean that these all-in-one systems will segment into more subcategories. Because compact portable all-in-ones like the Dell XPS 18 use internal batteries, they’re already portable around the house. Look for systems that are just as thin, but with battery life that rivals that of mainstream laptops. They won’t commute as well, but your eyes will enjoy the large screens and higher-quality 3D graphics. Needless to say, these new portables will have touch screens.
3. Alphabet Soup.
   As was true with previous Intel CPUs, a fourth-generation Core processor’s model number tells you a lot about it. Each processor has a family name (Core i3, i5, or i7), which denote the processing prowess of each family (i.e. i7 is more powerful and capable of complex work compared with i5 and i3), and a model number that further denotes that CPU’s power and placement. Together they let you know that, for example, an Intel Core i7-4770K is more powerful than a Core i5-4570. If a letter follows the model number, that lets you know for which segment a particular processor is designed. Letters used include K (for unlocked enthusiast desktops), S or T (low-powered desktops; think S for “power Saving” and T for “thin chassis” like in all-in-ones), H (quad-core mobile with Iris Pro graphics), M (quad-core mobile with dual-core 2-chip), U (ultrabook with Iris graphics), and Y (low-power ultrabook system on chip for detachable hybrids).
4. Fourth-generation Core processors are intended to increase overall notebook or ultrabook battery life and improve overall performance.Although combining a fourth-generation Core processor with a Series 8 motherboard chipset will let system manufacturers build even thinner and lighter laptops, placing one of the newer power-efficient processors and new chipset in an existing chassis with the same battery pack will lead to much longer battery life. For example, Intel claims a 3-hour improvement (6.0 to 9.1 hours) on an ultrabook HD video playback battery life test when that system’s third-generation Core i7 chip is replaced with a fourth-generation Core i7.
5. Haswell is a “tock.”
   Intel’s 22nm manufacturing process was introduced with third-generation “Ivy Bridge” processors (the “tick” in Intel’s “tick-tock” development process), which makes the fourth-generation Core a “tock,” or microarchitecture change that makes fundamental improvements at the circuit level. Expect this process to continue with another die shrink (to 14nm) for the next-generation Broadwell processors in 2014.
6. One chip, two chip, go!
   Intel’s notebook and mobile processor engineers are taking a cue from Intel’s embedded processor group by integrating the CPU and platform controller hub (PCH) on a single chip. This lets system manufacturers make smaller motherboards, and thus smaller or thinner laptops and mini PCs. Consolidating to one chip also makes energy usage more efficient, which leads to better battery life. For example, individual parts of the processor and chipset can be turned off to save power, and since there’s only one socket, the laptop doesn’t have to keep feeding power to two different chips. The new one-chip solution is also designed to work with low-power LPDDR3 and DDR3L memory, improving energy usage even further. Don’t assume two-chip designs are down for the count, however. Traditional two-chip platforms will still support better graphics and still give system manufacturers more options when configuring different processors for different price points. For example, when a system manufacturer wants to build a system that supports the CPU’s integrated graphics and third-party discrete graphics, using a 2-chip solution will be less expensive as well as more flexible in terms of choosing different configurations.
7. Improved graphics.Fourth-generation Intel Core processors will feature improved Intel HD Graphics (with the Intel HD Graphics 4200/4400/4600/5000 monikers). Higher-end CPUs will come with Intel Iris Graphics 510 or Intel Iris Pro 5200, which will improve 3D gaming performance across the board (Iris Pro promises gaming at resolutions such as 1,920 by 1,080, with moderate detail settings enabled). Other new features on Iris and Iris Pro graphics will include support for three-screen multimonitor setups, higher-than-1080p 2K and 4K HD, and support for WiDi 4.1 on laptops and all-in-one desktop PCs. WiDi 4.1 has better support for more receivers including smart TVs, touch support, reduced latency, and support for full resolution S3D.
8. Ultrabook updates.
   For a system to receive ultrabook certification, it will need to meet more requirements than before. These include: a mandatory touch screen; waking in less than 3 seconds; the use of speedier storage; much improved battery life (seven days on standby, 6 hours of HD video playback, 9 hours of idling, and more); antivirus and antitheft protections; and support for WiDi and voice controls.
9. Desktops get touch.
   Touch and HD aren’t just for convertible laptops. Intel will be promoting new all-in-one desktops, from the traditional models with desktop processors to the ultrathin portable AiO desktops with mobile processors and internal batteries. These all-in-one desktops will be touch enabled to better utilize Windows 8′s UI, and you’ll start to see more AiO desktops with higher resolution (1,600-by-900 and 1,920-by-1,080) screens.
10. Superior performance and overclocking.
    Some mainstream desktop processors will now have clock speed settings available to the end user. In the past, you needed to change settings like voltage limits or memory timing settings to increase the performance of a “locked” processor. Now you’ll be able to simply increase the base clock rate of your fourth-generation Intel Core processor to give your projects a bit of a boost. This won’t unmake the market for enthusiast motherboards and unlocked processors, but the new settings will let more mainstream users give themselves more performance without too much esoteric tweaking.
11. The next NUC.
    Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is a miniPC form factor that Intel introduced late in 2012. In 2013 the NUC will be updated with fourth-generation Core processors, giving the system builder or home tinkerer better performance in a desktop PC not much larger than a media set-top box like the Apple TV and the Roku 3.
12. Don’t count out Ivy Bridge.As when Ivy Bridge replaced Sandy Bridge, you’ll still get a good deal buying a laptop or desktop that uses the “older” processor. Third-generation Core?powered systems will also continue to be useful, as we estimate you should be able to get three to five years of service out of a laptop and a couple additional years out of a desktop before it becomes too slow to use. You’ll have to decide whether you’d rather get more performance out of a fourth-generation Core-powered system, or save a few bucks by buying an older PC.

Source: PC Mag

Intel 

New thinner, lighter iPad on it’s way?

21st May 2013

A full-size iPad that gets closer to the lean design of the iPad Mini may finally be on the way.

Production of the fifth-generation iPad is slated to begin in July.

It is rumored that the new 9.7-inch iPad will be 25 percent to 33 percent lighter than the iPad 4.

Specifically, the 2,048 x 1,536 pixel-density Retina display (the same pixel density as the iPad 4) will have thinner glass — achieved by using new touch sensor technology — and, most importantly, a less bulky backlight apparatus.

The third- and fourth-generation iPads gained heft and thickness — compared with the iPad 2 – due mostly to technologies supporting the Retina display, including a relatively large backlight assembly.

Monthly shipments of the “iPad 5″ are expected to ramp up to 2 million to 3 million units by September.

Source: CNET

Apple iPad