Technology

Technology

Windows 10 is a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8.1 users

21 January 2015 7:25 PM

Windows 10 will be free

Windows 10 is a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8.1 users.


Wondering how much Windows 10 will set you back? In most cases, more or less nothing. Microsoft has announced that the new operating system will be a free upgrade in the first year for everyone using Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Phone 8.1. The company sees Windows as a service rather than a product, Terry Myerson explains.

Microsoft is partly following in Apple’s footsteps (OS X upgrades have been free since Mavericks), but can you really complain about getting a big update for free?

Joe Belfiore demonstrated Cortana, which Microsoft announced it has added to the PC

Joe Belfiore demonstrated Cortana, which Microsoft announced it has added to the PC.


Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm’s Xbox games console.

One of the features highlighted at the presentation was how Cortana – the voice-controlled digital assistant previously limited to Windows Phone handsets – would now work on PCs.

Cross-device multiplayer gaming, Game DVR & more. The @Xbox experience is coming to #Windows10.

Cross-device multiplayer gaming, Game DVR & more. The @Xbox experience is coming to #Windows10.

Microsoft is currently live with Windows 10 Briefing: Watch the live event here.

Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS to access your computer from your iPhone/iPad

13 January 2015 9:45 PM
Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Google releases Chrome Remote Desktop for iOS

Google today released its Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS after a release on Android devices last year [iTunes Link].

The app, available for both iPhone and iPad, allows users to remotely access their computer via the Chrome Remote Desktop app available in the Chrome Web Store.

To get things started, you’ll just have to download and run through a setup for the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Mac or PC and then open the new Chrome Remote Desktop app for iOS to establish a connection:

On each of your computers, set up remote access using the Chrome Remote Desktop app from Chrome Web Store… On your iOS device, open the app and tap on any of your online computers to connect.

Google first released the app for Android devices in April of last year and before that had its Chrome Remote desktop app for remotely accessing Macs and PCs from other desktop computers.

The app is available now through the App Store for free and works for remotely accessing both PCs and Macs.

Google Glass Explorer Programme now open in the UK – £1000

23 June 2014 5:48 PM
Google Glass launches in the UK

Google Glass launches in the UK

More than two years after Google launched its Glass Explorer scheme in the U.S, it has finally made it available in the UK – but will set you back £1,000.

From today, any British resident aged over 18 can buy a Glass prototype from the official website for £1,000 – as long as they have a valid credit card. Google Glass was developed by Google X – the facility within Google devoted to technological advancements, such as driverless cars.

The wearable headset has also launched with partner apps including Zombies Run and Goal.com. It was initially designed in 2011 to resemble standard eyeglasses, but with the lens replaced by a heads-up display (HUD). Google later engineered a prototype that weighed 8lb (3.6kg), and the current version is now lighter than the average pair of sunglasses at 1.6oz (50g).

In April 2013, the Explorer Edition was made available to Google I/O developers in the U.S for $1,500.

The email from Google:

Hi there

The UK is known as a centre of innovation, where people like you are excited to explore new products and ideas. After many months of development, we’re expanding the Glass Explorer Programme to the UK, to bring together bold, creative individuals who want to help shape the future of Glass.

We wanted you to be among the first to know, as places on the Explorer Programme are limited, so join us soon.

Purchase Glass

Want to learn more about Glass, or try it with different frames and accessories? Schedule an appointment at our new London Basecamp. You’ll meet with a Glass Guide and learn how to make Glass your own.

Schedule an appointment

Until next time,
The Glass Team

We’ve had Google Glass for over a year now (shipped from the U.S) what do you think about this eyewear technology? Let us know down in the comments.

Dropbox releases Mailbox App for Android

10 April 2014 9:25 PM
Mailbox on Android

Mailbox on Android © Dropbox, Inc

Dropbox has released its Mailbox email client for Android devices.

The cloud storage company has also announced that a desktop beta version of the service is also in development for Mac OS users.

Already available for iOS devices [link], Mailbox arrives on Android with new features, such as an “auto-swipe” function that lets users automatically archive messages.

The application has also introduced Word, Excel and PowerPoint integration as part of a collaboration with Microsoft dubbed Project Harmony.

Dropbox says that “The desktop version of Mailbox will feature a minimal design and track-pad gesture controls. Users can apply to take part in the beta via the service’s website“.

Cloud storage company Dropbox bought Mailbox last year, shortly after the iOS app launched. The app lets users organize emails with simple swipe motions, chasing the notion of having no unread messages, or “inbox zero.” When Mailbox launched initially, it was only compatible with Gmail on iOS, but CEO Gentry Underwood said he planned to expand to other platforms and email services.

Mailbox previously reported 1 million users within a month of launching and said Wednesday that the number has grown to 275 million.

The company also announced that it’s testing a desktop version of the app, Mailbox for Mac. People who want to try the OS X Mailbox can ask for a beta invite here.

While Mailbox is finally on Android, many of the service’s limitations remain in place. It only works with Gmail and iCloud, so don’t go looking to this app if you rely on Yahoo, Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) or a corporate email account. It also gives yet another company, in this case Mailbox’s parent Dropbox, access to your Gmail account. The app is still not available on Windows Phone.

Another change is that Mailbox will require a Dropbox login to use the app, on both iOS and Android. So, if you’re a Mailbox user, you will be required to be a Dropbox user as well.

The Android edition is now available from the Google Play store for download [link].

[Updated] Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $18 Billion

19 February 2014 10:37 PM
Mark Zuckerberg - https://facebook.com/zuck

Mark Zuckerberg – https://facebook.com/zuck

A huge acquisition but one which is important for Facebook to both continue its growth but also continue to gather the valuable data it needs to deliver monetizable services to its customers. The deal is pending regulatory approval and should it not get across the line Facebook will pay WhatsApp $1B in cash and $1B in shares.

Facebook has entered into an agreement to acquire WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, for $16 billion in cash and stock, according to a filing Wednesday.

The deal is by far Facebook’s largest acquisition to date (On one level this is insane – it’s a significant amount of Facebook’s total valuation) and comes after rumors in late 2012 and early 2013 that Facebook and Google were vying to buy the messaging service.

“WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable,” Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s cofounder and CEO, said in a statement. “I’ve known Jan [Koum, WhatsApp co-founder] for a long time and I’m excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected.”

According to the filing, Facebook has agreed to pay $12 billion in stock and $4 billion in cash for the company. Facebook has also agreed to pay an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to WhatsApp’s founders and employees as part of the deal, which would bring the total deal price to about $19 billion.

If the deal doesn’t go through, Facebook will pay a breakup fee of $1 billion to WhatsApp, which is still more than the total amount Facebook ended up paying to acquire Instagram.

Facebook stock declined by more than 4.5% in after hours trading following the announcement.