Microsoft Announces New Update of Skype Application for iPhone and iPad

Microsoft has announced a new update of Skype application for iOS operating system, the new update available in two versions for iPhone smartphone and iPad tablet.

What's new?

The new version 4.17 of Skype application for Apple devices supports high-resolution video "HD" on "iPhone 5S", in addition to the possibility of receiving chat messages when the application is closed, and it is possible to synchronize chat messages more quickly on various platforms.

  

Microsoft explained that it made improvements in the new version of Skype application and blocked some of the gaps, this leads to increase the speed of the application.

  

It should be noted that Microsoft Company had announced last month an update of Skype application for iOS system, where the version 4.15 received a new design of sign in page, so as to make it easier for the users to access their account using Skype account or Microsoft account.

The version 4.17 of Skype application is available on the Apple Store for free, if you want windows version of Skype, you can download it from this link.

Skype Features:

• Skype is free for all.
• Skype allows you to make free calls from anywhere in the world.
• Skype is easy to use with a stylish interface.
• Allows you to open your Facebook or Hotmail accounts.
• You can send free messages to any place at any time.
• Skype lets you make audio and video chat with more than one person.
• Skype has a pure picture and a clear sound.
• You can share your pictures and files with your friends.

Program Website:

http://www.skype.com/

Version: 

4.17

Compatibility: 

iOS (iPhone & iPad)

License:

Freeware

Free Download: 

     iPhone                             iPad

  

Read More

Microsoft Plans to Launch "Windows 9" in April 2015

Microsoft intends to unveil its own plan of next version of Windows operating system through Developers Conference "Build 2014", which will carry the code name "Threshold", according to the blogger technical “Paul Thurrott “.

According to Thurrott, the owner of "SuperSite for Windows" website, it is likely that the American company will launch the name "Windows 9 " on the next generation of the operating system , the leaks indicate that Microsoft which seeks to bring a number of radical changes to the "Windows 8", such as restore "Start" button , in addition to that it will be proximity platform include "Windows Phone" and "Windows RT", and in order to strengthen the bonding between the three operating systems.

It is noteworthy that the "Windows 8", which passed on its release more than a year, is suffering from a lack of adoption by users, in favor of "Windows 7" operating system, although the company launched several enhancements in the free version, which bears the number 8.1.

Windows 8.1

Although Microsoft each year during the Developers Conference (BUILD conference) - to be held this year in April- launched a test version of the next version of Windows operating system, the case will be different during (Build Conference 2014), according to Thurrott, the company will launch a radical modernization of the "Windows8.1" operating system along with the launch of "Windows Phone 8.1" for smartphones.

According to Thurrott's sources, “Windows 9" will be launched in April of next year 2015, with drastic changes in addition to the development of the user interface, and separate  the Windows to two versions, one for ordinary consumers and the other to businesses.

Read More

Internet Explorer is The Most Widely Used Browser on Computers in 2013

Internet Explorer web browser maintained its position at the forefront of the list of the most commonly used web browsers on desktop and laptop computers in December last year, becoming the most widely used browser in 2013.

The statistics revealed by the "Net Applications" company said that of the Internet Explorer versions controls more than half of the market share of Internet browsers on desktop and laptop computers.

  

The rate of use of Internet Explorer browser, which is being developed by Microsoft, 57.91 percent by the end of December last year, and Internet Explorer 8 got the largest percentage of use by about 20.64 percent, followed by Version 10 by 11.05 percent, and version 11 by 10.42 percent .

  

Firefox web browser got the second place in the list of the most commonly used browsers with the end of December last year by 18.35 percent, ahead of nearest rival browser Google Chrome which got 16.22 percent.

  

The rate of use of Safari browser, which developed by Apple, about 5.82 percent, while the percentage of use of Opera browser only about 1.33 percent on laptops and desktops.

  

Internet Explorer web browser is most commonly used during 2013, where its market share did not fall from the 55 percent barrier since last January, and it arrived the highest percentage of use in November, which amounted to 58.36 percent.

  

The statistical carried out by the Net Applications company, has been collecting their results by monitoring the operating systems used by 160 million unique visitors each month, through more than 40,000 websites hosted by the company.

Read More

Microsoft Offers Free Skype Premium Services for One Year

After Microsoft Corp. bought the rights of Skype program, Microsoft has spared no effort to develop the program and to facilitate access to it,  and together we have seen how the application has become one of the most important applications in chatting.

Now you can request premium Skype services by signing up through a link and register your e-mail to receive e-mail from Microsoft carries an activation code for one year, after signing up you will find that your balance has become 107.88 U.S. dollars, you can use all premium services for free.

  

This comes as part of a campaign launched by Microsoft titled "Skype Collaboration Project".

  

After getting on the premium Skype services, you can enjoy the following services:

• Group video calls.
• Screen sharing.
• Block ads within the program.
• Direct support of the technical support of Skype.

  

To get the offer:

1- Download and install Skype.

2- Go to this link: collaboration.skype, enter your e-mail, and wait for Microsoft's response.

  

Finally, you have to be patient in waiting the activation code, and do not worry the offer is available until April 30, 2014 as stated in the terms of benefit from campaign.

Read More

You Can Get Gold-plated Xbox One for Only $10,000

It has become commonplace in recent times to see gold-plated smartphone or tablet, but perhaps not uncommon to see Xbox One device plated with pure gold.

Harrods British specialized in the sale of luxury products has offered 24-karat gold-plated version of the video game platform Xbox One.

  

Price has been determined that version of Xbox One six thousand pounds or the equivalent of $ 9775.

  

Harrods did not say how many copies available for sale from the gold-plated Microsoft platform, or the number of copies that have been sold to date.

  

The launch of this gold-plated version Xbox One on the occasion of holiday season last year and birthdays.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source:twitter, Reddit

Read More

Smart Bra from Microsoft Coming Soon

Researchers from Microsoft studying to develop a "smart bra" measures the mood of women through sensors to feel the heartbeat, with the aim of helping women to avoid a lot of food caused by psychological stress .

  

Sensing tools can send alerts to the smartphone with a message that help women to make better health decisions instead of eating in order to soothe the soul.

  

The detection of these plans in a research paper published by five researchers from Microsoft titled "Food and Mood: Just-in-Time Support for Emotional Eating"

  

The study looks at the possibility of helping women to find out if she really hungry or eat for emotional reasons, other studies show that many people turn to foods rich in calories when they are worried or feel bored or frustrated.

  

The research team said that this is the first study to our knowledge exploited sensors that can be worn to measure emotions, and bra is the perfect way because it close to the heart and allow data collection of electrocardiogram (EKG) in a better way.

  

Microsoft spokesman said that the scientists will do further research on this innovation especially in terms of battery, that's where preliminary tests showed that the bra needs to charge every 4 hours, the spokesman added that they are continuing to work on this innovation to be turned into a commercial product suitable for women and men as well. [CNN]

Read More

Microsoft Officially Launched Windows 8.1

Microsoft has officially announced that the final version of “Windows 8.1" operating system is available to download from the company's website, where "Windows 8" users can now update  their devices to "Windows 8.1" for free, as stated on Microsoft's official website.

  

The users who do not have "Windows 8”, they should pay fees amounting to $119.99 for "Windows 8.1", or $199.99 for “Windows 8.1 Pro".

  

Microsoft developed "Windows 8.1" so that they are fully compatible with touch screen devices, as well as better support for multiple monitors, and providing many applications and programs such as "Skype", and "Internet Explorer 11" web browser.

  

The new update includes a set of internal changes to the operating system, as well as amendments to the interfaces and updates on some of the most Microsoft applications.

Microsoft said that it took into account all the comments and suggestions received from users during development of Windows 8.1, and tried to solve the problems faced by the users.

One of the most prominent changes to Windows 8.1 is the restoration of "Start Menu" button to the lower left corner of the interface, the cancellation of this button in the Windows 8 is the most prominent problems complained by Windows 8 users. Although Microsoft did not restore the "Start" menu in the same old design found in Windows 7, but the new menu in Windows 8.1 includes most of the usual options.

Windows 8.1 also included and option allows the operating system to boot directly to the desktop interface without passing compulsory to "Metro" interface as it is in Windows 8.

The search in Windows 8.1 has some improvements, when you search for any subject, the Windows shows the results of the search engine "Bing" in addition to the results from applications and files in the cloud storage service "Sky Drive", and the user can ask the Windows read the results of search audibly.

One of the improved feature in Windows 8.1, is the possibility of a row and run multiple applications side by side on the screen by "Snap" property, which supports run up to four applications on one screen, and allows running eight applications on two screens with the assumption that the screens have sufficient resolution.

Microsoft also has made significant improvements to the Windows Store in terms of the view, the main page of the store dedicated to promote the most prominent and the latest applications across large images and titles, also the camera application has significant improvement, where Microsoft added wide range of image editing options such as improving the color, adjust lighting and contrast, fix the red-eye effect, and adding a set of filters to improve photos.

  

Microsoft said that it will provide DVD disks of  "Windows 8.1"  for sale in stores starting on Friday October 18, while can be downloaded from the its website by visiting the link.

Read More

Microsoft Unveils the Prices of Windows 8.1 Versions

Microsoft has unveiled the prices of the versions of the operating system Windows 8.1, and it has unveiled the officially date of sale system to users of desktops and laptops.

   

Microsoft explained that users of computers with an original copy of the operating system Windows 8 will be able to free download the Windows 8.1 through Windows store on the Internet.

Windows 8.1 will be available for download on October 18, Microsoft advised Windows 8 users to update to the new version that addresses the gaps and problems of the old version, also brings a range of new features.

   

Microsoft added that users of older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and preceded versions, they can also update to Windows 8.1 but not free.

Microsoft announced that Windows 8.1 will be available for purchase and download directly from Windows website or via a DVD of official stores, and it will cost $119.99, as Windows 8.1 Pro will cost about $199.99, Microsoft explained that those prices are for the U.S. market may differ in some markets.

  

Users of computers that are running Windows 8.1, which are computers that have been recently launched in the market, they can update to the most professional system Windows 8.1 Pro for $99.99.

Microsoft said that Windows 8.1 is not designed to be installed on computers that are running Windows XP and Windows Vista, so the users of those systems should buy a DVD of the new system and then remove the old version and install the new version.

It is noteworthy that the new version Windows 8.1 includes many improvements, such as:

• Start button, which missed in Windows 8.
• The possibility of moving easily between the new interface (Metro) and the desktop interface.
• Developing the search across "Bing", you can search within files, applications, the Internet and within the Sky Drive.
• Include "Internet Explorer 11".

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source 

Read More

Microsoft Unveiled New Generation of "Surface" Tablets "Surface Pro 2" & "Surface 2"

Microsoft has unveiled the new generation of "Surface" tablet computers produced by the company, as part of a special event conducted by Microsoft  in New York City, through this event Microsoft announcing the two tablets "Surface Pro 2" , and "Surface 2".

    

Microsoft said that the new tablet "Surface Pro 2" will provide performance faster than most of laptops available in the market these days, where performance of graphics processor has been improved  by 50% compared with the previous generation, this happened by providing the new tablets with fourth generation processors "Haswell" from Intel which also provided an improvement in battery life.

    

"Surface Pro 2" has 10.6 inch display and is running Windows 8.1 operating system, it comes in two versions, the first comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of internal storage, the second comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 or 512 GB of internal storage.

As for the tablet "Surface 2", which is running Windows RT 8.1, comes with weight and thickness less than the previous generation, its performance faster by about 3 times of the previous generation, it has the same full HD display of "Surface Pro 2" and provided with 32 GB if internal storage.

    

The new generation of "Surface" tablets provided with new dual-angle Kickstand, make it capable of being tilted up to 55-degree angle when you put it on a flat surface, in addition to the possibility of the tilt angle of 22 degrees, as in the previous generation.

Microsoft supported the new devices with a number of accessories, such as Docking Station for "Surface Pro", where it turns the tablet into something like a PC, by providing for several USB ports, in addition to the ports allows the user to connect mouse and keyboard, in addition to the "Mini Display Port" to connect an external monitor.

    

Microsoft also revealed a new keyboard connected with the tablet, bearing the name "Power Cover", contains an internal battery in order to prolong the battery life of tablet at a rate 2.5 times.

"Surface Pro 2" and “Surface 2" will be launched officially for sale on the market in October 22, at a starting price of $449  for "Surface 2", and $899 for the "Surface Pro 2".

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source

Read More

Microsoft Acquires Nokia's Phone Business

American company Microsoft announced that it has reached an agreement with the Finnish company Nokia to acquire all of Nokia devices and related services in addition to obtaining a license using its patents, the deal will cost €5.44 billion.

  

Microsoft expected to complete the deal during the first quarter of the year 2014, and after obtaining the approval of the shareholders of Nokia, and the required legal approvals.

  

According to the deal, Microsoft will get the entire Nokia's business related to the development of devices and services, including mobile phones and smartphones as well as all the offices and factories producing products and services in addition to sales and marketing with the support.

Microsoft noted that upon completion of the deal, about 32,000 employees will move from Nokia to Microsoft, including 4,700 employees in Finland.

As part of the deal, Nokia will give Microsoft a non-exclusive license of 10 years to use its patents, in return, Microsoft will grant Nokia reciprocal rights of Nokia Maps service HERE. In addition, Nokia will give Microsoft the option to extend the agreement of patents permanently .

  

The deal also included 10-year agreement where Microsoft will use Nokia brand on the current products of mobile phones, and Nokia will continue to own its brand.

  

Microsoft stated reason for its acquisition of Nokia and why they need to enter the smart phone market, the reason is to compete with other companies and systems and make Windows Phone system with the same level of Android and iOS in terms of applications and services, and the acquisition will protect the future of the Windows Phone system.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source

Read More

Microsoft Officially Announced Windows 8.1 Preview

Microsoft has officially announced the beta version of the operating system "Windows 8.1", during the Build conference for developers in San Francisco, the new update holds number of new features and improvements to the Windows 8, to be the launch of the final version of the update later this year.

The new update includes a set of internal changes to the operating system, as well as amendments to the interfaces and updates on some of the most Microsoft applications.

Microsoft said that it took into account all the comments and suggestions received from users during development of Windows 8.1, and tried to solve the problems faced by the users.

One of the most prominent changes to Windows 8.1 is the restoration of "Start Menu" button to the lower left corner of the interface, the cancellation of this button in the Windows 8 is the most prominent problems complained by Windows 8 users. Although Microsoft did not restore the "Start" menu in the same old design found in Windows 7, but the new menu in Windows 8.1 includes most of the usual options.

Windows 8.1 also included and option allows the the operating system to boot directly to the desktop interface without passing compulsory to "Metro" interface as it is in Windows 8.

The search in Windows 8.1 has some improvements, when you search for any subject, the Windows shows the results of the search engine "Bing" in addition to the results from applications and files in the cloud storage service "Sky Drive", and the user can ask the Windows read the results of search audibly.

One of the improved feature in Windows 8.1, is the possibility of a row and run multiple applications side by side on the screen by "Snap" property, which supports run up to four applications on one screen, and allows running eight applications on two screens with the assumption that the screens have sufficient resolution.

Microsoft also has made significant improvements to the Windows Store in terms of the view, the main page of the store dedicated to promote the most prominent and the latest applications across large images and titles, also the camera application has significant improvement, where Microsoft added wide range of image editing options such as improving the color, adjust lighting and contrast, fix the red-eye effect, and adding a set of filters to improve photos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source

Read More