Leaked Spartan browser demoed in new video, shows off Cortana integration

 Microsoft's next web browser, and successor to Internet Explorer, is Project Spartan. The modern browser has been demoed in a video published by WinBeta. They were able to take the leaked app for a spin to see how some of the features worked, including Cortana integration.

The virtual assistant will be able to perform a wide range of tasks in Project Spartan. Cortana will also display related information to what you're looking at too. For example, should you be surfing through web pages of a particular business, Cortana will be able to show opening times, contact information and more.

The video provides an idea as to how integrated the assistant is, whether it be in the address bar or pulling down data from searches. Microsoft also showed Spartan running on Windows 10 for phones atMobile World Congress.

News Courtesy Windows Central

VLC becomes a true universal app for Windows Phone, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

The main developer behind the Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone versions of the VLC media player has announced new updates for both apps, along with news that VLC is a universal app for both platforms. The app works with Windows 10 as well

Microsoft Health iPhone app update released for Microsoft Band owners

iPhone owners who also have a Microsoft Band can now download an update to the Microsoft Health app for iOS. The update bring a number of features to the app.

Here's the change log for the new version:

• Bike Tile: Lets you track your heart rate and calorie burn. Outdoor rides will also track speed, distance, and elevation.
• Quick Read: Helps you read text, email, and other notifications quickly. A large font size and the rapid succession of words enable you to read messages while in motion and without having to scroll.
• MapMyFitness Integration: Effortlessly save and upload your workout data to MapMyFitness.
• HealthVault Integration: Easily share your Microsoft Health workout and sleep data to your HealthVault account.
• Bug Fixes

Microsoft Band owners can use this app in collaboration with their iPhone.

• Download now from iTunes
• Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

6tag gets improvements for cropping, geolocation, and passwords in new update

Late last night, 6tag 4.0.0.1 returned to the Windows Phone Store after a caching bug prevented the app from updating on some phones. Today, Huyn has pushed out another update bringing the version to 4.0.1 and with it, a few new improvements and fixes.

MixRadio to suspend in-app music purchases in March

In an email sent out to users today, the team behind the popular Lumia-only music streaming app MixRadio said that it will be dropping support for purchasing music through the app in March.

From the MixRadio team:

"From March 2015 we'll be suspending all operator billing and credit/debit card payments.

This means you won't be able to purchase any new tracks or albums from our music store. Not to worry though, you'll still be able to listen to all your purchased music and you can enjoy 100's of mixes available for free with MixRadio."

A reason for the change wasn't given, but it likely has something to do with Line's acquisition of the service from Microsoft in December. However, it sounds as though purchasing options may return to the app in the near future, as the team mentions that it paid downloads are being suspended in preparation for new features set to roll out in an update later this year.

Are you a MixRadio user who has purchased a lot of songs through the service? Let us know what you think of the change in the comments below.

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

There are reportedly 60,000 users of the Windows 10 phone preview

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has been pretty successful thus far, but according to a new report only a small percentage of those signed up are currently using the Windows 10 preview for phones. According to Neowin, these figures come with another significant bump in the total number of Insiders.

"According to an internal source who has had a good track record in the past, there are roughly 60,000 devices currently testing Windows 10 for phones. That figure includes Microsoft employees too, which means that the testing base, as of right now for the OS, is quite small."

That's 60,000 out of a now reported 2.8 million total signed up to the Windows Insider program. It's not overly surprising, given the initial list of supported devices. With the Lumia 830 being the 'highest end' phone to be included on the current build, the platform enthusiasts carrying 'flagship' class devices from the past and present are left out right now.

We'd expect to see that number increase pretty sharply once the number of supported phones opens up. And with Windows 10 on the agenda for this weeks upcoming Mobile World Congress, who knows what we might soon see.

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

DirectX 12 for Windows 10 could allow GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD to work in one PC

A new rumor about DirectX 12, the upcoming graphics API from Microsoft that will be include with the launch of Windows 10, suggests that it will allow graphics cards from both NVIDIA and AMD to be used in one PC gaming rig.