New OS data shows a loss for Windows 8.1 while Windows 10 makes an appearance

The Windows 10 Technical Preview has started showing up in the operating system market share numbers from Net Applications, in their recently revealed statistics for December. However, those same numbers display a loss in market share for Windows 8.1.

Windows 10 is now being used by 0.06% of all PCs worldwide, according to Net Applications' data, which is gathered by unique visitors to the websites it monitors. As expected, Windows 10's share is very small due to its preview status, but that share is expected to grow slowly in the months ahead as Microsoft will release more stable preview builds, leading up to its commercial release sometime in late 2015.

As far as Microsoft's current and older versions of Windows, December saw a loss in market share for Windows 8.1, which had been gaining share over the past few months. December saw its share drop to 9.49%, well below that of November's 12.10%. The older Windows 8 claimed 4.04% in December, which again is a drop from 6.55% in November.

Windows 7 remains the top used operating system for PCs, with a 56.26% share in December, up from 53.71% in November. Windows XP, which Microsoft no longer supports, had an 18.26% share in December, higher than the 13.57% it had in November.

Image & News Credits : Windows Central

Acer adds fifth generation Intel Core chips and 802.11ac wireless to several laptops

As part of its CES 2015 announcements, Microsoft has stated that Acer will include Intel's 5th generation Core processors and 802.11ac wireless hardware in a number of its Windows 8.1 laptops, including the Aspire R 13, Aspire S7, and Aspire Switch 12.

Microsoft says:

"The Aspire R 13 and Aspire Switch 12 are 2-in-1 convertible PCs. Both feature the ability to transition into 5 different modes including tablet, tent or laptop. The Aspire R 13 has a special hinge – the Acer Ezel Aero hinge – that enables the 13.3-inch display rotate 180 degrees. The Aspire Switch 12 has a 12.5-inch display with a unique kickstand design that features a magnetic and latch-less detachable keyboard. And the Aspire S7 Ultrabook is built super thin with an all-aluminum unibody design.

The Aspire R 13 and Aspire S7 featuring 5th Generation Intel Core processors and 802.11ac wireless will be available worldwide in January. The Aspire Switch 12 featuring the new Intel Core M processor will be available in the United States and Canada in early 2015. Exact specifications, prices and availability will vary by region."

Do you use 802.11ac wireless at home yet? Maybe steps like this will inspire people to upgrade their routers.

Source: Microsoft Windows Central

Microsoft Band officially on sale again in Microsoft Store US retail locations

As we previously reported, US Microsoft Store retail locations are now selling a new shipment of Microsoft Band units. There's no word on how many units of the $199.99 wearable device are available for sale in each store location.

It's more than likely that shipments are highly limited. So if you want to get one and you live near a Microsoft Store location, you might want to go today before they are sold out. This restock is just for US retail stores; the Microsoft Store online site still is not selling the Microsoft Band. Hopefully, these supply issues will straighten out soon.

Source: Microsoft Store (Twitter) Windows Central

Flipboard for Windows Phone gets another small update

Flipboard is a popular app that grabs content from several sources and presents them in a magazine format. The Windows Phone version has just received a small update today, following a similar tiny update that was issued a few days ago. Today's update brings the version number up to 2.5.2, but we don't have a new changelog to go along with the download.

We would assume this update is for bug fixes and/or improvements, but if you notice anything different, please let us know about it.

Thanks to Sankho for the tip!

• Download Flipboard from the Windows Phone Store (Free)
• Download Flipboard from the Windows Store (Free)

Image & News Courtesy : Windows Central