Microsoft's Spartan browser set to arrive in the next Windows 10 preview

The next version of Microsoft's web browser, Project Spartan is expected to hit the next Windows 10preview release. Microsoft's Kevin Gallo, the technical lead for Windows universal apps, confirmed the news today at Mobile World Congress, though an accurate date of release has yet to be provided.

Microsoft has made some major changes in Project Spartan, creating a brand new render engine called Edge. Gallo demonstrated numerous universal apps today using an unreleased version of the Windows 10 preview.

We'll likely have more details on the next release for testers, and if Spartan is indeed included in the next update, soon enough. What are you most looking forward to in Microsoft's new web browser?

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 will add support for Bluetooth keyboards

Microsoft has confirmed, via a product page on its newly revealed Universal Foldable Keyboard, thatWindows Phone 8.1 Update 2 will add support for Bluetooth keyboards.

This has been a long awaited, and much requested, feature for Windows Phone owners. Today's reveal of Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard seems to confirm that those Windows Phone users will finally be able to use that accessory and other Bluetooth-enabled keyboards in the near future.

Microsoft has yet to announce much in the way of details for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, including when it will be made available for download. Bluetooth keyboard support is also planned for theupcoming phone version of Windows 10.

Video & News Courtesy Windows Central

Intel's upcoming Atom x3 processor could be used inside Windows 10-based phones

Intel has announced a new mobile processor family, the Atom x3, that could be used inside smartphones running on Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system.

Intel says:

"Combining 64-bit multi-core Intel Atom processors together with 3G or 4G LTE connectivity, the integrated communications SoC combines the applications processor, image sensor processor, graphics, audio, connectivity and power management components in a single system chipset. This integration allows device manufacturers to deliver full-featured tablets, phablets and smartphones at affordable price points for the rapidly growing entry and value market segments."

Intel says 20 OEMs, including Asus, have plans to launch smartphones with the Atom x3 chip inside. While many, if not most, of those smartphones will likely use Android as its OS, PC World reports that Intel has its eyes set on supporting Windows 10 for phones as well with this chipset. Aicha Evans, the vice president and general manager of Intel's Communication and Devices Group, believes the adoption of Windows 10 for mobile will increase, adding, "We consider that very important,"

All of the smartphones that currently use Windows Phone have processors made by Qualcomm. We will point out that neither Microsoft nor Intel have officially announced plans for any smartphones that will run Windows 10 and use the Atom x3 processor. It's also true that Intel has not had much luck in releasing chips made for the smartphone market in general, as chips with ARM-based architecture dominate that space

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

Netflix updated for Windows Phone, likely address recent playback issues

Netflix has updated its Windows Phone app today, but the new version, unfortunately, doesn't come with a change log (the one listed is actually an older one). This would suggest this download is a minor patch for bug fixes only.

The new version number for the Netflix app is 4.1.0.16 and it's an 8MB download.

A number of Windows Phone users have been reporting that the app has had some video playback issues lately, so perhaps this update is going to fix those problems. Let us know if you see any improvements in the app after you download and install the update in the comments.

Download Netflix from the Windows Phone Store

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

Microsoft announces preview program for Xbox 360

The Xbox One is getting all the attention these days, but that doesn't mean that Microsoft is neglecting Xbox 360 owners. The Redmond giant has today announced that it is starting a preview program for the console, with selected customers getting access to test new features before they hit general availability.

Here's what you need to do to enroll:

Starting in early March select invitees will be able to join the Xbox 360 Preview program. This will work much like the Xbox One preview – and selected customers will be able to sign-up directly from their Xbox 360. Look for a special Xbox Live message then head to Settings, then account then under account management if you've been selected, you'll see Xbox 360 Preview Registration. Sign up there and enroll your console. Nothing will happen yet, but we'll let you know when the Preview is ready to begin through a Xbox Live message.

Microsoft has stated that it will address commonly found customer issues in the next Xbox 360 update, which also includes tools for measuring download and upload speeds.

Xbox 360 owners, what are your thoughts on the upcoming preview program?

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

Telegram Messenger Beta is popular in South America, rolls out update to fix scaling issues

The crew at Telegram Messenger Beta have noted a massive increase in popularity in South America, which is why they've rolled out an update that allows the service to scale in the region. The sudden increase in users has to do with a ban imposed on WhatsApp in Brazil on February 27 over violent images shared on the network.

A Brazilian judge called a ban on WhatsApp after it was revealed that the service failed to assist law enforcement officers in an ongoing investigation. The ban is yet to go into effect as it is currently being appealed by carriers in the country. The crux of the issue is that WhatsApp was unwilling to provide government officials with conversation transcripts. Even if it was legally ordered to do so, the service's end-to-end encryption means that only the intended recipients have access to conversations.

All of this has played into the hands of Telegram Messenger, with the service witnessing a massive influx of new users in Brazil:

Version 1.5.0.0 isn't going to add a host of new features, with the focus on improving scaling issues for South American users. Here's what the changelog has to say about the update:

• Performance update to help scaling due to the sudden and massive spike of popularity in South America.

The messaging service has picked up several updates over the course of the last 30 days that saw the introduction of notification muting, easier document management in chats and more.

Download Telegram Messenger Beta for Windows Phone

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

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