Windows 7 mainstream support ends this Tuesday and patches will continue until 2020

Its finally and end of the first phase of support for Windows 7 as Microsoft's self-declared deadline to offer mainstream support for the OS ends on Thuesday the 13th of January. However, the company has declared that it will offer extended support for Windows 7 for another 5 years, until January14 , 2020.

This means that Microsoft won't be making any more changes to Windows 7 in terms of its design or features. It also won't provide complementary phone or online support anymore. SO what does this mean for over 50 percent of PC users worldwide who still have Windows 7 installed?

A year ago, Microsoft had ended all official support for Windows XP, but the OS which launched in 2001 is still used by a large fraction of PC users world wide. However, its a fact that still , Windows 8 and 8.1 have so far not claimed a large amount of market share. Hence, Microsoft clearly would like for Windows 10,  which is due for launch this year, to be more successful. Hopefully, it seems likely that many Windows 7 users will bypass Windows 8 and 8.1 entirely and move onto Windows 10. 

Fingers crossed !

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft responds to Google for publishing Windows 8.1 vulnerability before being fixed

Microsoft has Hit back at Google for making Windows 8.1 vulnerability issues public. Chriz Betz who heads the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), published a new blog post on Tech Net where he talks about security and how tech companies shall work together to protect consumers against threats from exploits in software in a better way, something the company feels Google disregarded .

The blog talks more on preventing the full public disclosure of security vulnerabilities in software, which Microsoft believes is to be best kept under wraps.

Betz also stated that Microsoft requested Google to avoid releasing said details before January 13.

The blog concludes by re confirming that software is by no means perfect. It is made by humans after all . Here's hoping the giants behind our favourite devices band together to keep everyone safe from attacks and cyber crime.

Microsoft is testing new One Drive file saving for Outlook.com

Microsoft is said to be reportedly testing or rolling out a new feature for Outlook.com users that will allow them to save any file attachments in their mail directly to their OneDrive accounts.

According to a source, the new Outlook.com feature is already available for some users. This means that Microsoft is either rolling it or testing  it before an official launch.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Image Courtesy Windows Central

Runtastic Pro available for free for Windows Phone users for a limited time

Runtastic Pro is one of the best fitness apps available out there in the Windows Phone store which is usually available for $4.99 , but currently is available for free for a limited time..

Although the app hasn't updated for few months, it still offers users amazing and handy features such as:

• Track activities & view your routes utilizing GPS: Records duration, distance, calories burned, speed, elevation change and more stats
• Manual entry of workouts: Add treadmill, strength training & other indoor workouts
• Runtastic Routes: Flag one of thousands of routes on Runtastic.com and sync it automatically with your smartphone
• Share routes via NFC from phone to phone
• LIVE Tracking: Show family & friends your position in real time when out for a run or ride
• LIVE Cheering: Get cheered on by friends for additional motivation during your LIVE activities & up the fun factor
• Music integration & Voice Coach (DE, EN, FR, ES, IT, JP) for top motivation and encouragement
• Heart Rate Integration: Track your HR with the Runtastic Heart Rate Monitor (supports Bluetooth® Smart)
• Heart Rate Zones: Work out in your ideal heart rate zone (e.g. fat burning zone)
• Interval training: Get faster with effective, customizable interval training
• Additional info: Record mood, temperature, surface details & personal notes post-activity
• Training history: View activity details within your Runtastic running app or on Runtastic.com
• Split table: Distance information (elevation change, time, pace per kilometer)
• Live Tile: Monthly statistics & transparent Live Tile on your start screen
• Display your routes (Nokia Maps)
• Hydration feature: Find out how much liquid you lost during an activity
• Bird View: Check out maps from bird's eye perspective
• Upload activities to Runtastic.com: Get detailed analysis and statistics, as well as a complete overview of your performance and progress
• Social network sharing: Post your activities on Facebook, Twitter or on Runtastic.com

You can download Runtastic pro for free from here

Image Courtesy : Windows Central

Samsung is reportedly looking to build more Windows Phones provided Microsoft settles Legal battle

Samsung would be well willing to produce more Windows Phones in the future provided Microsoft settles the royalties legal battle on android products. According to a source, Samsung has been least interested in considering the Windows Phone platform to launch more hardware.

 An official involved with the matter between Microsoft and Samsung was quoted in the Korea Times report:

"Samsung has run pilot programs on the stability of Windows 8.1 software on devices. It is interested in promoting Windows mobiles. If the companies settle their litigation, then Samsung will manufacture handsets powered by the Microsoft-developed mobile platform. The timing could be the third quarter of this year at the earliest."

 Microsoft and Samsung seems to remain locked in a legal entanglement , which led the Software giant as a Direct Competitor after the acquisition of Nokia's Mobile business.

Image Courtesy : Windows Central

Dell's incredible new XPS 13 is now available in Microsoft's online Store

If you were waiting desperately for being among those buying Dell's new XPS 13 ultrabook , you would be happy to know that you can now order the device online from the Microsoft's online store . The laptop was however originally only available from Dell's online store.

Its important to know this that as of now , only the non touch screen versions of laptops are available, however if you decide to pull the trigger, Microsoft has the $899 Intel Core i5 version available.

If you want to grab the laptop for yourself, hit up that source link below to head on over to Microsoft's store listing. If you're still not convinced, you can check out our hands-on with the laptop in the video below.

Image & Video Courtesy Windows Central

Source Microsoft

LG's new all-in-one Windows PC is amazingly wide and Curvy !

When you go for shopping, for a Windows PC , it may be possible that LG may not be the first name that would come to your mind. However, this may now change as the Korean manufacturer is here at CES 2015 showing off  a new all-in-one with a curved, ultrawide display with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

So its obvious that the first thing that we would notice is the display. It may not be a 4K or a UHD display but its bright, big and immersive with a 2560x1080 p resolution and with the curve its really nice to look at.

You may not believe this just by watching the pictures , but when you use it practically , you will feel the difference.

Its powered by latest 5th generation intel core processors, i3, i5 and i7 models are available. Graphics wise , its using Nvidia GT840M and software wise , its obvious that it runs Windows 8.1

It's not the first time LG has done an ultrawide all-in-one, but with the new chips from Intel in there and a curved display, it's a welcome upgrade. Pricing information wasn't available at the time of writing.

Image Courtesy :Windows Central