Tag: windows

Apple Music, Apple TV and Apple Devices Apps Launched on Windows to Replace iTunes on PC

Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices have officially been launched on Windows. These standalone apps were first previewed by the company in January 2023. After remaining in the testing phase for a year, the Cupertino-based tech giant has now removed the Preview tags from these apps and is letting users download them for their PCs. This move was reportedly made to reduce the reliance of users on iTunes, which previously acted as a one-stop shop for the combined functionalities of these apps, bar the streaming services.

A Support page of Apple now highlights that users with Windows 10 or later can now access these dedicated apps. Apple Music allows users to listen to and manage their iTunes library, access iTunes purchases, and get access to Apple’s streaming service. Similarly, Apple TV enables people to watch movies, documentaries, and TV series from their iTunes library, as well as offers the Apple TV+ streaming service. Apple Devices, on the other hand, helps update, back up, restore, and manage their iPhone and iPad devices, as well as let them sync content from PC.

The Apple apps for Windows support x86-based PCs running on Windows 10 or Windows 11. However, if users do not have the required operating system, they can continue to use iTunes. Further, those downloading the dedicated apps must download all three of them, as downloading just one or two will prompt a message to download the remaining apps first. Once all the apps have been downloaded, iTunes will only offer access to audiobooks and podcasts. The iPhone maker has also urged users to not delete their iTunes app as both Apple Music and Apple TV apps read the content of the iTunes library.

As per reports, Apple decided to split iTunes to mirror how the apps work on Mac. The dedicated apps also offer a more streamlined interface and recently added features that might be missing in the older app. Further, this also allows the tech giant to expand its streaming services to Windows users.

Separately, Apple researchers recently released an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image editing tool called MGIE (MLLM Guided Image Editing), which is capable of editing images using simple text prompts. As per the preprint paper, it is capable of making Photoshop-style edits, global optimisation, and local edits.

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Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme Phones to Gain Phone Link, Link to Windows Support, But There’s a Catch

Oppo smartphones will soon work better with PCs and laptops running on Microsoft’s Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems, thanks to the addition of support for Phone Link and Link to Windows. At the recently concluded 2023 Oppo Developers Conference, both companies announced that support for the two apps was coming to Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme phones. However, it appears that compatible handsets will require a software update to the latest version of ColorOS (Oppo), OxygenOS (OnePlus), and Realme UI (Realme) in order to access the features.

Microsoft’s Phone Link app was previously exclusive to the company’s Surface devices, and phones from Samsung and Honor, but the company’s support page has now been updated (via WindowsLatest) to include four new entries — Oppo Find series, Oppo Reno series, OnePlus series, and Realme series. Similarly, Microsoft’s Link to Windows documentation has also been updated to include the same entries.

The support page does not list specific smartphone models, while several from Samsung and Honor are included under different sections. Several Samsung’s smartphones are also listed under a RCS messaging section, but phones from the three Chinese OEMs are not included in this list.

According to Microsoft’s support page, the Oppo Find series, Oppo Reno series, OnePlus series, and Realme series will support Phone Link, Link to Windows, Phone screen (remotely displaying your phone screen), and Apps (allowing you to mirror apps running on your smartphone). Samsung phone users can also sync their clipboard, quickly share files and view images from their camera roll, pick up phone calls, answer texts — without reaching for their phone.

However, just like Samsung phones, owners of Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme phones will have to wait for a software update that adds Phone Link support. As the features were announced alongside ColorOS 14, Oppo Find and Oppo Reno series owners are expected to get support for the feature when the update arrives, while OnePlus and Realme phones will have to wait for OxygenOS 14 and Realme UI 5.

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Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon Seamless for Cross Platform Linking of Windows PC, Android Devices

Qualcomm announced a host of new products and services, including its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii on Tuesday. The company also unveiled a new cross-platform technology that allows for seamless linking of multiple devices in a single ecosystem. Snapdragon Seamless, the company said, enables Android, Windows and Snapdragon devices using other operating systems to discover each other, share peripherals and data.

While Microsoft Windows includes a Phone Link feature, Android devices and PCs are still quite some steps behind the smooth cross platforming linking between an iPhone and a Mac. Over the years, Apple has developed a healthy ecosystem between its devices, so linking two or more Apple products and continue using its services across devices remains seamless. With Snapdragon Seamless, Qualcomm attempts to bring a similar level of connectivity between Snapdragon-powered mobile devices and Windows PC.

With the technology, supported devices will be easily able to discover each other and work as a single integrated system, Qualcomm said in its press release. The company said that often devices from different manufacturers do not communicate with each other smoothly, thus reducing consumer choice and creating lock-in where consumers feel stuck with one manufacturer so their devices can work together. “With Snapdragon Seamless, device manufacturers and OS partners can enhance and extend their multi-device experiences for consumers,” the release said.

Snapdragon Seamless can make mice and keyboard work smoothly across PCs, phones and tablets. It will also allow users to drag and drop files and active windows across devices. It can also allow earbuds to switch intelligently based on the priority of the audio source.

Qualcomm said that Microsoft, Android, Xiaomi, ASUS, Honor, Lenovo, and OPPO, among others, are collaborating with the company to create multi-device cross platform experiences enabled by Snapdragon Seamless. The service will arrive on global device platforms later this year, but no specific rollout window was mentioned.

According to Qualcomm, Snapdragon Seamless is incorporated into its mobile platforms, including its latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3; its newest PC platform, Snapdragon X Elite, and its wearable and hearable platforms. The cross-platform technology will also be extended to XR, Auto and IoT platforms in the future.

At the Snapdragon Summit, the company unveiled its latest flagship mobile platform, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, bringing a host of new generative AI features and 240 fps gaming support. Qualcomm also announced its new Snapdragon X Elite platform for PCs, showing off impressive numbers, including 50 percent “faster peak multi-threaded performance” when compared to Apple Silicon M2, and up to twice the CPU performance compared to Intel Core i7-13800H.

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Windows 12 Release Date Possibly Leaked by Intel: All You Need to Know

Windows 12 release date might have been leaked recently and could arrive on computers in the coming months. Microsoft’s purported successor to Windows 11 is expected to be the next major refresh after Windows 11 was released in October 2021 with visual changes elements like the taskbar, Windows Explorer, as well as support for widgets. It’s worth noting that Microsoft is yet to officially reveal any details of plans to launch the next version of its Windows desktop operating system.

A transcript of a recent fireside chat at the Citi 2023 Global Technology Conference reveals that Intel CFO David Zinsner might have leaked the release date for Windows 12. “We actually think ’24 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh,” the transcript quotes Zinsner as saying. Microsoft regularly issues updates and patches for its operating system, so a refresh of Windows suggests a new version is on the way.

“And we still think that the installed base is pretty old and does require a refresh and we think next year maybe the start of that, given the Windows catalyst. So, we’re optimistic about how things will play out beginning in ’24,” Zinsner adds, in response to a question about whether Intel expects its gains to continue after the company recently started to gain back market share. 

It is interesting to note the timing of the Intel executive’s mention of the Windows “refresh” and “catalyst” come soon after the company unveiled its Intel Core Ultra processors that will arrive on December 14. Intel’s Meteor Lake chips, unlike their Raptor Lake predecessor, will be aimed at laptops. However, with the purported arrival of Intel’s Arrow Lake-S CPUs — with up to 24 cores — expected in 2024, Intel could have new desktop CPUs ready in time for the next version of Windows.

Intel’s new Meteor Lake chips are the first processors from the chipmaker to be equipped with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for improved on-device AI performance. The new chiplet design also includes the first integrated NPU AI engine. Meanwhile, the Windows 11 23H2 update is already introducing new AI features such as Windows Copilot, and Microsoft is likely to double down on the AI features and technology it is working on, if it plans to release the next version of Windows in the coming months.

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Windows 10 Free Upgrade Loophole for Windows 7 and Windows 8 Users Finally Closed by Microsoft

Windows 10 upgrades from older versions like Windows 7 and Windows 8 via a hidden loophole were recently shut down by Microsoft, which means that users running on the now obsolete versions of Windows will need to purchase a new license for Windows 10 if they want to upgrade to a supported operating system. Microsoft will provide updates to Windows 10 until 2025, while users running on older hardware might face compatibility issues when upgrading to the company’s latest desktop operating system.

Microsoft recently published a blog post (via Windows Central) that states that Microsoft’s official offer to upgrade to Windows 10 for free ended in July 2016. The company adds that the installation path to obtain the Windows 7 or Windows 8 free upgrade is also removed. As a result, users still running on older versions cannot use workarounds to update to Windows 10.

While Microsoft officially allowed users to upgrade to Windows 10 — at no additional cost — from Windows 7 or Windows 8 for free until July 29, 2016, users could use workarounds and other loopholes that remained accessible for years after the stipulated deadline to upgrade to Windows 10.

Since then, Microsoft has announced a new version of its desktop OS — Windows 11, the currently supported operating system model. Users who are running on Windows 10 will stop receiving important software updates in 2025, while Windows 7 and Windows 8 have already stopped receiving security updates and feature updates.

If you are already running on Windows 10, Microsoft says you can continue to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. However, upgrading to Windows 11 also requires a relatively new computer processor and other hardware requirements by Microsoft.

As a result, the only option for many users with older computers might be to purchase a standalone Windows 10 licence, which will allow them to receive updates until 2025, when Microsoft discontinues support for the operating system. Customers can also consider purchasing a new computer running on a preinstalled version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 out-of-the-box.

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MS Paint Updated With Support for Layers, Editing Transparent Images: Details

MS Paint — also known as Microsoft Paint — is getting updated with two new image editing features that will allow users to edit images more effectively using Microsoft’s free graphics manipulation tool. Users will be able to edit images using layers, similar to Adobe’s widely used Photoshop software. MS Paint will also allow users to work with transparent images and save them once they are edited. the features are expected to roll out to all users running Windows 11 at a later date.

In a recent Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft announced that the company’s nearly 40-year-old computer program will be updated with support for layers. Users will be able to “add, remove, and manage layers on the canvas,” according to the company. These layers can be hidden at will, allowing users to work on them without affecting the content of other layers.

Working with transparent images on MS Paint
Photo Credit: Microsoft

 

Just like other image manipulation tools like Photoshop and the open-source GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), layers are also visible in the order they are placed in. Digital elements on each layer can then be organised or adjusted in such a way that they appear behind other elements in the image. Microsoft’s blog post provides an example of an image with pixel-style artwork depicting a cat with five layers including a yellow background.

Another important feature that has made its way to MS Paint is transparency support. Users will now be able to open and edit transparent images (like PNGs) on the application, which will show a duotone checkerboard pattern as the background for parts of the image that are transparent.

With the new transparency support MS Paint’s eraser tool can also remove the background selectively, making it transparent. When the image is ready to be saved, Paint will save it as a PNG file with the transparency — the application previously saved the image after filling the transparent areas with a white background.

There’s no word on when layers and transparency support will make its way to all users on Windows 11 — Microsoft is currently trialling the new functionality with Windows Insider testers on the Canary and Dev channels on version 11.2308.18.0 or newer. The company is expected to roll out the features to all users once testing is concluded.

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Microsoft Product Chief Panos Panay to Exit, Pavan Davuluri to Lead Next

Microsoft‘s Pavan Davuluri will lead a team focused on Windows software, devices portfolio and semiconductor chips, the company said on Monday, while announcing the departure of longtime product chief Panos Panay.

The team led by Davuluri will “build silicon, systems and devices that span Windows, client and cloud for an AI world,” according to a staff email by Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of experiences and devices group at Microsoft. Reuters has seen a copy of the email.

Microsoft has made big bets on generative AI, integrating the technology into a wide array of its products, including cloud, search and productivity software and services such as its Office suite.

The rejigging of teams comes as Panay steps down after nearly 20 years with the Redmond, Washington-based company, where he helmed the creation of the Surface line of computers and more recently oversaw the launch of the Windows 11 operating system.

Davuluri will report to Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, the email said. 

Microsoft is also creating a team to work on web services and Windows experiences with a focus on AI-based offerings.

The company is hosting a “special event” on September 21, where it is expected to announce updates to its Surface lineup, among other updates.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company’s new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Play Games for PC Beta Launches in India, Brings Select Android Games to Windows PCs

Google Play Games for PC beta has finally launched in India, bringing with it a suite of Android mobile games to the platform. But unlike emulation — by way of apps like BlueStacks — this is a native app where the company has worked with respective game developers to optimise every title for PC, so it doesn’t consume too many resources. The client is now available in beta and lets you browse and play games with a keyboard and mouse, in addition to delivering seamless syncing across devices — as long as you use the same Google account. Bear in mind that once the app is installed, you’ll have to restart your computer and head over to the BIOS to turn on hardware virtualisation. Windows 11 users, however, may head to ‘Windows features’ settings to enable it.

With this update, Google Play Games beta for PC has expanded to over 60 new regions worldwide — over 120 total — with Indians being able to access the platform in English and Hindi. “We are excited to partner with developers globally to bring their incredible games to larger screens for players worldwide,” Arjun Dayal, Director of Product for Google Play Games stated in a blog post. “Since our launch last year, we have grown our Google Play Games catalogue by hundreds of games, all optimised for larger screens and with improved controls.” While certainly not the entire catalogue, players will be able to access popular titles from Indian developers such as Ludo King and Hitwicket Games, alongside some global entries like Eversoul, Evony: The King’s Return, and Lords Mobile. Currently, over 100 titles are available across regions where the beta is accessible, with more being added periodically.

Anyone with a Google account — located in eligible regions — can participate in the beta, with the system requirements demanding that you install the app on SSD storage with at least 10GB of free space. The company says it has included features like keyboard remapping to let gamers customise controls.

Google Play Games beta for PC minimum system requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
  • Processor (CPU): any CPU with 4 physical cores (some games might require Intel processors)
  • Graphics (GPU): Intel UHD Graphics 630 or higher
  • RAM: 8GB
  • OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
  • Processor (CPU): any CPU with 8 logical cores (some games might require Intel processors)
  • Graphics (GPU): “Gaming-class GPU” starting from Nvidia GeForce MX450
  • RAM: 8GB

Google Play Games for PC was first announced at The Game Awards 2021, being able to seamlessly switch between a phone, tablet, Chromebook, and Windows computers without losing save progress on games. As mentioned before, this isn’t game streaming and you’ll have to install the titles locally. As the app moves towards a full release, Google says it will continue to add new features, while taking developer and player feedback into account to improve the app.

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China Unveils Its Own Open-Source Operating System for Computers to Rival Windows, MacOS

China has launched its first homegrown open-source operating system for computers, state media said on Thursday, as Beijing seeks to reduce its foreign dependence at a time of increased rivalry with the United States.

The announcement of the new system came just before US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was due to land in Beijing on Thursday for meetings with Chinese officials aimed in part at stabilising relations between the world’s two leading economies.

The system, called OpenKylin, has been designed as a rival to the ubiquitous Windows and MacOS systems. Previous versions of the software had already been deployed on the computers of some government departments, state media said.

OpenKylin users have access to the software’s lines of code and can modify them as they wish, unlike Microsoft and Apple, which keep the workings of their Windows and MacOS systems secret.

China has long regarded that opacity as a vulnerability, one that has been reinforced in recent years by geopolitical tensions with the United States.

OpenKylin, whose name refers to a legend in Chinese mythology, is based on the popular open-source Linux operating system.

Windows is used on the vast majority of computers in China, despite Beijing’s stated desire over recent decades to create its own operating system.

Authorities have in particular sought alternatives for use on high-security computers, such as those used by the army.

According to state-owned CGTN television, Chinese space programs have already used previous versions of OpenKylin, including the Chang’e Lunar and Tianwen Mars missions.

Microsoft launched a version of Windows specifically for the Chinese government in 2017, in partnership with a local joint venture, to allay security concerns.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, which is facing US sanctions, launched its HarmonyOS operating system for smartphones and tablets in 2021 after being stripped of its license for the Google-owned Android operating system.  

From the Nothing Phone 2 to the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, several new smartphones are expected to make their debut in July. We discuss all of the most exciting smartphones coming this month and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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WhatsApp Desktop App With Faster Speeds and Improved Group Calling Launched: All Details

WhatsApp Desktop, the Meta-owned messaging service’s app for Windows, has received a new update. The newest version of the app is said to load faster and improve group audio and video calls. The company says that users can now invite more people to group calls. The new WhatsApp desktop app for Windows features an interface similar to the mobile app. The update also introduces new multi-device capabilities, offering faster device linking and better syncing across devices. The firm was recently spotted testing the ability to search common groups for contacts on the latest beta version of the app for Android.

According to a blog post by Meta, the new WhatsApp desktop app for Windows now enables users to enjoy group video calls with up to eight people and audio calls with as many as 32 people. It has also promised to increase these limits over time, letting users stay connected with friends, family and co-workers. The new WhatsApp desktop app for Windows has a similar interface as the mobile version, Meta says.

WhatsApp states that the desktop app for Windows will continue to offer end-to-end encryption for messaging, media, and calls across multiple devices including mobile phones, computers, and tablets, just like the company’s other apps. This means all the content like messages, media and calls cannot be accessed by any third person not even by the app itself, according to the firm.

Meta has also shared details of its plans to introduce faster device linking and better syncing across devices, as well as the ability to send link previews and stickers. Furthermore, the app has also revealed it is working on a new WhatsApp beta version for Android tablets and Mac desktops. The apps are currently in the early stages of beta testing.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp was recently spotted testing the ability to search common groups for contacts on the latest beta version of the app for Android. The feature will let users quickly find Groups in common for a contact. The feature has been spotted as a Groups in common section when using the search bar to look for a contact.

 

The newly launched Oppo Find N2 Flip is the first foldable from the company to debut in India. But does it have what it takes to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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