Microsoft's new Nokia 215 is an internet ready phone available for $29

Please click on image to expand. The Nokia 215 is an internet ready phone with a battery that can last up to 29 days. The phone has been produced by Microsoft and is a Nokia enabled internet ready feature phone. The target market for the phone will be parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, places that don't have regular electricity. The Phone's apps would include built-in Facebook messenger, Twitter and a host of other Apps. These apps will not really need a 3G connection to be able to work. The phone's price is set at $29 and will be something affordable in their target market. The phone is also robust and stead and built to withstand a great deal of physical torture that comes with difficult terrains. The phone is good for first-time phone buyers as well as a secondary phone as the need might arise. It will be made available during the first quarter of 2015 and will come in single SIM and dual SIM versions. 

Meet the smart band from Microsoft.

Microsoft have released a new wearable health device, powered by Microsoft Health. The wearable tie-in and Sync with other fitness apps, to give you health inputs. The device runs for 48 hours on a single charge and can be worn both night and day. They have also released the iOS App and Android apps for the same. Microsoft says the device can track your daily heath and keeps learning more about you. Eventually able to give you guidance and behave like a personal fitness trainer. The band will cost $199 according to the New York Times and will be available for purchase in all Microsoft stores and the companies website starting Thursday 30/10/2014. Visit the Microsoft website to learn more.

Windows 7 latest updates might cause your computer not to startup

The latest security update from Microsoft is faulty and can cripple your PC. Microsoft has advised all users who might have had this automatic update to please uninstall it. Windows 7 users know that before shutting down their devices - PCs or Laptops. The automatic updates pushed by Microsoft will install itself on your computer and everything goes well. The latest update KB2823324 - has started to show its ugly face. Your system might go into endless reboots and get crippled, or the blue screen of death might appear. Users don't want to be troubled by these problems, but here it is. If you find that after the latest update from Microsoft has been causing you booting or startup problems then this is what you need to do.

How to uninstall KB2823324 Windows update from my PC.

1. Click on start

2. Click on control panel

3. Under program click on uninstall a program

4. Click on view installed updates

5. Search for KB2823324

6. Right-click and uninstall

7. You're done.

Microsoft says that the purpose of the update was to prevent a hack unless the person gains physical access to your computer. The update however misfired and the last time this happened was in 2010. So if you see a problem with your computer, don't panic. The above steps will fix the problem. Also please share the same with your friends who might be using Windows 7 PCs

This is what Microsoft says about the update and their guidance here on how to rectify the issue. Image via TechSpot.

Microsoft to open Windows retail stores within Best Buy

Microsoft have announced a retail store-within-a-store partnership with Best Buy. They will be opening 500 stores across the U.S and 100 stores in Canada. No news however on whether this will also move to other Best Buy locations in other countries. The concept announced is quite a strategic one. In addition to having separate space within Best Buy locations (up to 2,200 square feet), Windows devices will be featured prominently throughout the shop. Not content will growing this partnership offline, an online version of stores will also be available. The stores will features the whole range of Microsoft products from Windows 8 devices to phones, PCs, tablets, XBox and more.

When consumers walk into any one of these stores they will be greeted with a full display, and the entire range of Microsoft products. The company wants consumers to get acquainted with the entire range of product offerings from Microsoft, a move that has been praised by analysts. This is not an entirely new concept as it has already been done by companies like Apple and Samsung. This will be a first for Microsoft though. To show their commitment, they have announced that 1,200 new employees will be taken on-board, to make sure consumers get the best customer service experience. As Xbox Smartglass and SkyDrive will be on display for consumers to know more about and get a first-hand experience with. Windows 8 PCs and tablets have not really gained market traction as Microsoft had hoped. This is a new concept for them and just might bring in the added revenue the company hopes to create.

Check out their video below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cuXFWlehio

Source: Windows Blog - Best Buy's online ad of the same here.

Microsoft Surface Pro Launches 23rd May

The Microsoft Surface pro will be launched on 23rd May in the UK. There has been a delay in the US launch with Microsoft saying there has been an unexpected demand for the device. The device can be used as a laptop - remove the keyboard and use only the touchscreen. Well, not so much laptop as tabletop. You can attach the keyboard and use it as an ultrabook, also use the stylus as a mouse. The device is sleek and comes with great design. Very convenient and east to use and handle. The battery tends to heat-up and this is because of it's powerful processor. The OS as you might expect is the full version of Windows 8.

Microsoft Surface Pro Specs

Comes in two version 64 GB and 128 GB. 10.6" screen, Dual-Core, 4 GB RAM, i5 processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and both front and rear facing cameras. There is also a back-stand for the screen so your tablet doubles up as a laptop. The device is also good for games.

Check the review video below to know more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6em3gfJyENg

Google Chat comes to Outlook and SkyDrive

Well, this is not something the internet thought they'd hear. Microsoft integrates a Google service right within their email service, and also on their Cloud based storage service - SkyDrive. In this surprise move, Microsoft says that this has been a popular requested feature from its users. You might remember that a while back Microsoft converted all Hotmail accounts into Outlook and all email is now handled only on Outlook. Outlook is quite amazing with a whole new interface and all. With the addition of Google Talk Microsoft seems to e opening up to their users needs, and also accepting that other services have indeed become useful and some users' can't live without.

How to chat with Google Contacts in Outlook
It should be available this week - this is how it'll work. You open your Messaging Pane in Outlook. Found on the top-right-hand corner and you should see a message asking if you'd like to connect your Google account. Choose to do so and it should happen seamlessly. Allow Microsoft to access your Google account and all your contacts are added. You can then use Outlook.com or SkyDrive and continue chatting with all your Google Pals. Clicking on a friends pic will bring up the chat box. This whole roll-out, should be completed this week and Outlook users' can use Google Talk from within their email.

The whole effort is being made to encourage people to come to Outlook.com and try it out. Microsoft seems to be stopping at nothing to attract more uses to Outlook. The service is actually quite good, but whether users will migrate to it en-mass is left to be seem. Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: Microsoft Blog. 

MICROSOFT builds crime-fighting 'dashboard' for NYPD

Created jointly by the NYPD and Microsoft - a system has been developed and know as 'the dashboard'. This state-of-the-art system is the latest in crime fighting technology. The Dashboard is a system setup in the police control room that immediately mines data from police records, data, security cameras and other available information and presents it to officers post a 911 call. The system is very user-friendly and presents data in a structured form helping officers quickly zero in on a threat and see what connects it has to past police records. Helping them determine the terror threat level.

The system is currently being tested and refined before being rolled out to all 34,000 officers. The way it works is that as soon as a 911 call comes in. The call pops up on a panel. when the officers clicks on the alert. He is taken to the area on a map, also showing the cameras that are already in the area. Helping the officer zero down and determine the exact threat level. This program has been jointly developed by the NYPD and software developers from Microsoft. Technology is once again being put to good use, helping the police fight crime and prevent unwanted situations.

Source: Via Telegraph

http://youtu.be/SD4__BUuFyU

Hotmail Shifting to Outlook: Will you loose your Hotmail ID

Outlook.com from Microsoft have announced that they have finally removed 'Customer Preview' from the service and the transition has begun. In just six months Outlook mail says that they have amassed over 60 million new email subscribers and users. Hot,mail.com was old and outdated and no matter what Microsoft tried the service could not be resurrected. Outlook.com seemed the answers and Microsoft built a whole new web interface and launched it to the public. Outlook.com comes with a slicker user interface and functionality that is second to none. Could possibly give Gmail a run for the money. For those of you who still cling to your Hotmail account - there is no bad news.

You can still keep your Hotmail account, however when you type Hotmail.com. You will get redirected to the new Outlook.com - don't worry and wonder where your Hotmail has gone to. it has just changed. Some users are sure to be worried, wondering what happened to Hotmail.com and why can't I reach it. You can login to Outlook.com with your Hotmail Email ID and password. You will be encouraged however to create a new Outlook address. The Outlook Inbox is really trendy and when you first login, you will be sure to see the difference and feel the change. So don't worry about your Hotmail.com address it is safe - all you got to do is login through Outllook.com

Get unlimited free worldwide Skype calling for a month

Here's the deal, if you are an existing Skype customer or have been so for the last 29 days. Here's you chance to get free Skype call for a whole month. This would be unlimited free calls to over 40 countries and includes calls both to landlines and mobile phones. Is there a catch -- not really but this is the process to follow. You will have to signin to your Skype account, claim you month of free calling. Enter your payment details -- credit card etc. You're now free to call anywhere in the world for a whole month.

Is there anything to note about this deal. The deal ends on Nov 15 2012, you have less than a day to claim the deal. Also -- to avoid being billed for the next month, you will need to cancel your subscription within 27 days from the start date. Skype is a subscription service and this is expected. If you are fine with the above please click the link below to claim your free worldwide calling. Yes, supports both voice and video calls. If you're wondering how mush you'd be charged for the next month -- that would be $14. You can also sign-in with your Facebook or Microsoft account. Skype is now owned by Microsoft.
Get unlimited Skype calls for a month now

Windows 8 Training Videos

With the release of Windows 8 just days away. New training videos have surfaced on the internet. Meant for its associates to gain mastery over the new OS and be able to teach and train new customers on the same. Microsoft are now showing a different attitude when it comes to its new products. Something that users did not have in previous releases. Social Media seems to have changed the game totally. Many bloggers and websites who have been covering Windows 8 and how to use it have always maintained that navigating the new operating system can be quiet tricky. In fact it really needs to a bit of getting used to before users will be able to operate it effortlessly. With Windows 8 users can use touchscreen to operate their desk



top tiles like email and news. users can also swipe through the interface to access their various apps. Apps on Windows 8 can also be used simultaneously. The main start screen is also highly customizable and someone new to Windows 8 might be helped along with a little bit of training.

Windows 8 Videos: make it your own
The videos take you through the start screen and how to pin and unpin from the main screen. Clicking on a pin will start an app and right clicking will bring up options. Windows 8 comes with a lot of Facebook integration and makes sharing easy. The videos also guide users through the new touchscreen interface. Check the videos out below and let us know what you think.

http://youtu.be/C6KTH-Ij08Q
http://youtu.be/NV-w5Hqqnw4
http://youtu.be/ELFO71PYzvM

Source: Neowin

What is single-use code in Outlook.com?

Outlook.com has been launched by Microsoft with a view to convert all email services by the company into one place only. So your Live.com and Hotmail email addresses will be converted into the new outlook.com email service. You can lean more about it here as we have already written about it. The new account is being called 'Microsoft Account', so when you sign-up for an Outlook.com email ID it will be called your Microsoft Account. Once you get your new Outlook.com email ID you have an added feature that comes along. The ability to use single-use code.

What is Single-use code?
Single-use code is the ability to sing-in to your Microsoft account with a piece of code rather than your password. You might be wondering what is the good - consider you're travelling and need to use a public computer like in an airport or library. You can request for a single-use code which will be delivered to your phone. You can use that code to log-in and it expires after a single use.

How to request a single-use code?
1. Go to Outlook.com and click on sign in with single-use code
2. You will need to enter your mobile number from the link that opens. You can also choose to use the mobile number already associated with your account.
3. Your single-use code arrives via sms

Note: Each code can be used only once. There are also only a certain number of times you can request a code each day. SMS delivery subject to network speed. This application is intended to be used better help protect your Microsoft Account and your privacy.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Outlook.com is the new Hotmail - 3 questions answered by the team

The guys from the Microsoft who created Outlook.com and brought it to the web took to Reddit to answer questions from users. Hotmail will be fading away and in its place is Outlook.com. The team wants Outlook.com to become the popular destination on the web for people who want to use email service. The proposition is a tough one since many people who still keep a Hotmail ID do so only as a secondary one, most have switched to Gmail. There is also an outlook preview if you are interested. The argument that the team tries to make is that all other email services have not become old - Gmail they say is now 8 years old and it's time for something new. There is also a Outlook preview to learn more. 


Please find below some of the features that the Outlook team have highlighted

have a modern, fast UI
be connected to your networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google, and soon, Skype)
have smart tools to manage and filter messages
prioritize your privacy (we don't serve ads based on the contents of your email)


These are three questions that the team answered on their main write-up on Reddit
1. Why to switch from Gmail
They have said that Gmail is now 8 years old and something new is needed. They highlight that Outlook.com is directly connected with Facebook and Twitter has a cleaner UI, and as a afterthought - Outlook does not scan your emails to show you Ads. That was a direct hit at Google's Gmail service which shows ads based on users interests. 
2. How to switch from Gmail to Outlook
If you are interested and would like to try the new Outlook with your Gmail contacts. Complete instructions are available here. Once your done with your preview you can always switch back.
3. How to rename a current Windows Live or Hotmail account:
You can upgrade your Windows live account to the new Outlook service and detailed instructions can be found here. 


Please leave feedback in the comments section below with what you think. Will the service takeoff - it just might because Outlook is so popular in the corporate world and Outlook is synonymous with email.
Outlook.com you can read the complete IAMA on Reddit here

An original post by

Sociolatte

Microsoft Tablet Surface to run on Windows RT and Windows 8

Microsoft have announced their iPad competitor a Tablet PC known as Surface. Windows RT is an operation system known during development as ARM - supporting devices like Tablets. The new Surface run on Windows RT and Windows 8 for those devices that have intel chips inside them. The RT version will come in both 32 GB and 64 GB models while the Windows 8 Pro version will come in 64 GB and 128 GB models. The device has a screen and a keyboard which can be folded. The device thus opens up like a laptop computer with the cover functioning as a keyboard. The surface tables will work with a Stylus which will attach itself to the tablet with a magnet. In an interview done by Malcolm Gladwell he speaks about how the original tablet idea came from Microsoft but was created by Steve Jobs and Apple. This he says is because when he heard the Microsoft guy presenting it he spoke about the device using a Stylus and Steve Jobs hated Styluses. Microsoft have anyways come out with a tablet PC that uses a Stylus. 


Check out the video below from Microsoft. The video is just 6 hours old and has over 10 thousand likes. There are the dislikes also flowing in but the debate is going on and as you might have guessed it is between MS-Fans and apple Fanboys. One user saying that with the keyboard and the magic pen it has everything an iPad lacks. The tablet is definitely showing promise. Please add your comments below and let us know what you think about the new Tablet like PC. 
Microsoft Surface

An original post by

Sociolatte

So.cl Microsoft's Social Network (SOCL): How does it work [Guide]

so.cl (SOCL) is a social network launched by Microsoft. They claim it is not a ripoff of any of the other social networking sites out there like Google+, Pinterest or Twitter. However once you login the feed has a strong resemblance to Google+ with a few features from Twitter and Pinterest thrown in. So we decide to do a tutorial on how So.cl works and please let us know what you think in the comments section below.


How to get started:
You can use your Facebook ID or your Windows Live ID to join the site. Once you login with any of these IDs you are in the site without any further hassle. Apart from checking the box to agree to their terms and conditions. You also have to be above 18 to join.


I do not want So.cl posting to my Facebook Timeline and profile
When you signup with your Facebook ID the App will ask for permission to post on your Facebook profile choose never. Also when asked who can view your activity choose 'Only Me'. This will ensure that So.cl will not post to your Facebook and all you So.cl activity is visible only to you. 


What happens when I login:
You see a search bar right on top which asks you, What are you interested in?. You can then enter your areas of interest and get a whole lot of available information in your feed. The search bar has three icons. 1. Search icon, 2. Comment bubble - to post a status update 3. Globe icon - to either let people see what you're searching for or click it and you get a lock icon which will not make your searches public. Your search terms are made public for the purpose of social engagement. You can turn this on or off by clicking on the Globe icon. 


What happens when I enter a search term:
I entered 'Jim Morrison' into the search bar and the first result was from a Wikipedia article on Jim and then photos and other info. Once someone creates a search for Jim that is also shared. So if you search for a term that other people have also entered. You get to see their names and what they have searched for. This is like a social search engine.


Video Parties: How does this work
Video parties are much like Google+ hangouts. Give you party a name invite friends and then just hangout. You parties are made public across the network but you can clear your history at any time. If you are familiar with Google+ hangouts then this works quiet the same. Enter a name for your party invite people and all of you can then comment and interact around the same video. The only difference is that you cannot start a video chat with your friends. Once you enter a search term a YouTube video shows up and you are your people can have a party around this video. Comment on this video and get the party going. You are also fee to join people's video parties and share in the social interection with people across the site.


How do I clear my history on So.cl
To do this you would need to click the cog icon found at the top right-hand corner and then click on Privacy and then clear my So.cl history and you're done.


How is it different from other sites like Google+ and Facebook.
Well everyone can interact with everyone. There are no restrictions, kind of like Twitter with when you click on Feed you can see other people's feeds also. Like once big social party. This is something not avialble with other closed networks like Google+ and Facebook


So let us know what you think about the new SOCL social networking site from Microsoft in the comments section below.
So.cl - check it out now

An original post by

Sociolatte

Google Drive: How does it work

The long awaited cloud storage service from Google is finally here. It is being rolled out in a phased manner and you can still click the 'notify me' link to be notified when your Google Drive is ready. Google Drive will work like other cloud-sync and storage services like DropBox and Microsoft's SkyDrive. Cloud Storage is web based storage that allows you to upload and store files and then share it with other using file synchronization. So once you have Google Drive it will create a single folder on your computer and sync your files with Google's servers and all your other devices that have Google Drive. 


Google Drive - How to get started
You will need to go to the Google Drive home and then install Google Drive on your PC. The service then gives you 5GB of free storage in which you can upload all your files. You can upload docs, pics, movies etc. Once synced with your other devices. You files will now be available wherever you are. All you need is an internet connection to access all your files and folders. The only thing you will need will be an internet connection to access your stuff. You will also be able to share your files with other users. 


What devices is Google Drive available for
Google Drive is available for PC and MAC, Android Devices with iPhone and iPad coming soon. iPad and iPhone users might need to wait a little longer.


How much will is cost after using the 5 GB of free storage.
Google Drive is offering as of now 16TB of storage and you can find the entire price list over here. 


Google Drive also has support for Google Docs
This would mean that if you are collaborating on a project you can now invite all your team mates to work on the same doc using Google Drive. 


What about security
With Google Drive you can use Google's Two step verification process to add an extra level of security to your Google Drive. 
Download Google Drive now. To know more of the features available click here. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

Download Roses and Animal Affection Themes for Windows 7

With Valentine's day round the corner Microsoft have released two new themes. Roses Theme and Animal Affection theme for Windows 7. These roses theme features a set of 10 wallpapers of roses, the flower associated with love. Download this theme to get you into the Feb 14th mood. Roses have been sung about, have had poems written about them, are used extensively on Feb 14th and bring with them a smile on people's faces. This free Windows theme has 10 high-definition wallpapers for those who might like to have roses on their desktops. Animal Affection theme has 14 high-resolution wallpapers with photos of Animals being affectionate to one another, usually animals of the same species. These are two themes featured for Valentine's Day for sure. A Windows them when downloaded with feature beautiful wallpapers on your desktop each time you startup. They are also free to download from Microsoft - Note: Windows 7 themes can only be used in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions. 


Roses Theme:

Animal Affection Theme:

An original post by

Sociolatte

SkyDrive now available for the iPhone and iPad

Image: SkyDrive

SkyDrive the file storage cloud from Microsoft is now available on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The service which has been available to all Windows Desktop users and Windows phone users for sometime now transitions and comes to all iPhone users. With this new App you can do the following:


1. Login to the service and create folders
2. Upload images, videos and other files from your PC or Mac and access them on your phone
3. Files you upload from your PC, phone or mac are stored securely and will be then available whenever you launch the app on your iPhone ot iPad.
4. You can access files shared by other users with you
5. Upload all your photos and your videos to Microsoft SkyDrive and have them stored for free.
6. SkyDrive offers 25 GB of free personal storage 


If you already use Hotmail, Messenger or Xbox live you already have a SkyDrive account. If not you can head on over to SkyDrive and create a free account.


SkyDrive on the Web. 
Download the App on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch here. 
Launching an app like this makes a lot of sense since there are so many Windows users who also love their iPhones. Cloud-storage is all the big rage and this app just makes things easier.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Expression Encoder: Lets you create amazing ScreenCasts for free

This post is to bring to you the free and easy way to create your live-broadcast. There are many software's out there to enable you to create screencasts and no doubt the most famous being Camtasia Studio for windows, it comes at a steep price however and might not fit many screencasters budgets. Some good news for people who are screencasting enthusiasts. If you wondering what a screencast is, here is a brief overview.

A screencast is a digitial recording of your computer screen output. This is good for people who like to create video tutorials and share the same on popular video sharing sites like YouTube. This will allow you to create your free home video recording of your computer screen. With it you can add movies, images, sounds, your voice and the possibilities are endless. 

Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 which comes with a free service pack (SP2). Now has a few upgrades. To start with it's free to download and use. You can now recorder screencasts that are longer than 10 minutes. You can record your video and add a voice overlay later. You can record from your screen while your webcam and voice all recording at the same time. Once your video has been recorded you can then publish them in high-quality formats.

Other features with Expression Encoder is the ability to hide your mouse cursor, the ability to change frame rates for smoother recordings, you can add your logo to the video and there is a built-in editor to help you produce an amazing video. They also have a community and forums to help you get started. If you are not a techi type of person you might need a little help to get things going. Browse through the forums to learn more before you start your screenCasts.

An original post by

Sociolatte

Video: The Yahoo! & Microsoft Search Alliance

This video explains how Yahoo! & Microsoft are working towards an easier way to advertise on Yahoo! Search & Bing through Microsoft adCenter. Microsoft Adcenter will now be handling the Yahoo Search and Bing Advertising together. Advertisers who want to show their ads on either of the sites now have the convenience of advertising on both search engines from one place. 


Google started this trend of making cute and friendly animated videos to explain their products to customers. yahoo and Bing have joined together to do the same thing. 


The video explains this alliance and how it's going to help it's customers who actually find search engines - Advertisers.

An original post by

Sociolatte

How does Skydrive work

What is Windows Live SkyDrive and how does it work.


SkyDrive is part of Microsoft's Windows Live range of online services. SkyDrive is a file storage and sharing service that allows users to upload files to the computing cloud, then access them from a web browser. It is a cloud computing service or also know as a Cloud Storage service It uses Windows Live ID to control access to the users' files, allowing them to keep the files private, share with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly-shared files do not require a Windows Live ID to access.

The service currently offers 25 GB of free personal storage, with individual files limited to 50 MB. A Silverlight-based tool can be installed to allow drag-and-drop uploading from Windows Explorer. Up to five files can be uploaded each time if the tool has not been installed.




If you had previously been using Office Live Workspace you can now shift all your files to SkyDrive. To get started, sign-in to your Office Live Workspace account with your Windows Live ID and click the “Upgrade now” button. All your documents will be transferred to Skydrive (You will get an email once the process is complete) you can then permanently abandon your Workspace account.


Visit http://skydrive.live.com

You can sign-up with your Microsoft Account. Skydrive the cloud storage service from Microsoft. it can be used on the internet, there is a Skydrive App, it can be used on your iPhone, iPad and your Android phone and Windows Phone. Click on the links ot get the Skydrive app for your phone.

So, how does Skydrive work.

Personal folders: With personal folders, you can keep your files online and access them with virtually any web-enabled computer or mobile device—whether it's yours, a friend's, or a public computer.


Shared folders: Working on a project with classmates, coworkers, or family? With shared folders, the whole crew can upload, download, and collaborate with you on documents and other files.


Direct links: Each folder on SkyDrive has a unique web address, so you can save the link as a favorite or copy it and paste it into e-mail or other documents for direct access.


Password protection: You set the passwords and you decide who sees what, so you have confidence that your data is in your control.


With SkyDrive, you can embed public or shared folders on Windows Live Spaces. Everyone who looks at your space can see what you've made public, but only the people you've granted permission to can see your shared folders.