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Articles by Richard Woods
Democracy
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Want Redstone on your Xbox One? Switch to Dev Mode
On the first day of Microsoft's developer conference Build 2016, the firm announced that anyone would be able to turn their Xbox One into a development kit. The Dev Mode Activation app was made available as promised and developers can get started right now. In order to opt into Dev Mode, you must be a Windows Insider, and once you go through the activation process, you will be prompted to install an update. That update is the first Redstone build for the Xbox One that's available to the public.
Here's what to expect from Microsoft's Build conference that starts tomorrow
Developer conference season is upon us again. Google I/O will be in May, Apple’s WWDC will be in June, and of course, Microsoft’s Build is taking place this week in San Francisco. Most developer conferences (certainly all of the ones just mentioned) have a keynote, in which companies tell the world what’s next for their platforms.
Firmware update rolling out to Lumia 550 and 650 users
Microsoft will begin rolling out a brand new firmware update today for the Lumia 550 and 650. Here's what they said: Hey all, we have started rolling out a new firmware update for Lumia 550/650: 01078.00037.16082.410xx. Key improvements in this release include: The availability of this update may depend on your phone model, region or network service provider. At the moment, the update should be already available for first batch of phones and the rollouts will continue gradually.
Here's how to upgrade your device to Windows 10 Mobile, even if it's not supported
Yesterday, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile, and since then, a whole lot has happened. Microsoft released a list of devices that would be supported, announced that those devices will be eligible for Development Branch Insider builds, said that there wouldn't be a second wave of upgrades, and then said that they still might upgrade the Lumia Icon. I know. It's a lot.
Microsoft broke its Windows 10 Mobile promise, but it's not the end of the world
It has been three days since Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile to non-Insiders with older devices. In that short period of time, we have seen the Windows phone fan base become angrier than ever before.
With Windows 10 Mobile release, Microsoft adds devices to Redstone eligibility
When Microsoft started pushing out Redstone builds through the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview, it only came to Windows 10 Mobile devices, including Lumia 550, 650, 950, 950 XL, Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL, and Xiaomi Mi4. Gabe Aul had promised that once other devices were upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile, they would too be supported by the new Insider Preview builds. Today, he made good on that promise.
How to flash Android N Developer Preview onto your Nexus device
After various leaks this morning, Google has finally released the Android N Developer Preview. If you're like us, you'll probably want to install it onto your Nexus 5X, 6, 6P, 9, or Player right away. Flashing any kind of Android image onto a device can be a very tricky endeavor if you've never done it before. With Windows phones, a user installs an app and gets the OS preview over the air. With iOS, the user simply holds the Option key while clicking "Restore iPhone" in iTunes.
Here's what got fixed in Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.164
By Richard Woods Neowin LLC @@rwoods716 · 18 minutes ago with 4 comments Earlier today, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.164 to the Slow, Release Preview, and Production rings. For devices in the Production ring, it's rolling out to unlocked models first and carrier locked models over the next week. Because of the way that the firm is rolling out the cumulative update, users of carrier locked phones that want the build now must sign up for the Slow or Release Preview rings.
Hands on with the new Instagram Universal Windows app
After speculation over the weekend, Instagram finally released their universal Windows app today as a public beta. All reports point to the new app being an iOS port, although it's not through Microsoft's Project Islandwood. Facebook used their own technology, Osmeta. Also, it's important to note that the app is listed as being published by Instagram, just like the old Instagram BETA app.
Epic co-founder calls out Microsoft's UWP platform, calls it a 'walled garden'
Tim Sweeney, co-founder of Epic Games, has published a column in The Guardian calling out Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform (UWP). Sweeney claims that UWP aims to turn Windows into a closed ecosystem. His overall point is that Microsoft aims to monopolize app distribution. While not denouncing the Store itself, he denounces the idea that UWP apps cannot be obtained from outside of the Store.
Windows 10 RT shows signs of existance
It would appear that the rumors of Windows RT's demise have been greatly exaggerated. The dead OS is showing signs of life as Windows 10 RT. Windows RT, announced and released in 2012, was designed to bring Windows to ARM based processors. User adoption was extremely low, as the OS looked exactly like Windows 8; however, it was only able to run apps that were available in the Store, as well as Office RT, which came preinstalled.
Users enrolled in the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview will finally be able to get firmware
Back in January, Microsoft revealed that it was planning on making it easier for those enrolled in the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Program to receive firmware updates. At the time, the workaround was to switch to the Production ring (turn off Insider builds), install the firmware update, and switch back to whichever ring the user was on.
Microsoft introduces a series of videos on HoloLens development
Earlier this week, preorders for the HoloLens Developer Edition started up, with the devices shipping on March 30. Microsoft also released some development tools and an emulator for those that can't afford the $3,000 price tag. Microsoft is also releasing a series of videos to help you get started making your application for Windows Holographic. Here's the first one: Windows Holographic is the version of Windows 10 that powers the HoloLens.
Microsoft implies Windows Phone 8.1 users will receive Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.122
Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.122 today.
Trump wins Super Tuesday; searches on Google for 'how to move to Canada' surge
Yesterday was Super Tuesday, which means 11 out of the 50 states voted in primaries for who would be the Presidential nominees in the United States. Donald Trump won seven of those states. Now having 316 of the 1,237 delegates he needs, this was a huge victory for Trump. Many people agree with this sentiment, as following the victories, searches for "how to move to Canada" surged. Simon Rogers, Google Data Editor, was the first to point out that trend.
Here's what got fixed in Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview build 10586.122
By Richard Woods Neowin LLC @@rwoods716 · 1 hour ago with 3 comments Today, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview build 10586.122 to the Slow and Release Preview rings. The update is supported by all devices that can currently run the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview and a few extras. It doesn't contain any additional features, as it's a cumulative update; however, there are quite a few fixes. Here's what they are: Improved Kanji input experience while using Continuum.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.122 to Slow and Release Preview rings
Microsoft today released another cumulative update for Insiders using Windows 10 Mobile. Build 10586.122 is available on both the Slow and Release Preview rings. Note that even if you're using a device that's not supported by the new Redstone builds, you must still switch to one of the above mentioned rings to receive this build.
Microsoft announces features coming to Xbox One Preview and Xbox beta app
By Richard Woods Neowin LLC @@rwoods716 · 1 second ago with -1 comments The Major Nelson blog announced a number of new features today that are coming to both the Xbox One and the Xbox app. The rollout will be the same as last month's update, with Preview members getting the new features today and Xbox (beta) app users getting the new features tomorrow. Before we go any further, note that these new features do not include Cortana or Universal apps.
Hands-on: Microsoft Lumia 550 second impressions; the best budget Lumia offering to date
Last October, Microsoft announced the two flagship phones that Windows phone fans, depending on region and carrier, had been waiting up to two years for. During the announcement, you could have blinked and missed it, but Panos Panay announced a budget handset as well, the Microsoft Lumia 550. I've had the Lumia 550 for a little over a week now and, as with any budget device, there are compromises to be made. It's hard to say that this isn't the best Lumia in the 5xx series.
Messaging + Skype updated for non-Insiders on Windows 10 Mobile
A week ago, Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview build 14267 to the Fast ring. The new build introduced a number of new features, including the ability to send a photo through Skype in the Messaging + Skype app. While they didn't note it in the release notes, the update also included Moji support.
Verizon delivers firmware update to Microsoft Lumia 735
Microsoft has been hard at work delivering firmware updates today. First, they announced that new firmware would be coming to the Lumia 830, 950, 950 XL, and LG Lancet. Now, it's time for the Microsoft Lumia 735 to get some new firmware. While updates for Windows phones on Verizon's network are extremely rare (especially small ones), Microsoft delivered one today. The update contains one new feature: Activate Advanced Calling directly on the device.
Microsoft confirms Project Astoria is officially dead
After months of speculation, Microsoft has confirmed that the Project Astoria bridge is dead. At Build last year, Microsoft had announced four bridges: Project Islandwood, which would allow developers to port their Objective-C code from iOS apps to UWP (universal Windows platform) apps, Project Centennial, which would allow developers to port Win32 apps, Project Westminster, which would allow developers to port web apps, and Project Astoria, which would allow developers to port Android apps.
Microsoft publishes a list of specific Lumia 950 and 950 XL variants receiving new firmware
Earlier today, we reported that Lumia 950 and 950 XL would be receiving firmware updates in select markets. Microsoft has now published a list so that we know what those markets are. Before anyone gets their hopes up, the AT&T model of the Lumia 950 is still not on the list.
Apple issues a fix for 1970 date bug in latest iOS 9.3 beta
Apple has finally issued a fix for the notorious "1970 date bug", a bug that would render an iPhone useless by setting the date back to January 1, 1970. The fix itself comes in the form of iOS 9.3 beta 4. With the new update, the earliest date that the device can be set to is January 1, 2001, 12:00 AM GMT. Users have reported being able to restore their devices by flashing iOS 9.3 beta 4. This is, of course, not something that everyone has access to.
Microsoft announces new firmware updates for Lumia 830, 950, 950 XL, LG Lancet
Microsoft has announced four new firmware updates today, including updates for Lumia 830, 950, 950 XL, and LG Lancet. As we noted earlier today, Microsoft has said that some devices would require firmware updates prior to the Windows 10 Mobile update. The firmware that's being made available for the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, 1078.38.16025, will be available in select markets.
Windows 10 Mobile updates will not be bundled with device specific firmware
One of the most speculated things these days among Windows fans is when the official rollout for Windows 10 Mobile will begin for Windows Phone 8.1 devices. Many have considered using the Insider Program as a solution but have opted to wait for the "official firmware". After all, just about every update that Lumias have received were bundled with firmware. Windows Phone 8.1 was bundled with firmware called Lumia Cyan. Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 was bundled with Lumia Denim.
Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL now supported by Windows 10 Insider Preview
Users of the Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL have quite a bit of news today. Earlier, we reported that users of the device were receiving the cumulative update, build 10586.107. Since Microsoft has released Windows 10 for PCs build 14271 and Windows 10 Mobile build 14267.1004 to the Fast ring, users of the device can now enroll in the Insider Program. Last Monday, we reported that the Windows Device Recovery Tool was updated to include support for the Fierce XL.
Microsoft finally buys cross-platform mobile development company Xamarin
After years of speculation and rumors, it's finally official. Microsoft has acquired cross-platform mobile development company Xamarin for an undisclosed amount. Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise Group, writes: In conjunction with Visual Studio, Xamarin provides a rich mobile development offering that enables developers to build mobile apps using C# and deliver fully native mobile app experiences to all major devices – including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Microsoft introduces Windows 10 for PCs build 14271 and Mobile build 14267.1004 to Fast ring
By Richard Woods Neowin LLC @@rwoods716 · 2 hours ago with 12 comments Today, Microsoft released two Insider builds to the Fast ring: Windows 10 for PCs build 14271 and Windows 10 Mobile build 14267.1004. Neither build has any new features; however, there are a number of important fixes. For example, Windows 10 Mobile build 14267.1004 is the same build as 14267; however, the bug that caused the Lumia 550 not to charge has been fixed.
Microsoft Garage introduces 'Hub Keyboard' for Android
Microsoft Garage introduced its latest Android offering today, Hub Keyboard. Here's the app description: Isn’t it painful to switch between apps just to complete your routine on-the-go tasks? Hub Keyboard, a Microsoft Garage project, lets you stay in context by bringing information from different services to your fingertips and help complete your tasks faster. Sign in with your Office 365 work or school account to unlock access to more information.
Microsoft's Next Lock Screen updated with fingerprint reader support and more
By Richard Woods Neowin LLC @@rwoods716 · 1 second ago with -1 comments Microsoft updated its Next Lock Screen today with a number of new features to version 2.6. The firm promises that this is the app's biggest update to date. Here's what's new: Fingerprint Unlock (for devices with fingerprint scanner). While Next is on screen, use your fingerprint scanner to bypass the Next screen lock. Smart Contacts. Next learns and displays contacts whom you’ve called or texted. Smart Lock.
MWC 2016 day zero recap: HP Elite x3, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, and more
Mobile World Congress officially begins tomorrow; however, many companies have announced their big news today. From the most powerful Windows phone in history to a modular Android flagship, Neowin has you covered. Here's a recap of what we're dubbing "day zero" of Mobile World Congress 2016. HP Elite x3 Fans of Microsoft's mobile platform rejoiced today, as HP finally unveiled the long rumored HP Elite x3.
Smart phone sales for 2015 are in and it's not looking good for Windows phones
Gartner's figures for global smart phone sales were released today and one thing is clear: it doesn't look good for Windows phones. When we last heard from Gartner, it was in the middle of November, 2015 and Windows Phone was down to 1.7% of sales. Today, Gartners reports show that just 1.1% of handsets sold in the fourth quarter of 2015 had Windows installed on them. Android also took a bit of a stumble, dropping from 84.7% to 80.7%.
Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, and more announce the Open Connectivity Foundation
The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) was announced today by Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung, Cisco, General Electric, Electrolux, and other partners that were involved in an effort to further industry standards for the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT stands at the current time, there are a variety of open standards and proprietary technologies that connect Things. This creates an environment of fragmentation.
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