Windows 9 Preview: What the Next Microsoft OS Will - and Should - Bring

 Microsoft did something very...er... interesting in October 2012. It launched Windows 8, the operating system that would "unify" Microsoft's platforms across PCs, phones and tablets. Except, there was a fairly large flaw in the plan.

Microsoft's vision of unification wasn't just from an engineering perspective. The company also wanted a unified user interface across all its devices.

Asus PadFone X: First Impressions

Companies often blend old products to give you something new.

This summer, AsusTek Computer Inc. claims you don't need both a phone and a tablet - as long as you get its new PadFone X. The PadFone works like any other phone and has a screen that measures 5 inches diagonally. When you want a tablet experience, you simply slip the phone into a slot on the back of the tablet display, which is included. All the apps on the phone now work on the 9-inch tablet. The phone is what runs the tablet. Asus is bringing this concept to the U.S. for the first time.

Retina MacBook Pro Lineup Refresh Brings Faster CPUs, More RAM Standard; India Prices Slashed

Apple has refreshed its lineup of Retina MacBook Pro laptops, giving each model a speed bump and an increased amount of RAM by default. Further, the India prices of all Retina MacBook Pro variants have been slashed, with most models receiving a Rs. 5,000 price drop, while the most expensive variant has seen its price cut by Rs. 20,000. The non-Retina MacBook Pro has received a price drop of Rs. 11,000.

All 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro laptops will now come with 8GB RAM standard. Earlier, the 256GB and 512GB SSD storage variants came equipped with 8GB RAM, while the entry-level 128GB model had 4GB RAM standard. The 128GB and 256GB SSD storage variants will now come with 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, instead of the 2.4GHz processor they earlier came with. The 512GB SSD variant gets a speed bump from 2.6GHz to 2.8GHz.

Computex 2014: The Asus Transformer Book V 5-in-1 Hybrid

1. Taking the stage at Computex, Asus Chairman Jonney Shih introduced the Transformer Book V.

2. Asus calls the Transformer Book V the "world's first five-mode, three-in-one converged laptop that features a Windows and Android laptop and tablet as well as an Android smartphone."

Microsoft to shutter security notification service

Will suspend the venerable email list July 1 because of ‘changing government policies’

Computerworld – Microsoft on Friday said it would shut down its email notification service for security warnings next week, telling IT and security administrators that they should instead subscribe to RSS feeds from the firm.

The message was sent to anyone who had opted in to a mailing list set up long ago to alert them about new security advisories, new or revised security bulletins — the term Microsoft uses for its monthly patch updates — and revisions to both the advisories and bulletins.

HP Pavilion 10 TouchSmart review

The netbook category might be dead now, but for a few years not too long ago, netbooks redefined budget computers, and every single PC manufacturer jumped on board when it seemed they were sweeping the world. Netbooks were intended as inexpensive computers for first-time users in places where PC penetration had typically not progressed due to cost limitations.

While popular in India and other developing markets, they also really took off with buyers in Asia and Europe who just liked the idea of having a light, reasonably cheap second or third PC that they could travel with, give their kids to use, or simply keep around as a spare. This market preferred netbooks with slightly larger screens, more attractive design, and full Windows licenses, which drove prices up and alienated budget buyers.

Acer Iconia W4 review

Windows 8 has an identity problem. The Modern UI, with its big, bright tiles and touch-friendly apps still isn't useful for anything more than the occasional game. Microsoft's most recent updates seem to have been designed to make life easier for non-touch laptop and desktop users, making the traditional Windows desktop more prominent and consigning the Start Screen to the background.

Intel India Unveils Education 2 in 1 Laptop Reference Design for Students

Intel India on Wednesday unveiled the Intel Education 2 in 1, its first-ever 2-in-1 reference design for students, at an event in New Delhi. At the event Ashutosh Chadha, Director, Corporate Affairs Group - Intel South Asia and Rajiv Bhalla Director, Market Development - Intel South Asia showcased the full range of Intel Education Solutions.

Acer Chromebook CB5 with Nvidia Tegra K1 SoC Briefly Listed Online

It seems that Acer is all set to add another Chromebook to its range, but this time - the Chrome OS-based laptop is powered with Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. Dubbed Acer Chromebook CB5, it was spotted listed on a Swedish retail site.

According to the website listing, Acer Chromebook CB5 notebook will feature a Nvidia Tegra K1 CPU with 4GB of RAM, a 32GB SSD and a 13.3-inch (1366x768 pixel) HD display.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3: First Impressions

                                        

To appreciate Microsoft's latest tablet computer, you need to accept the notion that one device can do it all.

The Surface Pro 3 works as a tablet when you want to watch video or read e-books. It works as a laptop when you need to get serious work done. The Surface delivers on both, though it falls short of meeting Microsoft's claim to do so without compromising on either.

(Also see: Microsoft Unveils Surface Pro 3 With 12-Inch 2160x1440 Pixel Display)

iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite to Get FaceTime Audio Conference Calls

A week after announcing its iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite operating systems, users are reporting thatApple has also introduced conference FaceTime Audio calls on both OSes, and screen-sharing feature via iMessage for OS X Yosemite.

Apple-focussed blog 9to5 Mac reports that the iOS 8 smartphone operating system will now enable users to make FaceTime Audio conference calls looping in multiple users at a time. This is a huge improvement over the previous version of FaceTime where only one-to-one calls were possible.

Acer Aspire S7 review

As far as notebooks go, the Acer Aspire S7 occupies a very niche space. It's a high-end lifestyle product, so you're paying for style as well as performance. Read on to find out whether those elements are in balance, or whether one comes at the cost of the other.

Toshiba Launches Two New Hybrid Windows 8.1 Laptops in India

Toshiba on Tuesday has announced two new detachable hybrid Windows 8.1 laptops for the Indian market, the Portege Z10t-A and Satellite L30W.

While the company didn't detail the price and availability of the Portege Z10t-A ultrabook, the Satellite L30W will be available from early July at Rs. 53,520.

Apple Introduces Cheaper, Lower-Powered iMac

Apple has launched a new entry-level variant of its all-in-one iMac desktop computer with a slightly lower price tag but significantly weaker specifications. The new 21.5-inch iMac has the same slim body as the existing product range, and does not replace any current model.

In line with rumours reported last week of a more affordable iMac launch, the new variant costs $1,099, making it $200 cheaper than the previous entry-level model. In India, the new model will cost Rs. 79,900 while the older model continues to be available for Rs. 92,900. Apple has not introduced an equivalent cheaper version of the 27-inch iMac.

Apple I-Work Review

Microsoft's Office is the go-to software package for creating and sharing documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Google's Docs has emerged as a good, free alternative for lightweight tasks. But what's often overlooked is Apple's iWork.

Lenovo Flex 2 and Yoga 2 Hybrid Windows 8.1 Laptops Launched in India

Lenovo has announced two new additions to its range of convertible laptops in the country, the Flex 2 and Yoga 2.

The Lenovo Yoga 2 has been launched at Rs. 59,990, while the Lenovo Flex 2 has been priced at Rs. 41,900.

Dell Inspiron 14 7000 Series Review

Look and feel
With its lid closed, the Inspiron 14 7000 is short and flat, like a rectangular gift box with rounded corners. It's as thin and light as Apple's current 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, but for some reason feels bulkier. The body is made of "forged aluminium", according to Dell, which is mostly a dull matte texture except for shiny silver bevelled edges.