Similar to Microsoft, Apple this week made available its first public beta version of macOS for anyone wanting to test the new features in the upcoming release of the popular desktop operating system. The rumor has it that Microsoft may be planning to launch new Surface hardware, including a Microsoft Band 3, before the end of the year. However, this plan doesn’t include any new Surface in the pipeline that depends on Intel’s Kaby Lake-based processors. Windows 10 Anniversary Update is looming, as such this week I’ve added a few new guides to help users block the Anniversary Update from downloading and installing on your computer, if you want to avoid possible bugs and features not working during the first weeks. In addition, if the Anniversary Update installs automatically and you’re having issues, I have also added a guide to remove the update from your device. While the free upgrade promotional offer of Windows 10 is straightforward, there are still confusions about what will happen after July 29th on those PCs upgraded to Windows 10. As such, I have also added some details to make sure everyone understands how the promotion works. If you missed any of the new stories, you can catch up with everything that happened this week and past articles here.
Short takes around the web
Here are a few other things that happened this week around the web.
Introducing the free Skype Meetings
Microsoft releases a free version of its VoIP service, Skype, for small businesses. Skype Meetings allows you to do video calls with up to 10 people simultaneously for the first 60 days, then it’ll get limited to 3 people. The service also includes collaboration tools from Skype for Business, such as PowerPoint and screen sharing integration.
This is Google’s upcoming Nexus phone design
We know already that Google is working with HTC on its upcoming Nexus phone, and this week a rending of the design has leaked revealing how the next Google phone may look like.
More Windows 10 test versions are coming
Microsoft is gearing up to release the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on August 2nd, but this doesn’t mean for Insider the end of test previews. Microsoft’s Dona Sarkar has revealed on Twitter that the company is planning to continue to roll out new previews after the next major update releases.
— Dona Sarkar (@donasarkar) July 5, 2016
Dell to stop making Android tablets
Dell, the popular computer manufacturer, has revealed that will stop manufacturing Android tablets, as the company sees Windows 10 getting momentum on 2-in-1 devices. Moving forward the company will focus on building Windows 10 devices. Customers who have purchased an Android-based tablet from Dell will continue to receive support from the company, but no new software upgrades will roll out.
Google is building its own watch
A new rumor suggests that Google is developing two Android Wear smartwatches (one codenamed Angelfish, the other Swordfish), which adds yet another product that the company adds to its hardware portfolio. For more details, one hardware and other specifications, check out the report at Android Police.
Get a smartwatch for $7
The world is now filled with smartwatches with a lot of sensors to track your health. However, they are not in the cheap side, the U8 Smartwatch on the other hand, it’s a solid watch “with Bluetooth Answer and Dial the Phone Passometer Altitude Meter Burglar Alarm Functions”, and it’s only $7.79 at Greatbest. It usually retails for $17.56.
Get 2 months free of Hulu
Hulu is currently offering 2 months free of its video streaming service to watch original series, full seasons of great TV shows, current shows, and many movies. The offer is availble when you subscribe through its Windows 10 app, but you can also use this link to get the same offer: http://www.hulu.com/start/windowsoffer.
Avast buys AVG antivirus company
Earlier this week Avast has purchased the antivirus company AVG for $1.3 billion. “The deal is aimed at gaining scale and geographical breadth, Avast said today. It also wants to build out its security offerings with an eye on emerging growth opportunities such as in the Internet of Things, as well as on serve existing customers with “more advanced” products.” TechCrunch reports.
Xbox One receives its first Windows Store app
As we all know by now, Microsoft is unifying the Windows Store with the Xbox Store in the Anniversary Update, and this week Xbox Insiders got the first Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app, and the Blu-ray player app. Of course, more apps are coming, but this is the first one that arrives to the platform.
Facebook will soon encrypt your texts through Messenger
Facebook announces this week that is rolling out a new feature on Messenger called “Secret Conversations” that will improve security to your sensitive conversation. “Messenger uses secure communications channels (just like banking and shopping websites) as well as Facebook’s powerful tools to help block spam and malware.” Facebook says. Basically it’s an end-to-end encryption that will scramble your conversation so that no one without proper permission can peek into your texts. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
