News News Blog: Microsoft

Microsoft just spent £174million on this predictive keyboard app

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MICROSOFT has bought hugely-popular predictive keyboard SwiftKey in a deal worth a reported £174million.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than 300 million people across the globe use SwiftKey</td></tr>
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Ahead of the upcoming launch of its first iPhone keyboard app, Microsoft has brought one of the biggest players in the market.</div>
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More than 300 million people across the globe use the third-party keyboard on Android and iOS.</div>
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SwiftKey supports more than 100 languages, is incorporated into many apps as the default keyboard, and is pre-installed on many smartphones as the default typing tool.</div>
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Microsoft's £174million deal might sound like a lot, although investors have said the price is a little lower than they would have expected even a few year earlier.</div>
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SwiftKey was set up in 2008 by Cambridge graduates Jon Reynolds and Dr Ben Medlock.</div>
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The company has also worked with Cambridge-based Professor Stephen Hawking, helping the scientist and author to upgrade his communications, applying predictive language software to his system and enabling him to speak faster and continue to give lectures.</div>
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Mr Reynolds and Dr Medlock said in a statement: "We're excited to announce an important milestone on SwiftKey's journey. As of today, we have agreed to join the Microsoft family."</div>
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Microsoft's executive vice president of technology and research, Harry Shum, said of the deal: "We love SwiftKey's technology and we love the team that Jon and Ben have formed.</div>
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"That's why today I'm excited to welcome the company's employees to Microsoft. We believe that together we can achieve orders of magnitude greater scale than either of us could have achieved independently."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SwiftKey was set up in 2008 by Cambridge graduates Jon Reynolds and Dr Ben Medlock </td></tr>
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Dr Medlock studied computer speech and sciences at Cambridge and the pair used his knowledge of natural language patterns and artificial intelligence to create the SwiftKey system, which predicts what a user is typing based on their previous writing habits - finishing words for them so they can write faster.</div>
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It started as a side project as both men worked full-time elsewhere following their graduation, with Mr Reynolds in the Civil Service, working on the sale of the High Speed 1 Channel Tunnel rail line.</div>
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After founding the company, the pair's first SwiftKey app launched on the Android platform in 2010, supporting seven languages, and quickly took off. It has since been downloaded from the Google Play Store more than 10 million times, and has topped the download rankings in 47 countries.</div>
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The app was described as a "revolution" in typing and communication, being named Best Startup Business at the 2012 Guardian Innovation Awards, and coming third in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 - a list of Britain's best private technology companies - in 2014.</div>
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Today the app supports more than 100 languages, has been incorporated into many apps as the default keyboard, and is pre-installed on many smartphones as the default typing tool.</div>
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Offices have been opened in San Francisco and Seoul, South Korea, alongside the headquarters in Southwark, south London, with the company now employing more than 160 staff.</div>
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In 2014 the app was launched on the iPhone, and it was downloaded more than a million times in the US alone in its first time on the iOS App Store.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pmeq4y8eCe_N2r9cKI0Y5NNx8BF-fuGXXnbaugATB6mVZjVuGxyxkdJF7dM-b6A_3HQefg0mWTIv8xJfqJtgihfaFOa2QCwCw1AAH4o80E1fKDoiWGUjALodt8UCh2R-gLrODO1u5an/s1600/Microsoft+just+spent+%25C2%25A3174million+on+this+predictive+keyboard+app+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just spent £174million on this predictive keyboard app" border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pmeq4y8eCe_N2r9cKI0Y5NNx8BF-fuGXXnbaugATB6mVZjVuGxyxkdJF7dM-b6A_3HQefg0mWTIv8xJfqJtgihfaFOa2QCwCw1AAH4o80E1fKDoiWGUjALodt8UCh2R-gLrODO1u5an/s640/Microsoft+just+spent+%25C2%25A3174million+on+this+predictive+keyboard+app+3.jpg" title="Microsoft just spent £174million on this predictive keyboard app" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft could incorporate the AI that powers SwiftKey into its own keyboards </td></tr>
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Since its launch, SwiftKey says its predictive technology has saved users nearly two trillion keystrokes on their devices and more than 23,000 years of combined typing time.</div>
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Their statement added: "Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is to enhance interaction between people and technology. We think these are a perfect match, and we believe joining Microsoft is the right next stage in our journey.</div>
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"Eight years ago we started out as two friends with a shared belief that there had to be a better way of typing on smartphones.</div>
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"We've come a long way since then; today hundreds of millions of people around the world, and many of the leading mobile manufacturers, rely on our language prediction technology. Our users have saved an estimated 10 trillion keystrokes across 100 different languages, which adds up to over 100,000 years of reclaimed typing time.</div>
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"Our number one focus has always been to build the best possible products for our users. This will not change. Our apps will continue to be available on Android and iOS, for free. We are as committed as ever to improving them in new and innovative ways.</div>
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"We owe a lot to the invaluable input of our users, including our 130,000-strong VIP community and the many thousands of others who have been with us since the start. Their energy, honest feedback and eagerness to share our products have been the driving force behind our growth.</div>
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"At times like this people tend to focus on founders. However, the heart of our company is the awesome team who chose to share this journey with us. We want to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication and hard work. We never would have come this far without you."</div>

Microsoft just spent £174million on this predictive keyboard app

MICROSOFT has bought hugely-popular predictive keyboard SwiftKey in a deal worth a reported £174million. More than 300 million peop...

Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN

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MICROSOFT is believed to have delayed its Windows 10 Mobile roll-out for a second time.</h3>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP9lljq9hiMF0GjYODe-mEIQwWJuaEjLL1QXaUuSgnTjzeS5fzEkpEDchvmfLqxDtrijaRCHUlGCwOgAfBouYgWaEPhoPVMnlyymjsF8jxpROCvAEL3UGK_KdMqzLgCmmalbmrsFzNwfe/s1600/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP9lljq9hiMF0GjYODe-mEIQwWJuaEjLL1QXaUuSgnTjzeS5fzEkpEDchvmfLqxDtrijaRCHUlGCwOgAfBouYgWaEPhoPVMnlyymjsF8jxpROCvAEL3UGK_KdMqzLgCmmalbmrsFzNwfe/s640/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN.jpg" title="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft has pushed back the world-wide roll-out of its Windows 10 Mobile upgrade</td></tr>
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Microsoft previously stated ambitions to roll-out its Windows 10 Mobile upgrade to eligible handsets in early December, but this never materialised.</div>
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Following this misfire, the US technology firm pushed back its new smartphone operating system, which is currently available on the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, to January 2016.</div>
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Although this date was never publicly announced, multiple sources have reported that this was internal deadline at Microsoft.</div>
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But the firm has now confirmed that Windows 10 Mobile has been postponed yet again, this time to February 2016.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLaHg8ldgwdBzOglqgCfExgvNoiSU1VKINihT4nt5Ehuk6S2XcDi1WS17jnw2nNL0wF_t-raLSq7BVd_AnOHAI-QEVvsbcM2yIoZTu-5WhbHxgGUGfv-jgJvicdpL0G3OTHlf1iSE3BgS/s1600/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLaHg8ldgwdBzOglqgCfExgvNoiSU1VKINihT4nt5Ehuk6S2XcDi1WS17jnw2nNL0wF_t-raLSq7BVd_AnOHAI-QEVvsbcM2yIoZTu-5WhbHxgGUGfv-jgJvicdpL0G3OTHlf1iSE3BgS/s640/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN+2.png" title="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL are the only smartphone running the new OS</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTBi0ScvfKVRQoHvF1lkmPAEjYW23CqzHQ1HBP5b5KsBnAsWuSXKjMBIsF3LPnM7v-Rloui_P5vjj0tyOn_4gKEZGBRC1lBKefQ_bkvSZwP_PnA5JvLajPZtjLjCajLCnMeB0FoJrfdJW/s1600/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTBi0ScvfKVRQoHvF1lkmPAEjYW23CqzHQ1HBP5b5KsBnAsWuSXKjMBIsF3LPnM7v-Rloui_P5vjj0tyOn_4gKEZGBRC1lBKefQ_bkvSZwP_PnA5JvLajPZtjLjCajLCnMeB0FoJrfdJW/s640/Microsoft+to+delay+its+Windows+10+upgrade+AGAIN+3.png" title="Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 10 Mobile has a useful dropdown feature for one-handed use </td></tr>
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Microsoft has reportedly sent out a number of emails to mobile carriers to confirm the latest rescheduling, VentureBeat has reported.</div>
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Also delayed is the first update to Windows 10 Mobile for the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, now also expected to ship in February.</div>
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Microsoft has not revealed a reason for the delay.</div>
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It's clear that the Redmond technology company is not allowing itself to be rushed, which is good news for those waiting on the update.</div>
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However it is a little frustrating for those who want to upgrade and take advantage of the new functionality and features.</div>
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Earlier reports on the next-generation mobile OS suggest compatible handsets will include the Lumia 535, Lumia 635, Lumia 640 LTE, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 830 and Lumia 930.</div>
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Some unconfirmed reports suggest Lumia 735, Lumia 630, Lumia 520, Lumia 532, Lumia 625, Lumia 720, Lumia 820, Lumia 920, Lumia 925, Lumia 930, Lumia 1020 and Lumia 130 owners will also be able to upgrade.</div>
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Microsoft to delay its Windows 10 upgrade AGAIN

MICROSOFT is believed to have delayed its Windows 10 Mobile roll-out for a second time. Microsoft has pushed back the world-wide ro...

Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4

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MICROSOFT has updated both its Surface Book laptop and Surface Pro 4 two-in-one hybrid today.</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84xB-LEDOwhS2NkXOKzvMqIx6a8ZbA4_tW7hADvTQCLnXNRndpj-BbRnISPSJ-zjnsMU4n0LFzbFjBALaWq_ZAKOz6mCQH2s23j5DE7QegvSibkweSNjn5I9pgpe7FwFXvnbUMTYWqCbe/s1600/Microsoft+just+updated+the+Surface+Book+and+Surface+Pro+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84xB-LEDOwhS2NkXOKzvMqIx6a8ZbA4_tW7hADvTQCLnXNRndpj-BbRnISPSJ-zjnsMU4n0LFzbFjBALaWq_ZAKOz6mCQH2s23j5DE7QegvSibkweSNjn5I9pgpe7FwFXvnbUMTYWqCbe/s640/Microsoft+just+updated+the+Surface+Book+and+Surface+Pro+4.jpg" title="Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest refresh to the Microsoft Store brings more powerful Surface Books</td></tr>
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Microsoft has updated its online store with some powerful new hardware – and a new colour for its Surface Pen.</div>
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The US technology firm will now ship two new Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 models, both with 1TB of storage, an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.</div>
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Unfortunately these top-tier variations are currently only available in the US and Canada – and are extremely pricey.</div>
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Microsoft's top-tier Surface Book is priced at $3,199, some £2230 converted, and the most powerful Surface Pro 4 at $2,699, £1880 converted.</div>
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The Redmond company <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/surface-book-now-available-to-pre-order.html">made the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 available to pre-order in the UK earlier this month</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/surface-book-now-available-to-pre-order.html">The first batch of Surface Book pre-orders will ship by February 18th</a>, according to the Microsoft website.</div>
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Prices start from £1,299, which includes 128GB of internal storage, an Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/surface-pro-4-review-microsoft-has.html"><strong>Read the NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 4</strong></a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n8NboBuRR-yZJyuWsP8X3hh-VUmCJ1u2dUoFFFR6pDf7mdQyfGFuNiaFZUgl59g7FYPD_xO156X0FBVYjZDv8y2yE0XOeuLgvjYqyo10kJ_2qXzdmcjFNs0tgYx1n0uf4hKsH7FHkylY/s1600/Microsoft+just+updated+the+Surface+Book+and+Surface+Pro+4+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n8NboBuRR-yZJyuWsP8X3hh-VUmCJ1u2dUoFFFR6pDf7mdQyfGFuNiaFZUgl59g7FYPD_xO156X0FBVYjZDv8y2yE0XOeuLgvjYqyo10kJ_2qXzdmcjFNs0tgYx1n0uf4hKsH7FHkylY/s640/Microsoft+just+updated+the+Surface+Book+and+Surface+Pro+4+2.jpg" title="Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft has also unveiled a new gold version of its Surface Pen</td></tr>
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</div>
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Microsoft charges an eye-watering £2,249 for the top-end model, which bundles 512GB of internal storage, a Core Intel i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and dedicated graphics.</div>
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The latest refresh to the Microsoft Store also brought a new gold version of its Surface Pen.</div>
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It's the same model that ships with the Surface Pro 4, but also includes the Surface Pen Tip Kit so you can further customise the experience of taking notes or drawing on your Surface.</div>
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It will be available in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.</div>
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Microsoft just updated the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4

MICROSOFT has updated both its Surface Book laptop and Surface Pro 4 two-in-one hybrid today. The latest refresh to the Microsof...

Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update

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MICROSOFT is believed to be making some changes to Redstone – the next blockbuster update to its hugely-popular operating system, Windows 10.</h2>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4nmlj48QiaiPf8x4x_Z8dAFKiSbEYGc1FlL37b94VhyOkS3gvfk3_UJXtS55GahkkEO6XpPj0a75C-suklfuWP3pL4rBcD8szze-K_XePBhXBJIIn6IKTf4tQBcnN9bqfpbHVaEZh8JB/s1600/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4nmlj48QiaiPf8x4x_Z8dAFKiSbEYGc1FlL37b94VhyOkS3gvfk3_UJXtS55GahkkEO6XpPj0a75C-suklfuWP3pL4rBcD8szze-K_XePBhXBJIIn6IKTf4tQBcnN9bqfpbHVaEZh8JB/s640/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update.jpg" title="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft is planning some major changes to Windows 10 in 2016, but you might have to wait </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft is hard at work on the next major update to Windows 10, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/windows-10-major-changes-coming-in.html">dubbed Redstone</a>, which is due for released in the first half of 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However a new report claims the US technology firm is trimming some of the features initially planned for the blockbuster update.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, Microsoft is believed to the focusing on improvements to some of its internal systems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These under-the-bonnet tweaks should help Microsoft find bugs faster, which should speed up development in future.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to a new report in <a href="https://www.petri.com/microsoft-trims-redstone-features-to-focus-on-onecore-and-other-systems"><em>Petri</em></a>, which cites multiple sources within the Redmond technology company, “development takes time and with multiple weeks allocated to OneCore and other internal systems […] this means to meet their deadline of the first half of 2016, feature priority must be adjusted.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The report does not specify what new features Microsoft plans to delay to a later update.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft is believed to be experimenting with a number of upgrades to Cortana for its Redstone update, including allowing the voice assistant to float around the operating system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RfuUSDOFGlySDe9t8YZJb-X6Jw1Wi7ai3XLJUAPGUUlaFzLFnQGufWpGxcTR4yiu107oZ6Pj2qYi2FATAyZE_iBqCPpmXDgW85Kn3Jm4D91coMM6fc_9qxeAC37z-aqRQYRYtz129wt-/s1600/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RfuUSDOFGlySDe9t8YZJb-X6Jw1Wi7ai3XLJUAPGUUlaFzLFnQGufWpGxcTR4yiu107oZ6Pj2qYi2FATAyZE_iBqCPpmXDgW85Kn3Jm4D91coMM6fc_9qxeAC37z-aqRQYRYtz129wt-/s640/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+2.jpg" title="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only will Cortana gain more functionality, but is also expected to be omnipresent across the OS </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEjNlR00W3a5Hzh5e_eXrp-jEExiD2W0Ms3FIidxVbaT5cvV0UE2Z8gql58amwTLYclnLBMu60eEiKBFsmAfKsUKMI9d2Yi6QTMiQkDMGwK3t2c4z5w9Kr0vAxqaweRk-xOMe_PNWLmnE/s1600/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEjNlR00W3a5Hzh5e_eXrp-jEExiD2W0Ms3FIidxVbaT5cvV0UE2Z8gql58amwTLYclnLBMu60eEiKBFsmAfKsUKMI9d2Yi6QTMiQkDMGwK3t2c4z5w9Kr0vAxqaweRk-xOMe_PNWLmnE/s640/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+3.gif" title="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft brought back the Start Menu – and added some stellar new customisation options </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft could allow Cortana to follow users as they navigate around the operating system, surfacing useful information based on what users are viewing on-screen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The nifty context-aware functionality sounds closer to <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/google-android-60-marshmallow-5-of-best.html">Now On Tap in Android Marshmallow</a> than the infamously annoying <em>Clippy</em> character bundled with Windows 97 to 2003.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft is also believed to be planning a number of updates to the Notification Centre, also known as Action Centre.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Future versions of this pane are expected to include widgets, offering users quick glanceable snapshots of data, synced across your Windows 10 devices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, none of these features made an appearance in the latest preview version of Windows 10, build 11099, which rolled out to Windows Insider users last week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, the latest preview focused on stability and tweaks to the operating system, which runs across tablets, desktops, two-in-one hybrids and smartphones.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has previously stated an ambition to get one billion devices across the globe running Windows 10 within two years of the operating system's release.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com</em> was impressed with the new operating system, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/windows-10-review-is-it-finally-time-to.html">in our review we said it marked "a brilliant start to the next chapter for Microsoft Windows.”</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
  </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XBCwlu36fUfzYc4vBpHyfG8JByy5SffkOfPFZpsRrwnl2gyV9J9fcBkZIJDdWjDiCaoiTtVaDKsHwu3tPQ3R5I21MsW8yo8qqoLuNosFE46aess6TFGyWXFP-LQIqL6egxOint04DwXR/s1600/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XBCwlu36fUfzYc4vBpHyfG8JByy5SffkOfPFZpsRrwnl2gyV9J9fcBkZIJDdWjDiCaoiTtVaDKsHwu3tPQ3R5I21MsW8yo8qqoLuNosFE46aess6TFGyWXFP-LQIqL6egxOint04DwXR/s640/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+4.jpg" title="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft’s next blockbuster update, Redstone, is planned for early 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_yYX5N0UiYj3cmdtcGuEUbqrjnkACmAgKsdAzWANibyFDISDv__jtGgtbvatvR5ul7hQUXzX3R5B3w0ORLDLaJjzO6lLtb3LCf04BoYJseQ2S3TTw0z9sfG7Ziigvg_IjyN1f2tBg1hc/s1600/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_yYX5N0UiYj3cmdtcGuEUbqrjnkACmAgKsdAzWANibyFDISDv__jtGgtbvatvR5ul7hQUXzX3R5B3w0ORLDLaJjzO6lLtb3LCf04BoYJseQ2S3TTw0z9sfG7Ziigvg_IjyN1f2tBg1hc/s640/Microsoft+could+CUT+key+features+from+upcoming+Windows+10+Redstone+update+5.jpg" title="Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 10 and supported Universal Apps work great in tablet mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the new OS has not been without issues.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Users have reported <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com.ng/2015/08/windows-10-how-to-fix-slow-startup.html">infuriatingly slow boot-up speeds</a>, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/windows-10-how-to-fix-broken-wifi-after.html">trouble with wifi connections</a>, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/windows-10-microsoft-is-recording.html">privacy concerns</a> and <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/windows-10-your-safety-settings-could.html">issues with child safety features following the jump to Windows 10</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows 10 is currently a free operating system upgrade to customers running <a href="http://go.ad2up.com/afu.php?id=451019">genuine versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have managed to get your version of Windows 10 up and running smoothly <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com.ng/2015/10/windows-10-7-tips-and-tricks-you-really.html">– <em>NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com</em> has rounded up SEVEN top tips to master your new operating system</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And if you are feeling negative towards the new operating system, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/windows-10-5-worst-features-in.html">here are the WORST features Microsoft included in Windows 10</a>.</div>
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Microsoft could CUT key features from upcoming Windows 10 Redstone update

MICROSOFT is believed to be making some changes to Redstone – the next blockbuster update to its hugely-popular operating system, Windows 1...

Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
MICROSOFT is expected to launch its final Lumia smartphone next month at Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona. But could the end of the Lumia range signal the start of the long-rumoured Surface Phone?</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU4YnEKax0T1n6NBGsvfj1Wvp0nEiL1j0f0WLFTPNXpYA5WVOkCGoTB1kiLGphDbna5SpsWRcFQyHmzR00eM5uw5CrNXO1FzoVnvO7SSE_o1aPQGrvTRMhQhhLh1BIAXNR8DF5Y3pIW26/s1600/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU4YnEKax0T1n6NBGsvfj1Wvp0nEiL1j0f0WLFTPNXpYA5WVOkCGoTB1kiLGphDbna5SpsWRcFQyHmzR00eM5uw5CrNXO1FzoVnvO7SSE_o1aPQGrvTRMhQhhLh1BIAXNR8DF5Y3pIW26/s640/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date.jpg" title="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surface Vice President Panos Panay introduces the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft could be dropping the Lumia moniker from its smartphone range.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The US technology firm is expected to ditch the Lumia brand name following the launch of the Lumia 650 next month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, according to<em> Windows Central. </em>And it doesn’t look as if the Lumia brand name will go out with a bang.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft’s Lumia 650 is a business-orientated, midrange smartphone with a five-inch 720p display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and 8MP rear camera with LED flash.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to reports in <em>Windows Central</em>, the Windows 10 Mobile smartphone will have support for expandable storage via MicroSD but no wireless charging.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/lumia-950-xl-review-microsofts-first.html">Read the <em>NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com</em> review of the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL – the first smartphone to ship with Windows 10 Mobile</a> </strong></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP4SKU2RA4mLoheCfD0bv3HWM_7TroyKqHN0ln07yXjParYZR8qDtdTih8QHSzeIQc1xM5pgiKnLYSsdIa3eNZkrNoBjdGfr3P29nShwOcY58DQRjxvyTKWCfZ0vOYY9p2Zq1_xNEFSvy/s1600/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP4SKU2RA4mLoheCfD0bv3HWM_7TroyKqHN0ln07yXjParYZR8qDtdTih8QHSzeIQc1xM5pgiKnLYSsdIa3eNZkrNoBjdGfr3P29nShwOcY58DQRjxvyTKWCfZ0vOYY9p2Zq1_xNEFSvy/s640/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+2.jpg" title="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest Windows 10 smartphones, the Lumia 950 and 950XL, were unveiled in October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFnZhE7BUVpyCjupKHRrnwRJb9khrtOStvPH6H3V7NINGZn3sByXFtqpXt9rxp3woCWq_NZhoJDs-O0ytik6wdP55RJc8H6LnB2ap-2gC9sipfYfs_z2vyLRZHlPQqrjXPiGdmSYndQH0/s1600/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFnZhE7BUVpyCjupKHRrnwRJb9khrtOStvPH6H3V7NINGZn3sByXFtqpXt9rxp3woCWq_NZhoJDs-O0ytik6wdP55RJc8H6LnB2ap-2gC9sipfYfs_z2vyLRZHlPQqrjXPiGdmSYndQH0/s640/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+3.jpg" title="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft is expected to drop the Lumia brand name following Mobile World Congress next month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Microsoft was believed to be quietly developing two new flagship smartphones for 2016, the Lumia 750 and 850 – but these may have been scrapped.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/microsofts-next-surface-project-might.html">industry sources believe the Redmond firm has green-lit plans for an Intel-powered Surface Phone</a>, which will showcase the next blockbuster update to Windows 10.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Surface Phone is expected to be a new flagship device with an industrial design similar to <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/surface-pro-4-review-microsoft-has.html">the Surface Pro 4 table</a>t.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft took the wraps off its first in-house laptop <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/surface-book-now-available-to-pre-order.html">– the Surface Book –</a> back in October.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth9wqSx2uS0KPC8faN3HPdbla00N936cBK2rJU_Rb2kUYbflBQ35EAypyMFDGoQjX8A5s1_6s_hNB2rrjQ5o7MqGkKHr51x1VVcsPkCP6g8C4VLxlKmBpcIkPJ0RoWRclSh9hfrYpXIbx/s1600/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth9wqSx2uS0KPC8faN3HPdbla00N936cBK2rJU_Rb2kUYbflBQ35EAypyMFDGoQjX8A5s1_6s_hNB2rrjQ5o7MqGkKHr51x1VVcsPkCP6g8C4VLxlKmBpcIkPJ0RoWRclSh9hfrYpXIbx/s640/Microsoft+will+release+its+final+Lumia+smartphone+on+THIS+date+4.gif" title="Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft is believed to be planning a Surface Phone to coincide with the first update to Windows 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The team behind these sleek – and <em>pricey</em> – devices are believed to be now the sole department actively developing a Microsoft smartphone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The long-rumoured Surface Phone which could hit shelves by mid-2016, to coincide with <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/windows-10-major-changes-coming-in.html">the second major update to Windows 10, dubbed Redstone</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like the Surface Book laptop and <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/surface-pro-4-review-microsoft-has.html">Surface Pro 4 tablet before it</a>, the Surface smartphone is expected to ship with flagship materials and a premium price tag to match.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Surface Vice President Panos Panay and his team are believed to be looking into building an all-metal case for the smartphone, which will run Windows 10 Mobile.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Industry sources claim Intel is heavily involved in the smartphone project.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The news comes after a Microsoft executive admitted that Windows Mobile need “something transformative, like what the Surface was for laptops.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The end of the Lumia brand could help to signal a new start for Windows smartphones, which have failed to gain market share from Apple and Android.</div>
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Microsoft will release its final Lumia smartphone on THIS date

MICROSOFT is expected to launch its final Lumia smartphone next month at Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona. But could the end of the Lumi...

Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
MICROSOFT is planning to bring its popular Windows Phone keyboard – dubbed World Flow – to the iPhone, according to WinBeta.</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHxmwhKWYguxQieu0O-r47epdHGFF2xSPGqZx_PaDzUrSh3EvPeUGNj5VMldy54Xk_m2hUM5BGhcuVF4QSYx8lpThds-Zf2ktQak-5_tNgz4_yQnYbnR5FYFuc-KX6p-4FfOv2kR9iHMI/s1600/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHxmwhKWYguxQieu0O-r47epdHGFF2xSPGqZx_PaDzUrSh3EvPeUGNj5VMldy54Xk_m2hUM5BGhcuVF4QSYx8lpThds-Zf2ktQak-5_tNgz4_yQnYbnR5FYFuc-KX6p-4FfOv2kR9iHMI/s640/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone.jpg" title="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft is testing its award-winning Word Flow keyboard on iOS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft is believed to be working on an iOS version of the Word Flow keyboard it created for Windows Phone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to <em>WinBeta</em>, the Redmond technology firm is reaching out to enlisted beta testers with an iPhone 5S or later to try its first iOS keyboard.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Word Flow is an incredibly flexible keyboard with a number of standout features.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft’s keyboard supports gesture-based typing, similar to third-party alternatives like Swype, where the user drags their finger across the keys.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The intelligent software will also make suggestions, so you don’t always need to finish typing to get the word you need.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1fbObSAb2CLVSe6UZE343oVS1givAGFSKe7_lSo-GMcRLjA4vo6s8cdICx82jF7g4C2b_I2-5eVuHa3Fj9KxwF3oWrYHFFLY_32jXbvc4-1eSlvqhWTKaA35jhl6BRSfsMib1xcQD0I0/s1600/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone+2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1fbObSAb2CLVSe6UZE343oVS1givAGFSKe7_lSo-GMcRLjA4vo6s8cdICx82jF7g4C2b_I2-5eVuHa3Fj9KxwF3oWrYHFFLY_32jXbvc4-1eSlvqhWTKaA35jhl6BRSfsMib1xcQD0I0/s640/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone+2.gif" title="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Word Flow was used to break the Guinness World Record for fastest texting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNCkLB0uy6oxPRL-jTQ2Dhm4hEYuSrasAkALg3CbCiywEIWGdVaZ6mWepKDdpnJkfwXnOs976QnUhdW2NgE-yzsspznckSzCB501XWdosL1uRNODj-31UsZINGCtgOh00lNOLdZzz7tKa/s1600/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone+3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNCkLB0uy6oxPRL-jTQ2Dhm4hEYuSrasAkALg3CbCiywEIWGdVaZ6mWepKDdpnJkfwXnOs976QnUhdW2NgE-yzsspznckSzCB501XWdosL1uRNODj-31UsZINGCtgOh00lNOLdZzz7tKa/s640/Microsoft+is+bringing+its+Windows+Phone+keyboard+to+the+iPhone+3.gif" title="Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft’s clever keyboard suggests words, and relevant emojis as your type and swipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And the Word Flow keyboard will also suggest emojis. For example, if you type the word “wink” or “dog” – you’ll get the relevant emoji amongst other suggested words.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It also support traditional taps on the same interface, too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has also built-in a digital version of the red pointing stick embedded in ThinkPad keyboards, hold and drag and the cursor moves through the text one character at a time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Word Flow keyboard is so good at typing, it was used to set the Guinness World Record for fastest texting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft is recruiting beta testers for the iOS port of its keyboard with the following email –</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Word Flow keyboard has long been one of the highly praised features on Windows Phone and was used to break the Guinness World Record for fastest texting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We are now working on extending this keyboard to other platforms, starting with iOS.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Before publicly releasing this keyboard to the App Store, we’d love to give Insiders like you a preview. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“With your feedback, we’ll build a roadmap of improvements to the keyboard over time.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apple introduced support for third-party keyboards alongside iOS 8. Microsoft currently has around 60 apps in the Apple App Store.</div>
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Microsoft is bringing its Windows Phone keyboard to the iPhone

MICROSOFT is planning to bring its popular Windows Phone keyboard – dubbed World Flow – to the iPhone, according to WinBeta. Micros...

Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
MICROSOFT has warned all Windows customers to update the preinstalled Internet Explorer app on their computer – even if they use another web browser. Older versions of IE are no longer supported by Microsoft, and could become a real virus threat.</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4eBmdftwzi1MlCaajLFTxHtDjMlBcVH9r6yCxiLtcMgk1NycfoJalnzd7ZxkyAJwGvSz6AuTOe4AhNUUdY6VlwvApVpfvNyt_JIjwYZZvGcagkENnTDZtksWKke9pi8Y0NPu12Swt45p/s1600/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4eBmdftwzi1MlCaajLFTxHtDjMlBcVH9r6yCxiLtcMgk1NycfoJalnzd7ZxkyAJwGvSz6AuTOe4AhNUUdY6VlwvApVpfvNyt_JIjwYZZvGcagkENnTDZtksWKke9pi8Y0NPu12Swt45p/s640/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users.jpg" title="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft has issued a warning to all Windows users about vulnerable versions of IE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft this week <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">ended support for almost-all versions of its preinstalled web browser, Internet Explorer</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 will no longer receive the latest patches</a> and security updates from Microsoft – leaving users vulnerable to viruses and malware attacks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">the US technology firm warned Internet Explorer users to update their browsers</a> to version 11 to ensure they are protected.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But now Microsoft has issued a new warning to all Windows users – even those who <strong>aren't</strong> actively using Internet Explorer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PC owners who use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera browsers are being urged to check which version of Internet Explorer is installed on their computers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If an earlier version of Internet Explorer – dubbed IE – is sat idle on your PC, you could still be vulnerable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fTA3ceJHdtLc4r9_Ibt-aAoDxAy_uNjiOmta_8mVITgxPjSX2FaZjwZK9k5yauWWj3q63pjhIefnAz_0odHHjaA2Qn9B3Dc3JuWPOZlxGWxNWmYV7bvIeIWmRJvEoD-EGLHeOuGExDxw/s1600/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users++2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fTA3ceJHdtLc4r9_Ibt-aAoDxAy_uNjiOmta_8mVITgxPjSX2FaZjwZK9k5yauWWj3q63pjhIefnAz_0odHHjaA2Qn9B3Dc3JuWPOZlxGWxNWmYV7bvIeIWmRJvEoD-EGLHeOuGExDxw/s640/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users++2.gif" title="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check the About Internet Explorer option to see whether you are vulnerable </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is because of how Microsoft has tightly integrated its Internet Explorer software into the Windows operating system (a move that triggered a long antitrust case).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft senior software developer consultant Pat Altimore issued the warning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/patricka/archive/2016/01/08/if-i-remove-or-don-t-use-internet-explorer-8-9-or-10-can-i-avoid-upgrading-to-internet-explorer-11.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Posting on his blog,</a> he wrote: "There are many components that constitute the browser.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Most of the components are part of the operating system including the JavaScript / HTML rendering engine, the Web Browser control, and the Windows Internet Protocol Handler.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The browser application uses these OS components for script execution, rendering, HTTP requests, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"When you upgrade the browser, you potentially upgrade all of these components."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Applications other than Microsoft's own Internet Explorer are able call on IE components to display HTML or execute scripts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An unprotected version of Internet Explorer leaves these applications vulnerable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"To ensure applications using components are fully patched, update to the latest version of IE and apply future cumulative IE updates," Mr Altimore posted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are concerned about whether or not your version of Internet Explorer is vulnerable, simply navigate to the small cog icon in the top-right corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGqppHTaqsZqn1g3zsVf-bo6Z1gLAp8OwQWqB7ME3gqjo07EZZOw2loKY9i-zbE26T9ZkdgHkglz5zAp711pKmQLW5hVSEwE5_XYtyaT6PssQTtTUL0qj1CDy-lxYr5AAkYbTFKqrvy3O/s1600/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users++3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGqppHTaqsZqn1g3zsVf-bo6Z1gLAp8OwQWqB7ME3gqjo07EZZOw2loKY9i-zbE26T9ZkdgHkglz5zAp711pKmQLW5hVSEwE5_XYtyaT6PssQTtTUL0qj1CDy-lxYr5AAkYbTFKqrvy3O/s640/Microsoft+just+issued+a+terrifying+VIRUS+warning+to+ALL+Windows+users++3.jpg" title="Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft wants to move users over to its new redesigned browser, Microsoft Edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has replaced its classic Internet Explorer browser with a new minimalist app called Microsoft Edge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But despite this redesigned browser being the default in Windows 10, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/windows-10-microsofts-new-browser-is.html">users have turned their back on the new app</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to data from San Francisco-based firm Quantcast, Google Chrome accounts for a staggering 70 per cent of all browser activity on Windows 10 machines.</div>
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Microsoft just issued a terrifying VIRUS warning to ALL Windows users

MICROSOFT has warned all Windows customers to update the preinstalled Internet Explorer app on their computer – even if they use another we...

Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
MICROSOFT’S new smartphone is the first to ship with Windows 10 Mobile. Coupled with a pin-sharp Quad HD display, 20MP rear camera and stellar 2GHz SnapDragon 810 – has Microsoft finally created a compelling alternative to flagship Android and iOS smartphones?</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLP9GXcsX7gm4hqc9wwwq1lwHZ_TX5WpdqqKTeyCuHt938gKsCVQvLV4v0au03Gos2bZJVUoVlcCTNV6BlLKRA0loNC___HG48KrzXaFIY7WxVzvGzdTBNGbhJVo-u4XDZJ2cazsgBB7Q/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="640" src="" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="597" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pin-sharp 2K display shines through the dull industrial design </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<section class="text-description"><ul>
<li><em><span style="color: green;"><strong>Pros –</strong></span> Great 5.7” Screen, Brilliant 20MP Camera, Windows 10 Syncs Between Mobile And Desktop, Expandable Storage via MicroSD Card, Windows Hello,</em></li>
<li><em><span style="color: red;"><strong>Cons –</strong> </span>Dull and Plasticky Design, Slow To Boot-Up, Mediocre Battery Life, Windows 10 Mobile Still Lacks A Compelling Selection of Apps</em></li>
</ul>
</section><div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows 10 is currently taking desktop and tablet users by storm, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/it-was-phenomenal-year-for-windows-10.html">with more than 200million activations worldwide</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com</em> <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/windows-10-review-is-it-finally-time-to.html">praised the OS in our review, saying it marked "a brilliant start to the next chapter for Microsoft Windows.” </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And now, Microsoft has released the first smartphones to ship with Windows 10, the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The US technology firm has coupled its latest mobile operating system with some stellar specs, including a Quad HD display, a 20MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and a SnapDragon 810 processor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But has Microsoft done enough to ensure its first Windows 10 smartphones can stand toe-to-toe with the competition?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyiRSW7BalZSQ-OQBA961GWwnyuI461T_BFJUpl0kCnCggoVquNLBCJtJXT-jRZ8yNCuUYHebEerReSoI0kDAla1abnQOoBvBsHR3CMN4cgwqPlRp-9DsInq6NnP1eVifA_FP02dh-FQp/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyiRSW7BalZSQ-OQBA961GWwnyuI461T_BFJUpl0kCnCggoVquNLBCJtJXT-jRZ8yNCuUYHebEerReSoI0kDAla1abnQOoBvBsHR3CMN4cgwqPlRp-9DsInq6NnP1eVifA_FP02dh-FQp/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++2.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a £449.00 flagship smartphone, the plastic case feels uninspired and cheap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Design</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Lumia 950XL doesn’t feel like a £449.00 smartphone. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Truthfully, Microsoft’s latest flagship handset feels a little cheap, thanks to the somewhat spongey buttons on its side and the removable plastic case. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It certainly doesn’t feel like a gadget that carries the same price tag as most people’s first car.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft hasn’t managed to match the premium feel of its closest rivals. And in a year which saw the release of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – the Lumia 950XL looks very, very bland.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows 10 Mobile is an incredibly stylish operating system, with its pin-sharp angles and bright block colours – it’s a shame this vibrant OS has been packaged into such a dull, corporate, plasticky rectangle of a phone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The removable plastic case does hide a number of benefits, including a microSD card slot to expand the bundled 32GB of internal storage, as well as an interchangeable battery pack.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk27O9wEbyWSiCjDVs8rmASki_Sh-Zg-DI2u2OGoeMTHNbhc8I8Zk2b_W59FMtHNRYwotREWvW3eRBoY7Fbu4aA2y8yDhGpcd6PjsnFyZDtVuoGEdx-hJAKzo1rfsczsoIFx_0r08mThp/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk27O9wEbyWSiCjDVs8rmASki_Sh-Zg-DI2u2OGoeMTHNbhc8I8Zk2b_W59FMtHNRYwotREWvW3eRBoY7Fbu4aA2y8yDhGpcd6PjsnFyZDtVuoGEdx-hJAKzo1rfsczsoIFx_0r08mThp/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++3.gif" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 8.1mm thick and weighing just 165g, the Lumia 650 XL is comfortable in the hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As more and more flagship smartphones are ditching their expandable storage and removable backs (Google’s Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge and Note 5) the decision by Microsoft to include both should help it appeal to power users. And that is exactly the audience who will get the most out of this Windows 10 smartphone.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Plus, the support for MicroSD cards up to 200GB will help anyone who recently burned when Microsoft hastily removed unlimited cloud storage for OneDrive customers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At 8.1mm thick and weighing just 165g, Microsoft’s flagship phablet never feels cumbersome to use in one-hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The most noticeable feature of the Lumia 950 XL is the bump for the rear camera, which the Redmond technology firm says builds on the staggeringly impressive PureView legacy left by Nokia, which it acquired back in April 2014.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-eTIeuAvZNRPN2-iGPn4mfLHfQq3brRHaoXjoRM_qayFu13Rchu_kokupkhLbIj-xnClZT2xDRnnoZP4J-x7IAtt9KOk1jwCYOEbcL6Fmr5dyBP0HdSHeNyRi0-MFm8aaEEYuQIxT0q3/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-eTIeuAvZNRPN2-iGPn4mfLHfQq3brRHaoXjoRM_qayFu13Rchu_kokupkhLbIj-xnClZT2xDRnnoZP4J-x7IAtt9KOk1jwCYOEbcL6Fmr5dyBP0HdSHeNyRi0-MFm8aaEEYuQIxT0q3/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++4.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lumia 950 XL builds on Nokia’s excellent PureView technology </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuUpcMQX10O342Lmm4Fr-908Q2LGRkX9fgxnseXDe-aSjNghCz1N_RUngUPTGhhtpsT2d9PuYGltwLLxULKkNe3wf-G0b-KQLW4juh-zjh47QpTktW3WtORoTG3DHcnaiq5e6fGrekLgt/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuUpcMQX10O342Lmm4Fr-908Q2LGRkX9fgxnseXDe-aSjNghCz1N_RUngUPTGhhtpsT2d9PuYGltwLLxULKkNe3wf-G0b-KQLW4juh-zjh47QpTktW3WtORoTG3DHcnaiq5e6fGrekLgt/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++5.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lumia 950 XL has a brilliant 20MP rear camera, with LED flash</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Camera</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft might have dropped the Nokia moniker from the name, but the Finnish firm’s fingerprints are all over the smartphone’s standout rear camera, which builds on the stellar PureView technology.</div>
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The 20MP rear camera, complete with Carl Zeiss optics and OIS, or Optical Image Stabilisation, is almost always able to snap a decent photo – even in the most challenging light conditions.</div>
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Details are crisp without being aggressively sharp, like Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and pictures are pleasingly warm,<a href="http://go.ad2up.com/afu.php?id=451019" rel="nofollow"> unlike the cool results produced by the LG G4</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOt8BfQkCfYTPEXpNPRncZ_qLg9SRMhejZbhyphenhyphenoZ6p9Baic-WVFPvpVW3NsdRc1P8TGOwyrDDe3vspjYYoRXChKdGloE7F2BIfc4EgwWzgxz-RbjkCimeoICzoOnL6tvRM68TYg4_OMCC2/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOt8BfQkCfYTPEXpNPRncZ_qLg9SRMhejZbhyphenhyphenoZ6p9Baic-WVFPvpVW3NsdRc1P8TGOwyrDDe3vspjYYoRXChKdGloE7F2BIfc4EgwWzgxz-RbjkCimeoICzoOnL6tvRM68TYg4_OMCC2/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++6.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 20MP rear camera is the standout feature of the Lumia 950 XL</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pyrIoN9UnPDa-mr43Dd9gJrMkBkrk3STW9jbcfyCBn4VVKST5Uypujh6uPyURGWs343nvNBYQ9SJIv4Omb8o-krlAqH60kGPGQavKm0ZFFxkoFLlMVOScBi9PuuXZLOoVfCg-vc1CWhq/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pyrIoN9UnPDa-mr43Dd9gJrMkBkrk3STW9jbcfyCBn4VVKST5Uypujh6uPyURGWs343nvNBYQ9SJIv4Omb8o-krlAqH60kGPGQavKm0ZFFxkoFLlMVOScBi9PuuXZLOoVfCg-vc1CWhq/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++7.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when confronted with tough light conditions, the 20MP can salvage a decent snap</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGtEXdZyaq6mVKZdjJtGBd07bJVNR2lBEFHn34jt6H7pcmwjBZcSDgB0On2jN1Nqgpxw9vqzwCkLlYcZ5RnpvZlfwyyyaxm1ICPGXYfpO9r37z1XghYhaRyxX39Wk1KxcsdKDmPLBKd8J/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGtEXdZyaq6mVKZdjJtGBd07bJVNR2lBEFHn34jt6H7pcmwjBZcSDgB0On2jN1Nqgpxw9vqzwCkLlYcZ5RnpvZlfwyyyaxm1ICPGXYfpO9r37z1XghYhaRyxX39Wk1KxcsdKDmPLBKd8J/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++8.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equally as impressive as the camera, is the Windows 10 app that controls it </td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Windows 10 Mobile Camera app is a masterclass in software design. It appears simple enough when you first launch the app, but sliding the camera icon to the left reveals a series of rings which act as sliders to manually adjust everything from the ISO, white balance, shutter speed, to exposure. You can also toggle the focus from automatic to manual.</div>
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It’s a nifty trick – and a dream for anyone who wants to take back control of the stellar 20MP shooter. For everyone else, the automatic settings are more than capable of producing a solid photo. Windows 10 will also tweak your snaps with some subtle image processing, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There’s also a dedicated shutter button on the Lumia 950 XL, useful if you plan on taking pictures while wearing gloves. And Microsoft has added support for 4K video, which is clear and crisp with good sounds, thanks to the four-way background noise cancelling microphones above the rear camera.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwIG97os3fTZadtPTZWxuMLQ6OkCpqikUPVdHkC78G8HcHOAtUzXyGV3NXRpo8OV4ZdTGoRx7mhH1Ug6Bd5xD60_dtVQVLwyziGN02l3UQgzh8AxllmdbnhlNSIn94sVjQdQRjsmFr3I_/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwIG97os3fTZadtPTZWxuMLQ6OkCpqikUPVdHkC78G8HcHOAtUzXyGV3NXRpo8OV4ZdTGoRx7mhH1Ug6Bd5xD60_dtVQVLwyziGN02l3UQgzh8AxllmdbnhlNSIn94sVjQdQRjsmFr3I_/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++9.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lumia 950 XL has great visibility outdoors, thanks to Microsoft's ClearBlack coating </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Display</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Lumia 950 XL has a phenomenal multi-touch Quad HD AMOLED display, with an eye-watering 2560 x 1440 resolution, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That display works out at an awesome 518 pixels-per-inch, and it really shows. The Lumia 950 XL’s display is pin-sharp with great viewing angles and solid visibility outdoors, thanks to Microsoft's ClearBlack coating.</div>
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However the 2K display does lack the punch of some of the other flagship smartphones from the last year, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/sony-xperia-z5-premium-review-stunning.html">notably the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium</a> and Samsung Galaxy S6, and when compared side-by-side, it’s obvious the Lumia is not quite as vibrant as its competitors.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe8Q7cnISdvB-AA8ZEQndLEFcaXHChyphenhyphen9ri929miioK-vtToQwmanZVaGh_al87Q6H350RmUwdX9_pRaN6D1FHfH2OtmINnwU_cID4aJTZK8kweYtL7i2bbq6yEyqA2lAwWgugWFHxnLbd/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe8Q7cnISdvB-AA8ZEQndLEFcaXHChyphenhyphen9ri929miioK-vtToQwmanZVaGh_al87Q6H350RmUwdX9_pRaN6D1FHfH2OtmINnwU_cID4aJTZK8kweYtL7i2bbq6yEyqA2lAwWgugWFHxnLbd/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++10.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="597" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft’s new flagship smartphone packs an eye-watering 2560 x 1440 resolution</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has also included a useful new feature, dubbed Glance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This allows the Lumia 950 XL display to show some basic information – time, date, battery and notification indicator – while the smartphone is asleep. It’s a great new addition and incredibly useful if you make a habit of leaving your smartphone next to you at your desk, or on the dinner table.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, Microsoft has ditched double-tap to wake for the Lumia 950 XL, which forces you to fumble for the power button, which is sandwiched in-between the volume controls for some (insanely irritating reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Battery Life</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft claims up to 11 hours of battery life for web browsing over wifi, or video playback – but that seems very generous. Although the Lumia 950 XL got us through the day, there was never much left in the tank at the end of it, which isn’t something you’d expect from a phablet with a 3,340mAh capacity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having the brightness on that beautiful 2K display cranked up clearly takes its toll, accounting for a staggering 49.5 per cent of the battery usage during daily usage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHoTEYMQ6zLcGa6IrQhqy2p8_o7iqC5r6Shn7ZIQqUZO_nUnVc2dqpN0r5eaeTaL7RQGp-WkxfveTl8QQ1gykvYD32Vscti5fzbAshYKqnAUSD8ryTX3NM3_mWK2BPdeggoM8zNLMyUQ8/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHoTEYMQ6zLcGa6IrQhqy2p8_o7iqC5r6Shn7ZIQqUZO_nUnVc2dqpN0r5eaeTaL7RQGp-WkxfveTl8QQ1gykvYD32Vscti5fzbAshYKqnAUSD8ryTX3NM3_mWK2BPdeggoM8zNLMyUQ8/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend+11.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite its size, battery life on the Lumia 950 XL is mediocre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Windows 10 Mobile </strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft’s mission to build an operating system that works well on smartphones, tablets, two-in-one hybrids, sprawling desktop set-ups and video game consoles is a lofty one. But those unconvinced by the success of Windows 10 should try both the Lumia 950XL and Surface Pro 4 side-by-side.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has created a coherent and enjoyable experience on both mobile and desktop. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For example, the settings panel carries the same layout on both desktop and mobile devices, so if you use a Windows 10 computer at home or work, navigating around the Lumia 950XL for the first time can feel eerily familiar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That familiarity – something that was sorely missing in its Windows Phone OS – is a huge win for Microsoft and means the Lumia 950XL could be the perfect first smartphone for traditional desktop users, or Windows power users.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XBu_dkpO8YyZg9jT3LLVubg8bZMK8mA-6AWjS0zDcXh1p681Sn9DTz7smm7DHzZQNnMtr7vZmUUZhcHmScO_JTV7p1zLSZ78bvKaHX2IQJHEaIEUEnvFB0gD3h6T1Xn8S2PXoMHvslca/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++12.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XBu_dkpO8YyZg9jT3LLVubg8bZMK8mA-6AWjS0zDcXh1p681Sn9DTz7smm7DHzZQNnMtr7vZmUUZhcHmScO_JTV7p1zLSZ78bvKaHX2IQJHEaIEUEnvFB0gD3h6T1Xn8S2PXoMHvslca/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++12.gif" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 10 Mobile has a useful dropdown mode for one-handed use</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>

</div>

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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Powering the coherent cross-device experience are Microsoft’s new Universal Apps – applications that re-size to fit either the smartphone display, tablet or desktop to hand. This new approach to apps has allowed Microsoft to unify its App Store across mobile and desktop, which means your purchases and favourite apps transfer between devices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Universal Apps are a brilliant idea – data, preferences and even in-app layouts move seamlessly between your screen sizes and devices to create a unified Windows 10 experience. </div>
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The position of any live tiles in your Start Menu will even transfer to the Home Screen on your new Lumia 950XL device.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking of the new Home Screen, Microsoft has finally added support for custom background images in its mobile OS, which – unbelievably – it has lacked up until now. Your handpicked pictures beautifully bleed through the trademark Live Tiles, which refresh with previews of the latest information and updates from within the application.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iNqCewmElQZR69r06enGRXe36KmS_x8YDAtJ4XX0IdIv6P9DccEsLViZk94DfOiSq26BoLnxg1ZGRoQdB05DykjS5GT4uDVpwzWkh6NTAiD0r0O6u1wpHXCtrCe4wEvdXrtC4IEtMvmW/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iNqCewmElQZR69r06enGRXe36KmS_x8YDAtJ4XX0IdIv6P9DccEsLViZk94DfOiSq26BoLnxg1ZGRoQdB05DykjS5GT4uDVpwzWkh6NTAiD0r0O6u1wpHXCtrCe4wEvdXrtC4IEtMvmW/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++13.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 10 Mobile looks stylish, and has some stellar features, like Windows Hello </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has also added a tweak for Lumia 950XL users who struggle with the hefty 5.7inch display. Holding on the Windows logo drops whatever is on your screen half-way down the display, letting you easily reach something which was previously out of your reach. Apple introduced a similar system in its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both solutions look a little clunky, but work well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, the Lumia 950 XL supports Windows Hello – a nifty new security feature, which unlocks the smartphone by checking your identity against a quick scan of your iris.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And it really works. Windows Hello unlocked the phone consistently, even when we were outside, or wearing glasses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqMXKO4c5kgEh-xFcSxSpsJBbbSRpRs4ZrpuuMHKI22-u5_UhsH8zcg1F1oTI4x8nzrjlW7iy5C2BLD_SEdstbkeb8gsVSWZkTMwocMML80SBEsHLgaLk64brQ9GwgYdntF3Z_RG8fPfl/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqMXKO4c5kgEh-xFcSxSpsJBbbSRpRs4ZrpuuMHKI22-u5_UhsH8zcg1F1oTI4x8nzrjlW7iy5C2BLD_SEdstbkeb8gsVSWZkTMwocMML80SBEsHLgaLk64brQ9GwgYdntF3Z_RG8fPfl/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++14.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows Hello is a solid alternative to a fingerprint scanner </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Granted, it’s not quite as reliable as the fingerprint sensors included on other flagship smartphones – but that’s forgivable, especially since Microsoft still lists Windows Hello as a Beta feature.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Cortana</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft’s proactive voice assistant, Cortana, has also been improved in Windows 10 Mobile.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cortana can identify a song that’s playing a la Shazam, track the latest flight information, summon local cinema, restaurant, sports and maps information. Weirdly, the digital assistant struggled when we reeled off a string of simple sums – kicking us to a Bing search, rather than work it out herself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise solid voice assistant that easily stands toe-to-toe with rival solutions. And if you have upgraded your home computer or work laptop to Windows 10, you’ll get more benefits from Cortana since she will learn your habits, sync the reminders you set from your desktop to your smartphone and vice-versa. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cortana will also proactively nudge you when you need to the leave the office to make your next calendar appointment, based on the latest traffic and weather information. And she can also launch any app you ask for, too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonFo1JI4tmGmGlsh3PrFzvfn8mOHxLf0UYAFte2WL4DfYmMb-I3P7guYT5jxvcckkjNkOPKZAyPKcGG88eprriGcfYCr-wK0eLYbQnoP2apGEmWvxArQ4hfC1ym5AvDz1xo1DbhmvpSqf/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonFo1JI4tmGmGlsh3PrFzvfn8mOHxLf0UYAFte2WL4DfYmMb-I3P7guYT5jxvcckkjNkOPKZAyPKcGG88eprriGcfYCr-wK0eLYbQnoP2apGEmWvxArQ4hfC1ym5AvDz1xo1DbhmvpSqf/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend+13.jpg" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four-way microphone system keeps your calls and 4K video sound in-check </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Display Dock</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com</em> has not yet had the chance to test out the Display Dock accessory, which lets users connect the Lumia 950 XL to an external display, keyboard and mouse and run full-screen Windows 10 universal apps, including Word, Excel and Netflix. We will be testing out the technology in the coming weeks, and will update this review accordingly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs3r9Md65uMCbhD0MXm66l81AR4X1on6GAwAjhyphenhyphenqdTao4kXRn09WeO0XZYO9snAgYM2pEEE_eSu7kphhGSZSWntmiccoc7Y-KOnltbQ5GqvVgiTCG-ZlRxXctkbJAPfLcdZt77112IYqQ/s1600/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++15.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs3r9Md65uMCbhD0MXm66l81AR4X1on6GAwAjhyphenhyphenqdTao4kXRn09WeO0XZYO9snAgYM2pEEE_eSu7kphhGSZSWntmiccoc7Y-KOnltbQ5GqvVgiTCG-ZlRxXctkbJAPfLcdZt77112IYqQ/s640/Lumia+950+XL+Review-+Microsoft%2527s+first+Windows+10+smartphone+is+difficult+to+recommend++15.gif" title="Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 10 still has a frustrating app problem </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Final Verdict</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL is a solid smartphone, thanks to its beautiful Quad HD AMOLED display, consistently great rear camera and smooth performance from the SnapDragon processor and 3GB of RAM.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows 10 Mobile is a towering achievement that brings a synchronicity and coherence between your work or home computer, tablet and smartphone previously only seen in the Apple ecosystem. Windows 10 is fast, reliable and stylish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows Hello is a brilliant security feature and the 20MP shooter – and included Camera app – are staggeringly good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But despite all of this – the Lumia 950 XL is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">difficult</span> to recommend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Windows phones are still a second-class citizen when it comes to apps, and Lumia 950 XL owners will face a lengthy wait before they can get their hands on the latest apps and games taking Android and iOS users by storm. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And even when the top-tier apps do appear, they often lack the same polish and performance. For example, Facebook-owned photo sharing social network Instagram, which boasts more than 150 million users worldwide, has been in BETA since November 2013. And that’s when developers even bother to release their app on Windows 10 at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coupled with its bland plastic design and mediocre battery life, and that <strong>£449.00</strong> price tag starts to look a little high.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fans already invested in the Windows ecosystem will find a lot to like here, but those simply looking to buy a solid flagship smartphone should be aware that their money will go a lot further on rival Android and iOS devices.</div>
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Lumia 950 XL Review: Microsoft's first Windows 10 smartphone is difficult to recommend

MICROSOFT’S new smartphone is the first to ship with Windows 10 Mobile. Coupled with a pin-sharp Quad HD display, 20MP rear camera and stel...

Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
MICROSOFT has ended support for its controversial Windows 8 operating system, which first launched across the globe in August 2013.</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjVB-i8-OPs25U2nU6xiMEKXebk1GuWErkRQ7p62NlO16mrlscuQLb1tXsn5FN-pHaODIbqh1FO0dwITmUGCgG7AJ3ipfhm-g0532MuQ3NIHu24cvcWNLDYKm9RMZKESPLO7Y1S3qqFfB/s1600/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjVB-i8-OPs25U2nU6xiMEKXebk1GuWErkRQ7p62NlO16mrlscuQLb1tXsn5FN-pHaODIbqh1FO0dwITmUGCgG7AJ3ipfhm-g0532MuQ3NIHu24cvcWNLDYKm9RMZKESPLO7Y1S3qqFfB/s640/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade.png" title="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Microsoft has ended support for its controversial, touchscreen-focused Windows 8 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft has ended support for its controversial, touchscreen-focused Windows 8.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This means the US technology firm will no longer roll out bug fixes or security patches for the operating system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, customers will have to upgrade to Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 to ensure they are protected and up-to-date.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/windows-10-microsoft-gets-more.html">upgrades are free to Windows customers</a>. And those who chose to upgrade to Windows 8.1 will get technical support from Microsoft until January 2023.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The news comes after <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">Microsoft warned customers to upgrade</a> their preinstalled <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">Internet Explorer web browser to the latest version, dubbed IE 11</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/if-youre-using-internet-explorer-you.html">Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10 will no longer receive the latest patches and security updates</a> from Microsoft – leaving users vulnerable to viruses and malware attacks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week, the US technology firm warned Internet Explorer users to update their browsers to version 11 to ensure they are protected.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOY2fw9953Mn8I_sQOjfyX9amA2d3U-dFIO-Gglq6iid5VYBFB1HbZKre3sO-ORz-ZbDUFKaG38NxKz9FESksGBuTpM7ghZOm6n6wpdekCRDV6AjylDhERImczE9MT1SR3eE3XdRPd2FJ/s1600/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOY2fw9953Mn8I_sQOjfyX9amA2d3U-dFIO-Gglq6iid5VYBFB1HbZKre3sO-ORz-ZbDUFKaG38NxKz9FESksGBuTpM7ghZOm6n6wpdekCRDV6AjylDhERImczE9MT1SR3eE3XdRPd2FJ/s640/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade+2.png" title="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows 8 wanted to united all devices under one version of Windows </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But now <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/microsoft-just-issued-terrifying.html">Microsoft has issued a new warning to all Windows users</a> – even those who aren't actively using Internet Explorer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PC owners who use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera browsers are being urged to check which version of Internet Explorer is installed on their computers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If an <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/microsoft-just-issued-terrifying.html">earlier version of Internet Explorer – dubbed IE – is sat idle on your PC</a>, you could still be vulnerable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZfPyLvumca41EpfqhZE8xOiyzWU3xL4XK3FsikRDK7BRIE9Z5LhsmD2SV_pCtsIO0A0I1x8NhLPH5JVOhdKSpSWPoKqGgBDHrgrNbo27T5oPsUPFit3fk92NGP7fX4FZNjKiWFN9OVhb/s1600/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade+3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZfPyLvumca41EpfqhZE8xOiyzWU3xL4XK3FsikRDK7BRIE9Z5LhsmD2SV_pCtsIO0A0I1x8NhLPH5JVOhdKSpSWPoKqGgBDHrgrNbo27T5oPsUPFit3fk92NGP7fX4FZNjKiWFN9OVhb/s640/Microsoft+kills+support+for+Windows+8%252C+asks+users+to+upgrade+3.gif" title="Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check the About Internet Explorer option to see whether you are vulnerable </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is because of how Microsoft has tightly integrated its Internet Explorer software into the Windows operating system (a move that triggered a long antitrust case).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Microsoft senior software developer consultant Pat Altimore issued the warning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Posting on his blog, he wrote: "There are many components that constitute the browser.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Most of the components are part of the operating system including the JavaScript / HTML rendering engine, the Web Browser control, and the Windows Internet Protocol Handler.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The browser application uses these OS components for script execution, rendering, HTTP requests, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"When you upgrade the browser, you potentially upgrade all of these components."</div>
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Microsoft kills support for Windows 8, asks users to upgrade

MICROSOFT has ended support for its controversial Windows 8 operating system, which first launched across the globe in August 2013. ...

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