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Windows 10X – Some New Features You Should Know

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Perhaps Windows 10X will be one of the most significant operating systems to reach the computing world, especially with the age of foldable PCs and laptops already upon us. Foldable PCs are going to take over the world of computing. If you’ve been using Windows 10 since it was first launched, or only recently, you’ve probably noticed how vastly different it is from any previous Windows version. Though, no matter how long people have been using Windows 10, there are still new features available that people don’t know are there in the operating system. Windows 10X is crucial to ensuring that this latest generation of portable devices run smoothly as they reach the streets. Now, it is time to learn it all, from its release date to its exclusive features.

Window 10X Features

One thing we must understand is that Windows 10X is the official name for Windows Lite Santorini. It’s not a different operating system. It is Windows 10, designed for dual-screen foldable devices in a more compact shape.

Different Orientation, Different Layout

Windows 10X feels like a much more updated Windows 10 version, which has been cleaned up for future apps. Windows 10X is specifically designed for foldable and dual-screen hardware and as a result, it has been optimized by Microsoft. One of the most noticeable improvements in the latest Start menu for Windows 10X. It no longer includes the animated Live Tiles found on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows Phone, and now features a streamlined look. Thanks to the Windows 10X emulator made available by Microsoft, we now know that even though it’s another version of Windows 10, just like Windows 10 S, looks and interface is notably different.

Also Read: Harald Hass- German Professor who coined the new Li-Fi technology

Also Read: Slack Out with Beta Version of Major Update That Betters User-Interface

The improvements aren’t all that dramatic but they are noticeable and will feel like a brand new Windows user experience. Yet, their orientations are what is very remarkable about the architecture of the Windows 10X. This was designed by Microsoft to provide a more flexible user interface (and experience), shifting its orientation when you adjust your system mode. This operating system takes on a standard single-screen tablet interface when you’ve got your laptop in tablet mode. This takes a dual-screen orientation when you have your computer in book mode. It has a laptop mode, as well as an extended canvas mode. Microsoft calls it “multifunctional.”

Running Win32 Applications in a Container

Although Windows 10X is not as stripped as Windows 10 S, it does have a few similarities to the lightweight operating system. It doesn’t look like it has Windows Defender, the anti-malware program in Windows 10, which could mean that it may not be able to run all desktop applications in its final version. PCWorld, for instance, has announced that its simulator can’t run such applications, such as Slack.

Now, bear in mind that they tested it on an emulator, and several of your favorite mobile applications could very well support the final version of the operating system. As told by a dissertation help firm that Microsoft has also said it supports Win32 devices. It’s worth noting, however, that Windows 10X can run Win32 applications within a container. Essentially, the device must run independently from the operating system within a sandbox and this may cause performance issues.

Bye Cortana

The Start Menu and tile layout are not the only things Windows 10X has ditched in an attempt to become a more streamlined Windows 10 update. Cortana fans while they are on their Windows 10X computers may not be able to use their favorite virtual assistant. Right now, the fact that Windows 10X can support facial recognition with Windows Hello at least helps us to take comfort. When you are signed in, it will also forgo the need to delete the lock screen, saving you a little time.

The Wonder Bar

Another good thing about Windows 10X is its Wonder Bar, a touch panel that takes the magnetic flip-keyboard experience of Surface Neo to a new level. The Wonder Bar appears above the keyboard, fully loaded with emojis, gifs, and kaomoji when the keyboard is flipped into place on Surface Neo’s second screen in laptop mode. It’s far more than that though. It has a clipboard and a mouse, so it can host Netflix that you’ve been binging on while you’re having some “core” screen work done. It’s a cool function we can’t wait to check for one. Overall, Windows 10X feels like a more streamlined and updated version of Windows 10, in its current early state. It also feels a bit more locked up and modified, but Windows 10 is still unmistakable.

Apple

APPLE AND GOOGLE GAVE AN IDEA ON HOW THEIR CONTACT TRACING SYSTEM WILL WORK

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With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, many big tech giants are trying to develop smart tools for tracking. Many websites are providing updated information about the coronavirus cases at both national and international levels. The development of apps has taken place that are marking zones with different colors to clarify the impact of the spread.

But, Apple and Google are trying to come up with something more innovative. From the beginning, these two companies are trying to help people in many ways to keep them safe during the outbreak. For example, Google launched new features in Google Maps to show the nearest takeaways, Apple is launching new products to help users stay connected, etc. This time, the two companies together have come up with a coronavirus tracking system for both IOS and Android.

Revealed more information

Yesterday, both Apple and Google have shared more information on their contact tracing system. The company explained the design of the user interfaces for potential applications. Thorough explanations were carried out on how the users will get automatic information. Also, how data will be shared between a large network of mobile phones without putting a person’s privacy in jeopardy. Yesterday, the companies have also shared a library of reference code, namely, an SDK toolkit (for Android) and an Xcode toolkit (for iOS). This will help the building of applications by health authorities with an embedded contact tracing system.  

How the contact tracing system will work?

The companies announced the contact tracing system in April. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The idea is to notify people if he or she came in contact with an infected person and thus stopping people from transmitting further. And, to build this system, the companies decided to transmit data through short-range Bluetooth communication.

Since the application will get access to the user’s private data, the concern for privacy is obvious. But, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google confirmed that user’s privacy won’t be compromised. The system will be designed in such a way that it will protect the user’s privacy and notify them about positive cases as well.

The launch of the new app

When the joint venture started in April, the companies decided to launch the app for both iOS and Apple during mid-May. The companies wanted to make sure that the application of the health authorities can also use it. So, the users need to download the app and participate in the procedure of contact tracing. The most unique part of this system is using Bluetooth Low Energy Transmissions to share data.

So, the app won’t be tracking your physical location as GPS does. At an interval of 5 minutes, your phone will pick up the signals of the nearby phones and store it in a database. So, if any of these people are tested positive with COVID-19, then they can update it on their phone. Every other phone that was near it will be notified henceforth.

Rules for using this application

Apple and Google together have also set many ground rules that any applications should maintain while using it. For the private sector partners, they can use the system only for the response efforts of COVID-19. They will need prior permission or in better words opt-in consent to access the API or share a positive diagnosis. The app will neither allow using location services nor any targeted advertisement.

In case health agencies already have existing apps that use either of these mentioned above, they need to turn them off before accessing API.

UK’s contact tracing app without Apple and Google

Every nation is trying to build contact tracing applications to notify people and prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. Recently, U.K has launched the beta version of an application that is built on the concept of contact tracing. But, the user interface of the app is very poor and the overall design is ineffective as well.

It will be hard to build a contact tracing system followed by an application without the help of tech giants like Apple and Google. Moreover, if the time taken is longer, the cases will increase rapidly. But, unfortunately, the U.K. is not a big fan of decentralizing data. Many experts have said that the app U.K. is planning to use is not so reliable for tracking COVID-19.

Slack

Slack Out with Beta Version of Major Update That Betters User-Interface

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Slack’s mobile applications are now trying to duplicate a desktop or browser experience by using a single home screen. The company is also working on improving its swipe-based navigation. However, a new update, which will roll out on an Android Beta channel, will try to do away with these cumbersome issues. The latest beta version aims to create a more straightforward and more user-friendly app that introduces significant interface changes.

New Features in the Update

Without a doubt, the most significant change the update will bring is a new navigation bar that will allow users to switch between sections. Such a bar, which will be at the bottom of the page, will enable users to move between sections without excessive swiping. Also, it makes it easier to scan through menus and read chats with ease in the beta version. The bar will also have a home screen button, which will showcase all channels on your device. When on this screen, you can swipe right to go to your other workspaces, and left, if you wish to backtrack to the last channel you visited. Near the home tab, there will be a DM tab to help you access your private message tab.

Also, the bar will have a Mentions tab that enables you to organize your activity session, which used to be hard to get to in the older versions of the app. The last tab on the right will take you to your profile, and will serve as a You tab. Furthermore, the new compose tab will help you start new chats with people via DM. These new upgrades will significantly help with improving Slack’s Android user experience. The app was notorious for burying features and limiting ease of access to vital functions via drop-down menus and options.

Easier for Users

The cluttered sidebar, which was notorious for making remote collaboration more robust, has been improved to make it easier for users to find and join new channels. Furthermore, the addition of a new drag and drop option also makes it easy to group channels and conversations into sections that can collapse when needed. Users can also easily access files, apps, reactions, and mentions from the bar perched on top of the search bar.

The new Compose DM button also makes it easier for users to draft a new message when something comes up urgently, as you get to prepare the message and then attach a recipient to it. The latest update will also make it possible for users to drag, drop, and group channels, folders, and DMs into customizable sections. However, this feature will be available only to customers who pay to use the app, and not for the freeware users.  Additionally, there will be a new lightning bolt button, which will be put next to the message field to allow users to open a new app or utility tool when required.

Current App Issues

In the current beta version, you can access the channel list via the workspace icon, which is present on the upper-left corner of the screen. Another way to do this is to swipe left, in case you do not use the new Q gesture system, which has changed the gesture system tremendously. The DM tab and workspace are buried below layers of buttons and swipes, with them coming out only after you swipe to bring it out. However, ease of use has not changed drastically when you look at Slack on iOS.

The iOS update does not have a navigation bar, though it does come with better swiping options, which allow users to access more parts of the application. Therefore, it is safe to say that the new updates will help make Slack more user-friendly and fast. Once people get used to the new interface, they will find it a lot simpler and efficient. However, we are still not sure when Slack will come out with a public and final version of this update, and whether it will carry additional changes as well.

Whatever might be the case, the changes that have been discussed by the app are welcome ones, which users will definitely appreciate and encourage! In case you want to switch to the version anyway, you can download the Beta version from the PlayStore.

Core update

Google’s May 2020 Core Update Will Roll Out Today!

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SEO experts will be excited to know that Google’s Danny Sullivan has just confirmed that a core algorithm update will come out today. Being officially called the May 2020 Core Update, it will hit the internet later today and is part of the frequent updates that Google releases several times every year. Also, as always, Google stays one step ahead of the SEO community when it comes to naming these frequent updates. The company, at least with this update, has gone back to a generic and default Month/Year, naming model.

New Roll Out

While the May 2020 Core Update will roll out today, it will take around one or two weeks for it to become fully operational. The May 2020 Update is Google’s second update of 2020, up till now, with the first one coming out in January. While both the updates have only three months between them, they seem a world apart. The world has undergone some significant upheavals since this January with the Coronavirus pandemic. Also, the release of the new update puts to rest queries regarding whether the COVID-19 would impact Google’s core update launches. 

What do Core Updates do?

Primarily, broad core updates produce noticeable changes in search engine results around the world, in all languages. Most sites will see a drop or gain in rankings as a result of a new core update release. The changes in these rankings reflect how relevant their content is to the changing times. That is to say if the content a site produces has gained importance, the website moves up in rankings. Whereas, if the content has become less important since the last update, it ranks lower than before when the new update rolls out. Also, a unique material that was not present when the old update was in play has an impact on the rankings. All these factors are assessed and reassessed by the core update to decide the new rankings. 

First Update After the Coronavirus 

Also, since this is the first update since COVID-19, there are chances that it might be volatile. The last update came out mid-January 2020, a time when coronavirus was not a major player yet. However, since then, the novel coronavirus has taken over, changing many aspects of how the world works. All these changes have led to a significant shift in the way people use the internet. For instance, Google stated that never before in history has there been so many searches done for a particular topic.

Searches are done regarding news, the impact of COVID-19 on various fields, and also testing schemes. In many ways, it has changed the way people utilize Google as a search engine. A lot of things, such as the virus places offering services, and even products have gained relevance. Similarly, fields that were frequently searched have lost their importance due to COVID-19, such as tourism, entertainment, and travel. Therefore, the May 2020 Update will have to tackle new challenges of gauging relevance and ranking. 

Impact on SEO Job Market

The May 2020 Core Update has the potential to become a very potent tool. In case it fulfills that possibility, it could be good news for the SEO industry. The economic sanctions put in place due to the pandemic has made a lot of companies furlough and fire their staff. In such an environment, a core update inherently raises the value of SEO experts. The volatility of the algorithm change or upgrade usually decides the importance of these SEO services. Hence, a lot of such experts may soon find themselves seeing an increase in demand for their services. Also, it will be interesting to see how many companies increase their SEO budget as a result of this rollout. 

What to do about the May 2020 Update

As mentioned by Google, their guidance policy remains the same as all their core updates before. They always reiterate that websites need not ‘fix’ anything in case their ranking falls. All Google expects the website owners to do is put out great content. However, experts interpret Google’s advice in many different ways. For instance, the SEO industry was set ablaze with speculation regarding an impending update, as far back as April 28th.

Many experts saw a considerable shift and reshuffle in web search rankings, leading them to believe something was coming up. A lot of them had stated that spam websites were climbing the ranking charts, with the ranking going back to normal after a while. All these sudden changes led people to believe that a core update was going to roll out soon enough.

The most recent update in January was put under a lot of scrutinies, as the September 2019 update had let down SEO experts. Dubbed as a weak update, it had failed to create a massive impact as other previous core updates had. It will be interesting to see how the first update following the COVID-19 will affect SEO rankings. Every time Google alters its SEO algorithm, it does so to make the searching experience better for customers. Anyway, it seems like everyone will have to wait two weeks to see how the update impacts their rankings, and then take appropriate steps!

5g and ai

IBM And Red Hat to Launch New Services Unleashing the Power of Ai and 5g

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The evolution of computer programming has promised a better world for us with cutting edge technology. Today, the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence are in great demand. They have opened a huge opportunity for every aspect of our world to grow. Not only they are useful to computer scientists but they can also help your business grow by understanding growth patterns.

With 5G network marching its way to the 21st century, the tech giants are looking for great inventions. Currently, 5G edge and AI are the two promising tools that can make a significant contribution to enterprise computing. So, the big companies are looking out for ways to capitalize on this by launching new products. Because, at the end of the day, driving customers towards the latest invention is the goal.

IBM’s collaboration with Red Hat

Today, at the Think Digital Conference, IBM and Red Hat have announced new services that will be jointly launched. The two companies backed by enormous investors will help enterprises step into the 5G era with edge computing. IBM has always focused on the working of enterprises and how to make it better with multi-cloud systems. On the other hand, Red Hat’s potential goes deep down in the open-source technology.

Together, IBM is planning to launch and make more efficient hybrid cloud technologies ditching the idea of the homogenous cloud. Many software solution companies provide homogenous cloud as a solution, but IBM wants to develop a much-differentiated service. Because the company thinks the working system of an enterprise should have hybrid cloud weaving all the sectors together.

A huge scope of development

With the advent of 5G telecommunication networks, there will be an increase in the speed of connectivity, reduction of latency, minimization of transmission delays, etc. So, IBM will be able to unlock its potential in many ways including emergency response, robotic surgery, road safety, etc. And, this will take place only because there will be no need to send the data to a centralized cloud.

What do the clients want?

James Whitehurst, President of IBM has explained to the media why their clients are better off without a homogenous cloud system. He has also said why the hybrid cloud is better than the homogenous cloud. Whitehurst sets a basic example of how one runs an entire factory. There is generally a mainframe that runs a set of transactional workloads. Now, every enterprise has a software sector, hardware sector, finance, etc.

So, there will be a certain set of applications that need to be run in a distributed environment. For doing so, data from one sector should be accessed by every other sector. For this purpose, a centralized cloud was used with showed latency. And, this problem can only be overcome by a hybrid cloud system. There will be no need to fit the workloads anymore in the public cloud.

Clients are looking for a more efficient and innovative user experience that is continuously available. With IBM’s multi-cloud hybrid offerings blended with Red Hat OpenShift, IBM will master edge computing and 5G network.

IBM’s new products

IBM is planning to launch new products to automate business planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With the implementation of AI, IBM is planning to build applications that will automatically run some routine tasks in an enterprise. It might minimize human labor as well. The company is also planning to develop tools for call-center automation. Precisely, IBM will launch IBM Edge Application Manager. It will be able to manage 10,000 edge nodes simultaneously. It will require only one administrator for this job.

IBM Telco Network Cloud Manager will be also released which runs on Red Hat OpenShift. Other AI-based applications include IBM Visual Insights, IBM Production Optimization, IBM Connected Manufacturing, IBM Asset Optimization, and many more. Apart from all these products, IBM will also be launching IBM Edge System. Through this platform, a set of ISVs and GSIs will help and support enterprises to understand and grab opportunities for edge computing.

Another important product of IBM in the series is IBM Telco Network Cloud Ecosystem. This will bring together a group of partners that will help the providers make use of their cloud system. These sets of partners include Cisco, Dell Technologies, Juniper Technologies, Intel, NVIDIA, Samsung, F5 Networks, etc.

Apple Macbookpro

Apple Releases New MacBook Pro with a Magic Keyboard

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Much earlier than expected, Apple has come out with the price and release date of their new MacBook Pro. The 13-inch Pro will come with a Magic Keyboard, to the delight of fans from around the world. The new MacBook Pro functions with an Intel 10th Gen processor, and the latest tech will set you back by $1,299.  When you look at the specs of the new MacBook, it isn’t a significant leap from the older version. Let us take a look at the latest release and what it will offer loyal fans around the world.

Goodbye Butterfly

The most significant change with this launch is that Apple has finally moved away from their disappointing butterfly keyboard. The keyboard which was met with a lukewarm response on release has been cut from their lineup quite quickly. The announcement for the MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen came out in November 2019. The last March also saw the release of a new MacBook Air with the Magic Keyboard. Within just six months, the company has switched up their keyboards, replacing the butterfly with the newer scissor-switch consoles. The butterfly came out initially in 2015, as a part of the MacBook.

Changes in Spec

Like with the previous MacBook Pro, the new release also uses four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connectors, with a headphone jack. Furthermore, the older design model has pulled through as the Touch Bar remains with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, they have added a physical Esc key, which fans desperately found lacking in the older design.

The RAM may go up to 32GB, whereas storage can expand up to 4TB. Also, as per Apple, the 10th Gen processor works at 4.1Ghz, and the Intel Iris supports the Pro Display at 6K resolution. The new screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which supports True Tone technology. Reports state that the base model comes with an 8th gen Intel i5 chipset. The laptop will come out equipped with the macOS Catalina out-of-the-box.

Storage Capacity Upgrade

The $1,299 model contains 256GB storage, which is 128GB higher than the older models. However, this model does not have the 10th Gen processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. To upgrade to 16GB RAM, users have to pay only $100, which is half of the $200 they charged previously. While there were rumors that the display would be made more prominent, that turned out to be false. The 13-inch screen can go up to 500 units of brightness and also supports the P3 gamut.

Keyboard Switch-Up

The upgraded SSDs have a reading speed of up to 3.0GB/s, which is quite fast. However, as per fans, the most significant change is the fact that Apple has now regularised the new scissor keyboard. All the newer launches of the company now come with this new keyboard. The butterfly keyboard had met with criticism as it was less dust resistant. In the scissor-switch console, keys are linked through interlocking plastic pieces that move like a scissor when pressed. Meanwhile, butterfly keyboards used a hinge to activate the keys. While the Magic Keyboard requires more travel than the older model, it will have less dust stuck in between the keys.

The new model is available for order via the company’s official website as of now. Within a week, it will reach select stores and resellers around the world. Students also get the option of saving $100 on the base model. As per Apple, the new 10th gen processor will provide 80% faster graphics performance, when compared to older models. However, the India sale date has not yet been announced. Furthermore, since the country has entered the third phase 3 of the lockdown, non-essentials may now be delivered in green and orange zones. Therefore, soon enough, the sale of the new MacBook Pro can begin with delivery, having started in some areas.