The much-awaited iOS and Android version of Microsoft Office suite may be around the corner. Online reports speculate that the productivity suite may be available on the iOS and Android mobile platforms in the next year.
There may be some strings attached to this though, since it is generally presumed that the iOS and Android apps of the Office suite may not be fully functional, without having to subscribe to Microsoft’s own Office 365 cloud service.
Microsoft Mobile Office Applications
From a Verge report citing unnamed sources, the yet to be released Office apps may only provide their users with the option to view their Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents. Each user may have to subscribe to the Microsoft Office 365 service, in order to edit his or her documents on the go.
Though the Verge report did not state or include a price for the subscription, a Microsoft Office Home Premium product’s 365 subscription generally costs $99.99 per annum for five user licenses. The mobile version of the subscription may, however, not cost as much as this.
App Release Date
According to the Verge report, the iOS version of Microsoft Office may be released towards the end of February or in early March 2013, while the Android version may be released in the month of May 2013.
The first date correlates with some earlier online reports on the release of the mobile Office apps. This includes a Czech Republic Microsoft product manager revealing a release date of March 2013 for the apps, and a published photo by The Daily, supposedly claiming to be a photograph of the mobile Office application running on an iPad, both of which were refuted and/or denied by Microsoft.
Mobile Office Launch
There were some predictions, too, that Microsoft would launch a mobile Office product at its SharePoint conference in Las Vegas, based on the assumption that Microsoft may want to position its mobile Office app as an enterprise product.
Presently Android and iOS users may use Microsoft OneNote app for note-taking but will have to rely on other third party apps like QuickOffice and Documents To Go, to read and edit their Office documents.
As great as apps are for our day-today operations, having a smartphone or other device that is out of commission due to unforeseen accidents such as a cracked screen or water damage may render such a tool useless. If your device is in need of repair, seeking out a professional such as iFixYouri can be a solid recourse.
Microsoft is making a great effort to stay relevant in a world that is increasingly post-PC. Microsoft is doing this with Surface, its first attempt at creating its own computer hardware. According to the early reviews, Microsoft has more work to do in order for Surface to be a competitive replacement for laptops, Android tablets and iPads.
The hardware that is earning good reviews for Microsoft is the kickstand and keyboard cover. However, many people wonder if Surface is really useable when holding it on a lap. The Windows RT software raises a larger question because it is limited, has bugs and cannot run the old Microsoft applications as well as Windows 8 can. Surface Pro, created to run Windows 8, may be better received when it debuts within a few months.
Microsoft Surface Reviews
The following are comments from well respected reviewers:
David Pogue stated in the New York Times that all but the cold-blooded will not be able to keep their pulses from racing when they first see Surface: the potential, the beauty and the instant change to PC from tablet. He goes on to say it is incredible that Microsoft created this envelope-pushing, bold design because up to now they only produced a feeble imitation of the fresh ideas they saw in other companies. One glitch, though, is that Surface does not have proper support and is let down by Microsoft’s own specialty—their software.
Peter Bright from Arstechnica had this to say: This makes the decision to buy Surface dependant not on the hardware itself, but on the Windows RT software. To run on Windows RT, third party applications must use the Metro Interface and purchase it through the Windows Store. Right now, there are not enough applications, and the ones that do exist are mediocre.
Others said the tablet is beautiful and well made, and serious work is possible on the device, but unfortunately it functions more as a laptop on a desk.
One thing is for sure — no matter what the technology, or how well it functions, it is susceptible to damage or breaking. Fortunately for the new owners of the Surface tablet who have already managed to damage the item, there is professional help: tablet repair from iFixYouri.
At a point in time, Apple was the undisputed leader in the smartphone niche in the absence of any substantial competition. However, with the emergence of Android and more recently, Windows Phone, things have changed quite a bit. These new mobile operating systems have received both critical acclaim and popular acceptance. Microsoft was the most recent software giant to enter the mobile OS niche with the introduction of Windows Phone.
The Best Windows Phone Brands
In the short span of time since its release, the software has made quite a stir in the mobile market. Just like Android, the Windows OS is available in smartphones of different brands. Based on their performance and features, the following is a list of some of the best Windows smartphones:
1. Nokia Lumia 900
Nokia’s flagship phone, Nokia Lumia 900 is being touted as the best Windows smartphone available in the market as of now. To begin with, it comes with a high resolution 4.3 inch AMOLED screen, a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor, 512 MB RAM and 16 GB internal storage.
As with all phones powered by the Windows OS, it has many pre-installed apps like Microsoft Office, Xbox, OneNote etc. At the same time, it also has apps exclusive to Nokia like CNN, ESPN, Creative Studio etc. All said done, the Nokia Lumia 900 is an ideal combination of spectacular configuration and impressive apps. Significantly, the other smartphones in the Lumia range (i.e. Lumia 800 and Lumia 710) have also received largely positive reviews.
2. HTC Radar 4G
Let’s start with the basic configurations: the HTC Radar runs on Windows 7.5 Mango and is powered by a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. In addition to this, it has 512 MB RAM and 8 GB internal storage. The screen size is 3.8 inches which makes it very comfortable to hold. The solid technical specifications are supplemented by a sleek and smooth design, making the HTC Radar quite a strong contender in the Windows phone market.
3. Samsung Focus Flash
When it comes to technical specifications, there isn’t a lot separating the Samsung Focus Flash from HTC Radar 4G. Just like the HTC Phone, this smartphone boasts of Windows 7.5 Mango, 512 RAM and 8 GB internal memory. It does have a better processor which clocks in at 1.4 GHz. In terms of looks and design, the Samsung Focus Flash stands out with its sharp edges and geometrical feel.On the flip side, the battery life is strikingly low, even for a smartphone. Additionally, the 5 megapixel camera might disappoint some photography enthusiasts.
Apart from these, other Windows smartphones like HTC Titan and HTC Surround have also managed to impress with their overall performance. One must remember that Windows OS was launched not very long ago and has made terrific progress since then. While the market has already seen some great Windows smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 900, there is reason enough to believe that the best is yet to come.
If you get your hands on one of these new models, and an accident occurs where the phone stops working properly, you can get the device repaired at iFixYouri. The repair company is experienced in every smartphone model on the market, and can get your Windows Phone working again.
Just when loyal Windows users were getting used to Windows 7, the iconic software company has announced and offered a Windows 8 Preview. Just what is the next move for Microsoft? Here are some of its highlights and why it is a breeze to use. Although the official launch will be in October this year, a few minor adjustments will be made from the trial version until then.
Easy Download
The Windows 8 Preview team has made it easier for current users of its predecessors XP, Vista and 7 to download Windows 8 Preview as an upgrade for $39.99. An additional bonus is the Windows Media Center for free, after the download is successful. A step-by-step guide will then be made available from purchase to download and installation.
Compatibility Uses
A Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant informs users if the device is ready for the new version. Users will then be able to choose necessary files and data to “carry over” to Windows 8. When downloading Windows 8 for more than one device, be sure to connect them to a computer and it will sync in. Windows 8 also utilizes Skydrive, Microsoft’s version of free cloud storage, where critical files are synced immediately for progressive, hassle-free file exchange.
Metro Instead of Start
Windows 8 Preview has shown that it finally bid goodbye to the Start button, one identifying feature of the Microsoft Windows user experience since its earliest versions. Where the Start button should be, it opens up into the Metro Interface leading to a selection of Tile Apps. However, some hesitation has been expressed that the Metro Interface is not ideal for desktops and laptops but is instead more geared to make tablets and smartphones more interactive. This has posed quite an issue for file retrieval among laptop and desktop users.
Thumbnails for Navigation
More test users say Windows 8 Preview is designed to be used with a touchscreen, hence the thumbnails for navigation which, when tapped, will open to many different Apps and can be used and monitored side by side to highlight its appeal as a committed UI. Perhaps Microsoft is pushing its touchscreen netbooks in the market with an already able Operating System? For this version, the thumbnail navigation is Windows Live.
Faster Interaction
Obviously, Windows 8 is centered on full-screen interaction for top social media Apps and so far, reviews say that the OS is remarkably fluid. When connected to the web, the tiles offer a live update which eases having to open windows on an older version of the OS. To add, its boot time is also faster for both shutdown and starting up. Faster updates are also easier now that auto-complete on social media apps is present when typing is done.
The Verdict
The Windows 8 Preview shows that this newest breakthrough has much to offer; it is clean, smart and simple. In its biggest year ever, Windows has given new meaning to devices through its new method of computing. It is a powerful tool and has so many possibilities. With the new changes made, the choice is still up to the consumers.
If you’re curious about using Windows 8, but you don’t have a working device that is compatible, now is the time to get your Windows-compatible device fixed.