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Adobe lets you try new Lightroom features before they're released
Lightroom on the web is handy for using the photo-editing software when you're away from your personal computer. Today, Adobe announced that it's adding a big boost to the web-based software with Technology Previews. This means that Lightroom users will be able to test drive new features before they're widely available on the regular desktop app. The first tool that you'll be able to try is a universal search feature that lets you sort through all of the images synced online through Lightroom mobile, Lightroom on the web and the Lightroom desktop application. More new stuff is on the way, and you'll be able to offer feedback ahead of major feature releases.
Microsoft's new browser hits phones in latest Windows 10 preview
If you've been itchin' to take a look at the mobile version of Microsoft's new browser, now is your chance. The latest Windows 10 Technical Preview is available for phones, delivering Project Spartan and early looks at both its Reading List and Reading View features. As promised, the folks in Redmond also included Outlook Mail and Outlook Calendar apps this time around -- both of which are now the default options for the mobile version of Windows. New Phone and Messaging apps are here as well, as is retooled software for Maps, People (contacts) and an updated App Switcher. Nearly all of the additions sport the redesigned UI that Microsoft has been showing off since Windows 10 was announced back in January.
The Windows 10 preview will work on more phones soon
If you've been itching to try out a technical preview version of Windows 10 on your phone but didn't have a device on the short list, then we have good news. Microsoft just released a list of devices that it expects to support in the next "flight" and it includes additional Lumia models like the 1020, 1320, 1520, 920, Icon and so on (the list is after the break -- it does not include the Lumia 930). It will be at least a week until the next update rolls out, but there's no specific date promised, and the list of supported devices could change.
An in-depth look at the Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones
By now, you will have heard at least something about Windows 10, the next iteration of Microsoft's OS that aims to create a unified experience across all the devices it'll eventually inhabit: everything from PCs and laptops to tablets and phones. Microsoft already released several preview builds for computers, and now the first Windows 10 Technical Preview is available for phones. You're highly unlikely to want to install this buggy early build on your daily driver, but don't sweat it. I've got just the phone for the job: a Lumia 630, which happens to be one of the few compatible devices at the moment. So let's take a look at what's new, and what's still to come.
Windows 10 brings Windows Phone's notification center to the desktop
If Windows 10 is going to unify your experiences on devices ranging from smartphones to PCs, it only makes sense that key mobile features would reach the desktop, right? Microsoft certainly thinks so. The team in Redmond has released an updated version of the Windows 10 Technical Preview that brings Windows Phone's Action Center (that is, a notification area) to PCs. Whether there's an app update or an important meeting coming up, you can now find about it all in a single place; you won't have to check Live Tiles or jump into the apps themselves. No, it's probably not worth installing Microsoft's pre-pre-pre-release operating system just to try this out, but it's definitely worth an update if you're already living on the bleeding edge.
The Windows 10 Technical Preview is here!
If you can't wait to put Windows 8 behind you (and you're the adventurous type) you can now download the Windows 10 Technical Preview. As we saw, Microsoft has made the "Modern UI" all but disappear on the desktop and moved it to the resurrected start menu. That gives users a more familiar, almost Windows 7-like, experience. This also marks the first time virtual desktops have been baked into Windows, and you can switch between via a thumbnail in the taskbar. Some features from the mildly loathed previous version, like charms, were retained, but Microsoft said that pretty much everything was subject to change before it launches late next year. If you're ready for a long download and, no doubt, plenty of bugs, have a go here. And if you're still unsure, check out the quick guide to the preview, though be warned, it's a sizable PDF file.
Microsoft updates Photosynth with ultra high-resolution and 360-degree objects
Microsoft's Photosynth software has its fair share of fans. The high-tech panorama capture has always excelled at stitching together stunning images. The latest beta update brings a host of enhancements to the table that ensure Redmond wont be eclipsed by its competitors in short order. For one, the new Spin Photosynth allows you to walk around an object, snapping pictures that are then pieced together in a 360-degree 3D model. The servers doing all the heavy lifting are even able to identify moving objects, such as the birds in the spin around Haystack Rock after the break, and smooths the transition between pictures. Microsoft has also added support for ultra high-resolution imagery. In the second example after the break, a flight to Everest, you're able to glide your way through the Himalayas. Each full-size frame is a stunning 60 megapixels, which allows you to zoom in and view the glaciers and rocky crags in stunning detail. If you're interested in checking out the new features before they hit prime time, you can sign up for the technical preview here. But, be warned, it's on a first come first serve basis, so there's no guarantee you'll get into the program.
Microsoft Office 15 leaks suggest Office 2013 name, show off Metro logo and Web Apps UI
Didn't make it into Microsoft's Office 15 Technical Preview? Neither did we, however that has not stopped details about the next iteration of the office software suite from leaking out. CNbeta.com is flashing shots of a new red Metroized logo (no surprise) that's similar to Windows 8's err... window and showing off the name "Office 2013 Preview", while LiveSide.net has a comparison shot of the Web Apps Preview, seen above featuring a flattened look and spaced out buttons similar to screenshots seen earlier. We're still expecting a public beta of Office 15 / 2013 later this summer so it shouldn't be too long before we're all sharing the excitement of filling up cells and parsing data as though it was for the first time. Update: Added clarification that the shot above is from the Office Web Apps preview.
Microsoft Office 15 revealed, simpler UI with touch-friendly features
Microsoft started seeding its Office 15 technical preview to a select few partners earlier this year to get it ready for public consumption, and The Verge managed to get a sneak peek at some of the software's new features. As you would expect, the newest Office version got a dose of Metro style, and now has a cleaner interface and touch mode to make browsing documents and presentations as easy on a tablet as it is on a desktop PC. Word also received improvements, like double-click to zoom, smoother scrolling, video embeds and the ability to share documents online through a browser. Excel received some formatting controls and chart animations, among other improvements, while PowerPoint has made it easier to drop Excel charts into presentations without futzing with formatting. Outlook now has weather forecasts built in, in-line replies, and greater multiple email account support, and OneNote received improved tables support. So, it looks like the gang in Redmond is trying to stay a step ahead of its open-source competition, but we won't know for sure until Office 15 gets in the hands of the people this summer.
Microsoft begins Office 15 technical preview, fills up before you knew it existed
Everybody calm... we know, we're excited too. We're just dying to see the latest in spreadsheet and presentation technology. But, for now, you'll just have to wait as the technical preview for Microsoft's next version of Office is all filled up. What exactly Redmond has in store for us it wont say but, it's not shying away from hyperbole, declaring it "the most ambitious undertaking yet for the Office Division." Primarily we assume that's because every arrow in the Office quiver is being updated simultaneously, including desktop, mobile and web apps, Visio, Lync and its countless other peripheral programs. Don't draw a warm bath and grab a straight razor, though -- you'll get a chance to play with all the updated products when they enter public beta this summer.
