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Mint's personal finance app comes to Windows devices with Live Tile support
It's been a long time coming, but Mint has finally released a version of its personal finance app for both Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8. Just like its Android and iOS iterations, the app lets users track their account balances, spending habits and net income over time so that they can make better financial decisions. It also offers personalized alerts like bill reminders and advice to help you save more money. Other features include the ability to enter cash purchases manually and see if you're on track to reach a certain savings goal. A nice bonus that both Windows versions bring to the table is the ability to monitor information in real-time thanks to Live Tiles -- if you've set it up appropriately, you'll be able to see any changes to your account right from your Windows Start screen. New users can sign up and add their info right from within the app as well. So if you're trying to watch your holiday spending this time of year and you happen to use a Windows device, you may want to give the new Mint app a whirl. Who knows, you might have enough cash to spend on a brand-new tablet for yourself.
Switched On: If it ain't broke, fix it
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In a Microsoft strategy that embraces contradiction -- licensing software while trying to build its own devices -- it is unsurprising that goals for the Surface support competing priorities. On one hand, it is a showcase, a pure Microsoft experience in a role that the Nexus phones and tablets serve for Google. On the other hand, it is part of a line of business that must deliver profit over the long term. It is a product that Microsoft has bet big on in terms of development, marketing and inventory. And when its first iteration failed to meet sales expectations, Microsoft felt the pain. Surface has had a third, subtler role as well. In the world of traditional personal computing, it is one thing for Apple to do away with a modem or an optical drive. It is another for Intel to enable longer usage times and thinner form factors. But Surface has enabled Microsoft to set trends for a product's design in ways it could not when it was simply dictating hardware from the sidelines. Remember, for example, the SideShow second screen it advocated with Windows Vista?
Windows 8.1's web use doubles shortly after launch
Web traffic doesn't directly translate to market share, but it's handy for tracking the adoption of brand new operating systems -- take Windows 8.1, for example. Net Applications notes that Microsoft's new OS nearly doubled in web share upon its official launch in October, climbing to 1.7 percent. Clearly, a lot of web surfers had been waiting to upgrade. As you might imagine, though, the software took share from its predecessor as customers either replaced PCs or downloaded the free update. Windows 8 declined for the first time ever, falling half a point to 7.5 percent; the two 8.x revisions gained 0.4 points when put together, but Windows as a whole dipped slightly to 90.7 percent. Redmond wasn't the only one releasing a new platform, of course. Apple's OS X Mavericks accounted for more than 0.8 percent of web traffic last month, or enough to put it past Tiger and Leopard almost overnight. While the overall Mac platform only grew by a tiny amount to hit 7.7 percent of web use, we doubt that the crew at 1 Infinite Loop is complaining. It's not clear how the dueling Apple and Microsoft upgrades will compare in the long run, but you can check the historical trends both after the break and at the source link.
ASUS Transformer Book Trio reaches the UK on November 11th for £900
Brits who can't decide between an Android tablet and a Windows PC soon won't have to. ASUS has announced that it's bringing the Transformer Book Trio to the UK on November 11th for £900 ($1,440) through Amazon, Ebuyer and John Lewis. While the dockable tablet on offer isn't quite as powerful as what we saw in Taiwan, it's still no slouch. The base Windows 8 PC carries a 1.6GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive; detach the 11.6-inch 1080p display and you're carrying an Android 4.2-based tablet with a 1.6GHz Atom, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. ASUS hasn't said if or when the Trio will reach the US, but the UK release gives us hope that the multi-role PC will arrive stateside before too long.
Microsoft tries to clarify Windows 8 app support on Xbox One
Dell's been claiming that all your top Windows 8 apps could run on and be synced with the incoming Xbox One -- but Microsoft's saying that's not exactly how it is. According to AllThingsD, and echoed by the spokespeople we've contacted, not all Windows 8 apps will run on Xbox One. Does that mean that some of the apps will be compatible between the two? It could depend on what Dell judges to be "your favorite Windows 8 apps" and MS isn't saying outright that no apps will work cross-platform. Similarities between Microsoft's PC OS and the one found on its next-gen console should in principal, make universal apps something easier to accomplish. Microsoft told us that it is "committed to making it easier for developers to bring an app from one platform to another," but added that right now, it had nothing more to share when it came to apps on Xbox One. Only a month to go.
Windows 8 apps might sync and run on Xbox One, Dell website claims
The disparate ecosystems of Windows Phone, Microsoft's traditional desktop and the Xbox 360 left a generation of Redmond loyals aching for a more unified front. Now Dell seems convinced that one is on the way: according to a blurb on the company's online store, Windows 8 apps will be capable of being "run on and synced" to the Xbox One. "Now your phone, desktop, tablet and TV can all give you a unified web and entertainment experience," it says. Although this aligns well with some of the company's goals, we'd still take it with a grain of salt -- Microsoft has said in the past that the Windows 8 apps won't be cross-compatible with the Xbox One without extra tweaking. It's not clear if the Dell statement is a misunderstanding, or merely a suggestion that app data will sync across devices to provide a more seamless experience. Still, we've reached out to the company for clarification, and certainly wouldn't scoff better cross-platform support in either form.
Lenovo's convertible Yoga 2 Pro Ultrabook now available in the US, starts at $1,049
Many Ultrabook fans have pined for Lenovo's Yoga 2 Pro given its blend of a 3,200 x 1,800 display, long battery life and a slim profile. Those people can finally act on their impulses, as Lenovo has quietly started selling the 13-inch folding convertible. For the $1,049 base price, buyers get a silver gray variant with a Haswell-based 1.7GHz Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive. An orange model normally costs $1,399 (currently $1,149), although that also includes a 1.6GHz Core i5, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Be sure to shop around before you pick up the new system, however. Best Buy is currently selling an entry-level Yoga 2 Pro for $1,000, and there's a chance you'll find similar bargains elsewhere.
Hands-on with GestureWorks' Gameplay virtual controller (video)
With the exception of the Razer Edge, Windows 8 tablets are at a disadvantage when it comes to gaming -- most PC games are built with keyboard, mouse or a gamepad in mind. Although Civilization V and other select titles have special multitouch controls for the Surface Pro enthusiast, the majority of games are simply unplayable without peripherals. The solution? Find a middleman. GestureWorks Gameplay promises to solve the tablet owner's mobile gaming woes by creating a virtual touch interface that emulates keyboard and mouse inputs. The suite allows users to create custom multitouch controllers with virtual joysticks, d-pads, buttons and even mappable swipe gestures. It's a curious proposition, particularly when one considers the efforts Android and iOS gamers go through to dodge touchscreen controls. We met up with the company to get a quick look at the program's beta.
Fujitsu made a Windows 8 tablet with a fan that works underwater
Hidden within Fujitsu's autumn lineup for Japan was another waterproof tablet, but this one had something a little different -- an extractor fan that survives underwater. The 12.5-inch QH77/M will need it, because it runs on Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5-4200U processor, which (nearly always) requires a degree of cooling. The fan will halt when the tablet is submerged, apparently, although our allies at Engadget Japanese, asking the questions that count, posited whether the fan offered enough thrust to move the tablet "like a submarine," if left to whir away. Fujitsu's spokesman said that they tested that themselves -- like any discerning company should. Unfortunately, the tablet is "too heavy" to move along the depths of the ocean your bathtub.
Sony's VAIO Flip PC convertible laptops get priced in Japan
Sony was coy about its prices when the VAIO Flip PC series was unveiled at IFA, but now we have some figures from Japan -- where the same Haswell-powered notebooks are sold as the VAIO Fit 13A, 14A and 15A depending on their screen size. Starting in late October, customers with some spare yen can pre-order these convertible laptops, with the Fit 13A starting from ¥129,800 (about $1,340), the Fit 14A from ¥99,800 (about $1,030) and the Fit 15A from ¥104,800 (about $1,080). Of course, the devices will likely be cheaper when they eventually land in the US, but at least desperate Japan-based folks can grab one as soon as mid-November. Hit the source link, should you wish to study the detailed specs for each SKU.
Google testing Chrome OS-like browser interface for Windows 8
Launch Chrome in Windows 8 and you won't see much that's different compared to other desktop releases, even in the Metro-like mode. That may change soon. Google's has posted a Dev Channel version of its browser whose Windows 8 interface mimics Chrome OS, right down to the app tray and multi-window system. Whether or not many users will see this view isn't certain, however. Features in Chrome developer builds aren't guaranteed to reach finished software; this may remain an experiment. If the next stable version of the browser feels like a Chromebook sales pitch, though, it won't be a surprise.
CBS launches full episode streaming TV apps for Android and Windows 8
Fans of CBS shows no longer have to use iOS to watch full, HD-quality TV episodes while on the road: the broadcaster has just released Android and Windows 8 versions of its namesake video app. As on Apple's platform, viewers can watch already-aired programming for free. Delays for show access range from 24 hours for off-peak shows to as many as eight days for primetime material. Neither client syncs with the CBS Connect second screen app, although the network promises Android integration in the fall. BlackBerry users also won't be left out -- CBS plans to launch a native BlackBerry 10 client before the end of 2013. If you're ready to watch NCIS on a Nexus 7 or a Surface, you can grab either of the just-released apps at the source links.
Windows 8 reaches 8 percent of web traffic, but Windows 7 grows quicker
Web traffic for a major new operating system typically grows at a consistently faster pace than its predecessor. That's not true for Windows 8, however -- NetApplications now estimates that Windows 7 outpaced its newer counterpart for the first time in September. While Windows 8 did grow to a symbolic 8 percent of web use last month, its ancestor grew slightly faster, hitting 46.4 percent. We wouldn't necessarily say that Windows 8 is in trouble based on these figures, though. The rise in Windows 7 use corresponds to a drop for Windows XP (shown after the break), which suggests that corporate customers are in the midst of upgrades; they're less likely to choose a young OS. Microsoft still faces long-term problems, but they're more likely to stem from customers' shift toward mobile devices and away from PCs.
Daily Roundup: Galaxy Note 3 review, Kindle Paperwhite review, McAfee's NSA-proofing Decentral device and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Lenovo intros four IdeaCentre all-in-ones, including a super-wide 29-inch model
Lenovo is known for all-in-one PCs that stand out, and that's certainly true of a new four-model update to the company's IdeaCentre line. The headlining B750 is reportedly the first PC to include a 29-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio display; its 2,560 x 1,080 panel is potentially ideal for both movie aficionados and multitaskers. Lenovo appropriately equips the B750 with a 2.1-channel JBL audio system, and gamers may like the combination of Haswell-based processors with standard GeForce GTX 760A graphics. The system ships in October with a $1,199 base price. Don't need an extra-wide screen? Don't worry -- Lenovo's other three introductions may catch your eye. The A530, B350 and B550 improve on their predecessors with both Haswell chips and options for 1TB hybrid hard drives that combine speed with capacity. These smaller IdeaCentres should arrive alongside the B750 in October, with prices ranging from $799 for the 21.5-inch B350 to $1,199 for the 23-inch B550.
Sharp's first Windows 8 tablet has 10.1-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 IGZO display and water resistance (hands-on)
Kicking off this week's CEATEC show in Japan, Sharp has played to its strengths with its new Windows 8 tablet, the Mebius Pad, factoring in a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution display. That puts it pretty far ahead of the current crowd of 1080p Windows 8 tablets, including Microsoft's incoming Surface 2, although we admit, we'd have loved to have seen another incredible 4K tablet. Regardless, that's the highest resolution Windows 8 tablet we've seen yet. Alongside the company's 10.1-inch IGZO panel (known for their low-power credentials), the Mebius Pad runs on a slightly less-exciting Intel's latest Atom Z3370 SoC (codename Bay Trail). The basic Windows 8.1 model will arrive with Office for free, although you'll have to pay extra if you want it for the Pro edition. Also, following Japanese trends for practically any device, the slab is both water and dust-proof (it's in the midst of being certified for IPX5, IPX7, IP5X), while you'll be able to buy it with LTE radios on board, at least for Nippon, as the device is unlikely to leave Japanese shores once it launches in early 2014. Unsurprisingly, in the flesh the screen looked good -- Sharp even provided a magnifying glass so we could get up close to those pixels. The 10.1-inch display is also satisfyingly bright -- if we're honest, it's unusual to see such a capable screen powered by an Atom processor. The tablet is headed towards business use (which explains the optional stylus) and the extra resolution found on Sharp's first Windows 8 tablet means there's more space for your spreadsheets and documents. The hardware itself is suitably thin and light, with the rear of the device bearing a passing resemblance to recent Sony hardware -- possibly due to the understated camera lens in the corner. We'll let you know if Sharp has plans to offer the tablet to global business types. Update: We've corrected our description on the Mebius Pad's processor -- it's Intel's new Atom series.
Acer Iconia W4 tablet spotted at event with Bay Trail chip, IPS display (video)
There have been persistent rumors of an upgraded Acer Iconia W3 tablet with an IPS display and, quite possibly, a faster Bay Trail-based processor. Those rumors are now reality, as Bouweenpc.nl has just tried an unannounced Iconia W4 at an Intel event. True to expectations, the 8-inch device was carrying both the new 1.33GHz Atom Z3740 processor and a much improved "wide view angle" (read: IPS) screen. Not much else may change, however -- the pre-release slate still carried the W3's 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Given that the W4 is running Windows 8.1, we wouldn't be surprised if it reaches the market sometime around the Windows update's launch in October. Check out Bouweenpc.nl's hands-on video after the break.
Windows app install limit increases to 81 devices starting October 9th
Windows users rejoice: the days of only being able to install apps on five different devices will soon be over. Starting October 9th, apps purchased with a single Windows Store account will be sharable among up to 81 devices. If you recall, we learned back at Build that Microsoft would be increasing the app roaming limit, but today's announcement clarifies some key details nonetheless. Says the company in a blog post: "The change we're introducing will reduce the friction that most active customers have in being able to access their favorite apps from any device, and will give developers additional opportunities to monetize." This of course means one other thing: you're going to need a bigger backpack.
Microsoft reportedly close to unifying its app stores across Windows and Windows Phone
Microsoft is apparently far closer to bringing together its disparate stores than many thought. The company has reportedly already demoed a single app portal for both Windows and Windows Phone behind closed doors at its annual company meeting in Seattle, according to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley. One of her sources tells her that the new unified store will likely launch alongside the next iteration of Windows, version 8.1, although other sources were less certain on this. In any case, the gossip tallies with comments by Microsoft's Terry Myerson last week, who said that he sees the unification of Microsoft's platforms and APIs as a priority.
Tonido brings personal cloud storage to Windows 8 devices (video)
Codelathe's considerable expertise with Tonido's personal cloud storage gets a new venue today: Windows 8. After downloading a pair of apps -- one for your Linux rig, Mac or PC, and one for your mobile gizmo -- you're all set to stream most files from your home machine to your Redmond-running device. What's more, you can download whatever you're streaming so you can still use it if you go offline -- but keep an eye on your data cap if you're planning to pull down that Blu-ray rip of Looper.
