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Latest Ubuntu hits the web with mostly minor refinements
Today's release of Ubuntu 15.04 is yet another installment in the slow and steady march forward from Canonical. The company knows that not every OS release needs to be accompanied by fanfare and dramatic changes to your desktop. And this edition of the popular Linux distro perfectly epitomizes that philosophy. There are basically zero user-facing interface changes, except for the ability to set application menus to always show, instead of only popping up when you mouse over them. Otherwise most of the changes are under the hood. The OS should be faster and more stable, thanks to updates to updates to the underlying system, like the Unity desktop and Linux kernel. The default apps also got some minor version bumps, including Firefox and LibreOffice.
Google reveals Mac security holes before Apple's fix is ready
Microsoft isn't the only big tech firm grappling with surprise security flaw disclosures these days. Google's Project Zero security unit revealed at least two unpatched vulnerabilities in OS X (Yosemite appears to have mitigated a third) that theoretically help attackers take control of your Mac. The search company says it privately notified Apple about the holes back in October, but automatically published the details after Project Zero's usual 90-day cutoff period. Apple's usual policy is to decline comment on exploits like this until it has a solution. However, relief is at least relatively close -- iMore reports that an upcoming Yosemite update (10.10.2) is expected to tackle these flaws. The main question is whether or not Apple can deliver its fix before malware writers find a way to use those bugs for sinister purposes.
Here's the biggest news from Microsoft's Windows 10 event
Microsoft hinted that its January Windows 10 event would have a lot to offer, and boy was it right. The Redmond crew unveiled not just a ton of software features for desktops and mobile devices, but also new hardware that pushes the limits of what you thought computers could do. Overwhelmed? Don't be -- we've rounded up the biggest news from the event in the gallery below, so you'll know just what to expect when the new Windows is ready for prime time.
What's new in Windows 10 for PCs? A lot.
Coming into today's Windows 10 event, we already knew a lot about Microsoft's latest and greatest. The company explained the thinking behind its new OS back in September, and the Technical Preview has been available for months. The core change comes in the form of a revitalized desktop experience -- one that puts the best of Windows 7 and 8 into a single package. Windows will also now better match the convertible devices Microsoft is pushing, with a consistent UI across all platforms, but there's a whole lot more to explore here, including some features detailed today for the first time. Let's take a closer look.
Microsoft's HoloLens headset is a holographic display for Windows 10
Microsoft is building support for holographic displays into Windows 10, so it only makes sense that the company would make one of those displays, wouldn't it? Meet HoloLens, an official headset with see-through lenses that merges digital content with the physical. It includes spatial sound so that you can hear things happening behind you in the virtual world, and it even has a dedicated Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) to make sure everything works smoothly. The company is shy about just when it'll start selling HoloLens, but it should be available "in the Windows 10 time frame."
Windows 10's messaging lets you use multiple chat services at once
If you're tired of jumping between multiple messaging apps to stay in touch with others, you may want to get Windows 10 when it shows up. Microsoft has revealed that the new Windows messaging client can integrate multiple internet-based services, creating a single conversation for each person regardless of the apps they use. Think of it as a parallel to the unified chat feeds in Apple's Messages app or Google's Hangouts, except that you're not limited to a handful of online providers. Developers will no doubt need to add support (you shouldn't expect WhatsApp or Line to magically appear), but this is a big deal if you're a social butterfly.
Windows 10 is a free upgrade for all 7 and 8.1 users (update: RT too)
Wondering how much Windows 10 will set you back? In most cases, nothing. Microsoft has announced that the new operating system will be a free upgrade in the first year for everyone using Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Phone 8.1. The company sees Windows as a service rather than a product, Terry Myerson explains. Yes, Microsoft is partly following in Apple's footsteps (OS X upgrades have been free since Mavericks), but it's hard to complain about getting a big update for free. Update: During a Q&A session after the event, Myerson promised that Windows RT users would get an upgrade to 10 as well. Your Surface 2 won't be left high and dry!
Ubuntu Linux is now ready to power your appliances and robots
Ubuntu Linux has spread to quite a few platforms in its 10-year history, if not always successfully. Today, though, the open source software is tackling what could be its greatest challenge yet: the internet of things. Canonical has released a version of its stripped-down snappy Ubuntu Core for connected devices like home appliances, robots and anything else where a conventional PC operating system wouldn't fly. It's designed to run on modest hardware (a 600MHz processor will do) and provide easy updates, all the while giving gadget makers the freedom to customize the software for whatever they're building. It promises to be extra-reliable, too -- it only applies updates if the code checks out, so you won't lose control of your smart thermostat due to a buggy upgrade.
More than a million people have signed up to test Windows 10
Thinking about giving the Windows 10 preview build a shot? You aren't the only one -- according to Microsoft, its Windows Insider Program hit one million registrants over the weekend, giving a lot of potential users access to the latest build of its next-gen operating system. Joining the Windows Insider Program doesn't necessarily translate to an installed preview, but it is the only way to get access to Windows 10 currently. While it's not clear how many of those millions have installed the OS, Microsoft says it has received over 200,000 pieces of feedback through Windows' native feedback application.
Impressive 'Bikerlapse' video showcases the awesomeness of Instagram's Hyperlapse app
Instagram recently released Hyperlapse, a time-lapse video recording tool that allows you to capture an event and condense it down to a short, professional-looking video that you can easily share. One of the best Hyperlapse videos is from Nathan Kaso, who filmed his "Bikerlapse" clip one-handed while riding around Melbourne. The video quality is pretty lo-fi but that stabilization technology is nothing short of amazing. The whole video was shot hand-held, one hand to steer and one hand to hold the camera. All of the these shots are straight out of the app, with no post stabilization or effects. I used a RØDEGrip iPhone mount for extra stability while shooting and an Arcadia USB power bank to keep my phone charged for the whole day. You can check out the Vimeo video below and let us know what you think in the comments. [Via Petapixel]
Today in the App Store -- the best free apps, new apps and app updates
Here are some of the best free apps, app updates and new apps that have landed in the App Store recently. All app prices are USD and subject to change. Some deals may expire quickly, so grab them while you can. Apps Now Free 7 Minute Workout - Quick Fit [iPhone; Now free, down from $1.99] Get in shape with this scientifically proven, full body workout, in only 7 minutes. Weblock - AdBlock for iOS [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $1.99] Weblock allows you to block online content. It can block ads (banners and popups in other apps and websites), statistics, user tracking, scripts or images. insTuner - Chromatic Tuner with Tone Generator [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $3.99] insTuner is a chromatic tuner that helps you tune instruments quickly and accurately. It also features a Tone Generator just like a pitch pipe with four different wave forms. Defenders [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $4.99] Fight off hordes of evil mutants created by a cataclysmic event in Nival's new tower defense meets collectible card game, Defenders. EleMints: Periodic Table [iOS Universal; Now free, down from $4.99] EleMints is a revolutionary periodic table for the science geek in all of us. Retromatic HD 2.0 [iPad; Now free, down from $1.99] Take your pictures back in time with Retromatic's retro-style themes, stickers, and effects. Retromatic 2.0 [iPhone; Now free, down from $1.99] Take your pictures back in time with Retromatic's retro-style themes, stickers, and effects. IMAGEmini [OS X; Now free, down from $19.99] IMAGEmini, a powerful photo resizer and optimizer, allows you to optimize all your photos by 80% New and Notable Apps Matter [iOS Universal; $1.99] Add stunning 3D effects to your photos with real-time shadows and reflections. Revolution 60 [iOS Universal; Free] Revolution 60 is a breakthrough game for iOS, using the strength of the touch interface to tell an intense, movie-length story. Dance Party for Apple TV [iPhone; Free] Dance Party is a rhythm game where you mimic the movements of onscreen dancers using your iPhone or iPod Modern Combat 5: Blackout [iOS Universal; $6.99] Step into the action as the latest installment in the best FPS series raises the bar for shooters once more! Create a squad, add your friends and test your individual and team skills against other squads! We Heart It [iOS Universal; Free] We Heart It provides a canvas for people to connect and express themselves through images. iffi [iPhone; Free] Can't decide on what shoes to buy, which restaurant to go to or where to take your next holiday? Let your friends and the world help! Ripil [iPhone; Free] Ripil is a free app that lets you connect with people on a human level, express your kindness toward the world around you, and allows you to keep track of the continued good that happens after your deed is accomplished.) Updates you don't want to miss Gmail - email from Google [iOS Universal; Free] Get the official Gmail app for your iPhone or iPad. Version 3.14159 brings the following changes: Save attachments directly to Google Drive so you can access them anywhere while saving space and bandwidth on your device Insert Google Drive files directly into messages New account management options to choose which accounts you want to have visible in Gmail without removing accounts from your device. Change your profile picture (in Settings) Cannonball email App for Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, Exchange, AOL and IMAP [iOS Universal; Free] Cannonball has set out on a mission to inspire you to fall in love with email again by organizing your inbox in a highly visual way. Version 2.0 brings the following changes: Now on iPad and iPhone! Reeder 2 [iOS Universal; $4.99] Reeder is a an RSS client. Version 2.5 brings the following changes: New sync services: FeedHQ, Inoreader, NewsBlur, Minimal Reader, The Old Reader, BazQux Reader Changes: Improved Feedbin sync Changes: Improved Feed Wrangler sync Fixed: Crash when syncing with Fever should be fixed Chore-inator [iOS Universal; $2.99] Chore-inator brings consistency, accountability, and structure to any household! Version 2.0 brings the following changes: An updated user interface. Parents can award bonus stars or take away existing stars. Optional weekly notifications that it is time to pay allowances and approve or deny reward claims. Option to display the number of chores completed for the day and stars earned over each child's photo in Child Mode. The schedule section of the Parent Mode overview gives you more information than ever about your child's daily progress with their chores. Themes let you change the look of Chore-inator. Now changes are synced when you exit Chore-inator if automatic syncing is enabled.
OS X Yosemite preview: the Mac gets a major makeover
The last time Apple released a new version of OS X, we came away feeling a little... underwhelmed. Don't get us wrong: We'll never say no to a free software upgrade. But despite a handful of new apps and features, last year's Mavericks release still felt like the same old OS X. You can't say that about Yosemite, though. The company's next-gen operating system ushers in the Mac's biggest makeover in years, with a flat, streamlined look inspired by iOS 7. Yosemite works more like iOS too, particularly the part where you can route phone calls to your desktop. You'll also enjoy improved Spotlight search, with results that include news, local restaurant listings, Wikipedia pages, movie times and quick unit conversions. Safari works much the same way, and includes some enhanced privacy settings, too. Right now, Yosemite isn't quite finished -- it won't arrive until sometime this fall -- but you can sign up for the public beta, which will open tomorrow for the first million people who enlist. In the meantime, I've been using an early build for a week now. Here's a quick preview for those of you who can't wait till tomorrow.
Early Android L tests show serious battery life improvement
One of the big reveals for Android 4.4 KitKat's successor, Android L, was Project Volta -- new tweaks to improve battery life. Those include a new API that schedules minor tasks better, a "battery historian" to track battery-sapping activities and ART, a more efficient runtime. There's also a "battery saver" mode that kicks in aggressively when only 15 percent of the battery remains. Now that the developer preview has been in the wild, Ars Technica has put it through its paces, along with a number of users on the XDA developer forums. The results? So far so good, with some caveats. Under tightly controlled conditions, Ars Technica managed a whopping 36 percent better battery than KitKat, without even using the battery saver mode. Many XDA users saw comparable results, though battery life was actually worse than on Android 4.4 for some. However, that was likely influenced by apps and other factors -- one user noticed WhatsApp sucking 15 percent of his battery life, likely a beta bug. We'll be running our own battery of tests, as it were, but the takeaway for now? Hey, it's still a developer preview -- but we're optimistic.
Edward Snowden's OS of choice, the Linux-based Tails, is now out of beta
Edward Snowden knows better than most how effectively the NSA can scope us online, so that's why he used the Amnesiac Incognito Live System (Tails) to cover his own whistleblowing. That OS is now out of beta as version 1.0, letting you surf on most PCs while leaving zero trace of your activities. Its anonymizing apps include email and IM clients, an office suite, a web browser, image and sound editors and the infamous Tor anonymity network system. There's no need for an installation, as it can run from a USB key, DVD or SD card independently of your existing OS, without touching your hard drives. If you've used the app before, the (anonymous) developers are advising you to grab the new release, as there are a host of security and bug fixes.
Ubuntu 14.04 is ready for a world filled with high-resolution touchscreens and tablets
Has it truly been six months already? It feel like just yesterday we were kicking the tires on a fresh install of Saucy Salamander. Now Canonical is pushing out the latest version of its popular Linux distro. Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (code named: Trusty Tahr) is part of its long term support series which means it will receive support and security updates for five years rather than the usual nine months. That's a major deal for companies using either on desktops and servers. But servers and enterprise desktops aren't where the excitement lies. What makes Trusty a huge deal for Canonical is that it finally makes the OS ready to use on touchscreens, high DPI displays and tablets. Until now Ubuntu didn't scale properly on high resolution displays (which this editor discovered the hard way when he installed it on his shiny new Carbon X1). The bigger news though is that 14.04 marks the first stable version of Ubuntu for tablets. The OS is packing a number of improvements to its touchscreen support, which will be essential when commercial tablets hit the market, which Canonical suggest will be happening this year in its press release. You can go download Ubuntu 14.04 now for free.
Microsoft said to be waiving Windows Phone fees for some manufacturers
Rumors have been popping up lately that Microsoft's Windows Phone OS may become free to some companies to help them compete with Android devices. Now two unnamed Indian manufacturers, part of a group of new Windows Phone partners, have said that they are, in fact, getting WP8 at no charge. One told the Times of India that it's "not paying Microsoft a license fee" through a unique, specific agreement. Redmond wouldn't confirm that, however, saying only that "we have extensive programs to help our partners build great devices." Indian OEM Karbonn notably just launched a dual-boot Android/WP8 phone, though it hasn't admitted to receiving any largess. Either way, it would mark the first time Microsoft hasn't taken a fee for its mobile OS, even from Nokia. Until it clarifies things, though, it's best to take all this with a grain of salt -- even though it would give a more viable non-Android option to Microsoft in the developing world.
Hands-on with Samsung's vastly improved Tizen OS
Samsung's device lineup may still be heavily dominated by Android, but change is in the air. Tizen, the open-source OS it jointly develops with Intel, powers the company's three new Gear wearables, and smartphones are coming later this year. We got the chance to play with Samsung's latest Tizen phone prototype, which runs a customized build (version 2.2.1) of the platform, allowing us to see what's changed since the last time we saw a Samsung developer handset. While there's still plenty of similarities between the prototype and what we've seen in the past, Samsung's worked to incorporate parts of its Android design language, particularly in the apps drawer, notification tray and homescreen widgets. Not only do they look better, each of the elements are more feature rich than before, offering users greater control over the device and making it feel like a complete platform. The company insists the platform isn't designed to replace Android, affirming that it forms part of its "multi-OS strategy," but given its recent wearable overhaul, we'll never say never. Check out the hands-on video below to see what a Samsung mobile future without Google could possibly look like.
Future Windows 8.1 update may let you pin its Store apps to the desktop's taskbar
Microsoft started blurring the lines between the modern Windows interface and the classic desktop with Windows 8.1, and there are now signs that it's ready to mix things up a little more. WZor has posted screenshots of a leaked Windows 8.1 update that would let users pin Windows Store apps to the desktop's taskbar, saving them the trouble of visiting the Start screen. There aren't any hints that these apps would run on the desktop. However, it may be easier to return to the traditional Windows environment. SuperSite for Windows' Paul Thurrott hears from sources that the upgrade may also add a desktop-like close button -- you wouldn't have to remember gestures or keyboard shortcuts to quit a Store app. There aren't any clues as to when this OS update would arrive, although we wouldn't be surprised if there's some news by the time Microsoft's Build developer conference kicks off in early April.
Ridiculous moments in Apple development
In the Apple world, UTI refers to universal type identifiers. It's a hierarchical system that has replaced MIME types and file extensions to describe types of data, whether applications or images, movies or audio. They were first introduced in OS X 10.4 and now are used across both iOS and OS X. UTIs specify what kind of information is being used for common data objects. Today, I was working on updating an OS X utility of mine, trying to add drag-and-drop to the application icon. To accomplish this, I had to associate document types with my app, so it knew what kinds of items to respond to. As you've probably already figured out, these document types are defined as UTIs, using Apple's standard reverse domain-naming system. Immediately I jumped over to Google, where I typed in UTI and public, searching for the kind of UTI that described both folders and generic files. I expected to find something like "public.document". My top result? "Can you get UTIs from a public toilet" Thank you, Google. For the curious, the answer I was looking for, by the way, was "public.data". My app is now updated and accepting drag-and-drops on its icon.
Oppo N1 CyanogenMod phone launches December 24th with Google's blessing
Oppo's announcement of a CyanogenMod custom Android version of the N1 was great news for performance phone fans, but who wants to sideload apps? Luckily, the new handset and CyanogenMod 10.2 combo has just cleared Google's compatibility test suite (CTS) gauntlet, meaning it'll officially get Google's Play Store to install apps. That's the first time CyanogenMod has been certified by Mountain View on any device, a milestone which entailed "a lot of sleepless nights," according to the group. With that hurdle cleared, Oppo has announced that the CM-equipped handset will be available on December 24th, though there's no word if it'll cost $599 like the standard model. Either way, fans of a more-or-less stock Android experience now have another choice besides Nexus and Google Play Edition handsets.
