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Samsung launches a phone upgrade program of its own
With global smartphone sales decidedly flat, how can companies push new device sales? As expected, Samsung is following in Apple's footsteps by launching an upgrade program that will motivate users to get fresh models. According to Reuters, customers in South Korea who purchase the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge phones have the option to sign up for the 24 month plan and pay 7,700 won ($6.35) on top of the cost of the phone. Like the program that went live in the UK last week, customers can turn in the device and get the Galaxy S8 or whatever the latest model is.
Samsung may launch its own phone upgrade program
If Apple and Samsung were humans rather than multi-billion dollar multinational corporations, the best way to describe them would probably be "frenemies." Time and again one looks to the other for inspiration, money, or as a source of parts, and today's no different. The latest? Reuters reports (sourcing Korea's Electronic Times) that the Korean tech giant is going to launch a phone upgrade program like Cupertino did last fall with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Basically, you'll be able to upgrade every year so long as you're on a contract.
Microsofts preps Windows 10 updates for Lumia phones
After Microsoft delayed the release of Windows 10 for Windows Phone 8.1 handsets, there are signs that it's finally ready to roll. The software giant has launched an internal beta for the Mobile Upgrade Advisor for Windows 10, as spotted by a Neowin reader. That's similar to the tool it used last year to prep PC users for Windows 10. According to the description, the app "will tell if your Windows 8.1 phone is eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile. It can also help free up space on your phone so you're ready to upgrade." It's still not available for the public to download, but that situation should change soon.
You can stop Microsoft bugging you about Windows 10 upgrades
One of the great things about the days of the doorstop salesperson is that you could slam the door in their face if you weren't in a buying mood. It's not a hint that Microsoft was willing to take, constantly harassing Windows 7 and 8 users to make the upgrade to Windows 10. Thankfully, the firm has made it known that it is possible to disable the notifications once and for all, as long as you're prepared to get your hands dirty. If so, then you can use this tutorial to amend the registry, blocking any access to the upgrade path. At the same time, Microsoft is relaxing the rules as to who can upgrade their system to Windows 10, enabling small businesses and similarly small organizations to get in on the action.
Hyundai Sonata will finally get CarPlay in early 2016
Hyundai began teasing Apple's CarPlay software for its vehicles way back in 2014, but failed to deliver it as promised in the 2015 Sonata. Now, the automaker will finally make Cupertino's in-car system available during the first quarter of 2016. What's more, it won't be a free upgrade. Hyundai says that Sonata owners will need to purchase an SD card in order to employ CarPlay inside their vehicles. Originally, the company said the software would be available for free in 2015 and 2015 Sonata models outfitted the requisite infotainment setup. What's more, Hyundai already offers Android Auto to its customers free of charge. When CarPlay arrives for Sonata owners, the Hyundai will join the likes of Chevrolet and Honda that already offer the software inside vehicles.[Image credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg]
The Large Hadron Collider's next upgrade is moving forward
The Large Hadron Collider recently got back to work after a two-year layoff for maintenance and upgrades, but soon it will go under the knife again. Last week 230 scientists met at CERN in Switzerland to discuss the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) project, and move it from the development phase to the construction stage. After two more Long Shutdown periods in 2019 and 2024, the HL-LHC will deliver 10 times the amount of particle collisions it does now. New technology coming its way includes 12 superconducting quadropole magnets (one is pictured above), "crab" cavities that tilt the particle beams before collisions and more. When we took a look at the science behind particle accelerators a few years ago, the HL-LHC was already in development and after a four year design study it's one (big) step closer to reality.
Windows 10 upgrade push changes things for IT pros and bootleggers
Microsoft mistakenly pushed Windows 10 upgrades to existing Windows 7/8 users through the Update process earlier this year, but next year it will do it on purpose. That's just one of several changes coming to the update process, as it targets IT professionals doing mass upgrades, and even people running less-than-legit copies of Windows. The office IT guys out there will appreciate a future update to the Media Creation Tool so it can create a single image capable of upgrading older Windows PCs whether they're 32-bit, 64-bit, Home or Pro, and even wipe a system to do clean installs. Also coming soon to users in the US (and later in other countries), will be an easy one-click activation process to "get Genuine" via the Windows Store, even with a code purchased elsewhere. Of course, even if you don't fall into those categories and just want to keep your old version of Windows, you'll need to be more careful starting in 2016.
Your PC may update to Windows 10 if you don't pay attention
Microsoft really, really wants you on Windows 10. We noticed last month that it was downloading the optional Windows 10 updater whether you asked for it (and had space for it) or not. Now it's actually pre-ticking the update box, as Ars Technica reports. That means if you're not watching closely and just hit "OK" to the latest updates, Windows Update will go ahead and install the whole shebang -- all 3GB to 6GB of it -- on your PC. While it's a worthy upgrade, there are myriad reasons that folks may not want to do that just yet, including privacy changes and the lack of a free DVD player.
Android Marshmallow reaches devices next week
Anxious to know when Android 6.0 Marshmallow will reach your existing devices? Google is more than happy to oblige. Existing Nexus devices will start getting Marshmallow next week, including the 5, 6, 7, 9 and Player. And of course, if you spring for the shiny-new Nexus 5X or 6P, you'll get Marshmallow right out of the box. There's no word on third-party device updates just yet, but we'd expect news from some manufacturers in the near future. Be prepared to wait longer than Nexus owners, though -- other companies' customized takes on Android typically require more time in the oven. Get all the news from today's Google event right here.
Alienware will give recent laptop buyers a free upgrade
It's tough to buy a laptop when new processors are imminent -- you can't help but feel that the system you just bought will be rendered obsolete weeks later. That might not be a problem if you snagged one of Alienware's latest laptops, though. The Dell-owned PC maker is promising free upgrades if you bought one of its updated portables (those introduced on August 27th) and new processors reach the relevant Alienware line within 30 days. In other words, you're not hosed if a Skylake-based system shows up while you're still getting used to your days-old machine. The company tells us it has "high confidence" that Skylake will show up by late September, so you'll be future-proofed as long as there isn't a delay.
LG will upgrade your old webOS TV with some fresh features
If you're still rocking a first-generation webOS TV and regret that you didn't hold out for a webOS 2.0 set, don't worry -- you'll soon catch up in some respects. LG is promising a Value Pack Upgrade that gives your webOS 1.0 TV four core features from 2.0, including favorite channels in the launcher, improved search, instant input detection and quick settings. You should also see overall boosts to ease of use and performance. The pack isn't the same as a full-on webOS 2.0 upgrade, but it might alleviate your early adopter's remorse when it starts rolling out on September 21st.
SanDisk will help you switch to an SSD for $40
Looking to give your aging computer some new life? Swapping out the hard drive for a new SSD could do the trick, and if you're nervous completing the upgrade yourself SanDisk has a new service to lend a hand. The company's SSD Concierge Service offers live video support (via a mobile device, natch) so that folks of all skill levels are able to make the switch and improve speeds from the comforts of home. The service also includes "all of the tools required to upgrade their laptop successfully" including data migration and installation. If you're looking for some help giving your computer a refresh, SanDisk's virtual guidance can be purchased through Amazon and TigerDirect for $40.
Microsoft now rolling out free Windows 10 upgrades
Today's the day! Windows 10 is now available in 190 countries as a free upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1 owners. Replacing an OS is no one's idea of fun, but we're actually looking forward to this one. First off, we'll be leaving behind the most hated version of Windows ever (sorry, Vista). In return, we'll get one Microsoft was so confident in that they skipped version 9 altogether because hey, Windows 10 sounds better. So how to get it? We've got a handy guide, and Microsoft has info here, but if you already reserved your free upgrade, hang in there, as Microsoft says it's rolling out in waves.
You might not get the Windows 10 upgrade on launch day
We hope you didn't book off July 29th to celebrate Windows 10 launch day -- depending on your circumstances, you might be disappointed. Microsoft has detailed its rollout plans for the new operating system, and it notes that only Windows Insiders (aka beta testers) are likely to get Windows 10 on day one. If you're a regular user who reserved an upgrade, you'll likely have to wait as Microsoft deploys the new software in gradually larger "waves" until everyone can hop aboard. Big companies and schools who pay for Windows licenses in bulk, meanwhile, won't get their copies until August 1st. In either case, you'll get a heads-up if your system isn't quite ready. The cautious approach is understandable given the sheer scope of what Microsoft is doing ("millions" of people are going to get a major OS for free), but it's not so hot if you want to be the first on your block to make the leap.
Sprint expands in-home sales and support to New York and L.A.
Since not everybody loves going to a phone store, Sprint recently launched Direct 2 You to help you buy or update a handset from pretty much anywhere you want. It must have been on to something, as it just expanded it to four new cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. In addition, the service is now available to anybody, rather than just existing Sprint clients as before. Essentially, it lets you buy a new device, upgrade from an old one or get customer service from any location you want -- like your home or a ball field -- for free.
T-Mobile's new early upgrade plan lets you swap phones even more
These days, T-Mobile's not just trying to trip up its bigger rivals -- it's sprucing up some of its own features, too. The carrier just announced an improved way to handle early upgrades, and it could work out great if you're like us and can't stand holding onto the same phone for too long. The company's new JUMP On Demand program works almost exactly like the original JUMP plan does, save for three big changes: First, you can trade in your phone for a new one three times a year instead of two. There doesn't seem to be a limit on when you can upgrade, either (the other version of JUMP makes you wait six months before your first swap). Oh, and the $10 monthly fee T-Mobile used to charge you for the privilege? Kaput. Don't get too worked up, though: You'll just have to wait for June 28 to roll around before you can ditch your current device.
Microsoft sends mixed signals about free Windows 10 upgrades
Microsoft has managed to confuse us (again) about its Windows 10 upgrade policy. Last week, it said Insider Program preview users would "receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated." The offer sounded too good to be true since it meant that virtually anyone could get a free copy (though many folks may feel they've earned it for testing the buggy preview). However, Microsoft quietly removed the "remain activated" part and added a disclaimer that only Windows 7 or 8.1 license owners would get Windows 10 for free when it arrives on July 29th.
Windows 10 launches on July 29th, here's how to get in line
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 is coming on July 29th, and you don't even need to get out of your chair to get a spot in the upgrade line. Take a gander at your Notification Area in the Taskbar and you should find a Windows icon that, when clicked, reveals a shiny new Windows 10 upgrade panel. It's currently being rolled out to select users, since plenty of you have emailed in screenshots, but we've yet to see it ourselves. As before, users will have a year to climb onto the Free Windows 10 bandwagon, but once they do, they'll get free security upgrades for the life of the device.
Tesla promises to 'end' Model S range anxiety on March 19th
If you drive an electric car, you're probably all too familiar with range anxiety -- the fear that you'll travel too far and find yourself stranded by the side of the road. Tesla drivers may not have to worry about that for much longer, however. The EV maker's Elon Musk is teasing a media event on March 19th where the company will "end range anxiety" for Model S owners through an over-the-air software update.
Android 5.1 arrives with HD calling and safeguards for stolen phones
After weeks of teasing, it's here: Google has officially unveiled Android 5.1 Lollipop. The new release focuses on support for features that usually depend on extra software to work, such as multiple SIM cards (handy for prepaid service in countries like China and India) and higher-quality HD voice calls on networks like T-Mobile or Verizon. You can control your WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices from the quick settings area, too.
