Windows 9 on ARM could kill the desktop, merge Windows Phone and Windows RT

Surface 2 buyers and other Windows RT tablet owners may be left out of the fun when Microsoft reveals Windows Threshold (a.k.a. Windows 9) , as the tipped release is said to be for PCs and tablets built around traditional x86 processors alone, according to a recent report. But when the next generation of Windows does make its way to ARM processor-powered devices, it could provide a startling—and welcome—glimpse at a post-desktop future for Microsoft's "Universal Windows" concept.

While the x86 version of Windows 9 is reported to dial back Windows 8's sweeping changes, introducing PC-friendly tweaks like  and the , the ARM-based version will abandon the desktop entirely, according to separate reports from , , and .

If true, the move makes sense, as Windows devices with ARM processors are limited to touchscreen-capable tablets and phones, not proper PCs. Microsoft began duplicating desktop functionality in the Metro interface en masse with released in October 2013.

What's more, both sites report that Windows Threshold for ARM devices will run on tablets and Windows Phones alike, unifying Microsoft's mobile interfaces. Rumors about a potential merger for Windows RT and Windows Phone have been , stoked by Microsoft actions such as the and a declaration that by former Windows chief Julie Larsen-Green.

Nokia's Lumia 2520 and Microsoft's Surface 2 are the only Windows RT tablets currently available. Other hardware makers have abandoned the platform in favor of Windows 8 tablets with x86 process.

Late last year, Microsoft was also tipped to be working to —an important step if the two operating systems are indeed going to merge.

According to WinBeta's anonymous sources, the ARM version of Threshold will also include the and a notification center, which are two of the . Both were recently introduced to smartphones in . Fingers crossed!

Two Windows, two paths

Assuming the reports prove accurate, the changes Microsoft appear poised to introduce in Windows 9 are heartening indeed. Windows 8's greatest flaw was its attempt to force a single interface across a wide range of devices with varied use cases; its successor appears well poised to let a PC be a PC and a tablet be a tablet, a process that was already kicked off by the recent (and superb) . The spread-out Start screen is a burden when you're using a mouse and keyboard, while the desktop is a vestigial, difficult-to-use mess on touchscreen tablets.

A Microsoft-supplied screenshot showing the Start menu and Metro apps running on the desktop.

Of course, Microsoft isn't ditching the apps on the desktop entirely. The reborn Start menu will include Metro apps, and those apps will be able to run in desktop windows, as Microsoft revealed at its Build conference this past spring. Again, that falls right in to Windows 9 letting —an ideal .

Another bonus to these rumors: If Windows 9 truly ditches the desktop on ARM-powered devices, that indicates that we may see sooner rather than later. Because there's no way Microsoft would yank the desktop without making a touch-friendly version of Office available for Surface users, right? Of course, Microsoft launched touchy-feely Windows 8 two full years ago and there's still no Metro Office available.

The future of Windows on ARM should be revealed before long. the Windows Threshold preview for ARM devices is scheduled for next January or February, ahead of an anticipated general release for Windows 9 in the spring.

LiveDrive review

Livedrive is one of the first developers to the Windows 8 party with a new native app that works with the company's online storage and file sharing service. Livedrive already has provided apps for both Android and iOS, so this is a logical evolution for the company. It's available in plans that range from £4.95 per month on up, each with a 14-day free trial. See all Storage software.

The Windows 8 Livedrive app works well and follows the interface standards to the tee. The real only limitation is that you can't back up your Windows 8 PC using it, only access Livedrive's BriefCase file-sharing service. Obviously, it's intended for mobile devices that don't have a lot to back up, but it would be nice if you could use the app to back up Windows 8 tablets like any other computer. Admittedly, the Livedrive desktop app is a lot more efficient with options for prioritizing files, etc. See all Windows apps.

As you might have inferred from the previous paragraph, LiveDrive is both a backup/storage and a file sharing service. Backup is the usual a matter of selecting files, folders, drives, or your computer and... Well, backing up. The BriefCase is a way to share files amongst your PCs and is two-way from all devices. In the W8 UI app you can access the BriefCase to email a link, upload the file to SkyDrive (a major nod to Microsoft no doubt—there's no support for iCloud, Google Drive, etc., in this app), and save it locally. But there is no support for backup.

Livedrive's pricing is broken down between the backup and BriefCase services. For home users, backup is $8 a month or $80 a year for all the files on one PC or Mac. The BriefCase is £9.95 a month or £99.95 yearly and includes 2TB of storage for all your devices. Together as the Pro Plan, they're £14.95 a month or £149.95 a year with unlimited backup plus for 5 PCs or Macs, plus 5GB of BriefCase storage for all your devices. That sounds expensive, but it's also a heck of a lot of storage and nearly universal access.

Livedrive is well worth a look if you have a lot of stuff to back up. It's pricey, but the unlimited backup is offered by most services and you have access from any device. But while expanding the access of Windows 8 devices to the BriefCase services is a good move, it is a pity that they didn't go the whole way and include the service's backup functionality, especially as more and more people organize their lives with mobile devices that need backing up as well.

StumbleUpon for Windows 8 review

The StumbleUpon app embraces the Windows 8 Modern UI presenting its content is a neat manor which is easy on the eye. The idea of the app is to give you a personalised internet experience based on your individual taste.

See also: Best Windows apps: Windows 8 app group test.

It's important to remember that StumbleUpon will work better the more you use it. Once you've selected your areas of interest, the app will effectively get to you better when you like or dislike content which is suggested for you.

It's not really complicated enough to need it but the app gives you a quick tour to get you acquainted with the interface before you can start using it. You'll have to log in, either with a StumbleUpon account or via Facebook.

Navigation is extremely simple, and we like it that way. The home screen provides you with a wall of content tailored to your likes and interests. Click on one or more tile and you'll be shown that image, video or the article.

Scroll to the right and you'll see sections for trending content, friends' activity and things you've liked. The only oddity is that we could find no way of refreshing the content displayed on the home screen.

Apart from clicking on tiles which take your fancy navigation will be mostly done via a drop down menu which is always accessible. From here you can go to the home screen, the three sections mentioned previously plus specific areas of interest which you have flagged up. At any point you can bring up the options menu and hit the Stumble button to load a random piece of content.

If you want to share something you've stumbled upon you can do this simply via Windows 8 Charms bar rather than the app itself. While using the app a large back button at the top left will navigate you backwards just like a web browser.

Your user name, icon and number of likes are all displayed in the top right hand corner of the screen but you can't interact with it in any way which seems strange. Instead, you can edit your interests by bringing up the options menu and hitting the button.

Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.

Skype for Windows 8 review

Skype is owned by Microsoft, so it was no surprise that the all-important Skype app made it on the Windows Store in time for the launch of Windows 8. Only just, however. We gave the Skype app for Windows 8 a spin on both a Samsung Series 7 Slate and our primary desktop PC, both running Windows 8 Pro. See also: Best Windows apps: Windows 8 app group test.

One of the oddities of Windows 8 apps is that they exist only in the Modern UI. When using a tablet this is less of an issue, as you'll spend most of your time in that environment (the Desktop part of Windows RT devices such as Microsoft Surface RT is a barren wasteland). But on a desktop or laptop it means you really need to have the desktop version as well as installing the app, or use Skype only in the Modern UI. You're unlikely to do the latter, as it means you can't use Skype and any other desktop apps simultaneously.

So in Windows 8 at least Skype - like Firefox - becomes a game of two apps. There's one difference, however. Firefox for Windows 8 is installed as a single app, then works differently in both environments. If you install Skype for Windows 8 and the original Skype you'll have two separate apps: search for 'Skype' and two identical icons will appear. Our advice - if you're using a desktop or laptop PC, mainly in the desktop environment, don't bother with the Windows 8 Skype app. Unless the following is of interest...

The potential killer aspect of this app is the Windows 8 split-screen functionality, and the ability to snap in Windows to a portion of your screen. So with Skype for Windows 8 you can continue a Skype call with the righthand panel of your display, and get on with something else with the rest. (You could, for instance, watch a program on iPlayer whilst chatting about it with a friend, or work collaboratively on a document.)

Using Skype for Windows 8

Importantly, apart from giving the interface a Modern UI facelift, the core video and audio calling functions have been left largely alone. By default video calls take up the full screen. You can select to have text chat on the right, too. In our tests on all devices audio and visual quality was good - exactly as it is on the existing Windows version of Skype.

But that facelift is worth the price of admission for tablet users and Modern UI fans. the new-look Skype is great. The design is typically Windows 8: big square panes of simple tones. Chunky icons are plonked just where you'd expect so that the Skype app is - like much of Windows 8 - comfortable to work with regardless of whether you are using touchscreen, touch pad or mouse. Of course, if you are using mouse and keyboard, you'll probably use the desktop app anyway...

Bespoke Windows 8 touch gestures include dragging down from the top of the screen to see recent conversations, and dragging down and holding in order to move and snap your Skype pane.

Skype for Windows 8: new features, bad points

Windows Messenger is integrated into this Skype app, which is a nice touch. And the app is coded in such a way that if it is running but not actually doing anything, it doesn't take any of your processing power. That's right: zero draw on your CPU. It should be the standard.

There are some minor niggles. The notifications acan be annoying. If you aren't using Skype, getting a message from the app when you are not using it is useful. If you have just finished a conversation you probably don't need to be notified about it all over again - but that's what happens as soon as you leave the app.

Also, presumably in order to prevent power and CPU draw, the app doesn't really run in the background when you are doing other things. Switch back to Skype and the messages pour in. Finally - and this may just be us being stupid (stranger things have happened): but let me know if you can work out how to use two different logins to Skype for Windows 8 without logging out of the OS. You can, of course, have multiple Windows accounts, each with their own Skype logins.

Firefox for Windows 8 review

Firefox for Windows 8 is in effect two web browsers: the desktop version that looks and feels much the same as your current Firefox, and a new Modern UI Windows app designed for Windows 8's tablet-friendly interface. They are of course the same program, but separated by the somewhat schizophrenic nature of Windows 8 (on PCs and laptops at least).

We tested a late beta of Firefox for Windows 8 on our desktop PC and an Intel tablet: the full product should be available by the time Windows 8 launches on October 26.

Firefox for Windows 8: performance

In terms of speed, within the desktop mode Firefox for Windows 8 recorded exactly the same scores in our Sunspider test as did Firefox 16 - completing the test in around 200ms every time. But the Modern UI app didn't fair so well, recording scores of around 260ms. We saw something similar when using our less well specified Windows 8 tablet. In desktop mode Firefox completed the test in around 420ms (the same as Firefox 16), but within the Modern UI environment the scores slipped to around 460ms. In general browsing we didn't notice the difference, but it is there. It'll be interesting to see if similar issues affect other programs that span the divide between old and new Windows.

Using Firefox for Windows 8 across all four instances was stable, and we saw none of the memory-hogging behaviour of which Firefox is sometimes accused.

Firefox for Windows 8: UI changes

There are some interesting UI changes consistent to both versions of Firefox in this iteration. New tabs offer a three-column view of your bookmarks, recent history, and downloads, presented as rectangular icons that follow a similar style to the rest of the Windows 8 interface. On top of the Windows you'll find a unified bar for URLs and searches.

When you're on a web page, Firefox switches to a full-screen view without URL bar or any options - it's not dissimilar to IE 10's approach in Windows 8. You have to right-click to bring up the address bar, and right-click again to show all open tabs. Testing Firefox on our Windows 8 tablet we had to swipe down from the top of the screen for the address bar, and once again to see the tabs.

You can configure the browser to show the address bar and all tabs at all times, but it's worth perservering - sites look great without what Microsoft refers to as the 'chrome' that clutters up modern browsers.

Right-clicking/swiping down also brings up a few other options in a menu bar at the bottom of the screen. Here you can jump to the downloads list, find a word on the page, open a page on the desktop, zoom in or out, create a bookmark, or pin the page to the Start screen.

Firefox for Windows 8 supports sharing via the Charms bar. Find a page you like and you can share it with the world through your Twitter or Facebook app of choice. Of the other Charms Windows 8's universal search function is not yet supported, but should be by the time Windows 8 launches.

You can download Firefox Metro UI Preview here.

Consumer Apps and Services: Microsoft's Often-Overlooked Crown Jewels

Advertisement

While Microsoft's business offerings have long dominated the conversation around the software giant, I'm increasingly excited by the firm's growing set of integrated consumer services that work via apps on all popular mobile device platforms. It is here, I think, that Microsoft's "mobile first, cloud first" mantra is most clearly seen, because the services that impact end users directly are those that make the most sense on mobile devices.

But here's the tragedy: Most consumers, I bet, rarely even consider Microsoft's mobile app and web services offerings. Most don't even know they exist.

Part of the reason for this is no doubt because of Microsoft's reputation as a provider of business technology products and services. And while it's fair to point out that the majority of the firm's revenues do come from business customers, that doesn't diminish the quality of its consumer-oriented offerings, or the impact this company has with individuals, through apps and on the web.

Another part of the reason is that as our computing habits have changed, and consumers have embraced non-Microsoft platforms like Android and iOS, many simply assume that Microsoft has no presence on those mobile platforms. Some don't even think through it that far: They simply use Apple's offerings exclusively on iPhone and Google's offerings exclusively on Android. It's an easy thing to say that a user of any mobile platform will get the best experiences on that company's own platform. But that's no longer universally true. And it's easy to mix and match regardless of which platform(s) you choose.

This situation Microsoft finds itself in today is understandable. But it's also too bad because of the major platform providers only Microsoft is offering a truly integrated set of apps and services that work across all of the platforms people are really using. And these aren't just standalone services—email, online storage, office productivity, music, video, whatever—these services also integrate with each other, and they do so across platforms. The other platform makers are more concerned with lock-in, not in making their services work everywhere.

(There are exceptions, obviously. Google makes a lot of its services available on iOS through apps, for example. But beyond web apps, it ignores Windows utterly.)

Inevitably in this kind of discussion a few contentious points come up.

Microsoft, many will argue, has been somewhat forced down this path because its only truly successful computing platform, Windows, has seen no traction at all in the new mobile computing world. And sure enough: Microsoft pushed its "Windows only" and then "Windows first" strategies well beyond the point at which doing so made any sense at all. But that was the past, and the Microsoft of today is unique in its broad support for other platforms. I'm interested in what's happening now, not what happened in 2004.

Also, any time the terms "Microsoft" and "other platforms" comes up, we inevitably hear from the pro-Windows crowd because they get anxious and upset any time Microsoft supports a non-Windows platform with some core app or service, and especially so when that other platform gets an app, or a new feature, or whatever, before Windows. To these people I say, no offense, really. But you need to wake up. And grow up.

Android is already running away with the top platform crown in this "mobile first, cloud first" era, and Microsoft artificially propping up Windows (and Windows Phone) with exclusive apps and services not only won't change things in the slightest, it may actually aggravate the problem. Windows is going to settle into whatever market/usage share level it settles into, and, whatever the level it's a distant second behind Android no matter how you slice it. Likewise, if the situation gets any worse, Apple's iOS (or perhaps iOS combined with Mac) could surpass Windows this decade as well, leaving Microsoft in third place, a potential also-ran. If the firm's apps and services aren't everywhere, Microsoft is sunk, and so is everyone who relies on those services. That's all of us, by the way.

You already know the world is changing. And if you're still seeing things through a 1990's-style Microsoft lens, my advice is simple: Embrace or at least acknowledge the shifts that everyone else on earth is already making. Someone isn't necessarily stupid because they've chosen an iPhone, no matter what you think of that decision. Likewise, Android isn't horrible just because you think it's a mess, or fragmented, or whatever the complaint is this week. These are mainstream platforms that rival and even surpass the popularity of Windows in its heyday. Even platforms like Fire OS, Mac and Chrome OS have their place in today's heterogeneous world.

My expectation is that we'll see Microsoft improve its already considerable support for all of these platforms, in a way that is commensurate with their relative success, moving forward. Since I am interested primarily in personal technology, I will not be ignoring these changes. More to the point, I intend to closely and regularly cover Microsoft's consumer offerings—and in a cross-platform matter when it makes sense to do so—going forward. This is a big focus for me.

To that end, I'll be examining the state of Microsoft apps/services like Outlook.com, OneDrive, Office 365 Home and Personal, Skype, Bing and MSN, Xbox Music and Xbox Vided, and more, separately, in the weeks ahead, and try to understand where Microsoft is in this ongoing shift to "mobile first, cloud first." I'll try to figure out when using these services makes more sense on rival platforms, especially, than the similar services offered by those platform makers and by third parties. And yes, I'll be looking at how these apps and services often are better on Windows, because sometimes they still are.

This is the new normal. And we all need to embrace it.

Just so we're clear: My personal preference is heavily on the Windows/Microsoft side of the fence. I use and will continue to use Windows PCs. I use and prefer Windows Phone. But as you must know, I also use other devices. I have the latest Android handsets and iPhone (5S), and will get an iPhone 6 (or whatever it's called) as soon as I can. I have multiple iPads (Air, mini with Retina Display) and an iPod touch, and a new MacBook Air and Chromebook are on the way. I use various Android tablets regularly, and will continue doing so (and in fact need to figure out a full-sized Android tablet soon). I feel like all this experience with these platforms, and with accessory devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, and related services, gives me a much more well-rounded understanding of the state of the industry, and of these competing ecosystems. So when I choose to use Windows, I do so not from tunnel vision or inertia but rather because I fully understand the alternatives and have certain needs. I think this is the right approach.

Next: Let's see how Outlook.com is doing.

Skulls of the Shogun review

A turn-based strategy game somehow doesn't seem like a turn-based strategy game when it's peopled with cartoon skeletons, midget samurai and bobble-headed Japanese deities. Skulls of the Shogun isn't a case of style over substance - it's a case of style altering and enhancing substance.

This game of small armies battling across lavish (but cheerfully preposterous) 2D environments is the tale of a recently demised ancient Japanese general traversing the afterlife in the pursuit of vengeance and honour. But what would, in other hands, be haughty talk of duty and ritual is here a merry farce, strewn with gags and silliness. It's ever so slightly twisted too, as best evidenced by the fact that units gain health by eating the skulls of their defeated foes.

As for the battles, they are turn-based strategy deconstructed, all possible fluff and bloat discarded, and then reconstructed as something lean and impeccably well-balanced. There are only seven different types of unit (and in most cases you'll only have five in play at once) and each army rarely exceeds ten troops. So it's a matter of using everything you've got very, very carefully, and quickly learning exactly what everything does, what counters it and what guarantees it'll be immediately killed in the next turn.

That said, it's also a game in which reinforcements are gained quickly and regularly, so losing units is a common and non-heartbreaking occurrence. There's a lot of scope to come back from an apparently losing situation: for instance, your enemy might leave his strongest unit standing near the edge of the cliff, so a single swipe from even your puniest fighter will send it tumbling over.   

Perhaps critical to the strategy, apart from the extreme balance and focus on a handful of unit types, is that attacking an enemy almost always causes damage to your own guys. So you can't just charge in or hack away at whoever's nearest: you've got to swap your units in and out to make sure no-one gets killed in your own turn, let alone in the enemy's.

On top of that, there's no fog of war or anything that conceals one army's movements from the others'. Everything you do on the small battlefield is entirely apparent to the enemy, and vice-versa, so you're constantly reacting to an ongoing situation rather than secretly plotting or fearfully wondering what's out there.

 

Skulls of the Shogun is, much like last year's XCOM, a pretty solid answer to the ancient question of how to make strategy games work on console: throw out anything that isn't absolutely necessary, then do the most with what remains. It's very much a game which feels as though it's arrived fully-formed, not in need of additions, changes or new features.

However, despite very neatly carrying its singleplayer mechanics over to a high-speed, high-tension multiplayer mode, the small number of units and maps means it could wear thin relatively quickly. It's a tough one: were there more things  in there, Skulls might have more longevity, but that would well harm its immediacy, charm and balance. Nonetheless, it's perhaps 2013's first essential Xbox Live Arcade purchase.

On PC it's a different matter, due to the game's creators striking a deal with Microsoft which has made it exclusive to the divisive and as yet not well-adopted Windows 8. PC feels like Skulls' natural home, but it's simply not available to the majority of PC gamers  - and, good as the game may be, it's certainly not worth upgrading operating system specifically for it. If you're an owner of a Windows Phone or Microsoft Surface tablet though, Skulls is available there too - and is an arguable essential. 

SharePoint-Yammer integration promising, but a long-term plan

CIOs and IT managers tracking the progress of the SharePoint-Yammer integration got more details about the road map this week, but the updates were a sobering reminder of the long road ahead as Microsoft works to mesh the two products.

It's been about eight months since Microsoft closed the US$1.2 billion Yammer acquisition, a deal that electrified the enterprise social collaboration market and signaled Microsoft's sense of urgency that it improve SharePoint in this area.

While Microsoft has made some moves with Yammer -- lowering its price and bundling it with some editions of Office 365 -- the first concrete integration points will be delivered this summer, and they will be modest ones.

Deeper integration will follow in the fall, with more next year, but it's clear the grand vision of fusing Yammer with SharePoint and making it the underlying enterprise social layer across Office, Lync, Exchange and Dynamics is a long-term, complicated endeavor.

IT chiefs need to understand this and plan accordingly, based on their organizations' enterprise social collaboration needs, according to Gartner analyst Larry Cannell.

"The combination of SharePoint and Yammer could be market-changing, but this update is a reality check on how long this could take," he said.

In other words, companies shouldn't get blinded by the shiny promise of the Yammer-SharePoint integration and scrap their current enterprise social networking (ESN) plans or implementations if those are fulfilling their expectations.

There are good, viable ESN products in the market for a variety of needs, Cannell said. Some provide ESN capabilities in an "agnostic" fashion to heterogeneous business applications, while others are specifically designed to be SharePoint add-ons. Some are delivered as a public cloud service, while others are meant for on-premise installations. Along the way, SharePoint customers should monitor the progress of the Yammer integration, Cannell said.

It's important for enterprises to realize that Microsoft is trying to strike a delicate balance between the on-premise version of SharePoint and the Yammer public cloud model, he said. Microsoft sees the Yammer model as the future, but realizes that many of its customers aren't comfortable running SharePoint and other Office server applications in the cloud. Thus, while Microsoft encourages customers to move to the cloud, it also needs to give them the option to run the products on premise.

"We'll be in a hybrid situation in Office for years to come," he said.

It's important for Microsoft to keep the communication channels open, said IDC analyst Vanessa Thompson. The road-map details provided this week were timely because the last update had been in November, when Microsoft said its integration efforts would be focused on unified identity, integrated document management and feed aggregation. "People now have a clarification on what the next steps are," she said.

Microsoft said Office 365 customers will get the option this summer to replace SharePoint Online's activity-stream component with Yammer's.

By Microsoft's own account, this initial step is modest. "It's a basic integration. When you click on the Yammer link, it'll open up a new browser window and ask you to sign into Yammer," said Jared Spataro, a senior director in the Microsoft Office Division.

In the same timeframe, Microsoft will deliver a Yammer application that will let users embed a Yammer group feed into a SharePoint site. This Yammer application, which will be available in the SharePoint app store, will work both with SharePoint Online and with SharePoint 2013 servers installed on a customer's premises. Microsoft will also make it possible for customers to replace the newsfeed in SharePoint 2013 servers installed on premise.

SharePoint has historically focused on team collaboration sites and their content, while Yammer's emphasis has been on conversations and interactions among colleagues, so this application will bring those two elements together, Spataro said.

Customers with on-premise SharePoint servers who install this Yammer application will end up with a hybrid deployment. "We'll provide guidance that'll allow them to replace the SharePoint newsfeed with Yammer's, and it will roughly follow the same shape of what we'll see in Office 365: At first, it'll be a very simple integration."

Later in the year, the integration will deepen with a single sign-on and the inclusion of Yammer in the Office 365 interface.

"This will put Yammer in the global navigation bar up top in Office 365, so when you click on that Yammer link you'll be presented with a Yammer experience that starts to mirror the look and feel of the overall Office 365 experience," Spataro said.

Yammer will also gain integration with Office Web Apps, the browser-based version of the Office productivity suite, before the end of the year.

Then, next year, Office 365 customers can expect integration between Yammer and other Office 365 components beyond SharePoint, such as Lync and Exchange. Yammer is also being integrated with Microsoft Dynamics enterprise software.

"We have this vision for the future where social will just be a part of the way people work," Spataro said.

This more frequent, iterative approach to upgrading software is a shift for Microsoft. "In the past, we would have said: 'Give us two years and we'll come out with a fantastic integration," he said. "This is a new approach, where we're doing a basic integration first because we think it'll be valuable, and then roughly every quarter we'll do more and more."

Gartner's Cannell believes the boundaries between all Office desktop and server products will eventually disappear, including those with Yammer, and they will all be Web services under the Office brand. "Office is the key product," he said.

Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operating systems, browsers and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.

Pokki review

With a simple Start menu that pulls results from the Web and painless installation of apps, Pokki offers a better way to enjoy Windows 8.

The death of the Start menu is way up there on my personal list of modern tech tragedies and epic Microsoft blunders. It's almost as egregious as Microsoft Bob, but not as funny. Fortunately, there's no lack of ways to bring it back, from traditional-looking applications such as Classic Shell, Start8 and StartMenuPlus8 to bolder reimaginings such as Pokki, a free start menu and app store that shows what Windows 8 might have been. See also: Add Start Menu to Windows 8.

First and foremost, it's a Start menu. Click the button or tap the Windows key on your keyboard, Pokki displays a list of applications that doesn't take over your entire screen. Start typing, and potential applications instantly pop up, alongside custom Pokki apps and real-time results from the Web (something the traditional Start menu doesn't offer). The default theme is light, and the whole thing feels nice and airy.

Pokki's search is useful, but it isn't perfect: Apps from the Pokki store are highlighted (even if you've decided you don't want to install them), and there is no way to mix documents from your local hard drive into the search results. Web results are quick to appear, but they tend to be too general. There is no way to search a specific website, such as YouTube.

Pokki review: apps

Now, about those apps: These used to be the core of the Pokki experience, back when Windows still had a Start button. Now, they're there mainly to offer added value. It feels like Pokki does want you to know about them and install them, but it isn't overly pushy about it (except for prominently featuring them in search results). Being subtle about a new breed of apps is exactly the sort of thing that could have won Windows 8 some points, and Pokki gets it right.

Apps range from games like Cut the Rope and Plants vs. Zombies, to front-ends for Web tools like Google Calendar, Google Reader, and Instagram. They're built in top of instances of the Chromium Web browser, and aren't always customized: The Google Calendar app, for example, shows just what you'd see if you opened a new browser tab and point it at Google Calendar. Pokki's Instagram client, called Instagrille, has a compelling and original interface that works well.

The store is divided into categories such as Art and Design, Games, Photography, and more. You can either browse for interesting finds, or search for an app by name. Searching for common services like YouTube often yields more than one app, so you can pick and choose one that looks right for you. Each app comes with a description, screenshots, and ratings--just what you'd expect from an app store, basically.

Thankfully, neither store nor apps take over your entire screen like Modern apps do. They feel like a different take on Windows, but play with the existing windows far better than Microsoft's Modern interface does.

Pokki review: settings

Pokki's Settings panel is concise and simple, and it doesn't overwhelm you with a multitude of options. You can toggle between a light and dark theme, skip the Windows Start screen when logging in, and even decide whether or not you want the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Pokki menu.

Pokki executed a subtle pivot, shifting from an app store with a launcher to a launcher with an app store. On the whole, I would say it works. I'd love for the search feature to be better, but if you're looking for a richer Start menu replacement than Classic Shell, you should definitely try it out. You might stumble on an amazing Pokki-exclusive app or two in the process.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: barely an upgrade from the Tab 3 and overpriced to boot

Choosing a tablet from Samsung’s massive range is confusing. This is the brand new Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 4G & WiFi, which means it’s the fourth-generation Tab series with an 8in screen and has a SIM card slot for 4G (and 3G) data as well as Wi-Fi. Strangely enough, it’s also a phone and – if your hands are big enough and you can live with the unwanted attention from people who think you’re mad – you can use it just like a massively over-sized smartphone. See also: The 25 best tablets of 2014

The 'phablet' is available in black or white, with or without the SIM card slot, and sits alongside the 7- and 10.1in versions of the Tab 4 which also come in Wi-Fi or 4G & Wi-Fi versions, providing more choice than any reasonable tablet purchaser needs. There are, of course, other phablets to add to your shortlist, such as the Asus Fonepad 7 LTE.

The Tab 4 is aimed at the more price-conscious end of the market as opposed to the Tab S range, which is the flagship, iPad-rivalling series. It lacks the S-Pen of the Galaxy Note models, too, which are also more expensive.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Design and build

Since you can still buy the previous model - the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 - this adds yet more models into the mix and even more confusion since when you compare the specs side by side, they’re basically the same.

What differs is the design. The Tab 4 doesn’t have a faux-metal band around the edge, instead opting for a thin chrome-esque bezel with smaller rounded corners than the old model.

The rear camera is placed centrally instead of in the top-left corner, but there’s still no LED flash. Looking at the back still, there’s a single rear-facing speaker as before but the microUSB port is now on the bottom edge instead of the side.

On the right-hand side are the power and volume buttons. Below these are two pop-out covers: one for the micro SIM card and one for a microSD card (up to 64GB is supported).

Either side of the physical home button are two touch-sensitive controls. These don’t light up – so you can’t find them in the dark - and are a pain when holding the tablet in landscape mode. For example, when watching a videos it’s all too easy for a wayward thumb to press one and go back or bring up the list of recent apps.

There’s no metal in the casing so although build quality is good, the Tab 4 lacks a premium finish.

 Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Screen

As a “budget” Android tablet, it’s no surprise to find a relatively low resolution of 1280x800 pixels. However, this means a very low density of 188ppi which makes text look fuzzier than on higher-resolution screens. Some people may not find this an issue, but if you’re used to a smartphone or previous tablet with a high-resolution screen, it could be a disappointment.

At least it’s a decent quality panel. Samsung doesn’t state which technology is used, but it appears to be the same screen used in the Tab 3. The main points to note are that colours are vivid and viewing angles and contrast are good. It’s also nice and bright, but as with all glossy, capacitive touchscreens, is too reflective to be of much use outdoors in bright conditions.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Hardware and performance

One of the main differences between the Tab 3 8.0 and Tab 4 8.0 is the processor. The older model had a dual-core 1.5GHz chip, but the new one has a quad-core CPU running at a slower 1.2GHz.

It’s again no surprise that the Tab 4 is no powerhouse. You can immediately tell that it’s a low-powered device by swiping between homescreens: movement isn’t as slick as you’d expect in 2014.

It’s fast enough for basic tasks such as email and web browsing, and running two apps on screen at the same time (see Software, below).

The change of processor also means a change of GPU, from an Adreno 305 to a Mali 400 MP4. If anything this is a step backwards, and the benchmark results speak for themselves. In GFXBench, the Tab 4 8.0 managed only 3.5fps in the tough Manhattan test and also failed to produce much above 10fps in the less-demanding T-Rex test.

Although you’ll still be able to play the latest games, you’ll find that graphics quality is pared back, such as in Real Racing 3, in order to maintain smooth framerates.

In terms of other hardware, the Tab 4 8.0 has GPS receiver, Bluetooth 4 (with aptX support), 802.11n Wi-Fi, support for Wi-Fi direct and also ANT+. The latter isn’t well known but means you can use certain apps which can talk directly to ANT+ sensors such as a heart-rate monitor or a speed/cadence sensor on your bike.

Most people won’t even notice or care about ANT+ support, but might miss the IR blaster which is usually found on Samsung tablets. We tested the Wi-Fi and 4G LTE model which definitely doesn’t have infrared for controlling your TV and other set-top boxes.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Software

Another upgrade from the Tab 3 is that the Tab 4 ships with Android KitKat 4.4.2 rather than Jelly Bean. As with all Samsung tablets, you get the Touchwiz interface instead of plain Android. In some ways this makes it slightly more user-friendly, but in other ways is too bloated.

One feature worth noting is the ability to run two apps on screen at once. This means you could have a YouTube video playing in the top half (when in portrait mode) and browse the web or check your email in the bottom half. You can use split-screen in landscape too, and it’s easy to adjust how much space to give each app by dragging the dividing line.

Other features include SideSync 3 which will be handy if you also own a Galaxy smartphone as it lets you transfer data, copy and paste text and send and receive calls on your tablet.

Similarly, you can mirror your tablet’s screen wirelessly onto a compatible Samsung HDTV using the Samsung Link app.

You’ll find the usual collection of Google apps including the Play Store as well as Samsung’s own app store.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Cameras

Oddly, there are no upgrades in the cameras department. That means that the main camera has just a 3Mp sensor, and the front-facing webcam a 1.3Mp sensor.

The back camera shoots only 720p video, and has no stabilisation at all. Both photos and video are pretty dismal compared to the best tablets, but they’re usable if you’re desperate. As well as the expected lack of detail, the poor-quality lens means parts of the image can be in focus while other areas are blurry, as can be plainly seen in the sample shot below.

One other thing to be aware of is that the lens isn’t particularly wide-angle, so you can’t fit as much in as you might expect. Switch to video mode and the image is even more zoomed in.

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 review: Bottom line

Even though the Tab 4 8.0 is cheaper than the Tab S and Tab Pro tablets, it’s expensive compared to its rivals. You can save a few quid by opting for the Wi-Fi-only version, but at £240, even that’s £60 more than the excellent LG G Pad 8.3. It’s also more than Amazon’s 7in Kindle Fire HDX and Google’s Nexus 7, both of which cost £199 and have far superior screens to the Tab 4 8.0.

The Wi-Fi-only version is £80 cheaper than the iPad mini with Retina screen, but that premium is well worth paying if you can afford it. The Tab S 8.4 is also £80 more expensive but again, if you can afford it, you get a whole lot more for your money.

Price, then, is the Tab 4 8.0’s biggest problem because it’s just too expensive for the outdated hardware.

 We've rounded up the 25 best Android tablets of 2014, so check that out too.

Follow Jim Martin on Twitter

Today Only: Get a Thin and Light Windows Laptop for Just $200

Advertisement

After waffling recently over whether to jump in with an inexpensive Windows laptop now or wait for a new generation of devices that will ship this holiday period, Microsoft made me an offer I couldn't refuse: Today only, you can snag a decent looking Windows laptop from the Microsoft Store for just $200. So I did. And maybe you should as well.

I feel like I just wrote about this kind of thing. Because I did: Exactly one week ago in Today's $300 PCs Already Compete with Chromebook, I discussed a promotional mailing from Amazon that described four reasonable looking sub-$300 PCs and my plans to step up my coverage of the low-end PC market. My only question was whether I should jump in now or wait a few months since so many new PCs are hitting the market at low, low, low prices this holiday season. Including some that will cost as little as $200.

But today on Twitter, I noticed a temporary—like, today only—promotion for a $200 laptop. Interestingly, it's one of the four PCs that Amazon highlighted a week ago, and at this price, it's a full $50 off its normal $250 cost. Looking quickly to make sure there weren't any hidden gotcha's and finding none, I ordered it. Hopefully it will arrive quickly.

Here's what I know about it so far.

Acer Aspire E 15 ES1-511-C590 Signature Edition Laptop. That's a mouthful, but what that means is that this is a Signature version of an Acer retail laptop. I wrote about the Signature program a few years back, and since then have only purchased Signature-based Windows-based laptops: They remove all the crapware and make sure all the drivers are up to date, and so on. Highly recommended.

Form factor. It's a laptop, not an Ultrabook, thanks to its heavy street weight (4.73 pounds). But it's undeniably thin at 16 mm. By comparison, a 15-inhc MacBook Pro is 18 mm thick and a 13-inch Macbook Air is 17 mm thick(!). That is not too shabby at all.

HD display. If you consider 1366 x 768 to be HD, that is. (Obviously, it's technically better than 720p.) It's a huge 15.6-incher, too.

Processor. The Acer packs a 2.16 GHz Intel Celeron N2830 processor. If you see the name Celeron and get nervous, don't. This is a modern part that debuted this year, and it's part of the Bay Trail family of Intel chips. Yes, it's a low-end/mid-level chip. But I suspect it will be just fine for day to day use.

RAM. 4 GB. Perfectly acceptable, and remember that coming $200 PCs will have only 1 GB or 2 GB of RAM.

Storage. 500 GB 5400 RPM HDD. This, I suspect, will be the real performance bottleneck, and of course it makes sense that this would be an area of cost-savings. An SSD would improve matters dramatically, but would add at least $100 to the price of the machine. Possibly more.

Expansion. It includes an SD card reader, 1 USB 3.0 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI out, a combo microphone/headphone jack, and gigabit Ethernet. There is no optical drive, thankfully.

Windows. This machine comes with a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1 with Bing, which means two things: It's functionally identical to Windows 8.1 Core. And it can fully take advantage of all 4 GB of RAM. Nice!

I'm looking forward to giving this thing a spin. I'll report back when the PC arrives.

HTC One (M8) for Windows review: a novel new take on Windows Phone

Lumia, Lumia, Lumia. Lest you forget that Microsoft’s Windows Phone business is more than a single Nokia product line, HTC has released the One (M8) for Windows. It's just as much a flagship phone as the Android version of the One (M8), and in some ways it feels even fresher thanks to the fact it runs Windows Phone 8.1, a veritable OS curiosity.

In fact, the HTC One (M8) for Windows might be the best Windows Phone available—but that’s simply because not many Windows Phone devices have been released lately. And let's not lose perspective: Most people will probably conclude that the is the better choice.

From a hardware perspective, both versions of the HTC One (M8) are virtually identical: its weight and dimensions (160 grams; 146.36 by 70.6 by 9.35 mm); its display (5.0 inches, 1080x1920 resolution); and its guts (2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801; 2GB RAM; 32GB of storage plus a microSD slot). You'll also find the same dual UltraPixel camera on the back, and the 5-megapixel selfie camera on the front. HTC hasn’t forgotten its powerful BoomSound internal speakers, either.

Mike Homnick

Both versions of the One (M8) are nearly identical, save for the operating system each runs.

About the only difference in hardware is that the One (M8) for Windows ships standard with 32GB of internal storage, as opposed to the 16GB and 32GB options that HTC offers for its Android version. The HTC One (M8) for Windows will be sold by Verizon for $100, and by AT&T for an undisclosed price at a later date.

The case for Android

The One (M8) for Windows is definitely a solid WP8.1 device. But it's the lesser of HTC's nearly identical phones, if only because Android has a stronger software ecosystem, and appears to be a more efficient OS. Sure, a number of third-party alternatives can compensate for Windows Phone's lack of productivity apps, but Microsoft's ecosystem still suffers a serious dearth of entertainment apps. We also compared HTC's new Windows Phone to the One (M8) Harmon Kardon Edition, and that Android phone just flew, snappily loading apps. It felt much faster than the One (M8) for Windows. And oddly, the Windows Phone version of the One (M8) took far longer to boot.

Mike Homnick

HTC also sells this neat Dot Case for about $27. Tapping on the case wakes up the phone, and beams the time and other info through tiny holes.

Oddly, we found that the Android One (M8) delivered substantially better battery life than its Windows doppleganger, playing a looping video for 6 hours and 46 minutes under full brightness. The Windows Phone version died after 5 hours and 39 minutes—almost a 20 percent difference. Nonetheless, HTC says that the than the Android model.

Between the One (M8) and the Icon

Microsoft’s recent decision to  has left slim pickings for people looking at high-end Windows Phones. Indeed, if you’re committed to the Windows Phone platform, you really have only two respectable choices: the Verizon-exclusive  and the One (M8). Both phones are solid, quite literally, as Nokia and HTC each chose to use aluminum, rather than plastic, bodies. And in terms of industrial design, the Icon feels more like a no-nonsense work phone, while the HTC One (M8) more adroitly bridges the gap between work and play.

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t allow its hardware partners to redesign its Live Tiles interface in the way that Google allows OEMs to reskin Android. As a result, HTC services like BlinkFeed are just like third-party apps on Windows Phone.

Mark Hachman

BlinkFeed somewhat duplicates Cortana, in that Cortana delivers news according to your interests. But BlinkFeed is much more visual.

Even as just an app, however, BlinkFeed is a serviceable substitution for Flipboard, which hasn’t yet made it to the Windows Phone platform. BlinkFeed mashes up social media updates with news stories from your favorite sources, arranging everything in a scrolling patchwork quilt of clickable images. The updated version of BlinkFeed finally lets you add your favorite RSS sources, making the service much more useful, even if it's not directly integrated into the OS.

The phone also includes an app for Sense TV, a well-designed remote control for your set-top box. It's a nice service for browsing content if your provider is still saddling you with an archaic channel guide. 

Fortunately, the One (M8) for Windows is relatively free of bloatware. I was annoyed that Verizon bundled VZ Navigator, its $5/monthly navigation service, when anyone can download the free (and superior) HERE Maps from the Windows Store. Still, I was mollified a bit when I found I could uninstall VZ Navigator from our review unit.

A contentious camera

The One (M8)’s camera features will likely polarize consumers choosing between HTC's latest model and Nokia's Lumia phones. HTC likes to trumpet how its “UltraPixel” camera sensor lets in more light, resulting in better image quality when shooting in dark environments. This rear camera also includes a second lens, enabling a wide range of perspective effects. I also found that the One (M8)’s selfie camera has a competitive edge: It captures 5-megapixel images, offering far better clarity than virtually all other front-facing smartphone cameras, period.

Mark Hachman

Refocusing a shot after taking it, or using parallax to "jiggle" it, never gets old in the HTC Photo Edit app.

On the flipside, HTC's rear camera is limited to just 4 megapixels, its light-gathering prowess notwithstanding. Nokia's Lumia phones, meanwhile, prioritize megapixels; the Icon, for one, captures 16-megapixel images. The upshot is that Nokia fans will likely find it hard to let go of their Lumia cameras, if only because of their increased resolution. The One M8’s camera delivers perfectly serviceable images up close, and delivers evenly lit photos in low light. The shutter lag is about half a second or less, much shorter than the Lumia cameras. But you can still notice a lack of detail in cityscapes, and in zoomed-in images and video.

A vote for novelty

The One (M8) doesn’t do enough to distinguish itself to receive my unconditional recommendation for Windows Phone users. Neither BlinkFeed nor SenseTV justify the purchase, leaving the One M8’s camera technology as the primary reason to buy the phone.

Still, the idealist in me hopes that there’s more to come from HTC's Windows Phone vision. Microsoft recently on Windows Phone hardware, a policy decision that was instrumental in allowing the HTC One (M8) to come to market. That breath of fresh air makes me yearn for something more. Cloning my existing Windows Phone apps and settings onto new hardware is appealing. But I’d like to see HTC interpret Windows Phone with its Sense aesthetic, too.

HTC's Sense 6 on Android. Would you like to see this translated to Windows Phone?

The bottom line is that I still see the Lumia Icon as the premiere Windows Phone for work and productivity, while HTC's selfie camera, BoomSound speakers, and novel dual-camera approach justify a purchase for more creative types.

Motorola Moto G review and Moto G 4G LTE review: Still the best budget Android smartphone

Despite over nine months elapsing since we originally reviewed it, the Motorola Moto G remains the best budget Android smartphone we've seen. Recently, Motorola released an updated model, adding support for 4G and expandable storage via a microSD card. This review covers both models, but be careful when you're buying to ensure you're getting the model you intended.

KitKat Update: We are aware that many owners have had problems with their Moto Gs following the software update from Android Jelly Bean to KitKat 4.4. Such issues include loss of mobile signal and dropped calls (or incoming calls going straight to voicemail). Some of these issues also apply to the new 4G version of the Moto G. We have not seen these issues on our review model, but acknowledge that other users are experiencing them.

We asked Motorola for an official response to these problems, and this is the statement we received:

"A very small number of people have reported an issue after the upgrade and the majority of those have now said that the issue has not persisted. We're continuing to monitor the situation but so far we are not seeing a persistent signal loss issue after the upgrade. We are happy for customers to contact our support team providing their IMEI number details, should they have any issues."

See also: The 34 best Android smartphones.

Moto G review: A new upgraded 4G model with expandable storage

We've been using the Moto G since launch and we still really love this phone. It's affordable and - for us - has been reliable. Performance remains excellent too, partly thanks to software updates, including Android 4.4 KitKat, which have arrived promptly when promised - a rarity in itself. The latest update, 4.4.4, is rolling out right now.

Also see: Best budget smartphone 2014: Motorola Moto G vs Motorola Moto E comparison review

Nevertheless, the Moto G isn't flawless. The camera is mediocre, and that means we don't use it that much. Our main problem remains storage as the original Moto G has no microSD card slot for adding more storage, our 8GB model is seriously lacking in space for the apps we want to download and use. There's also a 16GB version.

If you need more storage, then opt for the new version, which has a microSD slot. It also supports 4G LTE for faster mobible broadband, but you'll need to be on a 4G tariff to benefit of course. For more details see: Motorola Moto G 4G LTE release date, price and specs.

Motorola Moto G review: The budget smartphone market and alternatives

As we've said, the Moto G is coming up to year old, yet we've still not seen a worthy rival for its best budget smartphone crown. It still tops our best budget smartphones chart. 

If you are strapped for cash, then the Moto E is cheaper (albeit without 4G support), and you can buy EE's Kestrel for £99 if you absolutely need 4G.

Motorola Moto G review: What you get

There's nothing particularly interesting going on here design-wise, with just the essential buttons, ports and a classic smartphone shape. It does have some style though; interchangeable covers which are relatively cheap provide easy access to customisation. We're quite fond of our aptly red rear cover. The flip case even has a magnet built-in so it sticks to the screen and the Moto G comes to life as soon as you open it up.

When it first appeared, it was astonishing that the Moto G had an HD screen. That's 720p and with a 4.5in screen, the result is the same amount of pixels per inch as the iPhone 5S, a device which costs five times that of the humble Moto G. However, a 720p screen isn't quite so rare at this price now, but do watch out for budget phones with 800x480-pixel displays which are inferior.

Impressively, the Moto G has a quad-core processor, 8- or 16 GB of internal storage, a 5Mp camera and the latest version of Android, 4.4 KitKat. It's not too surprising that there's no NFC or features such as infrared or wireless charging. The only really downside of the device is a lack of expandable storage; there's no microSD card slot here.

We've examined why the Moto G is so cheap in this blog - how Motorola made the Moto G so cheap. Here we focus on the Moto G's features, design and build, and performance.

Next page - Motorola Moto G review: Design and build, hardware, performance and calling.

Google Nexus 9 release date, price and specs: Processor, performance details leaked

HTC is rumoured to be making a new Nexus 9 tablet, codenamed 'Volantis' which could be the last Nexus tablet from Google. WATCH: Google I/O keynote live stream.

We've got plenty of rumours surrounding the Nexus 6, Nexus 8 and a new Nexus 10 but a new tablet is on the cards. According to Android Police, HTC is working on a Nexus 9 device which could be the last Nexus tablet from Google. See also: The 25 best tablets of 2014: What's the best tablet in the UK right now?

Google was expected to launch a new product at Google I/O, but this Nexus 9 was a no-show. Perhaps the Nexus 9 will be the vehicle on which Google launches Android L later this year. For now, though, it's rumoured that its absence is a sign of things to come: the Nexus 9 could be the last Nexus tablet because Google is supposedly going to launch Android Silver.

See: Google UK product launch live blog: New Nexus, Play editions or Glass?

Google Nexus 9: Release date, price and specs

The Nexus 9, known as Volantis, will feature an 8.9in display with a 2048 x 1440 resolution (that's 281ppi). It will be powered by an nVidia Logan Tegra K1 64-bit processor along with 2GB of RAM. Storage will be either 16- or 32GB and like other Nexus devices, there's no word on a microSD card slot.

TK Tech News has leaked the following CPU-Z information for the Nexus 9, plus Antutu benchmarks.

Cameras are reported to be 8Mp at the rear with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and 3Mp at the front. Remains specs are design related and show that the Nexus 9 is thinner than the Nexus 7 at 7.87mm and will weigh 418g. It will use a 'zero-gap' aluminium construction and have front facing stereo speakers. You can see the sites own render based on the source information.

In terms of price, the Nexus 9 is expected to fetch $399 for the cheapest model. The 32GB edition will be $499 and LTE connectivity is a possibility, too.

Although we could hear something on the subject this week, Android Police pegs the Nexus 9 for a Q4 2014 release. It also says that it will be the launch device for Android L (aka Lollipop). Read: Android 4.5 release date and features: When will the next version of Android (Lollipop) come out?

Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date, price and specs UK: new Note 4 in the flesh - video

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in the flesh - video

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be unveiled in September. Check out the latest new Note 4 video teasers, including one that claims to feature it in the flesh. Here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date, price and specs. Also see Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 release date, UK price and specs.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 video teasers

The video at the top of this page (via Techtastic.nl) claims to be the first video of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in action. All we know is it's a device called the SM-910. Check it out below.

Samsung has also released several video teasers for the Note 4.

We've also seen a video (via Techtastic.nl) which claims to be the first video of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in action. All we know is it's a device called the SM-910. Check it out below.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Release date

Previous versions of the Galaxy Note have been released in and around September and it looks like the Galaxy Note 4 will be no different. Indeed, industry insiders have suggested the Note 4 will be unveiled at a pre-IFA 2014 Samsung Unpacked event on 3 September and now invitations have been sent out (see above) with the massive hint 'note the date'. See also: The best smartphones you can buy in 2014.

The Unpacked 2014 Episode 2 event will take place simultaneously in three cities at 3pm CEST: Berlin, Beijing and New York. Also see: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

The latest news comes from The Korean Times, which quotes 'an executive of a Samsung partner' as having said: Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Note 4 phablet, UHD OLED TVs, a Google Glass rival, and home appliances at the upcoming IFA. The Note 4 will have two versions - one with a curved OLED display for niche markets and the other a flat OLED display for mass marketing." Also see: What's the best Android phone 2014?

Yoon Han-kil, senior vice president of Samsung's product strategy team, told Reuters that the firm is planning to launch a new Galaxy Note handset with a "new form factor" in the second half of the year.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Photos, renders and concepts

This render shows a possible use for curved screen technology

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 looks all set to go, if this image leaked by TK Tech News of its packaging is anything to go by.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S5 review: flagships smartphone has new features but doesn't stand out from the crowd.

This is a concept of the Galaxy Note 4 from behance.net showing a 5.9in display in a super thin design.

Concept-phones.com has published the above concept images.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Price

There's no leaked information on the Galaxy Note 4 yet and that's not too surprising since we're a few months away from its expected launch. We'll bring you any information as and when we hear it but in our expert opinion it is likely to come in between £550 and £600 – similar to the Galaxy S5.

Eraphone, which has leaked the device, has the Galaxy Note 4 at IDR 9,499,000 (£487). This listing has also given detailed information on specs so read on.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Specs

The Galaxy Note series is deliberately big, what we would regrettably call a phablet. The Galaxy Note 3 stands at 5.7in and that's bigger than the Galaxy Note 2's 5.5in display.

Screen

The Galaxy Note 4 was expected to continue that trend with an even bigger screen – perhaps 5.9in or even 6in matching the LG G Flex. However, SamMobile has reported that the SM-N910A has been listed on Indian import tracking site Zuba with a 5.7in screen. Leaked specs from Erafone also include a 5.7in size and a Quad HD resolution like the LG G3 (1440 x 2560).

According to The Korean Times, both standard- and curved-screen versions will be available. We've since heard yet more rumours that the flexible display version will be a premium version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with a metal case. Although, no images of the device show this feature.

As you would expect, the device will come with Samsung's S Pen stylus and will be powered by Android's Google's Android operating system. It is rumoured that the device will be able to recognise personal handwriting to unlock it and perform functions like calling contacts.

Evleaks reports that the Galaxy Note 4 will come in the same colour options as the Galaxy S5. That means it will be available in Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold.

Android

By September we could well have a new version, 4.5 or maybe 5.0 codenamed 'Lolipop' so the hope is that the Galaxy Note 4 will come with the latest software. However, the Eraphone listing states Android 4.4.3 KitKat. Also see: Google I/O 2014: what new products to expect, and Android 4.5 Lollipop release date and new features.

Processor

Under the hood, the Galaxy Note 4 will supposedly wield the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor. That's a quad-core Krait 450 chip which can be clocked up to 2.7GHz and has an Andreno 420 GPU. Eraphone states there will be two models of the Note 4: one with the above chip clocked at 2.5Ghz (SM-N910S) and one with an Exynos 5433 octa core processor (SM-N910C).

AnTuTu benchmarks back this up showing Samsung’s own Exynos 5433 octa-core processor. A score of 40,303 is better than the Snapdragon 805 but slightly begind the nVidia Tegra K1.

It's likely that Samsung will launch different processors for different markets like it has done in the past - for example, the Galaxy S4. It's anyone's guess as to which we will get in the UK.

Also see: 25 best Android phones 2014.

Another titbit about the screen is the possibility it will be three-sided so messages can be read from an angle. That's hard to imagine but sounds interesting and is what Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of mobile at Samsung, told Bloomberg.

Camera

We've not really head much on the camera side of things but the eraphone leak suggests a 16Mp (3456 x 4608 pixels) rear camera with optical image stabilization, autofocus and a dual-LED flash. It will be able to shoot video in up to 4K resolution (2160p@30fps).

SamMobile backs this up adding that the device will have modes including Wide Selfie and Side Touch (tapping the side of the phone to take a photo).

Storage and memory

Yet more details from eraphone include three storage capacities: 16-, 32- and 64GB along with a whopping 4GB of RAM. The phone will also have a microSD card slot capable of accepting up to 128GB.

Waterproof

Like the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Note 4 is thought to be coming with a dust- and waterproof design. It's something we're seeing more of after Sony made it an almost standard feature for higher end devices like the Xperia Z1 Compact.

Retina scanner

On 14 July Samsung itself gave away a clue that the Note 4 could have a Retina scanner. Its @SamsungExynos account tweeted "Security can be improved using features unique to us. That's what we envision. What would you use?" along with a picture of what looks very much like a Note phablet with an eye and the words 'Unlock the future'.

Ultrasonic cover

Sammobile reports that one of the official accessories will be an ultrasonic cover, targeted toward those with vision impairments. According to the site's source, it will detect nearby objects (you can alter the range) and provide appropriate feedback. It will not detect drop-offs, however, and should be used as well as rather than instead of a cane, dog guide or human guide.

UV sensor

The latest leak comes from Sammobile, which suggests the Galaxy Note 4 will also feature a UV sensor. Part of the S Health system, it will warn users if they are getting too much sun.

"The sensor will be used to measure the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and prevent users from damaging their skin, ageing it prematurely, and increasing their risk of skin cancer by giving recommended guidance based on the current UV index level at that particular place and time. To actually measure the UV radiation, users will need to maintain over 60 degree angle of elevation towards the sun against the back of the sensor," reports Sammobile.

"There are a total of 5 UV index levels: Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme, and users will be presented with different precautions based on the level of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation," it continues.

Fingerprint scanner

According to Sammobile.com, in common with the S5 and Galaxy Alpha the Note 4 will feature Synaptics' Natural ID solution. One part of the fingerprint scanner is built into the Home button, and the other takes input from the main touchscreen. All four fingerprint canning features we saw in the S5 - Screen Lock, Private Mode, Samsung Account Verification and PayPal Payments - are coming to the Note 4.

In a leak from GSMArena.com, a handset thought to be the Samsung Galaxy F but thought by many, including evleaks and TK Tech News, to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, is shown with an aluminium bezel (see photo above). Turns out this is the Galaxy Alpha.

Keep an eye on this article over the coming weeks and months for updates, but for now let us know your thoughts on the Galaxy Note 4 in the comments section below.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 isn't the only curved-screen smartphone - also see the Samsung Galaxy Round and LG G Flex.

Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.

Compare with other Galaxy Notes | FindTheBest

Xbox Video Updated for Windows Phone 8/8.1, Windows 8.1

Advertisement

Microsoft updated its Xbox Video apps for Windows Phone 8/8.1 and Windows 8.1 last night. The Windows Phone version gets a variety of small bug fixes, but on Windows, we see slightly more substantive changes related to TV show episodes, video downloading and more.

Neither of these are particularly major updates. The Windows Phone version of the app was last updated less than two weeks ago with performance improvements, better error messaging, and improved search results. And while a late July update that made the Windows 8.1 app look more like Xbox Music on that platform garnered a few headlines, the apps has always worked fine from a usability perspective.

As I've noted in the past, the big issue with Xbox Video isn't the apps, it's the service itself. It offers less liberal licensing terms on both movie rentals and TV show and movie purchases than rival platforms, and I've seen purchased content removed from the store far too often to recommend it generally. You also can't watch HD content in HD on a Windows Phone. So Xbox Video is fine for the occasional rental, as long as you understand that you only have 14 days to watch, and then only 24 hours to finish. (With iTunes, you get 30 days to begin watching a rental.) I would not build a movie collection with this service, however.

Here's what's new.

Xbox Video for Windows Phone

Personal video list sorting now persists across app launches

The full screen button no longer causes the app to show a white, blank screen for some videos

Polish fixes and general improvements

You can download Xbox Video for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 from the Windows Phone Store.

Xbox Video for Windows 8.1/RT 8.1

Episode details pages now give you more context about the episode's series title as well as its episode number.

Clearer messaging has been added to the download manager when copying content to another drive.

Aspect ratios for images have been fixed.

Fixed some bugs where the app would unexpectedly exit.

Other minor bug fixes

You can download Xbox Video for Windows 8.1/RT 8.1 from the Windows Store.