Microsoft has Google and Mozilla up in ARMS
Microsoft has revealed the new Windows RT, a version of its OS that is optimized for ARM processors. Like the other versions of Windows 8, it will include both a Windows interface and a mobile layout option.
The system, which comes complete with MS Office 2010, has come under fire from both Mozilla and Google for the limits it places on web browsing.
In a Wednesday blog post, Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s general counsel, argued that “Windows on ARM – as currently designed – restricts user choice, reduces competition and chills innovation.”
“Windows on ARM prohibits any browser except for Internet Explorer from running in the privileged ‘Windows Classic’ environment,” Anderson wrote. “In practice, this means that only Internet Explorer will be able to perform many of the advanced computing functions vital to modern browsers in terms of speed, stability, and security to which users have grown accustomed. Given that IE can run in Windows on ARM, there is no technical reason to conclude other browsers can’t do the same.”
Google released a statement echoing Mozilla’s concerns.
“We’ve always welcomed innovation in the browser space across all platforms and strongly believe that having great competitors makes us all work harder,” Google said. “In the end, consumers and developers benefit the most from robust competition.”
Microsoft has yet to release a statement on the controversy.
Google Drive Raises Concern Over Content Ownership
With its new online storage service, is Google crossing another line into Big Brotherhood or just improving its services?
After announcing its much anticipated Google Drive on Tuesday, the company came under fire for the terms and conditions of the service. This sentence is what sent the Internet buzzing:
“Your Content in our Services: When you upload or otherwise submit content to our Services, you give Google (and those we work with) a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from translations, adaptations or other changes that we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute such content.” (more…)
“Fine Tune” Your Digital Library
The ability to have your entire library in the palm of your hand is the ultimate promise of an e-reader. But what about the books already on your shelf? You know – those classics that you’ve had for years, back when a nook was just a place where you could curl up and read. (more…)
Network Outsource Ranks Among Top Managed Services Providers in the World
We are happy to announce that Network Outsource has been internationally recognized as a top managed services provider (MSP). For the third consecutive year, we have earned a place on Nine Lives Media Inc.’s annual MSPmentor Global 100, a distinguished list and research report identifying the world’s top 100 technology providers. This year’s MSPmentor Global 100 report includes MSPs from North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. (more…)
Is Microsoft Office Finally Arriving For iOS?
Rumors have been circulating for quite some time that Microsoft is working on a version of Office for your iOS device. If you’re inclined to believe some screen shots that have recently been circulating, the release may be imminent.
Handling of Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents has been a question mark for users since the iPad was released in 2010. Apple has iWorks whose handling of MS Office created documents has gotten mixed reviews. Many 3rd party suites are available and some like Documents To Go and Quickoffice are more than adequate, but there’s still a feeling that many organizations and users alike aren’t taking the iPad as a serious business tool because of MS Office’s MIA status in the App Store.
It will be interesting to see if these latest rumors are true, and if it finally pushes the iPad over the top in the Enterprise.
Have you been waiting on purchasing an Office Suite for your IPad/IPhone? Will you buy MS Office if it’s released? Will this finally allow you to leave your laptop behind?
How to See the World While Traveling for Business
Business travel can be your favorite perk or your job’s biggest pitfall. That really depends on your opinion of travel. But whether you love racking up those frequent flyer miles or dread consistently packing and unpacking, making the most of your time away is something everyone can benefit from.
So rather than killing downtime on business trips by playing Angry Birds, instead use your smartphone to experience the city that surrounds you.
Location finder apps like Around Me and Poynt are available on most smartphones. They use your current location to identify restaurants, bars, theaters, shops and almost any other attraction or point of interest in your area. Poynt also includes user reviews to help determine your best options. (more…)
Mobile Learning in 2012
The future of technology lies in mobility. From iPads to smartphones, users want to access their information and connect with each other from any location. This goes for technology in schools too.
The Education Publishing blog put together its top 10 trends and predictions for mobile learning in 2012:
- Increased proliferation of tablet and smartphones in the market, forcing schools to relent and allow devices into schools. (In 2011 40% of teens had a smartphone).
- Improved broadband access to account for increased mobile tech use.
- A surge in “bring your own device” (and the need to accommodate for it) in schools as students use their own mobile tech for school and home learning. (more…)
NASA’s Virtual Snow Globe
The Weather Channel is predicting snow for New York on Christmas Eve, but NASA’s latest release lets you see what parts of the world had white Christmases over the past decade.
A 36-second video on NASA’s Earth Observatory website highlights the globe’s snow activity through rapid-paced images shot from Space.
Kindling the Fire With Children’s Books
The Kindle Fire has a plethora of features to play games, watch TV shows and movies and share pictures that put it in a league with leading tablet devices. Add these to its affordable price tag and the Fire poses a serious threat to the iPad. But Amazon’s latest move shows that it is returning to its roots to give the Kindle even more of an edge over competitors. (more…)
Microsoft Office is Coming to the iPad
The rumor mills have been churning ever since The Daily reported that Microsoft plans to bring its Office suite to Apple’s iPad. This move would bring together the world’s most popular business software with the most successful tablet on the market.
With no other tablet, save Windows devices, currently running MS Office, the new Excel, Word and PowerPoint apps will give the iPad yet another serious advantage in a field it already dominates. And tapping into the iPad’s overwhelming popularity can only help Microsoft gain favor among Apple’s zealous fan base. (more…)
