At Samsung's event in London today, they took the lid off of two new Windows 8 tablets. One is very normal. The other is very weird. We're pretty excited about the weird one.
Samsung's most interesting tablet-type thing is a double-hybrid freak of a device. It has a keyboard that is connected by a rather versatile hinge. It can fold all the way flat against the back so you can use it as a straight up tablet, you can use it as a normal laptop, you can type with having the screen magically floating above your fingers, or you can use it as a stand.
But why is it a double-hybrid? Because it runs Windows 8 AND Android. I guess that's one way to solve the lack of good tablet apps in the Windows 8 ecosystem. The tablet can switch back and forth between modes, and while it won't share settings or apps, at least you can share files and folders back and forth. It will be running a full version of Windows 8 (not RT) and Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) with the Google Play Store and all.
Switching back and forth between operating systems looks lighting fast. Just the press of a single button. No booting or anything. It looked extremely seamless. You can also add Android apps to the Windows 8 homescreen for quick access, which is handy.
The other highlight on the ATIV Q is the touchscreen. It's at 13.3 inch gHD+ display, which comes in at 3200 x 1800 pixels. At 275 pixels per inch that bests even the screen on the Google Pixel (239 PPI). Samsung claims that it's "the world's highest resolution display," has a 170-degree viewing angle, and is clearly viewable in bright sunlight. Very impressive looking.
The ATIV Q comes running Intel's latest and greatest Haswell processor, which means it should be mighty fast, and it also comes with an S Pen, so the graphic design crowd should be able to really take advantage of all those pixels.
The ATIV Q comes in at 0.54 inches thick and weighs 2.84 pounds. That's pretty fat n' heavy for a tablet. But for a laptop-hybrid thing? Well, maybe that's not so bad. No word on U.S. It bears mentioning that this entirely dissimilar from Acer's R7 hybrid, though the ATIV 8 certainly wins in on the resolution and processor front.
2013年6月14日星期五
5 Ways to Add Touch to a Windows 8 Computer
According to Microsoft, Windows 8 has a “touch-first” interface. Windows 8′s Start screen and “Modern” apps can feel awkward to use on a non-touch PC, but they really start to make sense when paired with a touch PC. If you’re not ready to go out and buy a new Windows 8 laptop with touch, tablet, convertible, or all-in-one PC, here are some ways you can add touch support to your existing system.
There is a reason Microsoft is pushing hard to integrate touch support into all future PCs. None of these methods is as ideal as having a PC that comes with native touch support that “just works.”
Get a Touch Mouse or Pad
Microsoft and Logitech are both making touch-enabled peripherals, from touch-enabled mice to touchpads that can be used with a desktop PC. These are actually fairly convenient — they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to add to an existing PC. Swap out your current mouse for a touch-enabled mouse and you’ll be able to get around Windows 8 much quicker by using touch gestures for everything from bringing up the start screen to activating the charms and scrolling around in the Modern environment.
Microsoft has a list of their own touch mice on their website, while Logitech makes their own touch mice for Windows 8 and a touchpad that will allow you to work with Windows 8 gestures on your desktop. However, such touch-enabled mice are generally more expensive than regular mice, which can be had for very cheap. Amazon US offers some good deals on touch mice — you can pick up a new touch mouse for about $22 at the moment.
Install Touchpad Drivers
If you have a laptop, your laptop’s touchpad can probably be used with touchpad swiping gestures. For example, these gestures allow you to swipe in from the right to pull up the Charms bar, just as you would on a touch-enabled Windows 8 PC. If you purchased a new laptop with Windows 8, this should work out-of-the-box.
If you’re using an older laptop that was upgraded to Windows 8 and gestures aren’t working for you, you may need to install the Synaptics TouchPad driver package for Windows 8.
Buy a Touch-enabled Monitor
If you have a desktop computer and want to add complete touch support, you can buy a touch-enabled monitor. Unfortunately, these tend to be fairly expensive. You’ll have to replace your existing monitor or make the touch-enabled monitor your new primary and use your current monitor as a second monitor.
You can find 22-inch touch-enabled monitors for around $300 on Amazon in the US, but you can get better monitors for the money if you’re willing to go without touch. Many of the more expensive touch monitor models will cost you $500 or more.
Add a Touch-screen Overlay
Various manufacturers make touch-screen overlays that you can install over your existing monitor, converting it to a touch-enabled screen. You’ll have to plug the overlay into your computer separately with its USB connection. These aren’t the ideal solution either, as they can be fairly expensive — costing around $150 on Amazon US. That’s half the price of a new, touch-enabled monitor.
Connect Remotely with a Tablet
If you have an iPad or an Android tablet, you can use the Splashtop software to remotely connect to your Windows 8 PC. You can then use the tablet as a touch interface for your Windows 8 PC, using Windows 8′s Modern interface on your existing tablet. This will allow you to try out Windows 8 on a tablet, but it’s clearly not the ideal long-term solution for working with Windows 8 on your PC.
What’s the Best Solution?
If you want to add some basic touch support to your existing Windows computer, buying a touch-enabled mouse or ensuring your touchpad is set up to work with Windows 8′s mouse gestures is a smart move. This is a relatively inexpensive way to use basic touch gestures, which make getting around the Windows 8 operating system much nicer. A touch mouse can even be a useful purchase if you have a touch-enabled Windows laptop and find yourself using the mouse a lot — you can issue touch gestures without taking your hand off the mouse.
If you really want to convert your existing desktop PC to a touch PC, you can buy a fairly expensive touch-enabled monitor or try to find an overlay that fits your monitor properly.
However, neither of these is really the ideal solution. For one thing, Windows 8 isn’t really optimized for massive desktop monitors, so purchasing such an expensive monitor won’t give you the ideal experience. For another thing, your monitor will still remain trapped on your desk, so you can’t pick it up and take it elsewhere. And a touch-based mouse won’t give you the full touch experience.
The best way to add touch to your Windows 8 life is by buying a new device that includes it. This isn’t as crazy as it sounds — you can purchase Windows 8 tablets and touch-enabled laptops for less than the price of some of the more expensive 22-inch touch monitors. And you’ll certainly have a better experience with a 10-13-inch tablet or touch-enabled laptop than a 22-inch touch-enabled monitor trapped on your desk.
Have you added touch support to an existing PC? Do you have a favorite method for doing so? Leave a comment and share any tips you have!
There is a reason Microsoft is pushing hard to integrate touch support into all future PCs. None of these methods is as ideal as having a PC that comes with native touch support that “just works.”
Get a Touch Mouse or Pad
Microsoft and Logitech are both making touch-enabled peripherals, from touch-enabled mice to touchpads that can be used with a desktop PC. These are actually fairly convenient — they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to add to an existing PC. Swap out your current mouse for a touch-enabled mouse and you’ll be able to get around Windows 8 much quicker by using touch gestures for everything from bringing up the start screen to activating the charms and scrolling around in the Modern environment.
Microsoft has a list of their own touch mice on their website, while Logitech makes their own touch mice for Windows 8 and a touchpad that will allow you to work with Windows 8 gestures on your desktop. However, such touch-enabled mice are generally more expensive than regular mice, which can be had for very cheap. Amazon US offers some good deals on touch mice — you can pick up a new touch mouse for about $22 at the moment.
If you have a laptop, your laptop’s touchpad can probably be used with touchpad swiping gestures. For example, these gestures allow you to swipe in from the right to pull up the Charms bar, just as you would on a touch-enabled Windows 8 PC. If you purchased a new laptop with Windows 8, this should work out-of-the-box.
If you’re using an older laptop that was upgraded to Windows 8 and gestures aren’t working for you, you may need to install the Synaptics TouchPad driver package for Windows 8.
If you have a desktop computer and want to add complete touch support, you can buy a touch-enabled monitor. Unfortunately, these tend to be fairly expensive. You’ll have to replace your existing monitor or make the touch-enabled monitor your new primary and use your current monitor as a second monitor.
You can find 22-inch touch-enabled monitors for around $300 on Amazon in the US, but you can get better monitors for the money if you’re willing to go without touch. Many of the more expensive touch monitor models will cost you $500 or more.
Various manufacturers make touch-screen overlays that you can install over your existing monitor, converting it to a touch-enabled screen. You’ll have to plug the overlay into your computer separately with its USB connection. These aren’t the ideal solution either, as they can be fairly expensive — costing around $150 on Amazon US. That’s half the price of a new, touch-enabled monitor.
If you have an iPad or an Android tablet, you can use the Splashtop software to remotely connect to your Windows 8 PC. You can then use the tablet as a touch interface for your Windows 8 PC, using Windows 8′s Modern interface on your existing tablet. This will allow you to try out Windows 8 on a tablet, but it’s clearly not the ideal long-term solution for working with Windows 8 on your PC.
If you want to add some basic touch support to your existing Windows computer, buying a touch-enabled mouse or ensuring your touchpad is set up to work with Windows 8′s mouse gestures is a smart move. This is a relatively inexpensive way to use basic touch gestures, which make getting around the Windows 8 operating system much nicer. A touch mouse can even be a useful purchase if you have a touch-enabled Windows laptop and find yourself using the mouse a lot — you can issue touch gestures without taking your hand off the mouse.
If you really want to convert your existing desktop PC to a touch PC, you can buy a fairly expensive touch-enabled monitor or try to find an overlay that fits your monitor properly.
However, neither of these is really the ideal solution. For one thing, Windows 8 isn’t really optimized for massive desktop monitors, so purchasing such an expensive monitor won’t give you the ideal experience. For another thing, your monitor will still remain trapped on your desk, so you can’t pick it up and take it elsewhere. And a touch-based mouse won’t give you the full touch experience.
The best way to add touch to your Windows 8 life is by buying a new device that includes it. This isn’t as crazy as it sounds — you can purchase Windows 8 tablets and touch-enabled laptops for less than the price of some of the more expensive 22-inch touch monitors. And you’ll certainly have a better experience with a 10-13-inch tablet or touch-enabled laptop than a 22-inch touch-enabled monitor trapped on your desk.
Have you added touch support to an existing PC? Do you have a favorite method for doing so? Leave a comment and share any tips you have!
2013年5月30日星期四
Boot-to-Desktop and Start Button Coming to Windows 8
When it comes to Windows sources, Paul Thurrott is about as solid as they get. On his SuperSite for Windows, Thurrott has just confirmed that the next big update to Windows 8 — known as Windows 8.1 or “Blue” — will contain two major features that users have been asking for.
First, the Start button will return to Windows 8′s Desktop mode. Says Thurrott: “When you hover over [the] Start button, the button changes color, with a black background and the accent color used on the flag logo. Yes, it looks exactly like the Start Charm, with similar animations.”
If you’re expecting the resurrected Start button to itself resurrect the tried and true Start menu found in Windows 7 and several Windows versions before it, there have been no indications that the Windows 8 Start button will launch anything but Windows 8′s “Modern” (formerly “Metro”) tiled interface, at which point you can choose the app you want to run.
For those complaining about the tediousness of switching back and forth between Windows 8′s Modern and Desktop modes, Thurrott has good news about the much-requested Boot-to-Desktop option: “Yep, it’s in there. And it’s off by default.” So if you’d rather work solely in the comfort of a Windows 7-like experience, you’ll apparently be able to boot right into Desktop mode and stay there — until the resurrected Start button kicks you into Modern mode to choose any programs you haven’t pinned to your desktop, that is.
First, the Start button will return to Windows 8′s Desktop mode. Says Thurrott: “When you hover over [the] Start button, the button changes color, with a black background and the accent color used on the flag logo. Yes, it looks exactly like the Start Charm, with similar animations.”
If you’re expecting the resurrected Start button to itself resurrect the tried and true Start menu found in Windows 7 and several Windows versions before it, there have been no indications that the Windows 8 Start button will launch anything but Windows 8′s “Modern” (formerly “Metro”) tiled interface, at which point you can choose the app you want to run.
For those complaining about the tediousness of switching back and forth between Windows 8′s Modern and Desktop modes, Thurrott has good news about the much-requested Boot-to-Desktop option: “Yep, it’s in there. And it’s off by default.” So if you’d rather work solely in the comfort of a Windows 7-like experience, you’ll apparently be able to boot right into Desktop mode and stay there — until the resurrected Start button kicks you into Modern mode to choose any programs you haven’t pinned to your desktop, that is.
2013年4月24日星期三
How to get the Start menu back in Windows 8: install the slick, free Pokki
Windows 8, reviewed, can be used just like Windows 7 if that's what you want to do, but the absence of a Start menu is frustrating for those who don't want to use the new Start screen.
Stardock's Start8 is a good application, but if you're after something free, try Pokki. You can download and install it in about 90 seconds, so you won't have to wait until Microsoft brings back the Start menu in Windows 8.1.
How to install, configure and use Pokki.
Step 1: Go to www.pokki.com and click the blue Download Pokki button
Step 2: Run the downloaded file and the installer will do its thing with minimal input from you. Unlike some free programs, Pokki won't try and install toolbars or other crapware on your computer.
Step 3: Once installed, you should see a new icon on the left-hand side of your taskbar which looks a bit like an acorn. Click it and your shiny new start menu will pop up.
Step 4: Pokki will suggest a few programs which you might like to 'favourite' by clicking the star to the right of each one. Doing this 'pins' the app to the right-hand pane of the start menu so it's always easy to find.
Step 5: You can use the search box to find installed programs, settings, files and also websites. As in the previous step, you can click the star to the right of any search result to pin it to the start menu.
Step 6: When you want to shut down your computer, you can use the handy Shut Down button. The arrow pointing right works like Windows 7 and Vista: it provides options such as Restart, Sleep and Switch user.
Step 7: Pokki also includes an app store. These are like mobile apps, but for the desktop, and include notifications for some of the most popular websites (such as aFacebook and Twitter) and games (including Plants vs Zombies and Angry Birds).
Stardock's Start8 is a good application, but if you're after something free, try Pokki. You can download and install it in about 90 seconds, so you won't have to wait until Microsoft brings back the Start menu in Windows 8.1.
How to install, configure and use Pokki.
Step 1: Go to www.pokki.com and click the blue Download Pokki button
Step 2: Run the downloaded file and the installer will do its thing with minimal input from you. Unlike some free programs, Pokki won't try and install toolbars or other crapware on your computer.
Step 3: Once installed, you should see a new icon on the left-hand side of your taskbar which looks a bit like an acorn. Click it and your shiny new start menu will pop up.
Step 4: Pokki will suggest a few programs which you might like to 'favourite' by clicking the star to the right of each one. Doing this 'pins' the app to the right-hand pane of the start menu so it's always easy to find.
Step 5: You can use the search box to find installed programs, settings, files and also websites. As in the previous step, you can click the star to the right of any search result to pin it to the start menu.
Step 6: When you want to shut down your computer, you can use the handy Shut Down button. The arrow pointing right works like Windows 7 and Vista: it provides options such as Restart, Sleep and Switch user.
Step 7: Pokki also includes an app store. These are like mobile apps, but for the desktop, and include notifications for some of the most popular websites (such as aFacebook and Twitter) and games (including Plants vs Zombies and Angry Birds).
2013年4月11日星期四
YouMail Extends To Windows 8, Thanks To Third Party Developer
YouMail the provider of enhanced voicemail services and mobile apps, has a popular iPhone and Android application--but, like any other firm, has had to limit how many different platforms it ports its app to. So, how do get distribution of your services on other, not-as-popular platforms like Windows 8? YouMail appears to have cracked the code, by making its services available via an application programming interface. YouMail announced Tuesday that its services are now available as an app on Windows 8 -- thanks, not to its own team, but to a third party developer, MagikMail.
YouMail said that--due to having a small development team--it has had to limit the platforms it develops for, even dropping BlackBerry support from the app a year ago. However, in the meantime, the firm made an API available to third party developers, which resulted in an independent developer, Gilles Khouzam, building his own app to support YouMail on Windows phone.
Paragon Camptune X 10.2 Now Delivers Full Windows 8 Boot Camp Support
Paragon Software Group (PSG), a leader in data backup, disaster recovery, and data migration solutions, announces the release of a new update to CampTune X 10.2, ensuring the most up-to-date dual-boot user experience possible. Camptune X 10.2 solves the maintenance problem that Mac Boot Camp? users encounter when they run out of free partition space. With Camptune X, Mac users can redistribute available space between Macintosh and Windows partitions rapidly without data loss, adding free megabytes to partitions on either operating system quickly and easily.
Many dual-boot users face the problem of resizing partitions as the amount of data – either on Mac OS X volume or windows volume – increases over time. Paragon Camptune X is a next-generation utility that changes volume sizes in dual-boot Mac OS X/Windows systems by adding more space to one volume at the expense of another. Simple to use, Camptune X is a native utility that adjusts volume size in a few simple clicks without the need to boot to a special environment.
Traditionally, to solve the problem of free space relocation Mac users would need to back up the Boot Camp partition, delete the partition, recreate the NTFS partition with new size and finally, restore the Windows partition backup into this new NTFS partition. The whole process would take 2 to 5 hours. Now with Camptune X the same results can be achieved in a matter of minutes.
Paragon Camptune X has very easy and intuitive interface. There are just 3 simple steps to perform the resize:
1. Run Camptune X
2 Set the desired volume size by moving the partitions boundary
3. Perform the operation.
Camptune X Benefits:
No need to perform many manual operations.
No need to reboot Mac, thus you can continue your usual work while the resize operation is performed.
No need to have third-party software or installation media.
With Camptune X the whole resize operation is twice as faster.
Availability:
Paragon Camptune X is available for 19.95 USD (14.95 EUR).
About Paragon Software Group:
Paragon Software Group is an innovative software developer focused on two dynamic growth markets. The company's comprehensive product line for the data storage market addresses the needs of data security, storage and management for PCs, servers and networks. A second portfolio of products focuses on mobile productivity applications for handheld devices. Founded in 1994, Paragon Software has offices in the USA, Germany, Japan, and Russia delivering its solutions to consumers, small business and enterprise clients worldwide through a network of Value Added Resellers, distributors and OEMs as well as online through the company website. Paragon Software provides technology to a host of world class companies and partners including Cisco, Dell, Toshiba, NEC, Siemens, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, and more.
Many dual-boot users face the problem of resizing partitions as the amount of data – either on Mac OS X volume or windows volume – increases over time. Paragon Camptune X is a next-generation utility that changes volume sizes in dual-boot Mac OS X/Windows systems by adding more space to one volume at the expense of another. Simple to use, Camptune X is a native utility that adjusts volume size in a few simple clicks without the need to boot to a special environment.
Traditionally, to solve the problem of free space relocation Mac users would need to back up the Boot Camp partition, delete the partition, recreate the NTFS partition with new size and finally, restore the Windows partition backup into this new NTFS partition. The whole process would take 2 to 5 hours. Now with Camptune X the same results can be achieved in a matter of minutes.
Paragon Camptune X has very easy and intuitive interface. There are just 3 simple steps to perform the resize:
1. Run Camptune X
2 Set the desired volume size by moving the partitions boundary
3. Perform the operation.
Camptune X Benefits:
No need to perform many manual operations.
No need to reboot Mac, thus you can continue your usual work while the resize operation is performed.
No need to have third-party software or installation media.
With Camptune X the whole resize operation is twice as faster.
Availability:
Paragon Camptune X is available for 19.95 USD (14.95 EUR).
About Paragon Software Group:
Paragon Software Group is an innovative software developer focused on two dynamic growth markets. The company's comprehensive product line for the data storage market addresses the needs of data security, storage and management for PCs, servers and networks. A second portfolio of products focuses on mobile productivity applications for handheld devices. Founded in 1994, Paragon Software has offices in the USA, Germany, Japan, and Russia delivering its solutions to consumers, small business and enterprise clients worldwide through a network of Value Added Resellers, distributors and OEMs as well as online through the company website. Paragon Software provides technology to a host of world class companies and partners including Cisco, Dell, Toshiba, NEC, Siemens, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, and more.
Panasonic's Windows 8 Toughpad and Toughbook
As much as we think the iPad is one of the best tablet computers around, you're not likely going to go using it in the rain, or throw it around on a building site.
But there are computers built for this sort of treatment.
Two of the latest are a "fully rugged" Windows 8 tablet and a "rugged" Windows 8 laptop from Panasonic.
The Toughpad FZ-G1
The Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet computer is the thinnest and lightest fully rugged tablet, according to Panasonic.
It is certified to IP65, which means should be able to withstand dust and powerful water jets but not complete immersion. It can withstand drops of up to 1.2 metres. So in theory, it should be ok if used out in the rain or knocked from a desk.
The FZ-G1 includes a 10.1in touchscreen with "outdoor display technology" and weighs 1.1kg. That is fairly hefty as tablets go, but that's the price of ruggedness. The price starts at $3,299.
The Toughbook CF-AX2
For those who like a keyboard, the Toughbook CF-AX2 convertible ultrabook features a 11.6in touchscreen that flips over so you can also use it as a tablet.
How tough is it? The CF-AX2 is "able to withstand drops of up to 76 cm and 100 kgf pressure on the screen without damage," according to Panasonic. There is no mention of water resistance that we could find, though. The price starts at $2,499.
But there are computers built for this sort of treatment.
Two of the latest are a "fully rugged" Windows 8 tablet and a "rugged" Windows 8 laptop from Panasonic.
The Toughpad FZ-G1
The Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet computer is the thinnest and lightest fully rugged tablet, according to Panasonic.
It is certified to IP65, which means should be able to withstand dust and powerful water jets but not complete immersion. It can withstand drops of up to 1.2 metres. So in theory, it should be ok if used out in the rain or knocked from a desk.
The FZ-G1 includes a 10.1in touchscreen with "outdoor display technology" and weighs 1.1kg. That is fairly hefty as tablets go, but that's the price of ruggedness. The price starts at $3,299.
The Toughbook CF-AX2
For those who like a keyboard, the Toughbook CF-AX2 convertible ultrabook features a 11.6in touchscreen that flips over so you can also use it as a tablet.
How tough is it? The CF-AX2 is "able to withstand drops of up to 76 cm and 100 kgf pressure on the screen without damage," according to Panasonic. There is no mention of water resistance that we could find, though. The price starts at $2,499.
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