Archives February 2015

Microsoft has recently filed a trademark for Windows 365. So, we can guess that a subscription model for licensing the operating system is probably on the way.

Microsoft will provide “access to non-downloadable computer software”. It is possible that you won’t have to install the entire OS on your PC; you might be able install a minimal environment which is good for low-end Windows devices. There is also mention of cloud storage, online training, video on demand, etc.

It had already been announced that Windows 10 will be free for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users for one year after its launch. Microsoft has not yet revealed a pricing strategy for Windows 10 after the one-year period, or a license cost for users that are building their own PCs.

Windows 10 Technical Preview users can now download touch-friendly versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint from the Windows Store Beta. There are only versions for PCs, laptops and tablets available; the mobile versions of the apps will be released in a few weeks. Microsoft Office touch apps are designed to work on any device running Windows 10. These new Office apps will be pre-installed for free on phones and small tablets. The applications work on both x86/x64 and ARM devices.

Microsoft also announced Office 2016 for the second half of the year, which will be suited for a PC with keyboard and mouse.

Raspberry PI Foundation revealed a new version of the Pi with a microcomputer which is six times stronger than its predecessor; the new Pi costs only 35 dollars. The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B has ARMv7 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. The USB, Ethernet, A/V, HDMI, micro SD and micro USB connectors are in the same locations as on the PI model B+. The new board will be supported by Windows 10 which will be free for all Raspberry Pi users. With this move Microsoft wanted to expand their Internet of Things program; there will be more details about Windows 10 plans for IoT in the coming months.

Besides that, Windows 10 will be free for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Home and Professional users for one year upon launch.

Microsoft has announced a few novelties for this year. After the news about Windows 10, they revealed info about the new Office 2016 which will be available in the second half of 2015. There will be two versions: touch-optimized versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint for smartphones and tablets, and a non-touch version designed for computers with a mouse and keyboard. Windows and Mac versions will have the same name and they will probably be released around the same time.

New features are not known yet, but you can check out the visual upgrade on the unofficial screenshot below. Microsoft will disclose more information in the foreseeable future.

Office 2016 apps will be pre-installed for free on smartphones and tablets running Windows 10. Microsoft has published a new video where you can see a demonstration of the new touch-optimized apps.

The new Office 2016 suite will be available on our web shop too.