Scribbled notes listening in to Microsoft build event today -
Windows Phone 8.1 -
1 Microsoft announces Cortana on latest Windows Phone 8.1  build - which is similar to Siri/Google now :)
2 Microsoft announces Visual Studio update that allows developers to build apps - both consumer and enterprise across devices- PC's, Windows Phone,  Xbox One… (love this!) You can publish these apps in Windows Store, sell them  and make money :)  Customers can buy once and use an app anywhere (Windows and Windows Phone). This also extends to in-app purchases: if you buy something on your phone, you’ll get the same access on your PC.
3 Launch of Enterprise mobility suite (EMS) - that allows more security - encrypted emails, VPN and others
4 Push for Skype integration for video calls
5 Workflow keyboard - swipe keys … doesn’t this come from Samsung? :)
6 IE 11 update on Windows Phone - with in private browsing and reading mode
7 Bits should be available for developers … @ Microsoft
8 Roll out of Win Phone 8.1 coming to consumers in next few months (date not announced)
9 Windows free for sub-9" devices on phone…  is this strategy more for early adoption and Windows market share? How do they plan to monetize - by selling apps?

New features for Windows 8.1 update (and oh! Microsoft already planning Windows 9 next summer 2015) - 1 Brings Start menu back (is this considered a feature.. .?  You take it away and then bring it back :))
2 Windows feature - that allows Metro apps to appear as distinct windows in desktop mode
3 Release update - Win 8.1 update roll out available - starting Apr 8th
Interesting and encouraging moves, hopefully makes everyone's life better...

Cheers -DJ

 

Watch Apple's livestream to today's ipad event - here's how to watch

Apple to Livestream Today's iPad Event here - http://www.apple.com/apple-events/october-2013/

Watch streaming video from this special event and learn more about our exciting announcements.

Live Streaming video requires Safari 4 or later on OS X v10.6 or later; Safari on iOS 4.2 or later. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 5.0.2 or later.

 

Just SAFARI... fair play? If competitors in Seattle do something like this.... then there is huge noise :) Anyways you can watch this event only from Apple ecosystem and not Windows PC!!

More innovation is expected this time around, here you go (lighter side:))... various color options iPad, few pounds lighter, new lightning charger that makes old one and other third party devices you invested in obsolete, 3D/4D maps, Keyboard/keypad this time around to be little productive, voice recognition software - Siri who is trying to get better, higher screen resolution, higher MP camera, video burst shooting, security software/biometrics and more applications (actually meant games :))! Cost ...slightly higher of course we deserve more margins but don't worry we also have mini! :) Let's stay tuned and see how many are correct :)

Stream events (fun moments) -

Point of View on Microsoft Surface launch...

Microsoft released RT and then released PRO last holidays, many people don't know this and many people didn't follow the difference,

1. Microsoft RT is based on ARM, really meant as cheaper option for mass consumers. - $399?
2. Microsoft PRO is based on Intel i5 processor, really meant for more productive work and targeting enterprises. - $899?

Do you think this is a good move for customers?
a) Actually, it confuses consumer more especially end users... who are not IT skilled.
b) After releasing RT, MSFT decide to release another product - Surface PRO. They actually killed their own product - RT which is "self destruction"...why would someone buy RT?

Interestingly, Microsoft now is launching Surface on Oct 22 2013 - newer version of Surface and decide to call them as - Surface 2 (without an RT) - does that add to confusion further?

My PoV is = Microsoft go forward should only have 1 high end product - Surface, that's it! Both consumers and enterprise customers need one product who can do all that tablets can do with Office installed so that it can be productive fun. Kill RT and reduce price of PRO and move ahead.... this will enable to have the decent market share for Microsoft in this space. Personally, I believe they have the potential but the road ahead has few bumps!

Cheers-  DJ
 

Should you go for Microsoft Windows Surface RT or Windows Surface PRO?

My first hand experience with Microsoft Surface PRO. Microsoft recently launched Surface PRO with Windows 8 OS this Feb 9th. We missed the fanfare mainly due to the storm in east coast but also partly users didnt even realize that there was some new product that Microsoft was launching :) I still hear ppl. asking questions what is Surface PRO and what is Windows RT? Is this  a PR mistake by Microsoft not revealing one brand identity to end users who are not tech savvy! Apple has iPad (thats it :)). On top of this Windows Surface comes in different forms - one developed by HP, Acer, Asus, Dell and what not.... all adds to confusion to end users!

Below, are few of  the pointers where I try to list differences between Windows PRO and Windows RT. Should you go for Windows Surface RT or Windows Surface PRO? There is no one answer but purely depends on your needs -

Here are few pointers that I can list that can help you choose between the 2 products -

1> Windows RT is an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store. ARM based tablets cannot run existing old windows applications.

Surface PRO run all previous version of Windows applications and integrates with your existing enterprise management infrastructure. Use your existing programs and the apps available in the Windows Store as well as it is based on Intel chips i5 processor.

2> Ofcourse, price is something still debatable in the market, as Windows RT is what you can get for $499 odd, v/s PRO @ $899. If you add the additional accessories like Touch keypad, wedge mouse and others you may have to shelve out more - $134 for keypad and 70 for bluetooth wedge mouse. Along with taxes you are looking at somewhere $1300 which is lot even if you are just looking for a high end laptop.

3> PRO does come with Stylus pen - which I think is pretty cool. Remember, however that's not a luxury, but really a necessity as when you switch to OLD windows applications you really need the pen as the fonts (such as the menu bar) really gets small.

4> Strorage is constantly debatable, and it seems there is 32 GB odd of strorage that is already used by OS and backup, thats not kewl! Technically if you buy 64 GB tablet that would leave you with just 32 GB to begin with. Thats the very reason Microsoft didnt even come up with 32 GB Surface tablet, you will get maybe 1 MB of free storage and oh yes they claim you can always put more on cloud :)

5> Camera on PRO is decent enough to do live chat, but not video recording of high quality.  Regardless, cannot imagine video recording thru' Surface.

6> You dont get Microsoft Office free with Windows Surface PRO, but it does with come with home/student edition with Windows RT. Remember, this is one of the key product that MSFT is publishing as productivity app.

7> Battery life - PRO claims to have 3-4 hours of battery life v/s Surface RT which can last for 8 hours plus,

8>  PRO is slightly, heavier than Windows RT but less than regular laptop weight. Comes with USB 3.0 which is faster I/O devices connect compared to USB 2.0. You can connect with HDMI devices.

Both Windows RT and Surface PRO do not come with wi-fi from Microsoft manufactured devices  (though learn that AT&T has started selling those!). I find this little wierd and loses the concept of device everywhere!

Regardless, I can bet that Windows Surface PRO is much better option that Windows RT (infact when i was in Microsoft Store, RT displays were not even looked by customers :)). Price is still a big concern for me but i would love to buy one!

Cheers - Dipesh