At long last, Google is expected to introduce test versions of 64-bit code versions of the Chrome browser for Windows, which had been continuing to run using 32-bit code. The update to 64-bit will not only increase the browsing speed for users, but it will also keep web surfers safer from online threats as well.
To read the rest of the article by Jon Fingas for Engadget.com, follow this link.
With the announcement that Apple will release new versions of both iOS and OS X, it is becoming clear that Apple is well on its way to completely integrating its mobile and desktop operating systems. In the future, it is envisioned that a singular operating system will allow users to seamlessly transition between their iPhones/iPads and iMacs/MacBooks without missing a beat.
Click here to read the rest of Seamus Condron’s article for PCMag.com.
California will begin to grant licenses to driverless cars and their owners, with a cost of just $150. There will be heavy restrictions on these licenses at first though. Only employees of car manufacturers that make autonomous cars will be eligible at first, the car itself must be insured for at least $5 million, and the test driver must be able to intervene at any point.
Click here to read the rest of the article by Greg Kumparak for TechCrunch.com.
Hoping to become a more environmentally friendly business, Dell is making a line of computers that are made from recycled plastic. While Dell had ranked behind Apple, IBM, Microsoft, HP and others in its use of sustainable materials, this does appear they are taking steps towards becoming greener in their production.
To read the rest of the article by Agam Shah for PCWorld.com, follow this link.
PCMag.com took the time to compare the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 against the MacBook Air, as the two are both advertised as ultra-portable, full-blown computers. While the Surface does offer touchscreen capabilities that the MacBook Air does not, it is significantly more expensive, especially if people wish to include the type pad with it.
Click here to read the rest of the article by Joel Santo Domingo for PCMag.com.
China has banned Windows 8 from being installed as the operating system on government computers, believing that the OS could pose a future security risk. The Chinese government will reportedly look to implement a Linux-based operating system, first in government offices and then on a consumer-wide basis.
To read the rest of the article by Matt Brian for Engadget.com, follow this link.
If you are getting ready to get rid of your old PC, external hard drive or USB drive, you will want to make sure that the data on those pieces of hardware is completely removed. Windows 8 features a simple function that allows you to wipe your hard drive, while older operating systems require a few more steps. You can also take the more drastic step of completely destroying the device or hard drive that your information is on, though this is usually unnecessary.
Click here to read the rest of the article by Chris Hoffman for PCWorld.com.
Known for its massive lists of recommendations and choices that can take hours to sort through, Netflix would like to see the number of choices shrink markedly, to just a handful of targeted selections. Netflix is in the process of greatly enhancing the algorithms behind their recommendations, which should pare down the number of titles it offers to users to around three or four.
Click here to read the full article by Jared Newman for PCWorld.com.
According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 use much more power than their predecessors. However, this power is not put to good use, as much of the electricity is used up during standby. The Xbox One is particularly inefficient, as it takes up approximately 72 watts to control the television as well.
Click here to read the rest of the article by Mark Hachman for PCWorld.com.
According to Forbes writer Jordan Shapiro, Mario Kart 8, which is set to be released on May 30, is the perfect game for the family, as it is challenging enough for parents to enjoy it, yet simple enough for young children to remain competitive and engaged as well. He also points out that Nintendo has always done the best job of creating simple games that appeal to an older generation’s nostalgic side while simultaneously being very kid-friendly.
Click here to read the rest of Shapiro’s post.
PCMag.com takes a look at 10 of the best smartphones on the market today, giving a quick breakdown of the details of each of the featured phones. The HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S5 seem to be the favorites among the Android based phones, while the Nokia Lumia Icon is an improvement over the previous installments of Windows phones. The Apple iPhone 5s has a lot of room to grow, as many people have not begun to explore its full capabilities yet.
To read the full breakdown by Sascha Segan, follow this link.
Many Windows tablets are so advanced that they can effectively serve as PCs, so PC World has several suggestions for ways to help people turn their tablets into desktops. Among the features that people may need to supplement their tablets include monitors, USB hubs, keyboards and mouses. The update to Windows 8.1 allows users to switch from touch-screen mode to desktop, making the transition relatively smooth.
Click here to read the rest of the article by Chris Hoffman for PCWorld.com.
