First impressions on the Apple Watch Series 2

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple has figured out a few things about the Apple Watch and its users and the result is the Apple Watch Series 2. Looking very much like the first-gen Apple Watch (which is still availble with an updated dual-core processor), the Series 2 does have some minute differences that are easy to miss. Here are my impressions after three days of use.

Series 2 is a bit thicker than the original Apple Watch because it now has a larger battery, built-in GPS as well as water resistance for up to 50m. There's an extra microphone hole and this is used to expel any water that may have seeped in during a swim.

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Microsoft's free Windows 10 upgrade messaging is confusing

As we head into the July 29th launch date for Windows 10, the messaging on who is eligible for a free Windows 10 update seems to be getting more convoluted. Microsoft said a week ago that testers of the Windows 10 Preview, who are in essence helping  Redmond with the debugging and field testing of the new OS and antidote to the poorly received Windows 8 OS, would be 'getting the final release build which would remain activated.' Many read this as, 'Windows 10 Preview copies would be upgraded for free.' 

Microsoft has since backtracked and removed the "remain activated" part, while explaining that only owners of a genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 copy would get the next version for free. You know your version is eligible because it should show a 'Get Windows 10' icon on your taskbar which will walk you through the process of 'reserving' the OS for when it finally ships on July 29.

This is still confusing and as we barrel towards the launch date, I'm hoping Microsoft will issue clear instructions and explain how to best prepare for the installation of this much anticipated update to Windows. Microsoft did announce some changes to the Insider program (which issues the previews), check out the full details at Thurott.com

Source: Microsoft, Thurott.com

Update on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 4:35PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

A recent entry in the Microsoft blog aims to clarify who gets what for free. 

Microsoft wants you to try Office 2016 Preview

Microsoft Office 2016 Preview is ready to accept more testers. Microsoft is offering access to the newest version of its key productitivy software suite. While Office 2016 isn't coming until the Fall, anyone who is interested in checking out the next evolution of Office should check it out here. Note that this is unfinished and pre-release software that in the process of being finalized so a lot of the features may not work as advertised.

First impressions on the Surface 3

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

It took Microsoft three tries but it finally built the best possible 2-in-1 PC for consumers with the Surface 3. Microsoft repeated many of the strokes and flourishes that made the Surface Pro 3 arguably one of the best 12-inch notebook/tablet combinations out there, and by jettisoning the ill-received Windows RT for an ultimately more useful Window 8 and Windows 10 OS, gave users the device they've been wanting.

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