WhatsApp on Windows app won't need your phone to work

WhatsApp has just released a native app on Windows that no longer needs you to link your phone for it to work. The refreshed app just exited beta and is now available on the Microsoft Store. You no longer need the web-based desktop app or the one on the browser. This native version should run faster and be more responsive.

It also features a slightly cleaner interface than the previous app version but doesn't look drastically different. The most significant change is you no longer need to keep your phone online or close by to sync messages between your phone and the desktop app. According to the Meta-owned messaging service, it is also working on a native app for macOS.

Source | Via

Microsoft putting dual-screen devices on hold to focus on Surface and Windows updates

2020 was supposed to be the year of dual-screen devices and particularly for Microsoft who was preparing both the Surface Neo and Surface Duo devices as well as Windows 10X, the multi-mode dual-screen flavour of their operating system. This was before the COVID-19 forced massive populations to shelter-in-place and work from home. Windows 10X was initially supposed to herald the new dual-screen device segment from Microsoft and partners like HP, Lenovo, and others. This is no longer the case as the need for portable or mobile devices isn't that pressing in this new normal.

“It is important that we focus on meeting our customers where they are now and helping them get to where they want to be in the future,” Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay writes. “With Windows 10X, we designed for flexibility, and that flexibility has enabled us to pivot our focus toward single-screen Windows 10X devices that leverage the power of the cloud to help our customers work, learn and play in new ways. These single-screen devices will be the first expression of Windows 10X that we deliver to our customers, and we will continue to look for the right moment, in conjunction with our OEM partners, to bring dual-screen devices to market.”

Source: Thurrott

Latest Surface 'Andromeda' patent hints at a locking mechanism

One of the most anticipated products to come out of Microsoft is the Surface 'Andromeda' device which is a folding dual-screen computer that will serve as a Windows device that will be able to make calls and access mobile data. Various patents pertaining to this mystery device have already leaked out and the latest one details a locking mechanism. 

Microsoft's rich heritage of hinges and locks shows that the company can solve complex problems when it comes to making multifunctional devices. The latest patent which was found h0x0d and shared on Twitter shows a clever 0-360 degree hinge articulation. As with most patents, let's take this with a grain of salt, although there's clearly enough evidence that Microsoft has really fleshed out the folding aspect of such a device which is unlike anything we've seen in the market.

Source: Windows Central

An immersive experience with Windows Mixed Reality

By Sonya Davidson

It was an unlikely gathering, or so you would think, of women ready to explore what's new in mixed reality. When Microsoft approached me to see if I was interested in a personalize experience of the new Windows Mixed Reality with friends, I was curious. I also decided to go against the expected when they mentioned I could invite a few friends or family members along for the fun. 

You would probably expect me to bring my family of boys. Nah, they're too predictable. I already know they would be interested. So, I decided to bring a few other ladies to see just what would happen. After all, we all know that moms are the ones who are figuring out gifts this time of year. It may come as a surprise that each woman I asked to joined me JUMPED at the opportunity to see the latest technology. With varying knowledge of augmented reality and virtual reality, there was definitely a strong interest in learning more especially when we see potential of spending more quality time WITH our friends and families. 

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