Microsoft’s incoming Windows 8.1 update might not make any grandiose changes, but it looks as if it will offer some appreciated navigation and start-up improvements. A new build has leaked online offering risky types the chance to try it several weeks before the official release. As teased last month , the update will let you pin your Windows Store apps alongside other programs on your desktop start bar. It sounds like a timesaving improvement, as before you’d have to labor through the Start screen to launch those aforementioned apps. Windows 8-styled apps also pick up a new bar with close, minimize and snap options available to click on, forgoing those keyboard shortcuts or touch swipes. Live Tiles now have contextual menus available with a right click, making them easier to resize, move (or remove). A new shutdown button, as leaked just last week , also throws up a new drop-down menu for restarting, shutting down and sleep mode. This experimental build is apparently three weeks old already — the real deal is expected to arrive next month. Filed under: Desktops , Laptops , Software , Microsoft Comments Source: The Verge

Read More:
Windows 8.1’s first major update leaks online: improved Store app integration, time-saving tweaks

While we found the S7 a “near perfect” machine , one of our gripes was that Acer didn’t offer any versions with a 2, 560 x 1, 440 high-res display in the US. Now the company is dropping off Wide Quad High-definition (WQHD) S7 laptops in the states, and has already specced out two samples packing a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. The S7-392-6425 will be $1499 and use Intel’s i5-4200U processor, while the S7-392-9439 is priced at $1, 799.99 with an i7-4500U. You can snag both next week at a variety of online and retail outlets including Frys and Amazon. Filed under: Laptops , Acer Comments

Excerpt from:
Acer’s WQHD S7 Ultrabook finally hits the US next week

You won’t have to endure data caps if you want cheap phone service at US Cellular. The carrier has just launched a promo plan that offers unlimited internet access, messaging and voice for $50 per month without a contract. There is a big gotcha, though — US Cellular will start throttling data speeds after the first 500MB, which rules it out for movie fans and others who need a lot of bandwidth. Still, it’s worth a look if you’re keen to both lower your bill and avoid those dreaded overage fees. [Image credit: Vincent Desjardins, Flickr ] Filed under: Cellphones , Wireless , Mobile Comments Source: US Cellular

View original post here:
US Cellular offers $50 unlimited plan with throttled data as a catch

Microsoft already gave Windows 8 users the option to boot their machines directly to the desktop, but a future update could make the classic interface standard. According to known leaker WZor , the latest Windows 8.1 test build skips over Microsoft’s tiled interface by default. Of course, those aren’t the only changes — WZor also posted screenshots showing that the OS’ power options (sleep, shut down and restart) have been moved to the Start Screen, and modern UI apps now feature a “minimize” option, lending credibility to rumors that a future update would allow them to be run from the desktop. So that’s what they meant by business friendly . Filed under: Desktops , Laptops , Tablets , Microsoft Comments Via: WinBeta Source: WZor (Russian)

Read this article:
The next Windows 8.1 update might skip the Start screen by default

Your choices for satellite communication devices are relatively limited, especially if you’d prefer to use your own gear while chatting in the wilderness. You’re going get a much wider selection of hardware once Globalstar’s Sat-Fi service goes live, though. The subscription offering revolves around a satellite hotspot (not yet pictured) that lets you make calls and send data on Globalstar’s network using most any WiFi-capable device. You can share the connection between multiple gadgets, and you can even use an existing phone number. Just be patient if you’re eager to sign up for an always-available data link. The company doesn’t expect the FCC to approve the hotspot until some time in the second quarter of the year, and you’ll have to wait until shortly afterward to use the service itself. Filed under: Cellphones , Wireless , Networking Comments Source: Globalstar

View original post here:
Globalstar’s new service turns your WiFi device into a satellite phone

Dell’s betting that a bunch of businesspeople want to be able to carry their work computer around in their pocket. Not literally , of course, but with the release of the company’s $130 dollar Wyse Cloud Connect dongle (formerly known as Project Ophelia ), you can do just that. It connects to any TV or display with an HDMI or MHL port, and hooks up to mice and keyboards via Bluetooth or mini-USB. There’s also a microSD slot to give you up to 32GB of local storage, should you want it. Plus, you can access your desktop using yours or your company’s choice of virtualization technologies: Citrix, Microsoft or VMWare . Once plugged in, users can access a full Jelly Bean Android experience or their Windows and Mac machines via the aforementioned remote clients, and see them in 1080p resolution (on compatible displays, of course). Dell’s pitching the dongle as primarily an enterprise solution, but the company also thinks it’s well-suited as an educational tool, too. We got to see the Cloud Connect in action today at a launch event in Silicon Valley, and in our limited time with the device, it worked just as Dell said it would. The dongle itself is a bit bigger than your standard flash drive… it’s roughly the size of an Apple TV remote . Installing the thing really is as simple as plugging it into a monitor, which turns said monitor into a fully fledged Android device. That means you have access to any compatible app from Google Play (or at least whatever apps your company’s IT department allows). Speaking of, the Cloud Connect management dashboard allows IT administrators to easily set permissions and access for the dongles with a straightforward and simple interface. As for consumer applications, Dell’s VP and GM of cloud client computing, Steve Lalla, told us that his focus is on b2b for now, but regular folks are certainly on his radar. “It’ll bleed into the consumer space, ” he said. “It’s just that businesses already understand the value proposition of the technology.” When we inquired about the possibility of building the Cloud Connect directly into monitors (essentially creating Android desktop computers ), Lalla said that he has nothing to announce, but we get the feeling we’ll see one from Dell before too long. Filed under: Networking , Internet , Dell Comments Source: Dell

More:
Dell’s new Android HDMI dongle turns screens into virtualized desktop computers for $130

Not interested in buying a Steam Machine this year, but still want a tiny gaming PC? Never fear — CyberPowerPC has just released the Zeus Mini , its latest take on a conventional small computer with full-sized performance. The system is just 4.4 inches thick and 18 inches deep, but it has room for fast video cards like AMD’s R9 290 or NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 780. You’ll also find a high-end AMD Kaveri or Intel Haswell processor inside, and there’s space for a large liquid cooling system if you insist on a silent rig. Zeus Mini prices start at $599 for a basic variant with a 3.7GHz AMD A10 chip and integrated graphics, but demanding players can shell out $1, 479 for a flagship model with a 3.5GHz Core i7 and GTX 780 video. Filed under: Desktops , Gaming , AMD , Intel , NVIDIA Comments Source: CyberpowerPC

See original article:
CyberpowerPC stuffs full-size graphics into a tiny gaming desktop