Windows 10 Upgrade Will Be Free For All, Regardless If The Old OS is Pirated

As the old adage goes “if you can’t beat them, join them”. Better yet, in the case of Microsoft, re-engage Windows users who are running a non-genuine copy of Microsoft’s desktop OS by giving them free upgrade to the upcoming Windows 10.

Based on their research, Microsoft has uncovered that a huge chunk, 75% on their recent estimate, of all Windows-based PCs in China are running on pirated copy of Windows which shows that their efforts, if there are any, in battling piracy in the said country have so far been futile.

In an interview with Reuters, Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s EVP of Operating System, is quoted saying that “We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10.” He added that the Redmond-based firm is tapping various organizations, such as Lenovo, Qihoo 360 and Tencent to turn this plan in to reality.

It’s still unclear whether Microsoft will implement this outside of China, but this is definitely a good news for those who cannot afford to buy a licensed version of Windows (or those who just don’t want to pay for a legit copy). On the other hand, we’re not sure how paying Windows users will react to this bold move from the software giant.

Windows 10 is expected to be released in the market sometime in summer which is said to feature a new browser codenamed Project Spartan.

Source

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Intel, PC Express launches Cobalt NUC

Intel’s NUC has been around for 3 years but this time, they’ve partnered with PC Express to offer pre-configured Cobalt NUC to both SME, enterprise and commercial customers.

Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is a small form factor PC designed by Intel which features a miniaturized version of a motherboard that fits into a 4×4 inches stylized chassis yet still able to pack an Intel Core i-series processor.

PC Express configured three different SKUs starting with a Celeron processor right up to Core i5 (a Core i7 is coming later this year).

Cobalt Entry
Intel Celeron N2820 2.39GHz dual-core
Intel HD Graphics
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB Mobile HDD
15.6″ LED monitor
USB Keyboard and mouse
Windows 8.1 OEM
Php19,995 at 12 months, 0% (less Php2,000 for cash)

More experienced customers can also get just the NUC Kit which is basically a barebones system and needs to be added with storage and RAM.

Storage can be either mobile SATA HDD or SSD along with options for 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM.

There’s also the option to get any of the pre-customized Cobalt setup and upgrade some of the components, like the HDD or the RAM.

Cobalt Mainstream
Intel Core i3 5010U 2.1GHz dual-core
Intel HD Graphics 5500
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB Mobile HDD
Intel WiFi 802.11ac
18.5″ LED monitor
USB Keyboard and mouse
Windows 8.1 OEM
Php28,995 at 12 months, 0% (less Php3,000 for cash)

Intel is targeting SMEs and enterprise customers with the NUC but some individuals might find the miniaturized PCs attractive for specific uses, like HTPCs.

Cobalt Pro
Intel Core i5 4250U 1.3GHz dual-core
Turbo Boost 2.6GHz
Intel HD Graphics 5500
4GB DDR3 RAM
1TB Mobile HDD
Intel WiFi 802.11ac
21.5″ LED monitor
USB Keyboard and mouse
Windows 8.1 OEM
Php38,995 at 12 months, 0% (less Php4,000 for cash)

The PCX Cobalt NUC is available in all PC Express branches and their online store.

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AWEI TS-150vi In-Ear Headphones Review

Good audio, affordable price. That is what most people, especially music lovers, are looking for when it comes to headphones. These are hard to come by as most good audio products command an expensive price tag. The AWEI TS-150vi In-Ear Headphones beg to differ though. This pair is capable of producing good sounds at a very low cost. Find out how good by reading our review below.

Design and Construction

The first thing you’ll notice about the TS-150vi is its sporty design. The cables come in red while the housings, in-line mic/controls, and jack come in black. The color combination makes it look more at home in the gym or outside when you’re out for a run or bike.

The housings are made of metal, small, slim and looks discreet. It’s color coded as well – blue for left and red for right. However, they’re longer compared to some in-ear headphones like the Mi Piston V2 but definitely shorter and smaller than the Sol Republic Amps.

The TS-150vi features an in-line mic with controls. Unlike most headphones with controls optimized for iOS devices, this one works with our Android device well. We can play, pause, skip tracks, launch our Google device’s voice controls with ease, and use it during calls as well with no problem.

The headphones fit comfortably in our ears. But since it has a longer body, it feels like it is sticking out more than what we are accustomed to. It’s not a downer though as it is snug and doesn’t easily fall out from our ears. Just make sure you pick the right size from the four pairs of sleeves that come in the package.

Sound quality

Most in-ear headphones we’ve reviewed so far take pride for being bassy. The TS-150vi makes no claim though but only mentions that it is “for all kinds of music”. Ideally those are the types we’re looking for so we put it to the test using different tracks to see how it goes.

First up are Bass rich Hip Hop and Club tracks. The TS-150vi is good in delivering High Bass but starts to lose that oomph as it goes further down the frequency, like it’s lacking power when it’s time to deliver those deep booming and rumbling sounds. We believe that the TS-150vi is playing it safe in that range as to not sound muddy or too thick.

RnB, Acoustic, Jazz and Rock, these are type of music where the TS-150vi really shines. Sounds are articulate, brilliant, and crisp. If you’re one of those that are particular about the clarity in the vocals, guitars, and percussion, the TS-150vi can deliver. However we noticed that it tends to become too sibilant and tinny on higher volumes. The lack of power when it comes to low bass makes it very evident.

Conclusion

Overall, the TS-150vi is capable of producing sounds of acceptable to good quality. It’s good with RnB, Acoustic, Jazz and Rock music but falls a bit short when it comes to the bassy Hip Hop and Club. Design-wise, its sporty look should appeal to people with active lifestyles. Quality-wise, it feels cheap which is the same thing I can say for its price. The Awei TS-150vi only costs Php490 which far less expensive than most in-ear headphones out there. It’s even more affordable than the Php695 Xiaomi Mi Piston V2.

So is the Awei TS-150vi worth getting? Only if your budget is Php500. It may not be great but its better than most stock earphones that are included with your smartphones.

Awei TS-150vi specs:
Driver unit: 10mm
Impedance: 16?±15%
Frequency response: 20-20000HZ
Sensitivity: 90dB±3dB
Jack: 3.5mm
Cable length: 1.20M round cable
Mic: yes
Controller: three-button controller
Color options: gold, gray, silver, red & black, black & red, black & blue

What we liked about it:
* Sporty look
* Good mids and highs
* Comes with multiple sleeves
* Comes with a carrying pouch
* Very affordable

What we didn’t like:
* Weak bass
* Build feels cheap

The Awei TS-150vi is available at Droidhero.ph and www.fb.com/droidhero and participating Novo7tech branches: Lucky China Town Mall Binondo, SM Southmall Las-Pinas, Sm BF Paranaque, and Gateway Cubao.

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VIDEO: FOI? Why?

TIME is running out for the House of Representatives to approve its version of the proposed Freedom of Information law. Perhaps you are wondering right now why do we need an FOI?

This video short produced by the Institute for Freedom of Information, Action for Economic Reforms, and the Right To Know Right Now Coalition will tell you why.

Microsoft Confirms Internet Explorer’s Impending Demise

After two decades of service, Microsoft’s own Chris Capossela expressed the software giant’s plan of moving the Internet Explorer brand to the back seat in favor of the new and improved browser codenamed Project Spartan for the upcoming Windows 10 operating system.

According to Capossela, Microsoft has not yet decided on the name of the new browser, but what is guaranteed is that the Redmond-based firm wants to steer clear of the Internet Explorer brand for Project Spartan. This is primarily due to the fact that the IE has failed to regain a good reputation among internet users despite of MS’ best effort to remove the stigma brought forth by the security loopholes in IE6.

He did, however, mention that the use of Project Spartan as the main browser of Windows 10 will not exactly be the doom of the beleaguered browser, at least not yet. Capossela stated that IE will still be part of some of the Win10 builds, albeit for compatibility reasons for enterprise versions of the upcoming operating system.

We recognize some enterprises have legacy web sites that use older technologies designed only for Internet Explorer, such as custom ActiveX controls and Browser Helper Objects. For these users, Internet Explorer will also be available on Windows 10. Internet Explorer will use the same dual rendering engines as Spartan, ensuring web developers can consistently target the latest web standards.

Unless Microsoft decides that the IE brand is still worth keeping, the fate of browser currently hangs in the balance and is tipping in the wrong direction.

For what it’s worth, we hope that this all hullaballoo isn’t just for the sake of not passing the negative image of IE to Project Spartan. What Microsoft should really be focusing on, in our opinion, is how they can make their upcoming Project Spartan good enough, feature and security wise, to not suffer the same fate as IE and compete against popular third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

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