04/24, 9:00am
Tips to stop juggling gigabytes and start using the cloud
We live in a world positively soaked in data nowadays. Fortunately, the capacity to store that data has gotten bigger in volume, smaller in physical size, and cheaper per gigabyte as time progresses. Gone are the days where you'd have to lug a Zip disk around (remember those?) or stick your iPod into disk mode. At worst, you're carrying a USB drive with you -- though really, you should be relying on the cloud for by now. The issue is figuring out just what you're going to be keeping up there.
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04/09, 9:00am
The good, bad, and pricey among cloud solutions
In fashion, trends come and go like breezes: quick, occasionally refreshing, and usually leaving little trace that they were there in the first place. It's the same in the world of computing, where we've gone in the space of a few years from desktops and iPods to ultrabooks and smartphones. One thing has remained constant amidst the ever-changing standards of computer form factors, though: you need a place to hold your stuff. Thus, among the fleeting fads there's one computing trend that looks like it might have staying power: cloud storage.
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04/03, 3:02pm
No signs of resolution in app content
A v3.0 update of Microsoft's SkyDrive app for iOS has arrived on the App Store. The release appears to mark the end of a dispute between Apple and Microsoft; Apple was reportedly rejecting earlier updates over Microsoft's introduction of the ability to buy extra storage space. The issue is that Apple was demanding a 30 percent cut of subscriptions initiated on the iOS app in perpetuity, even though a person can continue to use SkyDrive even if they stop using the app.
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03/11, 2:50pm
Free 3-month offer extendable by Facebook sharing
Microsoft is offering students in US colleges access to the educational version of Office 365 at no charge. The free three months of access Office 365 University, doubled to six months after sharing the offer on Facebook, also includes an extra 20GB allocation of SkyDrive cloud-based storage and 60 minutes of Skype calls each month.
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12/13, 4:32pm
Microsoft steers users toward SkyDrive
Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing service for Windows Live Mesh, a file and desktop sharing service the software giant operates for reportedly under 25,000 people. Live Mesh users will have access to the service until February 13, 2013, and Microsoft is encouraging users to sync their files over to SkyDrive and Remote Desktop Connection in order to replace Live Mesh's functionalities.
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12/11, 10:05am
Apple claiming revenue cut on subscriptions even when off iOS
Apple and Microsoft are in a fight over the SkyDrive app on the iOS App Store, according to sources said to be close to the latter party. Recently, Microsoft introduced the ability for SkyDrive subscribers to buy extra storage space. In response, though, Apple has reportedly started blocking updates to the app, even though code that's ready to go includes an important crash fix.
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12/02, 8:22pm
Hidden code suggests streaming user-uploaded music possible
Rumors of a cloud-based music player that uses SkyDrive have seemingly been confirmed, after code on the SkyDrive website referring to a "MusicPlayer" was discovered. If true, this will bring Microsoft in line with Apple, Amazon, and Google by allowing users to store music in a digital locker in order to stream them elsewhere.
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08/14, 7:34pm
SkyDrive Android app due later this month
SkyDrive is receiving a fresh makeover into the Windows 8 style. The updated visual style arrives alongside improvements to the Windows and OS X SkyDrive clients, as well as announcements of a new SkyDrive Android app and updates to the API for developers.
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07/18, 8:23am
MS to offer Mac users software update for Office for Mac 2011
In the aftermath of Microsoft's big Office 15 announcement this week it has emerged that there will be no new version of Office for Mac 2013 edition. The Next Web has received confirmation from Microsoft that instead, users of Office for Mac 2011 can expect a software update around the same time that the new version of Office 2013 launches. The update will bring tighter integration with SkyDrive and Office 365 enabling Mac users to access their documents from the cloud.
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05/31, 4:15pm
Source: Apple won't kill the Mac Pro
Jim Dalrymple of The Loop has put a damper on speculation that Apple could be preparing to kill off its Mac Pro desktop line. During his "Amplified" podcast with Dan Benjamin, Dalrymple responded with a simple "No" when asked if he though there was any chance that Apple would end the Mac Pro line. Dalrymple is said to have good connections within the secretive company, and he has a solid track record with regard to Apple predictions. Dalrymple's prediction may ease the anxieties of the now nearly 16,000 fans of the professional-grade machines who signed on to a Facebook petition asking Apple to refresh the Mac Pro.
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05/07, 7:12pm
Dane-Elec boosts Pro Sport flash drive line to USB3 speed
Dane-Elec unveiled the first products in the Pro Sport USB3 line today. The red 8GB, 16GB blue, and 32GB black USB3 flash drives will be available on Amazon in late May. The Pro Sport flash drive boasts speeds up to 80MB/sec read and 30MB/sec write when plugged into a USB3 host connection.
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04/23, 2:55pm
Microsoft intros SkyDrive preview desktop apps
Microsoft quickly confirmed rumors and has posted preview versions of both Windows Vista/7/8 and OS X Lion desktop apps while curbing the reach of its cloud service. The software now lets users more directly organize their cloud storage, automatically syncing anything loaded into a SkyDrive folder and sorting its contents as though it were offline. The iOS app has also been updated (App Store to get native iPad support, including for the higher-resolution visuals of the new iPad along with deleting renaming, and moving files in the cloud.
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04/23, 11:00am
SkyDrive desktop app said close
Microsoft's SkyDrive desktop app could imminent. A new tip from sources for The Verge had the app coming to Windows 7 users, preceding the Windows 8 version (pictured), in a matter of a few weeks. The web version would get small interface changes to adapt to the Windows 7 app, and would have an option to add a computer by using the software as a hook.
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04/23, 9:45am
App revamped following service enhancement
Less than a week after Microsoft revamped its SkyDrive cloud storage service, the company has released an update to its SkyDrive mobile app for Windows Phone. Users can now manage permissions for folders, providing access control for individual folders or files. The system takes advantage of the People Hub for quick sharing with contacts.
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04/18, 2:35pm
Microsoft's cloud storage option to gain features
Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service is getting an update today, with features expected to increase the usability of the service. The new features expand the range of formats supported on SkyDrive, while making file sharing easier.
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03/05, 11:35am
Ovi Share to make way for other, 'core' services
Nokia is advising users of Ovi Share that the mobile cloud storage service will be stopped altogether and all content erased as of May 30. Users have until then to back up all of their content through their desktop or notebook computers. Content can be downloaded all at once in a ZIP package or in smaller chunks.
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02/24, 2:15pm
Microsoft outs business apps for Nokia Belle
Nokia and Microsoft this week released the first batch of productivity apps for the former's handsets running on Nokia Belle phones. Called Microsoft Apps, the free productivity suite includes four programs usually only found on Microsoft's own platforms. A common thread with multiple smartphone OS bases is OneNote, which lets users create documents containing text and images.
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02/21, 1:45pm
Windows Live Wave 5 to get video chat: leak
An earlier report of Windows Messenger Live Wave 5 getting web-based video chat has been confirmed thanks to a slip on Microsoft's MSDN blog. While the screenshot in question seems to have since been replaced, Liveside shared the original, which shows a testing version of SkyDrive. It contains a video icon beside the user's name (in this case Program Manager for SkyDrive apps Mike Torres), which matches up with a similar icon leaked back in August.
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02/20, 2:35pm
Microsoft confirms SkyDrive app plans
Microsoft partly confirmed recent rumors with an extensive breakdown of plans for SkyDrive in Windows 8. The service will have a fully Metro-native, touch-aware app in the new OS and will be integrated into the OS, letting any app load and save files to cloud storage. Sharing "charms" in the OS will let users share SkyDrive material directly instead of having to download and attach them first.
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02/04, 10:30pm
Dashwire phases out service February 15
Dashwire gave warning late this week that its mobile sync service was ending February 15. The Windows Mobile-oriented service was recommending that users download and otherwise back up any content they had in cloud storage before servers were shut down and wiped. Despite active updates to the service having stopped years earlier, some users were still online, the company said in an e-mail.
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01/02, 10:55am
Samsung starts CES run with DV300F camera
Starting what's likely to be a flurry of introductions related to CES, Samsung has brought out its next-generation of DualView cameras in the DV300F. The 16-megapixel camera has a new version of the signature 1.5-inch front display that's more flush with the body, reducing its effect when left off. Wi-Fi is new to the DualView series and can share photos and videos with Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, and YouTube without either a computer or an Eye-Fi card.
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12/27, 4:25pm
Microsoft seeking software engineer for WP backup
Microsoft is seeking a new employee to join its Windows Phone Backup, Migrate, and Restore team, suggesting the next update to Windows Phone will allow cloud backup and easy restore functions. The ideal Software Development Engineer would be based in Redmond and help users restore their wiped phones to their user-customized states. They could also quickly put the contacts, settings, apps and other content onto replacement phones when their original one is lost or stolen.
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12/13, 2:55pm
Two new SkyDrive apps give users more control
Microsoft has just detailed two new apps for Windows Phone and iOS, both designed to give users full control over their SkyDrive cloud file storage accounts. While Windows Phone users can already access their SkyDrive documents and photos through the Office and Pictures hubs, respectively, this new app gives them full control over file management. SkyDrive power users wanted more complete control over their contents and Microsoft has obliged.
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10/28, 5:15pm
Microsoft may have forced staffer out of Apple
Microsoft may have blackballed Apple's choice of datacenter head in the moves that ultimately led to Apple hiring from Yahoo, according an unusually detailed rumor. After fighting opposition from his immediate management on his way out, Kevin Timmons was supposedly met by CEO Steve Ballmer, SAI heard. Timmons may have had an "attitude" during the meeting that led to Ballmer reaching Apple directly, threatening legal action if Apple completed the hire.
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09/22, 11:50am
HTC owners get 5GB of free Dropbox cloud storage
HTC has just concluded a partnership with Dropbox to bring 5GB of cloud storage service to owners of its Android smartphones with HTC Sense 3.5 skin. The scheme will go live in October and applies to the maker's latest smartphones, such as the HTC Rhyme. Those who are eligible and sign up for a Dropbox account with the new phone will get 3GB on top of the free 2GB Dropbox offers anyone who signs up.
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07/20, 8:55pm
Microsoft dev update helps Live in Android, iOS
Microsoft on Wednesday outlined an updated developer platform that should help bring its services into third-party apps on smartphones, including those using its competitors' platforms. Apps on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 7 now just need a basic client link and to point the app to an OAuth 2 sign-in. The link gives them access to information from Windows Live's core services, including Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, and SkyDrive cloud storage.
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06/21, 5:15pm
Promises faster, more user-friendly user interface
Microsoft has officially launched its updated SkyDrive service. The new architecture is based on HTML5 instead of Silverlight. The company had said last October it would make this transition to ensure better cross platform compatibility with more devices including iPhones, iPads and smartphones.
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06/09, 5:15pm
Migrating customers to Windows Live SkyDrive
Microsoft said it was shutting down its My Phone service for Windows Mobile 6.x phone users starting in August. The company wants to migrate existing customers over to their Windows Live SkyDrive Service instead. Microsoft believes that cloud-based SkyDrive is is the best way to continue providing its customers with archiving services.
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06/07, 4:00pm
SkyDrive capabilities arriving in Mango update
Microsoft has provided yet another preview of the upcoming Windows Phone 7 update, referred to as Mango. Following Apple's iCloud announcement, Microsoft has quickly highlighted the cloud-based features that will be available on WP7 handsets. SkyDrive is touted as a competitive option, enabling devices to automatically upload photos to cloud storage.
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05/24, 4:30pm
Microsoft revamps SkyDrive UI, gets HTML5
Microsoft has overhauled its SkyDrive cloud storage service with the results shown off thanks to WinRumors. The user interface will have an HTML5 version of the image viewer, while the interface for viewing documents and files was likewise refreshed. Exactly when consumers will see the changes isn't known, but the source believed it was coming as part of the company's Windows Live Wave 5 group of products.
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04/13, 3:15pm
Adds support for SkyDrive cloud storage
Microsoft has released a new version of Office 2008 for Mac, 12.2.9. The patch is mostly a maintenance update, fixing security vulnerabilities in Excel, PowerPoint and the suite as whole. It likewise copes with issues that can potentially trigger program crashes.
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02/14, 12:10pm
Microsoft answers back with Windows Phone 7
Microsoft during its Mobile World Congress event showed a trio of major updates, among others, that will come to Windows Phone 7 later in the year and which it hopes will challenge Apple. The platform will finally get multitasking and is using a system heavily reminiscent of HP's webOS cards: jumping out shows all of the running apps as thumbnails of their current state and allows switching with simple flicks. Battery issues have reportedly been tackled, and third-part apps now have a wide range of privileges that includes background audio, among others.
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01/18, 1:50pm
Microsoft intros OneNote Mobile for iPhone
Microsoft put out its first full productivity app for the iPhone on Tuesday with the launch of OneNote for iOS (free, App Store). The previously Office-only notebook organizer app comes with many and in some cases more features than the Windows Phone 7 version. The iPhone app can not only produce notes but attach links and photos. Checklists and To Do lists are automatically formatted to let users mark items done on the spot.
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11/06, 4:45am
Arpan Shah reveals WP7 copy ETA in blog
Microsoft Director of Project Management for Microsoft Project, Arpan Shah, has incidentally revealed in his personal Microsoft blog that copy and paste for Windows Phone 7 “will be available as an update in a matter of weeks (early 2011)”. According to WPCentral the rest of the update is also expected to bring task manager/hub multi-tasking, turn-by-turn navigation, clipboard and SkyDrive support.
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10/13, 7:25pm
WP7 update may get driving GPS plus copy-paste
The anticipated update to Windows Phone 7 to add copy-and-paste may bring other major feature updates based on a tentative scoop in the past day. The fix relayed to "MS_nerd" would bring true turn-by-turn GPS navigation with spoken directions as well as better integration with Microsoft's Skydrive cloud storage. Multitasking would still remain limited to hubs, he said, but app switching would exist and implies that apps should preserve their states when users jump in and jump out.
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09/03, 6:20pm
Samsung redesigns netbooks with new software
Along with its X series updates, Samsung at the IFA show launched two new netbook updates. The N130 and N140 have the same rounded aesthetic as the new full-size notebooks and also bring basic productivity apps to a category that normally comes with little software. Both have a stripped-down version of Microsoft Office and streamlined backups to Microsoft's SkyDrive service, which can hold as much as 25GB of data online for free.
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01/30, 10:25am
Google GDrive Leak
A text description found in a JavaScript file for Google Pack has confirmed work on a multi-platform online storage service. At least tentatively referred to as GDrive, the service will be Google's first alternative to services like Microsoft's SkyDrive and is characterized as a general purpose, multi-platform service that would let users access any kind of file, including from handhelds and others sometimes locked out of Internet storage.
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