Acer Adds Chromebox
New PC Line
Acer’s new all-in-one desktop PC and 2-in-1 detachable tablet join other new releases in Taipei the first week of June. Acer is in Taipei for Computex, where it unveiled a slew of new desktops and tablets that are ready for the transition to Windows 10 next month.The Acer Aspire Z Series all-in-one desktop PC line has expanded with the introduction of the 23.8-inch Aspire Z3-710 and the 19.5-inch Aspire ZC-700.Both have full HD screens, Intel Celeron, Core, or Pentium processors, up to 8GB of memory, up to 2TB hard drives, and optional DVD drives. The 23.8-inch model ships with a capacitive touch screen, and both come with Windows 8.1. The systems will ship in Q3 2015, and pricing and exact configurations are pending, but you’ll be able to upgrade each model to Windows 10.
Acer’s Switch 11 V 2-in-1 detachable tablets give you the flexibility of a slate and a clamshell laptop. The new models have an improved latch-less Acer Snap Hinge 2, which uses magnets to secure the tablet to the keyboard base.
The Acer Switch 11 V comes with an Intel Core M processor, for a fanless, slim design. The 11.6-inch IPS screen has a full HD resolution, zero air gap, and Acer VisionCare to help reduce eyestrain. A 10-inch model with Intel Atom x5 will also be released later this year. Last but not least in the PC field, Acer’s ChromeboxCXI2 has updated Intel Celeron and Core i3 processors, along with a 16GBSSD, up to 8GB of memory, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The new model is aimed at the home and business market. Citrix support, a Kensington lock port, and a TPM 1.2 secure computing co-processor are factors that will help it eke a toehold in the competitive business desktop market
Microsoft Confirms
Windows 10 Pricing
Windows 10 Home will set you back an estimated $119, while Windows 10 Pro will be $199. If you upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, the new operating system will be free. But what if you want to buy a standalone copy of the new OS? Microsoft 0n June 22, 2015 confirmed the pricing for Windows 10, which arrives on July 29. Windows 10 Home will set you back $119, while Windows 10 Pro will be $199.
Windows 10 Pro Pack, meanwhile, which lets you upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro, will cost $99.All three options will be sold in stores and online, a Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed. The pricing structure is similar to what Microsoft charged for Windows 8 software. For Windows 8, however, updates were not free. Those who purchased a Windows 7 PC in a specific timeframe in 2012 could upgrade to Windows 8 for $14.99 upon launch, but they were otherwise $39.99. With Windows 10, those on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 have one year to upgrade for free.
Who would need the paid version of Windows 10? Probably those with an older XP or Vista machine, anyone who doesn’t take advantage of the one-year upgrade window, or hobbyists who like to build their own PCs. Check to make sure your machine is compatible with Windows 10 here. The initial release of Windows 10 will be limited to PCs and tablets. A Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices will vary by phone makers and carriers. Those on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 can reserve an upgrade via a prompt that should appear in the PC’s taskbar. Click “Reserve your free upgrade” when it appears, add an email for confirmation, and you’re all set. When it’s ready, the upgrade will require 3GB of space
Apple Has a Fix for the
Widespread iPhone Shutdown Glitch
Apple has released a workaround for an iOS bug allowing users to remotely crash iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. The issue appears to be affecting the way Apple's operating system handles the display of messages containing specific Arabic-looking characters.When the glitch was revealed on May 27 last, Apple told CNBC that there would be a fix available in an upcoming software update.Until then, the company has offered a temporary way to manage any issues that may occur prior to releasing the update. Ask Siri to "read unread messages."2. Use Siri to reply to the malicious message. After you reply, you'll be able to open Messages again. In Messages, swipe left to delete the entire thread. Or tap and hold the malicious message, tap More, and delete the message from the thread.
It should be noted that some users have experienced mixed success with Apple's suggested fix.Earlier the last week of last May, social media users took to Twitter to express their frustrations with the glitch
Facebook Adds
Animated GIF Support
You can finally post an animated GIF in your Facebook status update. Get ready for Facebook to be a whole lot more animated.The social network has caved and joined the GIF party. That’s right, you can finally post an animated GIF in your Facebook status update.”We’re rolling out support for animated GIFs in News Feed,” a Facebook spokesperson confirmed in an email to PCMag.com. “This is so you can share more fun, expressive things with your friends on Facebook.”.
The feature is still kind of limited, though. At this point, it only works when you paste the link to a GIF that’s already been uploaded to the Web. If you try to upload one that’s saved on your computer using the “add photos/video” feature, the GIF will be converted to a still image, according to TechCrunch. It’s also not working on brand Pages at this time.The move to allow animated GIFs is a huge about-face for Facebook, which has until now shunned the moving images, likely fearing slow load times and cluttered News Feeds.Twitter held off for a long time, but caved last year.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a GIF to post, there’s no shortage of places to find them. Imgur earlier this year launched a new Video to GIF site to turn your favorite TV episodes, home movies, or music video into a looping animation. Hulu also recently got into the GIF game with a new site that lets you search for and browse TV-themed GIFs by show, actions (such as cleaning, cooking, dancing, driving, etc.), or reactions (like bored, confused, disappointed, and excited)