Microsoft Surface Phone - everything we THINK we know so far

2017 is set to be a big year for Microsoft, as the company prepares a number of updates around its Windows 10 software, as well as several new hardware releases - including the long-rumoured Surface Phone.

Reports of a Microsoft-built smartphone have been circulating for some time, leading to speculation that the device could be launching soon.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently raised hopes among Microsoft fans that the device may be in development when he hinted last month that a Surface Phone could be "the ultimate mobile device”.

But how much do we know about this possibly ground-breaking device?

Design and build

As it proved with the release of the Surface Pro hybrid and Surface Book laptop, Microsoft is not afraid to go their own way when it comes to designing a new product from scratch.

Therefore, it’s expected that the Surface Phone will be rather different to many other smartphones out today, and bear little resemblance to the company’s previous Windows Phone devices.

Among the rumours surrounding the Surface Phone’s design is that it could feature a similar build to the company's existing Surface Pro and Surface Book devices.

Photos leaked online earlier this month claiming to show off the Surface Phone for the first time, appeared to confirm this, suggesting that Microsoft wants all its hardware devices to blend together.

If Microsoft wants the Surface Phone to be a truly premium device, we're expecting an all-metal body, complete with curved glass display, much like the recent flagships from the likes of Samsung and HTC.

However, the device could also feature something truly eye-catching, as a patent filing granted to Microsoft this month revealed that the company is working on a device that would be able to fold upon itself.

From the standard tablet-shaped display, the device would feature a hinged design that would allow it to fold and create a screen the size of a smartphone.

That means that you could be watching a film on the main tablet screen, then quickly pause and fold the device into a phone to make a call or reply to a text message.

This would all be controlled using an updated version of Microsoft's Surface Pen stylus, giving you precise control with just a tap.

Hardware

If the Surface Phone is truly looking to be a fully-fledged work and leisure device, it will need some powerful hardware inside.

Among the other rumours concerning the device is that it will use Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip, which was revealed back at CES 2017 earlier this month. 

This would put the Surface Phone among the most powerful smartphones available on the market today.

In order to support this strong processor, the Surface Phone would require a sizeable battery, especially if Microsoft wants the device to be an all-day work machine.

The iPhone 7 Plus currently packs in a 2900mAh battery, with the Samsung Galaxy S7 also powered by an 3000mAh unit, so expect something along those lines.

Software

Microsoft is hard at work on a new version of Windows 10, with the free Creators Update download set to be released in April.

But a Surface Phone would require an entirely new software platform to run on, especially now that Microsoft appears to have shuttered plans for Windows 10 Mobile.

It's unlikely that Microsoft would opt for a version of Android or iOS to power its new device, as companies such as Nokia and BlackBerry have chosen to do, as it has previously shown a strong desire to build all its own components.

Alternatively, the new device could run a more powerful 64-bit version of Windows 10 Mobile, with Microsoft packing in a number of new improvements and features to make its mobile software easier to operate.

Continuum – Windows 10's ability to run a desktop PC-like environment on a large screen from a smartphone – could bring a new level of productivity for the phone.

Including the ability to connect Surface Phone to an external keyboard, mouse and display to run full desktop applications like Office 2016 or Adobe Photoshop would also be of interest to business customers.

Release date and price

So when might we see the Surface Phone?

Microsoft is rather busy at the moment preparing the release of Windows 10 Creators Update, with the new software upgrade set to arrive in April.

This means that the Surface Phone may not arrive until later in 2017.

Given the company's previous release cycles, it looks that an October 2017 launch could be the most likely.

As for price, given the launches of the previous Surface devices, Microsoft will be keen to promote its smartphone as a premium product.

This could well mean a premium price tag too - with current flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 costing around £539 and £579 respectively, we’re expecting a price somewhere in this area.

Please visit our website, www.pixotrigames.com, http://pixotritechnologies.com/  

Microsoft Explains Windows Server 2016 Patching

Windows Server 2016 patching likely won't differ too much from the monthly cumulative update model laid out by Microsoft for other Windows products, but there are some nuances.

In late October, Microsoft explained in a "Patching with Windows Server 2016" blog post that the server is getting basically two types of cumulative updates each month. These two updates arrive on different days within a given month.

Windows Server 2016 Cumulative Updates

For Windows Server 2016 installations, a security update arrives first, followed by a quality update a couple of weeks later. Here's the breakdown:

• Cumulative updates with new security fixes arrive on the second Tuesday of each month ("patch Tuesday")
• Cumulative updates with new quality fixes arrive on the fourth Tuesday of each month

That's a somewhat simplified explanation because the security update arriving on patch Tuesday also includes past security and quality fixes. Microsoft's announcement explained that point as follows:

"Being cumulative this update [the security one] will include all the previously released security and quality fixes."

Likewise, the quality update arriving on the fourth Tuesday "will include all the previously released security and quality fixes."

This Windows Server 2016 update approach, which staggers the releases of the security update and the quality update, is slightly different from Microsoft's update model that kicked off on Oct. 11 for all supported older Windows clients and servers, such as Windows 7 and Windows Server 2012. Those older Windows products get the security and quality updates on the same day, namely patch Tuesday.

Because the two cumulative updates arrive on the same day for older Windows products, many organizations have discovered to their dismay that the security update arrives superseded. That's because the quality update contains the security patches in the security update, so patch management systems read the security update as being unnecessary (superseded). Microsoft's solution for organizations is to delay the supersedence of those updates by modifying rules in a patch management system. However, System Center Configuration Manager 2007 users are out of luck because that product doesn't have the ability to customize the supersedence rules, Microsoft recently explained. Other System Center Configuration Manager products do have that customization ability, though.

In contrast, the Windows Server 2016 staggered update release approach seems like an improvement as it more easily permits organizations to opt for using the security update up front, if that's the approach they want to take. Using the security-only update is one approach to take if organizations have encountered compatibility issues after a Windows update.

"Customers can choose a security only update instead of a cumulative update," a Microsoft spokesperson clarified, via e-mail, in response to a question about the Windows Server 2016 patch process.

Other Monthly Updates

Microsoft's announcement last month didn't mention it, but preview updates also arrive each month for Windows Server 2016. Under the update model that kicked off on Oct. 11 for older Windows releases, Microsoft indicated that preview updates arrive on the third Tuesday of each month. Presumably, that's the case for Windows Server 2016, too. In response to a question, the Microsoft spokesperson simply stated that "preview updates apply to Server as well."

Also, Windows Server 2016 will get .NET Framework monthly rollups. They are cumulative updates and arrive on patch Tuesdays. There's a rollup that contains security and quality improvements, and a rollup that's "security only," but both arrive on the same day (patch Tuesday), according to this .NET blog explanation. A preview of a quality rollup arrives on the third Tuesday of each month.

Automatic Updates On by Default

Microsoft has turned on the Automatic Updates service in Windows Server 2016 by default. It will automatically download cumulative updates each month, but IT pros will have the ability to choose when to install them if using Windows Server Update Services, which has policy options for configuring the behavior of installations, as described in this TechNet article.

The control of Automatic Updates is important because Windows Server 2016 updates first arrive as "optional" updates, but they later become "recommended" updates after two weeks. Microsoft conceives of this time lag as a testing period for IT pros.

"This predicable behavior gives time to test updates such as in your lab, before being notified across the broader set," Microsoft's announcement explained.

Another way to manage the Windows Updates behavior in Windows Server 2016 is to use Microsoft's Server Configuration tool (Sconfig.cmd), as described in this tutorial. I asked the spokesperson if this tool could be used to turn off Windows Updates for Windows Server 2016, and whether the server could eventually end up on an unsupported branch as a consequence. While that's a scenario that organizations face with Windows 10 on the current branch for business (CBB) update model, it's not the case for the Desktop and Server Core installations of Windows Server 2016, which follow the long-term servicing branch (LTSB) approach. Here's how the Microsoft spokesperson explained the matter:

Windows Server 2016 Server with Desktop Experience and Server Core are using the LTSB model, not Windows as a service CBB model. With the CBB Windows as a service model, which Nano Server is using, you must move forward to a new build as older builds are no longer supported.

Nano Server is Microsoft's newest minimal-footprint deployment option that's available for Windows Server 2016. Microsoft doesn't enable Automatic Updates on Nano Server. There's no Group Policy support for it either. Instead, Microsoft offers PowerShell securityCmdlets or Desired State Configuration for management.

Please visit our website, www.pixotrigames.com, http://pixotritechnologies.com/  to take a look at our current projects and also some of our upcoming games.

Microsoft Admits Bug In Windows 10 Update: Fresh Installs Now Fixed Too

Earlier this week I wrote about Microsoft apparently pulling the recent November update for Windows 10 from its Media Creation Tool (MCT). This meant that anyone installing the new OS from fresh, would have to go through the long process of downloading and installing the November update.

This could add hours to your average fresh install, but thankfully, Microsoft has come clean and admitted that there were issues with the update – both the one it slipstreamed into the MCT install files and the one dished out on Windows Update.

The Media Creation Tool is a great piece of software for advanced users that want to reinstall Windows 10 from fresh.

Pulling the update from the MCT install files was one big headache for many users, especially as there was no indication from Microsoft that it would reinstate the November update into the MCT – this should have been made clear. However, the other side of the story likely brought up the issues of privacy once again for Microsofts new OS.

The issue, Microsoft told me and various other journalists today, was along the lines that the update reset many of the contentious privacy settings that many users have turned off. Users have been reporting that after installing the update, they were unaware that these settings had been switched back on:

Recently we learned of an issue that could have impacted an extremely small number of people who had already installed Windows 10 and applied the November update (Version 1511). When the November update was installed, a few settings preferences may have inadvertently not been retained for advertising ID, Background apps, SmartScreen Filter, and Sync with devices. This issue has been fixed in the update that accompanies KB3120677.

For those customers who previously installed the November update (Version 1511), we are working to help restore their previous settings over the coming days and we apologize for the inconvenience. In the meantime, users interested in checking their settings can find them by going to Settings, thenPrivacy.

• Select General to adjust the advertising ID and SmartScreen Filter.

• Select Other devices to adjust your Sync with devices settings.

• Select Background apps to review the applications set to run in the background.

So it seems that Microsoft is very aware that these settings are been keenly watched by many users, so it’s good to see it did the right thing here. However, what would have been nice is an earlier explanation about what was happening as well as statement that the update would, at some point, be reintegrated into the MCT files. Thankfully, the issue has only lasted a couple of days and everything looks to be back to normal.

Visit our website:  www.pixotritechnologies.com  , http://pixotrigames.com/

Microsoft Corporation Closes Gap Between Windows And Android Via AppComparison

Microsoft has introduced a new app, which allows users to see which Android apps are available on Windows platform

According to VentureBeat, Microsoft has released an app called “AppComparison” to bolster cross-platform development for Android and Windows operating systems (OS). The app lets users check whether the apps they use on Android smartphones are available for Windows mobiles as well. The new app is available for users who run Android 4.1, and all subsequent versions.

According to the publication, the company released a similar app two years ago, labeled “Switch to Windows Phone.” However, the earlier app was not as efficient, and failed to show all apps that were compatible on both platforms.

The app’s size is 2.82 MB, and it has a basic layout, with and easy-to-use features. After the program is launched, it requires the user to select a list of categories such as education, games, entertainment, news, and weather. The “Start Matching” button will subsequently provide a list of app available on all the alternative Windows-based phones.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) took this decision, as it gets ready to launch its latest phones – Lumia 950 and 950XL. The company hopes that Android users will be more tempted to switch to Windows, since they will able to apps that are available on Windows 10.

Bidness Etc believes that the app does a fine job. However, we are amazed to see Google let one of its major competitor upload such an app, which has potential to lure away its users. However, Apple’s “Switch to iOS” app on Google Play also provides a similar feature.

Microsoft’s move to offer this new app is commendable, as it could prove to be very helpful for users who consider shifting from Android to Windows. There is no doubt that Microsoft struggles in the smartphone market, as it recently wrote off $7.6 billion for the Nokia acquisition, last quarter. The Windows-maker needs to introduce more improvements to its offerings; only then it can make the Windows phone as competitive as other devices in the market.

Lumia 950 and 950 XL can be connected to a monitor, which transforms them into small desktop computers. However, the Windows Store is still a reason why many iOS and Android users will still not use these devices, since it does not support many apps.

Microsoft has decided to sort this issue with new platforms, such as Project Islandwood and Project Astoria, which will allow developers to shift their iOS and Android apps to Windows. While development on Project Astoria for Android faces some roadblocks, Project IslandWood for iOS is close to completion. Microsoft plans to transfer all these apps via Windows Bridge, which will increase app offerings on Windows Store.

Regardless, Microsoft’s offering of a companion app on Android will help the company know the apps users want most. Therefore, it will help streamline future development.

Visit our website:  www.pixotritechnologies.com  , http://pixotrigames.com/

Interesting October Stock Options for Microsoft

Consistently, one of the more popular stocks people enter into their stock options watchlist at Stock Options Channel is Microsoft Corporation (NASD: MSFT). So this week we highlight one interesting put contract, and one interesting call contract, from the October expiration for MSFT.

The put contract our YieldBoost algorithm identified as particularly interesting, is at the $43 strike, which has a bid at the time of this writing of 95 cents. Collecting that bid as the premium represents a 2.2% return against the $43 commitment, or a 4.7% annualized rate of return (at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost).

Selling a put does not give an investor access to MSFT’s upside potential the way owning shares would, because the put seller only ends up owning shares in the scenario where the contract is exercised. So unless Microsoft Corporation sees its shares decline 10% and the contract is exercised (resulting in a cost basis of $42.05 per share before broker commissions, subtracting the 95 cents from $43), the only upside to the put seller is from collecting that premium for the 4.7% annualized rate of return.

Interestingly, that annualized 4.7% figure actually exceeds the 2.6% annualized dividend paid by Microsoft Corporation by 2.1%, based on the current share price of $47.79. And yet, if an investor was to buy the stock at the going market price in order to collect the dividend, there is greater downside because the stock would have to lose 10% to reach the $43 strike price.

Always important when discussing dividends is the fact that, in general, dividend amounts are not always predictable and tend to follow the ups and downs of profitability at each company. In the case of Microsoft Corporation, looking at the dividend history chart for MSFT below can help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue, and in turn whether it is a reasonable expectation to expect a 2.6% annualized dividend yield.

Turning to the other side of the option chain, we highlight one call contract of particular interest for the October expiration, for shareholders of Microsoft Corporation (NASD: MSFT) looking to boost their income beyond the stock’s 2.6% annualized dividend yield. Selling the covered call at the $50 strike and collecting the premium based on the $1.30 bid, annualizes to an additional 5.8% rate of return against the current stock price (this is what we at Stock Options Channel refer to as the YieldBoost), for a total of 8.4% annualized rate in the scenario where the stock is not called away. 

Any upside above $50 would be lost if the stock rises there and is called away, but MSFT shares would have to advance 4.7% from current levels for that to happen, meaning that in the scenario where the stock is called, the shareholder has earned a 7.4% return from this trading level, in addition to any dividends collected before the stock was called.

Digital marketing

Digital marketing helps you to find yourself in first place among the other competitors. We help you to strategically plan and execute your,product and services through our online platforms.Pixotri technology is a  creative house developing quality web designs, E-Commerce solution. SEO services and Gaming development.

Contact us for your Digital marketing requirements.email- info@pixotritechnologies.com. Visit our website: www.pixotritechnologies.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9xSWDsTYC8

Microsoft Corporation CEO Satya Nadella Is Top-Paid CEO In The U.S.

For 2014, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, topped the list of the top 100 U.S. CEOs based on their salaries; Warren Buffett came in last

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella has been declared the highest paid chief executive in the U.S., as per a new list of the top 100 CEOs based on their salaries. Of Indian-origin, Nadella replaced Oracle’s Larry Ellison, who acquired the top position last year.

Warren Buffett at 100th spot

The study conducted by Equilar took into account the CEOs’ pay of the top 100 public sector companies based on revenue in the U.S. According to the study, Nadella, with a salary of $84.3 million per annum, tops the list for this year followed by Oracle’s Larry Ellison ($67.3 million for a year). Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM)’s Steven Mollenkopf, with an annual salary of $60.7 million, managed to take third place in the list.

Other CEOs who made it into the top ten this year are Robert Iger of Walt The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Larry Merlo of CVS Health, K Rupert Murdoch of Twenty-First Century Fox, W. James McNerney Jr. of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), James Gorman of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), David Cote of Honeywell International and Kenneth Chenault of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP).

Indira Nooyi, CEO of Pepsi and also of Indian-origin, has been placed at the 19th position with a pay package of $60.7 million per annum. Well-known Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK.A) (NYSE:BRK.B), with compensation of $464,011 million, has been given the last spot. Further, the median wage of 100 CEOs was found to be $14.3 million, which suggests an increase of 5% for last year compared to 2013.

Actual salary of Microsoft CEOs

However, Microsoft claims that Nadella’s salary for 2014 amounts to just $22.75 million, considering the annual value of special and one-time equity awards, according to the Business Standard. To break it down, Nadella obtained an annual executive compensation worth $11.6 million and a CEO transition award, given only once, of $2.7 million. Also the CEO got a Long-Term Performance-Based Stock Award (LTPSA) that amounts to $8.45 million. When all the above three are added, it results in a total of $22.75 million, according to Microsoft.

Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 after working for a while at Sun Microsystems, which is now part of Oracle. After having worked for 23 years in the company in various positions, Nadella was appointed as CEO of Microsoft.

WEB DESIGN

We are a professional web design company with an experienced  team of creative professionals.  We create outstanding designs for  Websites. Our team is adept at implementing the latest web standards and programming techniques.Pixotri technology is a  creative house developing quality web designs, E-Commerce solution. SEO services and Gaming development .

Contact us for your web design requirements email- info@pixotritechnologies.com Visit our website: www.pixotritechnologies.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9xSWDsTYC8