Sabtu, 05 Oktober 2019

Microsoft’s embrace of Google’s Android software is bigger than its new phone - CNET

Microsoft's Surface Duo is more than just a phone.

Microsoft

When Microsoft announced its return to making its own phones on Wednesday, offering its first take on smartphones since its $7 billion purchase of Nokia went up in smoke four years ago, the software giant said a lot of the things you'd expect. It talked about how its new dual-screen Surface Duo device, coming next year, would make us more productive. The device's dual 5.6-inch screens, whose price we don't yet know, would more effortlessly blend the computer and phone worlds.

"We think of these not just as products, but the beginning of a new category, dual-screen computing," Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president for Microsoft's modern life, search and devices group, said in an interview. "We're in the beginning of a new wave of innovation."

But that magical device wasn't going to be powered by some variant of Microsoft's monopoly-making Windows software, which runs on nearly 8 out of every 10 computers around the world. Instead, the Surface Duo would be powered by Google's Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system which runs on three out of every four phones.  

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"If you're going to have a device that fits in your pocket, and you can do phone calls and you want to run apps ... it made sense for us to choose" Android, Mehdi said.

With that, Microsoft acknowledged what we've seen for years. The once vibrant mobile software market of a decade ago, with devices powered by software from Nokia, BlackBerry, Danger, Palm and Microsoft has been decimated by Apple and Google. The only real competitors to Android and Apple's iOS left are side projects like Tizen from Samsung, which still relies on Android in its flagship phones. There's also HarmonyOS, a last-ditch effort from Chinese tech giant Huawei to ease reliance on Google's American-made software. 

Microsoft's move to Android may not be as surprising, because it makes sense. Android is even more widely used in the tech world than even Microsoft's Windows, according to data from Statcounter's data, which shows that Android overtook Windows in May.

And in case you're curious, Microsoft told reporters it'll stick with Android for the foreseeable future

"It shows Microsoft being smart -- going and competing where they think they can compete" like with a camera app, email and search, said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies. "There's a lot going for them at the moment."

Long time coming

Microsoft, which became one of the most popular companies on the planet because of its software,  has been building up to this moment for half a decade.

The signs started showing in 2014, when Microsoft announced free-to-download versions of its popular Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) software for Apple and Google-powered devices. Microsoft made its move shortly after naming Satya Nadella its new CEO. He's staked his career on tearing down the company's once-toxic corporate culture and abandoning the old corporate ethos that everything it cared about ran Windows.

"You join here not to be cool, but to make others cool," Nadella said in an interview last year. "It's the result that matters."

Over the last few years, Microsoft's made further strides particularly with Android. One app, Your Phone, mirrors information from an Android phone to a Windows PC, allowing people  to drag and drop photos to sync between them, respond to text messages on the computer and even control the phone from your computer.

As Microsoft was working on those efforts, in 2015 it admitted the buyout of Nokia was essentially worthless a year after paying for it, and cut 7,800 positions.

"We are moving from a strategy to grow a standalone phone business to a strategy to grow and create a vibrant Windows ecosystem that includes our first-party device family," Nadella said at the time.

Microsoft was praised for Windows Phone's unusual design. But it never could attract many app developers.

Dave Cheng/CNET

What he didn't say was how poorly Microsoft's well-regarded Windows Phone software actually sold. Windows Phone was released in 2010 as a touchscreen-capable followup to Windows CE from 1996 and Windows Mobile in 2000, both of which were designed for pen-based pocket computers. 

With Windows Phone, Microsoft had a do-over, offering a wholly different design from Apple and Google. One example: Microsoft's departure from the typical rows of apps we see on a typical home screen. Windows Phone instead had boxes with app icons that moved up and down to reveal glimpses of information (like news headlines) running across them. 

What Microsoft couldn't do was convince app developers to build for its phones in addition to Apple and Google.

"The app selection for Windows phone is still very limited," CNET's Andrew Hoyle wrote in a 2015 review of one of Microsoft's last phones. "I'd have to say that unless you're a die-hard Windows fan (and why would you be?) then you'd have a better mobile experience from Android or iOS."

Hoping to lead

Microsoft's Surface, with its keyboard cover, helped to change the way we think of tablets. Can Duo change the way we think of phones?

Sarah Tew/CNET

Microsoft's Surface-branded devices offer a chance for a restart. 

The company's laptop and tablet designs are praised as innovative, for example. And Microsoft's efforts to expand into headphones scored a thumbs up from CNET's audio expert David Carnoy. 

"The Microsoft Surface Headphones are what you'd hope for in a premium noise-canceling headphone," he said after an exclusive first hands-on with them last year, though he criticized Microsoft's less-capable Cortana voice assistant when compared to those from Google and Apple. (Even then, Microsoft's listened -- strengthening ties between Cortana and Amazon's popular Alexa in the past year.)

With a surface-branded phone, Microsoft is hoping it can offer a compelling spin on the emerging folding-phone craze, highlighted by Samsung's troubled $2000 Galaxy Fold and Huawei's as-yet unreleased Mate X. Microsoft's Surface Duo is powered by two screens that interact with one another, rather than relying on Samsung and Huawei's approach with a single larger screen that's folded in half.

"This product brings together the absolute best of Microsoft, and we're partnering with Google to bring the absolute best of Android in one product," Microsoft Product Chief Panos Panay said of the Surface Duo during Wednesday's event. "This is industry-pushing technology."

Whether that turns out to be true will depend on what happens in the next year. Microsoft said its Surface Duo phone, and its larger non-phone cousin the Surface Neo, won't arrive until next year. It plans to use that time to work with app developers to create unique programs for the device.

"Microsoft is one of the only companies who has the resources to do this," said Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, who spoke to me from a Samsung Galaxy Fold phone he'd been using. He intends to grab a Surface Duo when it comes out next year too, in part because he believes it will help usher in a new class of dual-screen phones "It's the ability for it to be a decent experience is what they're offering," he added. "The Surface team has proven that they get it."

CNET's Shara Tibken contributed to this report.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-embrace-of-googles-android-software-is-bigger-than-its-new-phone/

2019-10-05 12:00:13Z
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Microsoft just gave us the perfect excuse to wait until Black Friday to buy a Surface Pro - TechRadar

Poor old Microsoft. It puts all that effort into building – and then launching – a new wave of Surface devices, including the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X, but instead of making me want to rush out and buy one of its new products, instead I want hold tight. Then buy one of the older models.

That’s because, while the new Surface devices – especially the Pro X – look pretty good, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up. Why does that matter? Because, in the many many years I’ve now been covering Black Friday (I think this will be my 1,245th), one of the things that has been pretty dependable (apart from riots at Walmart over crap TVs) is that Surface products, especially the Surface Pro line up, get some excellent deals.

So, usually around this time of year, I’d normally tell anyone who was thinking of buying a Surface Pro to wait a few more weeks and see what kind of Black Friday deals are available. A bit of patience can save you a decent chunk of change.

Microsoft Surface 2019

(Image credit: Microsoft)

New devices, big price drops

However, with Microsoft launching new Surface products, it makes it even more likely that the older Surface products will get price cuts as retailers look to clear out the older stock. Remember – Black Friday isn’t done because retailers are kind and want to give us a nice pre-Christmas gift,  but because they want to make a lot of money by shifting old (or crap) stock.

Now, the likes of the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Laptop 2 are certainly not crap, but now that their successors are out, they are ‘old’. At least in the eyes of retailers.

We’ve already seen some decent Surface Pro 6 discounts in the UK since the Surface Pro 7 launch. I expect them to only get better the closer to Black Friday we get.

Minor upgrade

Another good reason for holding off until Black Friday and getting a Surface Pro 6, rather than a 7, is that in our early tests, the Surface Pro 7 isn’t that much of a huge upgrade compared to the previous model.

While that’s disappointing on one hand, it means you can buy the Surface Pro 6 without worrying about missing out too much.  In fact, the biggest thing you’ll miss, is the higher price tag.

So, thank you Microsoft for showing us lots of new goodies. But I’m going to hold off for a while…

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https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-just-gave-us-the-perfect-excuse-to-wait-until-black-friday-to-buy-a-surface-pro

2019-10-05 09:00:00Z
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Apple Warns iPhones May Suddenly Fail—New Fix Now Available - Forbes

Another hardware issue has hit Apple, with a “no power” warning from the Cupertino giant that millions of users persisting with its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s models may experience a hardware component failure, preventing the devices from switching on.

This follows issues with MacBook keyboards and batteries, as well as a number of security issues and hurried iOS upgrades, all of which makes for an awkward narrative for the world’s pre-eminent electronics manufacturer that badges itself on quality.

This latest issue hits later versions of the iPhone 6 and 6s models, those made between October 2018 and August 2019. Which, given the device dates back to 2014/2015, will reduce the impact significantly.

For any users hit by the issue, the company is offering a free repair program. If you’re heading in, you could be efficient and take your MacBooks with failed batteries and failed keyboards in at the same time.

The MacBook’s confidence-uninspiring hardware issues have removed some of the Apple sheen. The iOS issues have risked undermining user confidence in the safety and security of Apple devices over their competition. A hardware issue such as this, hitting the company’s cornerstone iPhones—especially ones so recently manufactured, is much worse and there will be serious supply chain investigations internally.

Apple says on its support site that the devices “may not power on due to a component that may fail—if you believe you have experienced this issue, please use the serial number checker below to see if your iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus is eligible for repair, free of charge.

Users with an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6s can check their serial numbers here.

There is a catch though, Apple also warns that “if your iPhone has any damage which impairs the ability to complete the repair, such as a cracked screen, that issue will need to be resolved prior to the service.”

And that means you might need to pay for a costly screen repair to get a free hardware repair, just to get your iPhone to switch on—and that’s not good. Apple also warns that it may refuse the repair if you take your device to a store that’s not in the country where the device was purchased. And that could hit users travelling or who took advantage of cheaper device prices when overseas.

The free fix offer is valid for 24 months from time of purchase.

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2019/10/05/new-apple-iphone-warning-devices-may-suddenly-failfix-now-available/

2019-10-05 07:27:13Z
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Jumat, 04 Oktober 2019

Google found a serious Android flaw affecting Pixel, Samsung and Huawei phones - Engadget

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Google researchers have discovered an unpatched vulnerability on its own Android OS that affect the Pixel 1 and 2, Huawei P20, Samsung Galaxy S7, S8, and S9 and other devices. It disclosed the problem just seven days after finding it, as the exploit is a "zero-day" that is already being exploited in the wild. Oddly, the bug -- which affects Android 8.x and later -- was discovered and patched in December 2017 on earlier versions of the OS. However, the fix was apparently not carried over to newer versions.

The exploit was discovered by Google's Project Zero team, and its Threat Analysis Group believes it was used in real-world attacks by Israel's NSO Group. That company has been implicated in the past in attacks on human rights and political activists.

Google said that the zero-day is not as dangerous as others in the past, as it "requires installation of a malicious application for potential exploitation," said an Android representative. That means it can't be triggered by a web browser or other app without additional exploits already in place.

Google has angered other tech companies in the past by revealing vulnerabilities before they're patched, but at least it's following its own guidelines here. The company said that it notified Android partners and made the patch available for the Android Common Kernel. "Pixel 3 and 3a devices are not vulnerable, while Pixel 1 and 2 devices will be receiving updates for this issue as part of the October update," the team added. Other devices affected are the Xioami Redmi 5A, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, Xiaomi A1, Oppo A3 and the Moto Z3.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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2019-10-04 10:45:12Z
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Google found a serious Android flaw affecting Pixel, Samsung and Huawei phones - Engadget

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Google researchers have discovered an unpatched vulnerability on its own Android OS that affect the Pixel 1 and 2, Huawei P20, Samsung Galaxy S7, S8, and S9 and other devices. It disclosed the problem just seven days after finding it, as the exploit is a "zero-day" that is already being exploited in the wild. Oddly, the bug -- which affects Android 8.x and later -- was discovered and patched in December 2017 on earlier versions of the OS. However, the fix was apparently not carried over to newer versions.

The exploit was discovered by Google's Project Zero team, and its Threat Analysis Group believes it was used in real-world attacks by Israel's NSO Group. That company has been implicated in the past in attacks on human rights and political activists.

Google said that the zero-day is not as dangerous as others in the past, as it "requires installation of a malicious application for potential exploitation," said an Android representative. That means it can't be triggered by a web browser or other app without additional exploits already in place.

Google has angered other tech companies in the past by revealing vulnerabilities before they're patched, but at least it's following its own guidelines here. The company said that it notified Android partners and made the patch available for the Android Common Kernel. "Pixel 3 and 3a devices are not vulnerable, while Pixel 1 and 2 devices will be receiving updates for this issue as part of the October update," the team added. Other devices affected are the Xioami Redmi 5A, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, Xiaomi A1, Oppo A3 and the Moto Z3.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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https://www.engadget.com/2019/10/04/google-zero-day-android-pixel-samsung-huawei/

2019-10-04 10:10:25Z
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Apple raises iPhone 11 production by about 10%, Nikkei reports - CNBC

Tim Cook announces the iPhone 11 at a launch event in Cupertino, Calif on Sept. 10, 2019.

Source: Apple

Apple has asked suppliers to increase production of its iPhone 11 models by up to 8 million units, or about 10%, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday, citing better than expected demand.

"Previously, Apple was quite conservative about placing orders", which were less than for last year's new iPhone, said the Nikkei quoting a source.

"After the increase, prepared production volume for the iPhone 11 series will be higher compared to last year".

Sources cited by Nikkei said that the recent surge in iPhone orders is concentrated in the cheapest iPhone 11 model and the iPhone 11 Pro model, while Apple has slightly revised down orders for its top range model, the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has a starting price of $1,099.

The newspaper also reported that suppliers remain cautious and said they were concerned that the higher level of orders would not be sustained.

"Demand is good for now. But we have to be careful not to be too optimistic," an executive-level source said in the report. "I hope that this year's peak season lasts longer than last year."

Apple did not respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular U.S. business hours.

The company launched its three new iPhone models in September and reduced the starting price of the model upgrade, despite better cameras, to $699, compared to $749 for last year's iPhone XR.

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https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/04/apple-raises-iphone-11-production-by-about-10-percent-nikkei-reports.html

2019-10-04 08:04:42Z
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Apple raises iPhone 11 production by about 10%, Nikkei reports - CNBC

Tim Cook announces the iPhone 11 at a launch event in Cupertino, Calif on Sept. 10, 2019.

Source: Apple

Apple has asked suppliers to increase production of its iPhone 11 models by up to 8 million units, or about 10%, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday, citing better than expected demand.

"Previously, Apple was quite conservative about placing orders", which were less than for last year's new iPhone, said the Nikkei quoting a source.

"After the increase, prepared production volume for the iPhone 11 series will be higher compared to last year".

Sources cited by Nikkei said that the recent surge in iPhone orders is concentrated in the cheapest iPhone 11 model and the iPhone 11 Pro model, while Apple has slightly revised down orders for its top range model, the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has a starting price of $1,099.

The newspaper also reported that suppliers remain cautious and said they were concerned that the higher level of orders would not be sustained.

"Demand is good for now. But we have to be careful not to be too optimistic," an executive-level source said in the report. "I hope that this year's peak season lasts longer than last year."

Apple did not respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular U.S. business hours.

The company launched its three new iPhone models in September and reduced the starting price of the model upgrade, despite better cameras, to $699, compared to $749 for last year's iPhone XR.

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https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/04/apple-raises-iphone-11-production-by-about-10-percent-nikkei-reports.html

2019-10-04 07:34:15Z
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