Windows 10 Upgrade and Installation Frequently Asked Questions

 <br/><br/>We have had plenty of time to pick apart and interpret Microsoft’s recent blog post about the Windows Insider Program as well as the free upgrade offer to Windows 10 for Windows 7 and 8.1 users.<br/><br/>Gabe Aul, our intrepid Ring Master, and his team went back to the blog drawing board today in an attempt to sort out that massive amount of confusion that has been generated over this past weekend relating to Windows 10, free upgrades, genuine upgrades and the like.<br/><br/>In order to help convey some of this clarity we have put together this list in FAQ style and will provide simple YES or NO answers to the questions we have come up with. These scenarios are based on content Microsoft has provided in official sources such as the<a href="http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/06/19/upcoming-changes-to-windows-10-insider-preview-builds/" target="_blank">Upcoming changes to Windows 10 Insider Preview builds</a> blog post which was updated twice since it was published last Friday (20 and 22 June). The other source we have used is the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade" target="_blank">Windows 10 Free upgrade offer site</a>.<br/><br/>Note: These questions are targeted towards consumer users of Windows.<br/><div class="captioned-image caption-none"><a href="http://winsupersite.com/site-files/winsupersite.com/files/uploads/2015/05/freewindows.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Windows 10 Free Upgrade Gotchas" src="http://winsupersite.com/site-files/winsupersite.com/files/uploads/2015/05/freewindows.jpg" /></a></div><br/>If I use a retail license of Windows 7 or 8.1, which can be transferred from one machine to another, to upgrade to Windows 10 for free can I then transfer that underlying Windows 7/8.1 license to another machine and upgrade it to Windows 10 as well since Windows 7/8.1 is no longer in use on the other machine? (23 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Is it true that the free upgrade to Windows 10 retains the properties of the license that was on the upgraded Windows 7 or 8.1 system? In other words if I am on an OEM system from a manufacturer such as Dell, HP, ASUS, Acer, etc. then the system that was upgraded with the free Windows 10 upgrade is still licensed as an OEM system? What if I bought a retail license that was purchased online or in a store - does the system upgraded to the free Windows 10 upgrade remain licensed as a retail license? (23 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I purchased my copy of Windows 7 or 8/8.1 as a retail license from a store (brick and mortar or online/digital) and I upgrade to the free Windows 10 can I transfer that to a new computer under the retail licensing? (23 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I built my own computer and purchased an OEM licenses for that hardware from a store (either brick and mortar or online) then does that OEM license transfer to the Windows 10 upgrade after 29 July? (23 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Can I transfer that OEM based Windows 10 upgrade to another computer? (23 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Does the Windows 10 free upgrade offer only last 12 months from 29 July 2015 to 29 July 2016? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I am still running Windows 95, Milenium (Me), XP or Vista on my computer can I get a free upgrade to Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>I have a system running Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 – am I eligible for the free Windows 10 upgrade? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>I have a system running <span class="keyword_link"><a href="http://www.windowsitpro.com/windows-8" target="_blank" title="">Windows 8</a></span> with the Windows 8.1 Update installed – can I get a free upgrade to Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>I am a Windows 10 Insider can I upgrade to Windows 10 RTM for free on 29 July from the preview builds and stop participating in the Windows Insider Program? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Will that copy of Windows 10 RTM that upgraded my preview build be a genuine copy of Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Is it true that if I want to continue as a Windows Insider I can install a current build of Windows 10 preview, such as 10130, and use my Microsoft Account with it and then get upgraded to Windows 10 RTM on 29 July? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Will I continue to get new builds of Windows 10 after 29 July if I choose to remain in the Insider program? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Will those builds ever expire? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I upgrade to the final version of Windows 10 anytime during the first year from a system with a genuine version of Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (with Windows 8.1 Update) installed can I reinstall Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Can I do a clean install of Windows 10 in the previous situation as well? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I am currently running a non-genuine version of Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (with Windows 8.1 update) can I upgrade to Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>If I have a computer that I just built and I do not own any version of Windows for it can I join the Windows Insider Program and install Windows 10 RTM on it before or after 29 July 2015? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Will that version of Windows then be considered genuine? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Can I transfer my Windows 10 installation to another computer after getting the free upgrade? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>If I opt out of the Windows Insider program before 29 July 2016 can I still use the free Windows upgrade if my device had a genuine copy of Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (with Windows 8.1 Update) before I used it for the Insider program? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>If I opt out of the Windows Insider program after 30 July 2016 do I need to buy a new Windows 10 license if my device had a genuine copy of Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (with Windows 8.1 Update) before I used it for the Insider program? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>YES<br/><br/>Do I need to use a Microsoft Account to upgrade my Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (with windows 8.1 Update) system to Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>My name is Blackbeard, some call me Salty Sam. Can I get a free upgrade to Windows 10? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Can Microsoft ever make its messaging completely clear? (22 June 2015)<br/><br/>NO<br/><br/>Have any ideas of your own to add to this list? Comment below with it and we might add it to the article with appropriate credit.

Windows 10 Upgrade and Installation Frequently Asked Questions

  We have had plenty of time to pick apart and interpret Microsoft’s recent blog post about the Windows Insider Program as well as the free ...

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Satya Nadella answers pressing questions about Windows Phone and Microsoft

 <br/><br/>Mary Jo Foley from ZDNet held a <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/article/ceo-nadella-talks-microsofts-mobile-ambitions-windows-10-strategy-hololens-and-more/">comprehensive exclusive interview</a> with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella yesterday, right after his Worldwide Partner Conference keynote. In it, she asked him about the future of Microsoft in the mobile sphere and many other questions that people have been asking Microsoft’s CEO to be direct about. The entire interview is insightful and gives a great look at Microsoft from the perspective of its leader. These are just a few major highlights:<br/><br/><strong>Microsoft is not leaving the mobile market</strong><br/><br/> <br/><br/>When asked by Mary Jo Foley “So, does Microsoft cutting back on the number of Windows Phones you make mean you are getting out of the mobile market?” Satya Nadella began by frankly saying “Not at all.” He then continued to explain what mobile means and how Windows Phone plays in.<br/><br/>He admitted that Microsoft wrongly assumed the desktops would be “the hub for everything for all time to come.” He then made points that answer many questions the media and fans have been asking about the future of Windows Phone.<br/><br/>Nadella speaks of Windows Phone in the future sense, not something they’re going to kill in the near future. Quotes like “When I think about our Windows Phone, I want it to stand for something like Continuum” and “that’s what I want our devices and device innovation to stand for” don’t sound like a CEO tickling the kill switch for Windows Phone. He even specifically addressed last week’s news:<br/><blockquote>Last week’s announcement was not about any change to our vision and strategy, but for sure it was a change to our operating approach… I’m not going to launch a phone a day. I’m going to focus on a few phones that actually grab share that, in fact, showcase our uniqueness.</blockquote><br/>Nadella showed an awareness of Windows Phone’s low market share and wants to take steps to make it unique that will “actually grab share.”<br/><br/><strong>The Surface analogy made by Kevin Turner is largely correct</strong><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Foley asked about the analogy to the Surface, basically that Microsoft makes devices that show off what a platform can do and then other OEMs make competing devices on that platform. Nadella said the analogy was correct. He also clearly stated how the Lumia line will play a roll with Windows Phone “if no OEM stands up to build Windows devices we’ll build them. There will be Lumia devices.”<br/><br/><strong>The draw of Universal apps is the desktop</strong><br/><br/>Nadella didn’t mince words about Windows Phone’s market share. He repeatedly talked about 3%. When asked why people would develop Universal apps after last week’s announcements he said that “The reason why anybody would want to write universal apps is not because of our three percent share in phones. It’s because a billion consumers are going to have a Start Menu, which is going to have your app.”<br/><br/>Nadella is very aware that the high user numbers are on the desktop. When explaining the roll of the Start Menu in Windows 10 he stated that “If anything, the free upgrade for Windows 10 is meant to improve our phone position.”<br/><br/><strong>The three phone segments announced last week represent different priorities</strong><br/><br/>When asked about the three segments of phones, Nadella took some time to break down the differences between the categories. A takeaway is that different users have different priorities. Where a business will value security and custom apps, a value user is more about Skype and Office for “the first time smart phone buyer.”<br/><div id="block-inject-1" class="block-inject block-inject-1"><section id="block-block-28" class="block block-block"><br/><div class="content"><section class="ifumissedit"><br/><div><br/><div id="DfpVisibilityIdentifier_8814556181896478" class="GoogleActiveViewClass"><br/><div id="google_ads_div_253511"><iframe id="google_ads_iframe_253511" src="about:blank" name="google_ads_iframe_253511" width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></div><br/></div><br/><div><iframe width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></section></div><br/></section></div><br/><div class="clearfix"></div><br/><strong>HoloLens in business, not just gaming</strong><br/><br/><img alt="HoloLens" class="lazy image-watermark inserted" data-original="http://www.winbeta.org/sites/default/files/styles/watermark/public/news/HoloLens_Demo-9.JPG?itok=LxiTTPfU" height="328" src="http://www.winbeta.org/sites/default/files/styles/watermark/public/news/HoloLens_Demo-9.JPG?itok=LxiTTPfU" title="HoloLens" width="491" /><br/><br/>When asked about where HoloLens will play a roll and be utilized, Nadella stated that it will initially be about enterprise and developers, specifically referencing hospitals, healthcare, and retail. He did point out however that he purchased Minecraft to “create a new genre of gaming for mixed reality.” Nadella pointed out that Minecraft is the number one PC app, console app, and paid mobile app on iOS and Android. In Nadella’s eyes, HoloLens will “bride consumer to enterprise.”<br/><br/><strong>Microsoft and Google, and other big name companies having partnerships</strong><br/><br/>Mary Jo also asked Nadella about Microsoft’s relationships with big companies including Google. Even though the media and other companies often points out how Microsoft has changed how it works with other large companies, Nadella doesn’t view it that way. He pointed out that many multi-billion-dollar companies were “built on top of Windows.” He even went as far as to say that Google wouldn’t exist if they couldn’t have “built a browser for Windows.” He calls Windows a “platform company, and wants to keep that up. Microsoft has formed major partnerships with SalesForce, Dropbox, Adobe and more and partnerships like that look to continue to be a part of Microsoft’s future.<br/><br/>Nadella also added that he’d love to have Google work with them more, specifically referring to YouTube on Windows Phone and Chrome on Windows (referring to an app, Chrome is already available on the desktop).<br/><br/><strong>The Surface Mini</strong><br/><br/>While the majority of the interview was on the future of Microsoft, Mary Jo also asked Nadella about the Surface Mini. She asked about how Nadella decides what makes a product different enough to launch (the Surface Mini not being released is reported to partially be because it wasn’t differentiated enough). Nadella responded by saying that he “actually [doesn’t] even care about as much initial grand success in terms of volume or share. Does it meet a specific scenario…”<br/><br/>It’s a brilliant interview and is <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/article/ceo-nadella-talks-microsofts-mobile-ambitions-windows-10-strategy-hololens-and-more/">worth taking the time to read</a>.

Satya Nadella answers pressing questions about Windows Phone and Microsoft

  Mary Jo Foley from ZDNet held a comprehensive exclusive interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella yesterday, right after his Worldwide P...

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Microsoft redesigns the Nokia 105, previously sold at a rate of 100 per minute

<img alt="Nokia 105" class="" height="315" src="http://www.winbeta.org/sites/default/files/news/New-Nokia-105-design_feat.jpg" width="461" /><br/><br/> <br/><br/>There are a lot of people who have a smartphone these days. Even a good number of older people who don’t know the first thing about computers might use a smartphone. Still, despite their popularity, there still plenty of people who use those old-fashioned handsets.<br/><br/>One of the most popular of these type handsets is the Nokia 105. This phone is especially popular in European countries, but also has gets a pretty high demand in Asia and Africa. In fact, it's so popular that it might surprise you to hear the rate in which the handset is sold. Having sold over 100 million since 2013, it sells at over 100 per minute -- that's almost 2 phones sold every second.<br/><br/>Microsoft <a href="http://lumiaconversations.microsoft.com/2015/07/14/a-phone-for-two-markets-inside-the-new-nokia-105/">has redesigned the handset</a> to "take all the qualities of a Lumia and build them into the Nokia 105," according to Peter Griffith who works at the London Design Lab as head of Microsoft Phones Design. Griffith continues:<br/><blockquote>"And we wanted to combine that with things like this astonishing battery life and the torchlight that we knew were relevant to people in emerging economies. The big challenge was, could we hit the $20 price point without compromising on quality?"</blockquote><br/>The handset is a very basic phone, and that's about all it's meant to be. It only has very basic dialing buttons and a 4-directional d-pad. It doesn’t even have a volume rocker at all. It has a few basic built in tools such as a calculator, calendar, and stopwatch, and maybe a couple games, but that's about all anyone will get. It does have a flashlight though.<br/><div id="block-inject-1" class="block-inject block-inject-1"><section id="block-block-28" class="block block-block"><br/><div class="content"><section class="ifumissedit"><br/><div><br/><div id="DfpVisibilityIdentifier_3301399503834545" class="GoogleActiveViewClass"><br/><div id="google_ads_div_956912"><iframe id="google_ads_iframe_956912" src="about:blank" name="google_ads_iframe_956912" width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></div><br/></div><br/><div><iframe width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></section></div><br/></section></div><br/><div class="clearfix"></div><br/>What's really interesting about this handset is it's really long battery life. It can last almost thirty-five days in standby mode. This makes it great as a backup phone for when your main phone runs out of battery.<br/><div class="fluid-width-video-wrapper"><iframe id="fitvid418697" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1GIiUjpspa4" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div><br/>So what do you think about this phone? Do you think it would be useful to you? Do you think it would be worth $20? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Microsoft redesigns the Nokia 105, previously sold at a rate of 100 per minute

  There are a lot of people who have a smartphone these days. Even a good number of older people who don’t know the first thing about comput...

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Upcoming Windows 10 Insider build will be from RTM development branch "TH1"

<img alt="Windows 10" class="" height="262" src="http://www.winbeta.org/sites/default/files/styles/watermark/public/news/TH1regedit.jpg?itok=2GKZy4Ed" width="466" /><br/><br/>For those who don't know, Microsoft has been distributing a number of their Windows 10 builds via the "fbl_impressive" development branch, a branch created solely for Insiders and allows Microsoft to control what features are sent to the public for testing. There are many development branches which all focus on different things, however none of them are accessible by Windows Insiders.<br/><br/>Microsoft announced yesterday that they were suspending Windows Update and Windows 10 Insider builds as they prepare for the Windows 10 RTM. The next build offered to Windows Insiders will be using production servers, which means the next build we receive could very well be the Windows 10 RTM, or at the very least an RTM candidate, depending on when Microsoft plans to push another build out.<br/><br/>Microsoft has silently switched all Windows Insiders away from the fbl_impressive branch, and moved them over to the TH1 branch. The TH1 branch is where Microsoft is compiling RTM candidates, which means the next build delivered to Insiders can be nothing but an RTM candidate or the RTM itself. You can check to see if Microsoft has moved you over to TH1 by opening Regedit and navigating to <strong>HKLM>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>WindowsSelfHost>Applicability</strong> and double clicking "BranchName". If you see "TH1" you are ready for the next build.<br/><br/>If you're not showing up as on TH1, just check for updates via Windows Update and the registry strings should update automatically.<br/><div id="block-inject-1" class="block-inject block-inject-1"><section id="block-block-28" class="block block-block"><br/><div class="content"><section class="ifumissedit"><br/><div><br/><div id="DfpVisibilityIdentifier_2330062785185873" class="GoogleActiveViewClass"><iframe src="http://www.winbeta.org/tagspg/300x250_BTF.html" width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></div><br/><div><iframe width="300" height="250" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br/></section></div><br/></section></div><br/><div class="clearfix"></div><br/>The Redmond giant announced recently that Windows Insiders will receive the Windows 10 RTM on July 29th. So Microsoft silently moving everyone over to TH1 could be in preparation for that. Regardless, the next build Insiders will receive will be from the TH1 branch, which is very exciting indeed.<br/><br/><em>Thanks for the tips, everyone!</em>

Upcoming Windows 10 Insider build will be from RTM development branch "TH1"

For those who don't know, Microsoft has been distributing a number of their Windows 10 builds via the "fbl_impressive" develop...

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Make the most of your Mac by adding NAS

<img alt="istock 000027776618large" class="" height="308" src="http://core5.staticworld.net/images/article/2014/09/istock_000027776618large-100439380-large.jpg" width="462" /><br/><br/>Your beloved Mac sits at the center of your tech universe, but it falls short when it comes to managing and securing the scores of data you count on each day. NAS (network attached storage) fills in the gaps, acting as a central hub for all your photos, videos, music, and other files. A proper NAS-Mac setup can save time and reduce stress through easier downloads, improved organization, smoother backups, and more. Here are some great ways you can use NAS to make the most of your Mac.<br/><h2><strong>Centralize your files</strong></h2><br/>Storing files in the public cloud is a great way to ensure they’re always attainable, but it’s easy to fail to sync the latest version or lose track of which ones you keep where, especially if you use multiple cloud providers to avoid hitting your storage limit. NAS can coordinate all those accounts, keeping tabs on your data whether it’s stored in iCloud, Amazon S3, Dropbox, or on your Mac. NAS can also automatically import and store data from mobile devices, including photos from your iPhone or iPad. This gives you a fully connected, completely organized -- and most importantly -- <em>centralized</em> system for your data, regardless of where it’s acquired or stored.<br/><h2><strong>Share files quickly and easily</strong></h2><br/>Sharing files typically means emailing them or sending them through a public cloud provider. With NAS, you can create personal cloud accounts for your friends, family, and coworkers. These accounts cost nothing and give others access to whatever files they need without requiring you to send them or upload them. Account holders can also upload their own files to the NAS, allowing for easy collaboration. To share files without requiring a login, programs like QNAP’s<a href="http://www.qnap.com/useng/index.php?lang=en-us&sn=7248">File Station</a> can send a unique URL which, when clicked by the recipient, automatically downloads files from your NAS device.<br/><h2><strong>Don’t waste time waiting for downloads</strong></h2><br/>Downloading large files sometimes entails leaving your Mac running for hours while you wait for the download to finish. NAS devices allow you to download even when your computer is off or isn’t connected to the Internet. Set a download before heading to work, and it loads directly onto your personal cloud. Once it finishes, access the downloaded file from any connected device. For videos, QNAP’s <a href="http://www.qnap.com/i/en/product/items_by_series.php?CA=3#block2">TS-x51</a> model optimizes the file and format dynamically with on-the-fly transcoding, so it looks its best no matter where you watch it.<br/><h2><strong>Protect your data, your equipment, and yourself</strong></h2><br/>Apple’s Time Machine helps you back up your data, but it requires you to connect your Mac to an external storage device to keep it up to date. Hook up to a NAS and you can schedule automatic daily or weekly backups without having to hook up any extra hardware. QNAP’s <a href="http://www.qnap.com/useng/index.php?lang=en-us&sn=862&c=355&sc=688&t=697&n=18378">TS-120</a> can also work directly with Time Machine, backing up files any time you’re connected to the home network. And if you’re concerned about security on your network, some NAS devices can be configured to operate as a VPN client, adding a layer of encryption to your web browsing. Mobile Devices can also take advantage of the VPN, as long as they can connect to WiFi.<br/><h2><strong>Open Windows</strong></h2><br/>If you’re like most Mac users, your computer acts as a conduit for all the data that makes your professional life run. At the office, that often requires you to work in concert with other operating systems. Some NAS devices can create a virtualized Windows environment like the TS-x53 Pro series' <a href="http://www.qnap.com/i/station/en-us/virtualization.php">Virtualization Station</a>, running applications and files that you couldn’t otherwise open. This can be handy when collaborating with coworkers who can’t agree on which OS is superior (they’ll convert eventually).<br/><br/>Empower your Mac to do what it does best: expedite your personal and professional advancement with awesome performance and intuitive controls. Letting NAS shoulder the burden of data management helps you and your Mac operate at the highest possible level.

Make the most of your Mac by adding NAS

Your beloved Mac sits at the center of your tech universe, but it falls short when it comes to managing and securing the scores of data you ...

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Apple is reportedly 'close' to securing broadcast networks for online TV service

<img alt="" class="" height="320" src="http://core2.staticworld.net/images/article/2013/01/appletv-100021577-large.png" width="479" /><br/><br/>After some <a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/2925841/apples-streaming-tv-service-might-not-be-imminent-after-all.html">earlier setbacks</a>, Apple may once again be firming up plans for its long-rumored streaming TV service.<br/><br/>Sources <a href="http://nypost.com/2015/07/13/apple-networks-progressing-in-talks-over-cable-killer-tv-app/">tell the <em>New York Post</em></a> that the major broadcast networks are “close” to agreements with their local station affiliates, allowing the networks to negotiate with Apple on the affiliates' behalf. This would remove a major obstacle for Apple, as it wouldn't have to go around the country striking deals with every affiliate to carry channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.<br/><br/>It's unclear if any of these agreements are actually in place yet, though the <em>Post</em>believes that Disney or CBS could be the first to get on board. Fox is nearing an agreement with its affiliates as well. A previous report claimed that Apple and NBC parent company Comcast <a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/2898033/apple-streaming-tv-service-rumors-are-back-and-more-credible-than-ever.html">have a strained relationship </a>due to an earlier attempt at streaming video that fell apart.<br/><br/>While earlier rumors have suggested a price range of $30 to $40 per month, the<em>Post</em>'s sources now say they've heard estimates as low as $10 per month. In other words, there's plenty of uncertainty about what the service will actually offer, beyond the big broadcast networks. Cable channels such as Discovery and ESPN could be part of the package, but again, there's no indication that Apple has finalized any deals.<br/><br/>The <em>Post</em> notes that several other sticking points remain, including the number of cable channels Apple should bundle in the product, and the 30 percent cut that Apple takes from subscriptions in its App Store. Naturally, the networks want to see more of the former, and less of the latter. The Post also points out that Apple's Eddy Cue was spotted talking with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Patriots owner Robert Kraft at a recent industry conference, but to draw any conclusion from that meeting would be purely speculative.<br/><br/><strong>Why this matters:</strong> Apple has wanted to launch some kind of streaming TV service <a href="http://techland.time.com/2012/08/17/apple-and-tv-a-history-of-rejection/">for years</a>, though there's a sense that the company is finally gaining headway now that the <a href="http://www.techhive.com/article/2940514/the-surprisingly-sneaky-rise-of-a-la-carte-pay-tv.html">traditional cable bundle is starting to fracture</a>. While offering broadcast channels has been a major challenge, the latest progress report is an encouraging sign that Apple is nearing a solution.

Apple is reportedly 'close' to securing broadcast networks for online TV service

After some earlier setbacks , Apple may once again be firming up plans for its long-rumored streaming TV service. Sources tell the New York ...

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Microsoft bets on Facebook for Windows 10 apps

<img alt="" class="" height="262" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/9d2aa6c49908656f268fec27161bd6a8/202307548/windows-10-facebook-sdk-2015-07-15-01.jpg" width="474" /><br/><br/>Microsoft and Facebook have always been <a href="https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Facebook-Connect-is-no-longer-available-f31c8107-7b5a-4e3d-8a22-e506dacb6db6?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US#BKMK_peopleHub" target="_blank">strange bedfellows</a>, but Windows 10 will <a href="http://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2015/07/14/windows-sdk-for-facebook/" target="_blank">fully embrace</a> the social app. Redmond's new <a href="https://github.com/Microsoft/winsdkfb" target="_blank">SDK tool</a> will help developers create universal apps with Facebook integration for Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 -- including authorization, likes, dialogs, the Graph and other functionality. As a user, that means you're more likely to see Facebook features turn up in Windows 10 apps as soon as they're released, whether using a tablet, phone or PC.<br/><br/>The software giant said that if you're a developer building apps with Facebook's .NET SDK, "we recommend that you evaluate the new Windows SDK for Facebook for use in your app (instead)." Obviously, Microsoft wants tons of apps for Windows 10 when it arrives at the end of the month, especially on its <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/08/microsoft-job-cuts-2015/">beleaguered</a> Windows Phone devices. Given Facebook's <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/22/facebook-algorithm-identifies-people-with-hidden-faces/">omnipresence</a>, helping developers get it into universal Windows 10 apps certainly can't hurt.

Microsoft bets on Facebook for Windows 10 apps

Microsoft and Facebook have always been strange bedfellows , but Windows 10 will fully embrace the social app. Redmond's new SDK tool ...

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Former Reddit CEO says the site's about to be purged

<img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" class="" height="257" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/a33c291c4dac107865d2b898f684d92c/202277040/0710_reddit-1.jpg" width="457" /><br/><br/> <br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Steve Huffman's going to reveal Reddit's <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/14/reddit-offensive-ama/">new content policy tomorrow</a>, but one of his predecessors is promising that it'll be a "purge." Yishan Wong, who ran the site between 2012 - 2014 and has spoken <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/13/former-reddit-ceo-says-pao-was-scapegoat/">in support of Ellen Pao</a>, has decided to "declassify a lot of things," airing plenty of dirty laundry in the process. Wong points to discussions he had with Huffman during his tenure, saying that the co-founder was previously unconcerned with protecting free speech and was blasé about censoring racist, sexist and homophobic threads. He goes onto quote Huffman as saying that "I don't think there's a place for such things on <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/11/reddit-user-revolt/">Reddit</a>," giving you a clue as to the tone of tomorrow's AMA.</span></p><br/><br/><blockquote><br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">"The free speech policy was something I formalized because it seemed like the wiser course at the time. It's worth stating that in that era, we were talking about whether it was ok for people to post creepy pictures of women taken legally in public. That's shitty, but it's a far cry from the extremes of hate that some parts of the site host today. It seemed that allowing creepers to post (anonymized) pictures of women taken in public, in a relatively small subreddit that never showed up on the front page, was a small price to pay for making it clear that we were a place welcoming of all opinions and discourse.</span></p><br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Having made that decision - much of reddit's current condition is on me. I didn't anticipate what (some) redditors would decide to do with freedom. reddit has become a lot bigger - yes, a lot better - AND a lot worse. I have to take responsibility."</span></p><br/></blockquote><br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Wong also takes the blame, personally, for the perilous state that the site currently finds itself in, saying that r/creepshots was a watershed moment for him. The executive said that he decided not to ban "creepy pictures of women" as it was a "relatively small subreddit that never showed up on the front page." He felt that giving it a free pass was "a small price to pay" for making it clear that we were a place welcoming of all opinions and discourse."</span></p><br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The other notable point in the essay is the belief that the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/10/ellen-pao-out-as-reddit-ceo-co-founder-steve-huffman-takes-over/">deposed Ellen Pao</a> was, contrary to public belief, advocated against wide-scale bans on the site. When Pao banned r/fatpeoplehate, it was because it incited "off-site harassment, not discussing fat-shaming." Wong adds that Pao "upholds free speech and tolerates the ugly side of humanity because it is so important" -- as well as the more cynical point that the former Interim CEO's gender and career provided a shield against criticism.</span></p><br/><br/><blockquote><br/><p class="p1">"What all the white-power racist-sexist neckbeards don't understand is that with her at the head of the company, the company would be immune to accusations of promoting sexism and racism: she is literally Silicon Valley's #1 Feminist Hero, so any "SJWs" would have a hard time attacking the company for intentionally creating a bastion (heh) of sexist/racist content."</p><br/></blockquote><br/><p class="p1"><span class="s1">In closing, Wong issues a warning to the Reddit community that was successful in ousting Pao in the wake of the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/03/reddit-revolt-victoria/">Victoria Taylor scandal</a>. Just after saying that Huffman now "has the moral authority" to purge the "ugly side" of the site, he closes his piece by adding "We tried to let you govern yourselves and you failed, so now The Man is going to set some Rules. Admittedly, I can't say I'm terribly upset."</span></p>

Former Reddit CEO says the site's about to be purged

  Steve Huffman's going to reveal Reddit's new content policy tomorrow , but one of his predecessors is promising that it'll be ...

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Samsung's Galaxy A8 is its thinnest phone yet

<img alt="" class="" height="260" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/4f97e1708c40a32fcfe05202f18d310d/202306849/samsung-galaxy-a8-2015-07-15-01.jpg" width="468" /><br/><br/>Samsung has quietly launched its slimmest smartphone <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/23/samsung-galaxy-a8-uncovered/">ever</a> in China. The <a href="http://www.samsung.com/cn/consumer/mobile-phones/smart-phone/galaxy-a/SM-A8000ZWDCHC?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000279" target="_blank">Galaxy A8</a> isn't a spec-monster, but it's certainly a design feat for a company that gets criticized a lot on that front. The all-metal body is just 5.9mm thin, weighs a mere 151 grams (5.3 oz) and has a bezel size that you can basically round down to zero. The internals are still good enough to fight any mid-range device: a 5.7-inch 1080p OLED display, 8-core Snapdragon 615 chip, a 16-megapixel f/2.2 rear/5-megapixel wide-angle f/1.9 front camera and 2GB of RAM. Despite the size, Samsung managed to squeeze in a generous 3,050mAh battery that's larger than the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/02/samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge-review/">Galaxy S6's</a>.

Samsung's Galaxy A8 is its thinnest phone yet

Samsung has quietly launched its slimmest smartphone ever in China. The Galaxy A8 isn't a spec-monster, but it's certainly a desig...

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Apple to launch 'end-of-life' iPad mini model and 'iPad Pro' in 2015, forego 'iPad Air 3'

<span class="article-leader">A questionable report out of the Far East on Tuesday claims Apple will announce a larger 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" and refreshed iPad mini by the end of 2015, but will not introduce a follow-up to the iPad Air 2. Further, the company is supposedly planning to end-of-life iPad mini after this year's revamp.<br/></span><br/><div align="center"><br/><div class="article-img"><img alt="" class="lazy" data-original="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13579-8479-10791-3173-iPadMini3-PickUp-PRINT-l-l.jpg" src="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13579-8479-10791-3173-iPadMini3-PickUp-PRINT-l-l.jpg" /></div><br/></div><br/>According to <em>Economic Daily News</em>, Apple is <a href="http://money.udn.com/money/story/5612/1056476">concentrating</a> 2015 iPad production on a next-generation iPad mini, dubbed "iPad mini 4," and a widely rumored 12.9-inch model some have taken to calling "iPad Pro." In order to alleviate pressure on manufacturing partner Foxconn, and to spotlight iPad Pro, the company will not release a next-gen iPad Air until 2016, the report said.<br/><br/>The Chinese language publication has a spotty track record in accurately predicting Apple hardware releases and cites Fubon Bank analyst Liaoxian Yi, not industry sources, as a basis for Tuesday's report. As such, <em>AppleInsider</em> cannot verify the following claims and presents them for purposes of discussion.<br/><br/>Perhaps most surprising among the analyst's claims is Apple's supposed plan to ditch the 7.9-inch iPad mini format altogether after this year's design refresh. Apple last updated its diminutive tablet alongside a new iPad Air version <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/10/16/apple-announces-ipad-mini-3-with-touch-id-for-399-keeps-first-gen-ipad-mini-available-for-249">last October</a>, though some consumers were nonplussed that, aside from Touch ID integration and a secure element for Apple Pay, the iPad mini 3 remained <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/10/27/in-depth-review-ipad-air-2-ipad-mini-3">essentially unchanged</a> from its predecessor.<br/><br/>The claims run contrary to <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/03/06/rumor-apple-may-soon-update-ipad-mini-with-a8-cpu-80211ac-wi-fi">recently surfaced</a> rumors that Apple would soon ship an iPad mini with updated internals like an A8 SoC and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.<br/><br/>As for the so-called "iPad Pro," the report claims Apple will turn to the usual component suppliers, though Sharp will be responsible for more LCD panel orders than Samsung. Today's report of mass iPad Pro production doesn't line up with launch predictions from <em>DigiTimes</em> — another hit-or-miss publication — which cited supply chain sources as saying Apple is being "rather cautious" with orders for its jumbo-sized tablet.<br/><br/>While details have yet to materialize, circumstantial evidence pointing to the development of a larger iPad model is mounting. As noted in June, <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/06/15/ios-9-code-suggests-2732-by-2048-pixel-display-for-129-inch-ipad-pro">code discovered</a> in a recent iOS 9 beta points to a heretofore unknown iPad with a massive screen resolution of 2,732-by-2,048 pixels. <em>AppleInsider's</em> sources said <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/05/03/apples-129-ipad-will-feature-bluetooth-stylus-force-touch-nfc-more-source-says">in May</a> that Apple's 12.9-inch slate will include a new pressure-sensitive Bluetooth stylus, Force Touch technology, NFC capabilities and a USB-C connection port.

Apple to launch 'end-of-life' iPad mini model and 'iPad Pro' in 2015, forego 'iPad Air 3'

A questionable report out of the Far East on Tuesday claims Apple will announce a larger 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" and refreshed iPad m...

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Apple launches new iPod touch with 64-bit A8 CPU, 8MP camera, M8 motion coprocessor & 128GB capacity

<span class="article-leader">Apple on Wednesday overhauled its iPod touch lineup for the first time in years, debuting a new high-end $399 model with a 128-gigabyte capacity, while giving all versions a 64-bit A8 processor, M8 motion coprocessor, and 8-megapixel rear camera.<br/></span><br/><div align="center"><br/><div class="article-img"><img alt="" class="lazy" data-original="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8483-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-110308-AM-l.jpg" src="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8483-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-110308-AM-l.jpg" /></div><br/></div><br/>The new iPod touch lineup starts at $199 for a 16-gigabyte capacity, while a $249 model with 32 gigabytes, and a $299 model with 64 gigabytes are also available. The new iPod touch lineup is available for purchase direct from Apple.<br/><br/>Aside from upgraded internal components, the new iPod touch models also come in three new colors: gold, hot pink, and a darker shade of blue than was previously offered.<br/><br/>The new iPod touch units ship with iOS 8.4, the latest available version of Apple's mobile operating system. This includes support for the new Apple Music service, which will allow users to stream songs on demand for $9.99 per month.<br/><br/><em>AppleInsider</em> was first to report <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/04/23/apples-dwindling-ipod-lineup-to-see-long-awaited-refresh-this-year">in April</a> that Apple would be updating its long-neglected iPod lineup this year. Wednesday's update marks the first significant changes to the iPod touch since 2012.<br/><div align="center"><br/><div class="article-img"><img alt="" class="lazy" data-original="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8484-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-110542-AM-l.jpg" src="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8484-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-110542-AM-l.jpg" /></div><br/></div><br/>The inclusion of the M8 chip also makes the iPod touch a full-fledged pedometer, allowing it to compete with step tracking accessories from the likes of Fitbit. The M8 and A8 chips debuted in 2014 in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.<br/><br/>The new 64-bit processor also means that applications on the iPod touch will work with Metal, Apple's advanced gaming technology exclusive to its newer A-series CPUs.<br/><div align="center"><br/><div class="article-img"><img alt="" class="lazy" data-original="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8489-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-111225-AM-l.jpg" src="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8489-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-111225-AM-l.jpg" /></div><br/></div><br/>The high-end 128-gigabyte capacity, meanwhile, is a first for an iOS device with a 4-inch Retina display. Apple didn't begin offering 128-gigabyte capacities in the iPhone lineup until last year's launch of the larger 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.<br/><br/>In addition to an 8-megapixel iSight rear camera that can shoot 120-frames-per-second slow-mo video, the new iPod touch also has an improved forward facing FaceTime HD camera. Wi-Fi speeds have also been improved and are three times faster.<br/><br/>Aside from the upgraded components and new colors, the design of the iPod touch is largely unchanged. The new models lack the loop accessory found on the previous generation, but the portable media player still has a 6.1-millimeter thick design with a 4-inch Retina display. It has support for the Siri voice-driven personal assistant, and uses the Lightning connector for charging and syncing.<br/><div align="center"><br/><div class="article-img"><img alt="" class="lazy" data-original="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8490-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-111201-AM-l.jpg" src="http://photos2.appleinsidercdn.com/gallery/13583-8490-Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-111201-AM-l.jpg" /></div><br/></div><br/>"iPod touch gives customers around the world access to Apple Music, the App Store and iOS, the world's most advanced mobile operating system, starting at just $199," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone, iPod and iOS Product Marketing. "With big advancements like the A8 chip and the 8 megapixel iSight camera, customers can experience next-level gameplay, take even more beautiful photos and enjoy their favorite music, TV shows and movies."<br/><br/>The refresh comes just one day later than had been rumored, as promotional images found in Apple's own iTunes 12.2 software showed a calendar icon dated <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/07/10/rumor-apples-next-gen-ipod-touch-will-gain-64-bit-a-series-processor-in-july-14-launch">Tuesday, July 14</a>. Product shots on Apple's website after Wednesday's launch continue to show the "14" calendar.

Apple launches new iPod touch with 64-bit A8 CPU, 8MP camera, M8 motion coprocessor & 128GB capacity

Apple on Wednesday overhauled its iPod touch lineup for the first time in years, debuting a new high-end $399 model with a 128-gigabyte capa...

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