SkyDrive New Features; Usage Doubled in Last Six Months

Windows Phone 8 and Android app for cloud storage platform updated.

Microsoft claims that the use of its cloud storage service SkyDrive has doubled its usage amount over the past six months. The increase in usage is undoubtedly due to the recent launch of Windows 8-powered devices.

"We're both humbled and excited by this pace of growth. While many of you have told us that you love being able to have everything in one place and access it from anywhere, you've also said that sometimes you want to be more selective with the files you sync to each device," said Microsoft's group manager for SkyDrive Apps Mike Torres. To celebrate its achievement, Microsoft has release several new features and apps for its cloud storage service. "So today, we're releasing an update to our sync apps that includes the ability to select what you sync along with the ability to share files and folders right from the Windows File Explorer."

A selective sync feature allows users to select certain folders to sync to SkyDrive. A right-click option for contextual menus that leads to faster and easier file sharing from the desktop has also been implemented.

Microsoft also released an update to its Windows Phone 8 and Android apps for SkyDrive. The apps now offer file search support, and the ability to shrink photos when they go online. The WP8 app in particular will receive a minor redesign that delivers a cleaner UI.

Android users, meanwhile, are now able to upload all file types from an SD card, in addition to the ability to rename SkyDrive files and folders; they can also create custom sort orders for every view.

Android Takes 90 Percent of Smartphone Market in China

iOS slips due to iPhone's higher price tag.

Android continued to dominate the Chinese smartphone market, with the Google mobile operating system increasing its share during the third quarter.

In the period, Android attributed to 90.1 percent of China's smartphone market, representing an increase from the 83 percent share it had during the second quarter.

According to Beijing-based research firm Analysys International, Apple's iOS settled for a distant second with a 4.2 percent hold, a decrease from the 6 percent share it had in the second quarter. Symbian, meanwhile, saw its market share drop to 2.4 percent.

Apple struggles in China as the iPhone retails for a much higher price than its Android-powered device counterparts. The iPhone's average cost is 3.25 times higher than that of the average Android smartphone sold in the region.

Overseas, Android is also experiencing a stronger grip on the smartphone market, with the platform accounting for 72.4 percent of all smartphones sold during the third quarter.

Microsoft Releases Tweaks, Performance Update For Surface

Microsoft has released a firmware update for the Surface RT tablet that improves the device's performance.

In addition to the launch of Windows 8's first critical security patches, the software firm has issued a system firmware update for Surface RT, as well as Windows RT operating system updates.

The fixes, which are listed under a "cumulative update", includes performance improvements "when you wake the computer and when the computer is asleep, in order to improve battery life". A separate patch also fixes "an issue that may prevent Windows Store Apps from being installed fully."

While initial reviews of Surface mentioned the tablet could be slow at times, reports are suggesting that the update in question improves application launch times. Apps apparently launch around two seconds faster than before.

However, the update seems to failed to address an audio stuttering issue with Surface RT.

Microsoft Offers Upgrade Discount, Get Windows 8 for PKR 1,310 Only

Microsoft recently announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Pakistan and around the world.

Now consumers and businesses worldwide can experience all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new UI, a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 is now available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages and at retail locations around the world including Pakistan. Over 250,000 PCs are available at more than 1,000 retail stores, including Hyperstar, Metro, E4U, and Makro.

Get Windows 8 in Pakistan
Option One (for PKR 1,310):

With a special offer, Microsoft is offering all Windows users to upgrade their operating system to Windows 8 for just Rs. 1,310 if they purchased a compatible PC computer/laptop during June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 that has windows 7 installed on it.

If so, then you can upgrade your OS to Windows 8 for PKR 1,310 by clicking this link: http://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-PK

Option Two: (for PKR 3,800)

Those with genuine Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, and didn’t buy computer during up-mentioned duration can upgrade to Windows 8 for USD 40 or PKR 3,800.

This limited duration discount offer can be availed by clicking this link:: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-PK/windows/buy

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Sherif Morsi: Windows Business Group Lead, Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan. “Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows to Go, Direct Access, and Branch Cache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including Bit Locker and App Locker.

Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices. Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.

Samsung Galaxy S III Reaches 30 Million Phones Sold

Samsung has announced that sales for its flagship Galaxy S III smartphone has reached 30 million.

The Android-powered smartphone, which only launched back in May, reached the milestone figure last week, according to an announcement made on Samsung Poland's Twitter account.

Less than two months ago, the device's sales exceeded 20 million units worldwide. Samsung stressed that it expected that figure to reach 30 million before 2013 arrived, so the firm still has two months left to sell a few more million during the holiday season.

The Galaxy S III, which has become one of the best-selling Android devices of all time, considerably contributed to Samsung's record profits of $7.4 billion this year.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II, meanwhile, has shipped over 3 million units worldwide after just a month on sale.

Windows 7 increases Lead over XP in previous month

Windows 7 continues to dominate market with month-over-month growth.

More consumers have adopted to Microsoft's Windows 7 as its market share once again overtakes XP's.

According to web tracker Net Applications, Windows 7 featured a market share of 44.7 percent in October, representing an increase from September's 44 percent. As for Windows XP, the operating system's share decreased from 41.2 percent to 40.7 percent last month.

Although the 11-year-old XP still boasts a considerable share of the OS market, Windows 7 is slowly starting to take over as the dominant operating system, with the latter having finally taken the top spot in August. A year ago, XP's share stood at 48 percent, with Windows 7 having a market share below 35 percent.

The just-released Windows 8, meanwhile, hasn't made a major impact on the market yet. Net Applications said its pre-launch versions delivered a share of 0.41 percent last month, which was 0.3 percent in September. That said, it should be noted that W8's market share was based before its official launch; three days after its release, the new OS sold over 4 million copies.

Ultimately, Windows dominated the OS market with a share of more than 91 percent. Apple's Mac OS holds a 7.1 percent share, while Linux trails behind with just over 1 percent

Samsung posts record $7.4B profit on strong Galaxy sales

South Korea's Samsung Electronics reported on Friday (local time) a record quarterly profit of $7.4 billion, crediting strong sales of its Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets with making up for weak chip demand.
The electronics giant said its third-quarter operating profit increased 91 percent to $7.39 billion, in line with guidance offered earlier this month. Revenue for the quarter ended September 30 was 52.18 trillion won ($47.5 billion), a 26 percent increase over the same period last year.

The company's Mobile Communications division accounted for half that figure, logging 26.25 trillion won ($23.9 billion) in revenue. Samsung singled out the Galaxy S3 as a key component in raising profit margins. The company said sales of LTE-enabled devices increased in the third quarter but that competition hurt profit margins.

Samsung doesn't disclose its smartphone sales figures, but analysts believe the company sold about 60 million smartphones during the quarter. By comparison, Apple, which hours earlier reported profits of $8.2 billion on revenue of $36 billion, sold 26.9 million iPhones during the same period.

Its display panel business swung back to profitability with an operating profit of 1.09 trillion won ($1 billion), a 19 percent increase over the same period last year. However, profit from Samsung's chip division fell 28 percent to 1.15 trillion won on weak demand for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips.
The company trumpeted another record quarter despite facing tough economic conditions.
"The business environment remained difficult with global economic uncertainties persisting amid the fiscal concerns in the U.S. and Europe," Robert Yi, Samsung's chief of Investor Relations, said in a statement. "However, we continued to break our quarterly profit records."