Global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, Kaspersky, is simplifying its consumer products into Standard, Plus, and Premium. The products will be available on a subscription basis and bring an enhanced user interface (UI) and experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The rebrand also introduces features covering security, privacy, performance, and identity.
Kaspersky Standard features security functionalities such as Real-time Protection, Safe Browsing, and Anti-Phishing. Against the latest digital threats and to provide defense from dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions. The Standard plan also offers users a Pre-Kaspersky virus removal tool that can find and remove viruses that may have found their way into users’ PCs before they installed Kaspersky. It includes a Firewall and Network Monitor which shows which apps are connected to the Internet. Additional performance tools, include Quick Startup, PC Speed-up, and Disk Space Cleanup tools. Game and Do Not Disturb mode.
Kaspersky Plus features more Privacy capabilities. It gives users access to everything in the Standard plan plus unlimited VPN and Premium Password Manager. Subscribers also get a Data Leak Checker which monitors the Internet and dark web, warning them of a compromise to their private data and gives remedy recommendations. In addition, the plan includes Password Safety Status and lets them see which devices are connected to the home network,
The Premium plan adds digital identity protection and premium technical support to the plus with priority phone calls, chat services, and remote expert installation.
Kaspersky’s new plan subscription price
Standard also dubbed essential provides security for one user account and up to ten devices. It starts at $24.99 for a device per year. The plus plan also known as the advanced plan starts at $35.99 per device per year and $39.99 for three devices per year for two user accounts. The premium plan which includes a one-year free Kaspersky Safe Kids is available to five accounts and starts at$54.99 per year for up to ten devices. Find out more about the plans here.
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ASUS introduces the latest addition to the Vivobook family with the announcement of the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED (T3300). It is a 2-in-1 device with a 13.3″ OLED touch display and powered by an Intel quad-core CPU. The device has a similar form factor and design to the Microsoft Surface Pro device. But unlike the Surface Pro it has a detachable keyboard, cover stand and pen that comes bundled with the price. The least device configuration of 4GB RAM and 128GB storage starts at $599 in the US. ASUS is targeting people who use two devices for work and play, saying one can do the job. The devices will be available worldwide starting this month and you can buy them from ASUS stores.
Watch the announcement below.
ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED (T3300) full device specifications
Dimensions
309.9 x 190 x 8.2 mm (12.20″ x 7.48″ x 0.32″ ~ 0.32″) 309.9 x 190 x 8.2 mm (12.20″ x 7.48″ x 0.32″ ~ 0.31″) 309.9 x 190 x 7.9 mm (12.20″ x 7.48″ x 0.31″ ~ 0.31″)
Weight
0.80 kg (1.76 lbs) 0.78 kg (1.72 lbs)
OS
Windows 11 S/ Home/ Pro
CPU
Intel® Pentium® Silver N6000 Processor 1.1 GHz (4M Cache, up to 3.3 GHz, 4 cores)
Graphics
Intel® UHD Graphics
Display
13.3-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 aspect ratio, 400nits, 550nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, PANTONE Validated, Glossy display, Touch screen, With stylus support, Screen-to-body ratio: 93％
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.2 (Dual band) 2*2
Color
Black
Memory
4GB LPDDR4X, 8GB LPDDR4X on board, Memory Max Up to:8GB
Storage
128G eMMC 256GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 3.0 SSD
Camera
Front: 5MP camera Rear: 13MP camera
Power supply
TYPE-C, 65W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W, Input: 100-240V AC 50/60GHz universal
Battery
50WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
Port
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with display / Power Delivery support 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Micro SD card reader
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Microsoft officially welcomes realme to the Windows partner ecosystem with the launch of the realme Book. Alvaro Celis, the company’s VP of World Device Sales shared this at the launch event of the realme GT series and realme Book (Slim).
Alvaro shares that with more than 1.3 billion users the Windows ecosystem is more vibrant than ever. A platform that allows people to do whatever they need from their place of choice, he adds. He also notes that the realme Book is an incredible example of that [Windows 11] innovation.
Windows 11 is the Windows that you care and love, it has been reimagined, it has been simplfied. Today I have the distinct pleasure to welcome realme to the Windows partner ecosystem. With the launch of their device the realme Book, a device that will be available worldwide. I look forward to our joint success in the marketplace. Congratulations and welcome.
Alvaro Celis
The launch of the realme Book sees the company join smartphone companies Infinix and itel. They also recently joined the laptop market and announced their debut devices.
For realme, this venture will see if they can extend their mobile phone business model of delivering premium devices at budget prices to the laptop category. They have already made a name in the smartphone market claiming to be the world’s fastest smartphone brand to reach 100 million device sales. That question that remains is will they be able to give realme fans premium laptops at value prices?
The laptops will be upgradeable to Windows 11 for free when it launches officially later this year.
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Microsoft officially introduces Windows 11, its next-generation operating system (OS) to the public in a virtual event today. The company announces new features and products users can expect in the next version of Windows. These include a user interface overhaul, redesigned start menu, new app store with android apps and more. The OS is coming next week to Windows Insiders and will be officially available this holiday (October – November 2021) as a free upgrade.
I have to say, phew! There are a lot of goodies coming. Led by CEO, Satya Nadella and CVP, Panos Panay, it showcased more than what we saw in the leaked build. Here is a trailer of the Windows 11 OS from Microsoft. I must say it is breathtaking and best watched in 4K if you can, to get a better first impression of what is next and coming. I’ll share in-depth details on this down below. You can also watch the livestream event and relive the experience in full here.
Windows 11 – Redesigned OS, Refreshed look, More faster
Even though this is a new Windows, Microsoft has kept it familiar based on user feedback and from past experiences. It has taken Windows 10, tweaked and fined it and given it a refreshing look. One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is that Microsoft moved away from the sharp edges and pointy corners to softer, touchable and rounded edges. Microsoft also improved the typography and layering for eligibility and readability. There are new themes and desktop wallpapers with Bloom being popular among the lot. The OS design including icons looks modern, calm and clean. It comes with new tools, apps, and system sounds.
Microsoft CVP, Panos Panay, says Windows is faster. Waking your PC from sleep, Windows Hello, browsing on Edge or any browser is faster. He notes, Windows updates are 40% smaller and more efficient because they happen in the background. It uses less energy which translates to more battery life.
A new Start Menu
Microsoft says it has simplified the design and user experience of the start menu. The start menu and taskbar icons are now centred by default. But we know from the leaks you can change this to the left if you don’t want it centred. The search bar in the start menu allows you to search for things on your PC, OneDrive or the web. Microsoft says the start uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you all your recent files irrespective of the platform you used them on earlier. So you can see your recent iOS and Android files in the start menu. It has transitions and transparency to guide you from app to app. You can also choose between light and dark modes.
New Microsoft Store + install Android apps on Windows 11 OS
Microsoft says it rebuilt the Microsoft store from the ground up and is making sure every app you need is there. The big reveal is Android apps are coming to Windows. Yes, you can install android apps on your Windows 11 PC and integrated them into the start, taskbar, etc. You will be able to search for Android apps in the Microsoft Store and download them through the Amazon Appstore, also in the Microsoft store. This is possible through the Intel Bridge technology. With this technology, Microsoft could bring more stores in the future including Samsung. Google Play and Huawei app store.
If you are a developer, Microsoft wants you to bring any technology to the store. And if you bring your own commerce engine to the Windows store you keep 100% of the revenue. But if you use theirs the revenue share is 85/15.
The Microsoft Store has a redesigned entertainment tab that lets you now enjoy video content from various streaming services.
Windows Widgets
Another feature Microsoft introduced is Windows Widget, a personalized feed powered by AI to serve you personalized curated content. You get information from weather, stocks, calendar, photos, news, to do, and any app you add.
Multitasking – Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops
Microsoft is introducing new multitasking experiences with Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. Snap Layouts are layouts tailored to the size of your screen. It organizes your opened apps and optimizes the screen size to help you multitask easily. Snap Groups is a collection of apps you are using in a Snap Layout stored in the taskbar and Windows remembers them even after you switch to something else. You are now able to switch between apps and projects, Microsoft says. When you are using an extra monitor when you undock the windows minimize to your laptop and returns to the exact screen when you reconnect it. You will not have to reconfigure your layout. Desktops now let you display a different set of apps, and you can personalize each desktop with custom wallpapers.
More Features
Microsoft Teams is now directly integrated into Windows with one-touch. Microsoft says you can chat, voice and video call anyone on any device irrespective of platform. It works seamlessly across Windows, iOS, Android. It isn’t clear yet if Teams is replacing Skype with this announcement.
Gaming on Windows 11 is set to deliver superior graphics thanks to auto-HDR with no effort required from the player or developer. Auto HDR will automatically update the game’s lighting and colour to High Dynamic Range (HDR). But you need to have a Monitor that supports HDR for this to work. Thanks to breakthrough technology, Direct Storage API, games will load faster than ever in Windows 11. Microsoft is bringing hundreds of games to the PC by building Xbox game pass through the Xbox app on Windows 11. Xbox cloud gaming will also make it possible to play your console games on your PC through the Xbox app.
Microsoft shares you will see improvements and innovations in touch, pen, voice and keyboard making Windows adapt to you.
System Requirements for upgrade to Windows 11
The basic system hardware requirements for the Windows 11 OS are higher and different from Windows 10. This is because some of the new features require newer and specific hardware. You will need a processor with 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a 64 bit System on a Chip (SoC). 4 GB of RAM and at least 64 GB of storage size and a graphics card that is DirectX 12 compatible. Microsoft says if your device doesn’t meet them you will not be able to install Windows 11 and suggests purchasing a new one. You can use this PC health check app from Microsoft to check the compatibility of your device.
Get Windows 11
Microsoft Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs when it becomes available officially this holiday (October – November 2021). New PCs will come with Windows 11 installed.
Next week, Microsoft will release an early build with Windows Insiders. But there changes on how to receive Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. This is majorly due to the updated baseline hardware system requirements for Windows 11. If your device meets Windows 11 hardware requirements you can get access to all the insider channels. If your device doesn’t meet the requirements but meets the WIP’s, you will be eligible for the Dev Channel but with degraded experience and features. Release Preview Channel isn’t available either. When your device doesn’t meet the WIP’s hardware requirement you will not be eligible for Beta and Release preview Channels. There will be limited exceptions to the dev channel where PCs will be allowed updates only via flighting until general availability. Then PCs will need to take action to go back to Windows 10.
Microsoft will keep supporting Windows 10 through 14 October 2025.
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Microsoft is introducing the next generation of Windows at 3 PM GMT, 6 PM EAT, 5 PM SAT today. The company will for the first time reveal what it has secretly been working on. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella mentioned at Build 2021 he has been self-hosting its development over the past several months. Saying it is one of the most significant updates to the Windows operating system over the past decade.
We have seen the leaked Windows 11 build showing the new start menu and user interface changes. But we know that is an early build and there will be changes by the time Microsoft introduces it to the public. We expect to hear more about the store and how Microsoft will make it the most innovative new open platform to build, distribute and monetize applications.
At the event to introduce Windows 10, six years ago, Microsoft also introduced the HoloLens and Surface Hub. It also talked about Xbox on Windows 10 and I believe the company will do something similar this year. Talking about the whole ecosystem of products that rely on Windows.
The event is streaming on the Microsoft website and we will embed the video above when it starts. Microsoft is also hosting another event on what’s next for developers later in the day. We will also bring you updates on all the new features and developments as they get announced at the event. Stay tuned.
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