Microsoft ends IE 8,9, & 10 Support on Jan. 12, 2016

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Microsoft has announced that they will discontinue patches and security updates for everything but the latest version of Internet Explorer (IE 11). They’ve created a new browser (Edge) and they intend to use it. Edge only works with Windows 10, but IE 11 works with Windows 7, 8.1, & 10. I have run into an issue with the IE11 upgrade on a couple of machines whose graphics drivers would not permit the install. The manufacturer had no updated drivers so there was no way to upgrade the browser. Hopefully the graphics drivers will get a refresh and IE11 will be allowed to install — otherwise that’s going to be *very* frustrating for a lot of people.

You’ll still be allowed to use the older version of IE, it’s just not going to get any patches to try to keep the bad guys out and you’re going to be nagged every time you do Windows Updates.

Here’s the official press release: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/End-of-IE-support?tduid=(e6131b0a2d8fd84c949d3546391d2e20)(266696)(1503186)(skim66960X1514734X59f00d8e5f35e5eb1a1bc2265d8b4311)()

The new Wi-Fi protocol 802.11ah has a new name: Hello “HaLow”

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Wi-Fi Protocol 802.11ah gets a catchy new name: Wi-Fi HaLow.

This new protocol will be lower in bandwidth throughput, but also able to penetrate better and go longer distances. This is because it’s operating at a lower part of the bandwidth spectrum (unlicensed 1GHz). The idea is to maximize the “Internet of Things” making it possible for sensors to operate off of a battery and send bursts of data to wireless access points wherever they may be.

It will be used in coming years for everything from smart homes and wearables to smart cities and connected cars where thousands of battery-operated sensors can be connected to a single Wi-Fi Access Point (AP).

Besides the ability of better penetration through objects the biggest benefit of the new protocol appears to be battery life.

“Wi-Fi HaLow has a foot in both the consumer and business markets,” said Kevin Robinson, vice president of marketing for the Wi-Fi Alliance, in an interview. “In a smart city, you may want to connect smart parking meters to a centralized access point. The low-power capability for nodes and access points means less power to send transmissions, which means the devices can sweep longer, which is important for a smoke detector or a leak detector. Wi-Fi HaLow will allow devices to run for months or years on their batteries.”

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/3018629/internet-of-things/wi-fi-for-the-internet-of-things-gets-a-name-wi-fi-halow.html

Move over KITT, Volvo is here.

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"Kit"-Voicecommand to car Microsoft Band 2
“Kit”-Voicecommand to car Microsoft Band 2

Move over Michael Knight — Volvo and Microsoft have teamed up to make it possible to talk with your very own KITT. Now, if they can just figure out the “laser restraint system” we’ll all be a lot safer…

More than 33 years after the popular American TV show Knight Rider showed David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff talking to his car KITT, Volvo and Microsoft are launching a wearable-enabled voice control system.

Volvo owners will be able to talk to their car via their Microsoft Band 2, allowing them to instruct their vehicle to perform tasks including, setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn via Volvo’s mobile app Volvo on Call and the connected wearable device.

In November 2015 Volvo and Microsoft announced their high-profile collaboration with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology. HoloLens is the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, which could be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter, explore and even buy car. Now the two companies are delivering remote voice control for Volvo cars via the Microsoft Band 2 as another proof-point in their ambition to jointly develop next generation automotive technologies.

“Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities,” said Thomas Müller, Vice President Electrics/ Electronics & E-Propulsion at Volvo Car Group.

http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7717752-volvo-cars-microsoft-enable-people-to-talk/

Microsoft in 2016: Xbox Slim? HoloLens? Phone? RedStone?

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Brad Sams at Petri.com has a look at what’s likely on the plate for Microsoft in 2016. Some highlights:

  • HoloLens will likely finally get released to developers this spring (I’ve heard the developer kits will be going for $3000+!) It will be interesting to hear what the capabilities and possibilities are with the release of the kits
  • The non-pro Surface will likely get a refresh
  • Possibly a new “flagship” phone (maybe a “Surface” phone?) but honestly, in the US without the support of carriers the subject is moot. I know AT&T is carrying the current lineup of Win10 phones, but in my area my choices are US Cellular or Verizon. Since Microsoft and Verizon apparently aren’t on speaking terms, that leaves a lot of us out in the cold. Then there’s the App problem. It’s too bad because I *ADORED* my 8.1 Windows phone and the integration it afforded.
  • A possible Xbox Slim? Something to compete with Apple TV. If they do, I’d make sure it can connect to any Xbox360 or Xbox One to extend their capabilities. It would leave Apple TV in the dust.
  • Surface Pro and Surface Book Upgrades. How about you just fix the ones you already shipped? I LOVE my original Surface Pro. I was excited about jumping to a Surface Pro 4. After hearing about the driver and sleep issues, I’m glad I didn’t. Come on Microsoft — premium hardware at premium pricing should come running perfectly out of the box.
  • Win10 should get two “feature packs” (what’s wrong with calling them service packs?!?) this year and the new Windows Server 2016 should be released.
  • The Cloud will continue to be a focus for the company.

 

Here’s hoping better communication is also part of their plan. Microsoft builds awesome products. They’re just really bad at telling anyone about it.

Source: https://www.petri.com/microsofts-2016-more-hardware-software-and-cloud

Amazing 3D Printing Technology at work

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A 14 Year old receives the first 3D Printed implant in the US.

“Reconstructive surgery on the human nose isn’t uncommon, but until now, doctors in the United States haven’t been able to replicate and restore the body part to its full functionality. Dallan Jennet, a 14-year-old boy from the Marshall Islands, a country that lies near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, is the first patient in the U.S. to undergo a procedure that does just that.”

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/12/31/14-year-old-receives-first-3-d-printed-nose-in-us.html

daviestrek Consulting now listed on Amazon Home Services

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daviestrek Consulting is pleased to partner with Amazon Home Services (go to Amazon.com and type “Home Services” in the search box).