10. Use Some Hidden Emoticons

You can access the wide array of Skype emoticons using the smiley icon inside the textbox. But did you know that there are a lot more smileys available than visible? Try typing (wfh) or (bug) into the textbox. For more, just Google “extra Skype smileys”.

9. Create Line Breaks

In Microsoft Word, if while typing you press the enter key, the writing cursor would move on to the next line so you can start a new paragraph. This is not how it happens in Skype. If you press enter, the message would be sent. Hold down shift and press enter to insert a line break.

8. Display Multiple Chat Windows

If you are instant messaging with more than one person at the same time, the standard view might cause you a few problems. To switch modes so you get a different window for every person you are chatting with, go to View in the menu bar and click on Compact View.

7. Stop Animated Emoticons

There is no shortage of people who would rather look at a colon and a parenthesis instead of a smiling face. If you are one of them, just go to Tools, Options, IM & SMS, IM appearance. Here you can change the option of being able to see emoticons.

6. Edit a Recent Message

If you noticed a typo in your message or accidentally sent your mother a message that was meant for you lover, then just press the up key in the textbox and change the message.

5. Heartbeat

If you are experiencing problems while chatting, making a phone call or sending an SMS, then you can use heartbeat to check whether it is Skype that is experiencing problems or one of the two parties involved.

4. Set up Keyword Notifications

You can change the alerts that you get in the Windows tray when logged into Skype by going to Tools, Options, and Notifications/Alerts.

3. Hide the Typing Indicator

When the person you are chatting with is typing a message, you can see an animation of a moving pencil to signify this action. If you prefer people not finding out whether or not you are typing, you can turn this option off by going to Tools, Options, IM & SMS, IM settings, Show Advanced Options. Uncheck the “Show when I am typing” option.

2. Change How a Contact’s Name is Displayed

If you want to change the display name of a contact, just right click that person’s name and press F2. Then type the name that you would like displayed.

1. Change the Font and Text Size

The default text size that Skype displays is quite small. To change that, go to Tools, Options, IM & SMS, IM appearance. Select the font style that you would like to see.

Below is a list of ten facts that might make some people change their mind and upgrade.

10. Windows Store

This is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s App store. The apps themselves are quite beautifully organized and a neat list of categories takes to just the apps that you might be looking for.

9. Picture Password

Ever thought of typing in your password every time you return to your seat as a huge hassle but could not compromise on the security of your account? Well, you don’t have to anymore, that is if you upgrade to the latest Windows 8. Just show your face to the webcam and the intelligent camera will log you in after authenticating your facial features.

8. Semantic Zoom

Windows 8 was designed with touch screens in mind because that is where the world seems to be moving towards. If you want all the tiles on your start screen without scrolling, just pinch it with your fingers to zoom out.

7. No More Left-Right Scrolling

Even if you are not that much into touch screen you can still make full use of this latest version of Microsoft’s Windows. You can just touch the mouse to the right or left edge of the screen to scroll sideways. If you find yourself uncomfortable to use this feature, you can easily disable it.

6. New Charms

Microsoft’s new system menu icons appear on the screen when you place your mouse cursor to the top right corner of the screen. There is a search bar on The Charms that will let you do anything ranging from searching for apps to the setting of a Facebook status.

5. Navigate/Control Running Apps with a single touch

On a touch screen, swiping your finger from the left edge of the screen will bring up a graphic showing a list of all the apps that are currently running. You can end a process by simply dragging the icon from this list to the bottom of the screen.

4. Smooth transition between Interfaces

Windows 8 is capable of shifting from its new metro user interface to the traditional Windows desktop quite quickly and smoothly.

3. No Start Button

According to Microsoft’s statement about discontinuing with the start button, there was really no more use for it. When you place your cursor at the bottom left of the screen where the start button would have been, a mini graphic of Metro theme appears that does pretty much the same thing as the start button.

2. Resizable keyboard

The virtual keyboard that can appear on both corners of the screen will certainly make life a lot easier for you. There are a few keyboard sizes to choose from.

1. Full Time Spell Checker and Screen Capture

Now you do not need to install third party applications to do the spellchecking for you. No matter where you type when using Windows 8, all your misspelled words will be marked. You also have the option of disabling this feature.

10. Aqua Dynamic Theme

Have you ever got into deep thoughts while looking at your desktop background? Not yet? Then just try this theme with an awesome background of curling waves. The same way that a small pebble falls into a pond of clear water and circular wave’s come up, your desktop background would make it impossible for you to stop your mind from imagining that kind of stuff. All the beautiful things that you can imagine with water are included in this theme. There is a variety of various other backgrounds which show up rivers, seas and others. Moreover, the colour and the clarity of the wallpapers are just amazing.

9. Waves Panoramic Theme

This is yet another theme related to water. But this time, we have got a bit of nature to interact with water. Those people who love scenes near seas are going to love this theme. Along with the rolling waves of the sea, you will feel that you are sitting just there, at the side of a beach in the evening time and enjoying the beauty of the nature. As the name of the theme suggests itself, it would produce a panoramic effect on the screen of your device. Not only the view, but the sound effects of this theme also relate to the seascape, this means that you can experience the joy of seaside sitting at your home in front of your computer system.

8. Bridges Panoramic Theme

On the 8^th position in our list of top 10 Windows 8 themes, we have Bridges Panoramic Theme. This theme is for those kinds of people who love to explore the beauty of the most beautiful cities of the world like Tokyo and Paris. As far as the desktop backgrounds are concerned, a beautiful view of a bridge would span your entire desktop. The perfect colour combinations would make you feel that you are there in Tokyo or Paris in reality.

7. Swedish Summer Theme

Not all the people in this world would want to just sit at the seaside or go to cities like Tokyo and Japan just to admire the natural beauty of those cities. There are people around the world who want to live in the realistic world and admire the grace and beauty of the natural seasons created by God himself. For such kinds of people, here we have a theme relating to the summer season. In the Swedish Summer theme, the scenes captured by the famous photographer of his lifetime, Hans Strands have been chosen to be displayed. While looking at these sceneries, you would feel how beautiful even summers can be if we are able to understand their calmness and serenity.

6. Cityscapes Panoramic Theme

For the city lovers, we have yet another theme on the 6^th position in our list – the Cityscapes Panoramic theme. But this theme will not show you up the bridges. Here, we have a collection of the posh areas of the cities covered with the lighting. These skylines, when they would cover your desktop, would impart a look so stunning that everyone looking at your screen would be amazed for a while. The busiest cities of the world like London and Hong Kong have been featured in this theme.

5.  Spectacular Skies Theme

For those people who are not attracted towards landscapes, seascapes, cities or anything else, but still want something unique or extraordinary, the Spectacular Skies Theme would be the best option to choose. The skies would cover entire screen of your laptop or desktop. These skies would impart a certain glow to the lands beneath them. In this theme, there is a huge collection of wallpapers which include the effect of the glow of the skies on various fields on the earth, such as sunflower fields, a solitary road and many others. Again, the photographs featured in this theme have been captured by a German photographer, who is a very famous one of his lifetime – Marco Muller.

4. Forests Panoramic Theme

This is a kind of theme that cannot be rejected by anyone in the world. It is rare to find a person who would not admire the beauty of forests. The calmness and serenity imposed by tall trees in the forests is something desired by every human being. All the kinds of trees the redwood, the beech and others have been included in this theme. Not only are the simplicity of this theme, but the colour and the splendour also eye-catching.

3. Majestic Mountains Panoramic Theme

When it comes to windows 8 themes, how can the mountains stay behind? On the 3^rd position in our list of top 10 Windows 8 themes, we have a theme dedicated entirely to the mountains. What can be better than to have a desktop background of mountains in this chilly weather? In the Majestic Mountains Panoramic theme, we have a collection of desktop backgrounds in which the different and elegant mountain ranges of the world have been featured. Looking at such a nice background, you would feel that you are there in the midst of these mighty mountains and the beauty of the nature is all around you.

2. Magic Landscapes 2 Themes

When it comes to beautiful backgrounds for desktop or laptop, nothing can beat landscapes. If you are not sure about anything, you can always put on a nice landscape and still win compliments from many of your friends. The Magic Landscapes 2 Theme follows this rule. Thanks to Michael Breitung for capturing such awesome scenes from the nature, these stupefying landscapes are something that cannot go unnoticed by anyone who looks at your screen even accidentally.

1. Iceland Theme

On the top of our list, we have the Iceland theme. With the time, the choice of the people has also changed. Now people do not want the regular landscapes, rather they want something new and unique, but still, original in appearance. The Iceland Theme fulfils all such requirements and hence, it has made it to the top of the list. The arctic waterfalls and the green hills are featured by this theme in a beautiful manner. Hans Strand has again worked out in this field to produce stunning pictures of Icelandic landscapes.

toshiba-satellite-s955

When it comes to laptops, Toshiba is a name that cannot stay behind. This time, Toshiba has made into the top 10 list of the upcoming windows 8 laptops with the new Toshiba Satellite S955 laptop. With a screen size of 15 inches, this laptop is perfect for everyone and could be carried along anywhere. The processor included in the device is Ivy Bridge Core i5. Alternatively, you can also opt for the AMD A8 APU. In terms of the memory storage capacity, the device is provided with 750GB of hard disk along with 8GB RAM. The device would never fall short of the connectivity options as it has an HDMI output, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, Ethernet jack and Bluetooth 4.0 as well.
9. Toshiba Satellite U925

toshiba-satellite-U925

Again, Toshiba is on our list second time with its model Toshiba Satellite U925. This is an amazing Windows 8 hybrid laptop and is powered with an Intel i5 processor, which enhances its processing efficiency. A full size keyboard facilitates easy and comfortable typing and the touch sensitive screen of the device is protected with the corning gorilla glass technology. One exclusive feature of Toshiba U925 is that it includes a back camera. The hardware of the device is also superb.

8. Sony Vaio T13

Sony-VAIO-T13

 
If you want a laptop that looks elegant and stylish at the same time, Sony Vaio would be your perfect choice. The screen resolution provided by the device is 1366 x 768 pixels. This laptop is very much light in weight and its sleek design and powerful battery makes it capable enough to be carried along easily and comfortably. The size of the laptop is also not very much large, just 13.3 inches. The audio quality of the device is equally good. The Sony Vaio T13 is equipped with 4GB RAM and a very fast start up as compared to the other laptops of the similar kind.

7. HP Pavilion Sleek book

HP-Pavilion-Sleekbook

HP has introduced two variants of the HP Pavilion Sleek book – the HP Pavilion Sleek book 14 and the HP Pavilion Sleek book 15. The features and functionalities of both these devices is almost similar with a major difference only in their screen sizes and processors – the Sleek book 14 has a screen size of 14 inches with an AMD processor and the Sleek book 15 has a screen size of 15.6 inches with an Intel CPU. The HP Pavilion Sleek book can never fall short of storage memory as it is equipped with 1TB hard disk drive.

6. Dell XPS Duo 12

XPS Duo 12 Notebook

The prestigious brand Dell is also in the wake of introducing a new windows 8 laptop – the Dell XPS Duo 12. As indicated by the name, the device has a screen size of 12 inches. This laptop has been added to the XPS series by Dell and is expected to provide superb hardware quality as it is made up of magnesium alloy bezel. This device is provided with a full rotating screen so that you can use it easily. The full size keyboard provides easy typing and the touchpad of the device is also very responsive.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga

Lenovo-IdeaPad-YOGA

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is on the minds of tech enthusiasts worldwide as it is fitted with some of the awesome features and functionality  The screen could be folded back up to 360 degrees. The weight of the device is just 3.1 pounds and its thickness is 0.67 inches. Hence, carrying your work along with you is now much easier. Not just a touch sensitive device, this laptop is something more with the 10 finger touch feature. The processor installed in the device would be of Intel.

4. Acer Iconia W510

acer-iconia-w510

In the race of hybrid laptops powered with the latest operating system by Microsoft – Windows 8, Acer is not far behind. The manufacturers from Acer have come up with a superb device in the form of Acer Iconia W510. The display screen is 10 inches and is facilitated with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. One exclusive feature of this device is that the screen of the device could also be docked backwards. You can use this device any way you like. The laptop would give you a battery life of 18 hours.

3. ASUS Taichi

asus-taichi

What would be more fascinating than to experience the latest operating system by Microsoft – the windows 8 on a dual screen device? This has been made possible by ASUS with its upcoming windows 8 laptop – the ASUS Taichi. The person standing there in front of you would see the same screen as you would be watching from your side. The display resolution of 1920 x 1080 provides stunning clarity and you can view the contents clearly all the time. The screen size is optional – either you can choose the 13 inch screen or the 11.6 inch screen. But the thickness would be the same in both the cases – 0.35 inches.

2. HP Envy X2

hp-envy-x2

 
This time, people are preferring laptops that could be converted into tablets at any time, that is, the hybrid laptops. HP Envy X2 is one of the most powerful hybrid windows 8 laptops and it is being discussed among the gadget enthusiasts throughout the world even before its arrival in the market. This 0.33 inches thick device has a weight of 3.1 pounds. The 11.6 inches display screen of the device is provided with a display resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels so that you can view the contents in utmost clarity.

1. Acer Aspire S7

acer-aspire-s7

The Acer Aspire S7 is on the top position in our list of the top 10 upcoming windows 8 laptops. This laptop was announced at the IFA 2012. Available in two variants with different screen sizes of 13.3 inches and 11.6 inches, this laptop is equipped with some of the most amazing features of all time. The screen of the device has corning gorilla glass protection. The thickness of both the models is same – 11.9 mm. with such a thin design, it is easy to carry this device along with you and the light weight of the device – about 1.3 Kg (13 inches variant) or 11Kg (11 Kg variant) further enhances the comfort. The device is also equipped with the Dolby Home Theatre sound to provide awesome sound quality.

10. Samsung Galaxy SII

The first smartphone that we have in our list is Samsung Galaxy SII. Samsung Galaxy SIII is in fact the successor of this smartphone. This mobile handset is manufactured by the Samsung Electronics. This smartphone was launched on 15^th February 2011 and till now a huge 28 million and counting Samsung Galaxy SII have been sold so far throughout the whole world. This is a touchscreen smartphone which is 4.93 Inches in length and has the width of 2.6 Inches. The smartphone runs on the Android operating system 4.0 which is also known as the Ice Cream Sandwich. This phone is equipped with the 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor. It is available in 16 and 32 GB internal memory.

9. Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Samsung Galaxy Nexus is another smartphone that we have in our list from the Samsung Electronics in collaboration with Google. This handset was launched on 17^th November 2011. This is a touchscreen smartphone which is based on the Android operating system 4.0 also known as the Ice Cream Sandwich. The handset has the 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor in it. The smartphone has 1 GB Ram in it and it is available in the market in the 16 GB and 32 GB memory range. The device does not have any external storage media. It has the 5 MP cameras in it. It also has the 1.3 MP front cameras in it.

8. Nokia Lumia 900

Another alternative to the Samsung Galaxy SIII is the windows operating system phone launched by Nokia named as Nokia Lumia 900. This phone runs on the Window Operating System 7.5 also called as the Mango. This phone is the successor the Nokia Lumia 920. This is one of the smartphone of the newly launched Lumia series by Nokia to fight for their dominance in the smartphone market. The phone has processor named as 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 in it. This phone is available in the 16 GB internal memory and there is no space for the external memory in this phone. This phone has a 8 MP camera in it.

7. Nokia Lumia 820

Another smartphone that we have in our list is again from the Nokia Lumia series named as the Nokia Lumia 820. This smartphone is the predecessor of the Nokia Lumia 800. The processor that this handset has is the 1.5 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait. This handset comes with the 8 GB internal memory and the memory can be expanded to 64 GB using the memory cards. This smartphone has 1 GB Ram installed in it. Nokia Lumia 820 has 4.3 Inch Amoled ClearBlack capacitive touchscreen. The front camera which this phone has is VGA while the other camera is of 8 MP.

6. HTC 8X

Another alternative that we have in our list for the Samsung Galaxy SIII is Windows phone launched by the HTC Corporations named as the HTC 8X. This phone was launched by the HTC on 19^th September 2012. The phone has the latest window operating system 8 which is very efficient. This phone has the 4.3 Inches LCD display. The processor which this smartphone has is 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Krait. This phone is available in the internal memory of 16 GB. There is no removal storage that can be attached to this smartphone. The Rear camera which this smartphone has is of 8 Megapixel.

5. Samsung ATIV S

We have another phone from the Samsung Electronics in our list. But the only difference is that this smartphone runs on the Window Phone 8 operating system and not on the android operating system. This phone has the 4.8 Inches Super Amoled display in it. The processor which this phone has is 1.5GHz dual-core processor. The phone has 1 GB of RAM in it. The phone is available in the 16 GB and the 32 GB memory options in the market. The rear camera of this smartphone is of 8 Megapixel.  This phone belongs to the Ativ series which has been recently launched by the Samsung Electronics.

4. Nokia Lumia 920

Now at the number forth spot we have another Lumia series phone from world’s leading manufacturer of phones named as Nokia Lumia 920. This smartphone runs on the Window Phone 8 operating system. This smartphone has 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Krait CPU. Moreover this phone has 4.5 Inches TFT LCD display in it. This capacitive touchscreen phone has Gorilla Glasses in it. The smartphone is equipped with the 1 GB RAM. It is available in the 32 GB internal memory and it does not support any external memory. This phone is very light and is in fact only 185 g in weight. It has 8.7 MP PureView rear cameras in it while the front camera is of 1.3 MP.

3. HTC One X

The phone which is at the number third spot in our list of the top ten alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy SIII is a smartphone manufactured by the HTC Corporation named as the HTC One X. This is a touchscreen smartphone that runs on the Android operating system 4.0 also called as the Ice Cream Sandwich. This phone is equipped with the HTC Sense 4.0 graphical user interface. The processor which this smartphone has is the quad core processor and in fact HTC One X is the fastest smartphone ever manufactured by the HTC Corporation.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is another alternative that is available for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. This smartphone was launched on 26^th September 2012 all over the world and in fact this phone has been highly successful phone by the Samsung Electronics. This phone runs on the android operating system 4.1.1 also called as the Jelly Bean and further it has the TouchWiz Nature UX graphical user interface. It has 2 GB RAM in it. This smartphone has 1.6 GHz quad-core processor and supports up to 128 GB storage which is more than any other smartphone that is available in the market today.

1. Apple iPhone 5

The top most alternative that we have for the Samsung Galaxy SIII is none other than much anticipated phone from Apple Inc. called as the iPhone 5. This smartphone from Apple was launched on 21^st September 2012 and is the successor of the iPhone 4S by Apple. This is the best iPhone that has been manufactured by Apple. Two million units of this phone have been sold in just 24 hours of its announcement. This phone runs on the iOS 6.0.1 which is the best operating systems for mobile phones in today’s market. It has the 1.3 GHz dual core Apple A6 CPU and is available in the market in the 16, 32 and 64 GB internal memory option.

But apart from these features we still don’t think if is good enough to compete with some of the Recent Android and Windows Phones, specially when Jelly Bean (Already Out) and Windows 8 is coming out in the market. Here is the list of 10 Best Phones thet we feel are strong enough to compete with the new iPhone 5.

1. Samsung Galaxy SIII

Samsung Galaxy SIII, World’s second Best Selling Smart Phone and the Best of Samsung’s Phone’s line, the phone came preloaded with Android OS V4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich but since has been upgraded to Android V4.1 (Jelly Bean). Samsung Galaxy SIII has 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.8 inches Super Amoled Capacitive Display, Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex A9 Processor with 1GB Ram, Dual Camera (8 MP Rear and 1.9 MP Front), Phone has a lot of Samsung customizations too. The Phone is an upgrade to Samsung Galaxy SII and undoubtedly the Best alternative to iPhone 5.

2. HTC One X

The HTC flagship Phone HTC One X has also amazed every one with it’s capability and features, the phone comes preloaded with Android OS V4.0 and could be upgraded to Android OS V4.1 Jelly Bean. HTC One X comes with 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.7 inches Super IPS 2 Capacitive LCD Display, Quad-core 1.5 GHz RAM, Dual Camera (8 MP Rear and 1.3 MP Front), One X is rated as the Second best Android Phone and we surely feel that it’s going to compete with iPhone 5 rather strongly.

3. Nokia Lumia 920

Nokia Lumia 920 is the latest Windows 8 Phone offering from the Windows only smartphone manufacturer Nokia. The Flagship Phone has not been launched yet and is hottest upcoming smartphone and it’s looks and fluidic Windows 8 OS is mesmerizing. The Phone has 768 x 1280 pixels, 4.5 inches Capacitive Display, Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait with 1 GB Ram and importantly comes with something fresh and change welcomed’ Windows Phone 8 OS. One feature about the Phone that stands out is it’s fantastic Camera, Although just 8 MP primary camera but it’s Image Stabilization (thanks to Pureview Technology) is just brilliant, so no more blur photos and we are sure that you would enjoy your new Nokia Lumia 920 with Windows Phone 8.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is the upgrade of the very popular Samsung Galaxy note, the phone this time has become even biggger. The display is whooping 5.5 inch Super AMOLED which supports 720 X 1280 pixels. The phone comes preloaded with Android OS Jelly Bean V4.1, has super fast Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 with 2 GB ram. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 comes with Dual Camera’s (8 MP primary and 1.9 MP Front). The phone also has a lot of Samsung Customizations to give a Phablet experience.

5. Sony Xperia Ion

Sony Xperia ION is the Sony’s Flagship Android Smartphone Device, it comes with 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.55 inches LED Backlit LCD Capacitive Display, the phone has Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor with 1 GB ram, and comes with Android OS V2.3 Upgradable to V4.0 (which at some point would also be upgradable to Android 4.1 in future). The phone has 12 MP primary camera and 1.3 MP front Camera. Another Solid competitor for iPhone 5.

6. HTC Windows Phone 8X

Windows Phone 8 craze has been on the rise specially because of it’s very fluidic and easy to use interface, Companies are launching solid entrant to Windows Phone market and one such Flagship phone is HTC Windows Phone 8X, the phone is expected to launch in 2013. It seems to have a lot of similarity to that of Nokia Lumia 920, but in reality the hardware specs are way different. The phone has smaller 720 x 1280 pixels, 4.3 inches Capacitive Display, Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait with 1 GB Ram, Dual Camera’s (8 MP primary and 2.1 MP Secondary).  The phone also comes with Beat Audio Sound enhancement technology.

7. Nokia Lumia 820

This is another brilliant phone that would be launched in 2013, Nokia Lumia 820 is the smaller brother of Lumia 920, but it’s features resemble more to that of HTC 8X. It has 480 x 800 pixels, 4.3 inches Amoled Capacitive Display with Nokia ClearBlack Technology, Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor with 1GB Ram, Dual Camera’s (8MP and VGA front) but lacks Pureview Technology. The phone would come with 8 GB internal memory and is expected to be priced pretty low.

8. HTC Windows Phone 8S

We just love Windows Phone, and here is another phone in the list which is a competitor to Apple’s iPhone 5, this HTC offering would launch alongside HTC 8X in 1st of Quarter of 2013. HTC 8S the smaller brother of 8X, it has 480 x 800 pixels, 4.0 inches S LCD Capactive Display. The phone also comes with Dual-core 1 GHz Krait Processor along with 512 MB Ram and 4 GB Internal memory. The phone would have 5 MP Primary Camera and VGA front Camera. The phone is expected to release in November 2012.

9. Samsung Ativ S

The big beast Windows Phone, this ideally needs to be placed a lot above in the list but we just aren’t sure about the specifications so we have kept it lower now. As per the sources knowledge, Samsung Ativ S should have 720 x 1280 pixels, huge 4.8 inches Super AMOLED Capacitive Display. The phone would also have Dual-core Krait 1.5 GHz (much like other Windows Phone’s out in the market). It would have 8 MP primary and 1.9 MP secondary Camera. The phone is expected to be released in December 2012.

10. Sony Xperia SL

Sony Xperia SL is another Sony phone in the list, it comes with Android Android OS, v4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) preinstalled and would be upgradable to Android OS V4.1. The phone comes with Dual-core 1.7 GHz with 1GB Ram and 32 GB Internal Storage. It has Dual Camera’s, 12 MP Primary and 1.3 MP Secondary. The phone is latest offering from Sony and has become a hit with a lot of Android Users.

Checkout the list of Some of the Top Notch Mobile Phones launching in 2013 and it would be advisable to make your choice for the next smartphone then.

All these Phone’s give solid competition to iPhone 5, however we very well know that they still wouldn’t be able to have any significant effect on iPhone market because the fans are just too loyal.

As we know, fall and rise are two sides of the very same coin, likewise sometimes defeat teaches you more than victory. In the same manner, Microsoft seems to have suffered a downfall in several products which shall be thrown light upon are mentioned as under-

10. Playsforsure

When Microsoft launched this product it was constantly in the risk of piracy as well as sharing of files illegally. Microsoft built Playsforsure format for helpful offering digital rights management. Many portable media players, mobile phones and receivers having networked attached to them have been qualified by Microsoft to play music of PlaysForSure. Microsoft added Encryption to songs that were bought from the MSN music store. Many people got disappointed when they realized that PlaysForSure music cannot be played on the mp3 players and iPod. It showed the stupidity of DRM encryption.

9. Windows Mobile

When Microsoft tried to duplicate its success of desktop computing on to manufacture new mobiles it didn’t turn out as they desired it to be.  The Windows Mobile did offer advantages when talked about functionality and power, it helped user get their mails easily and they were able to make changes in the documents in very less time. But the overcrowded menus, slow running graphics and crashed performance gave a poor name to the Microsoft brand. Certainly mobile companies like HTC were able to cover up the Windows mobile operating system by producing their user friendly models. Microsoft chief executive, Steve Ballmer owned up the defective designing of its operating system. Windows have now moved to work on Windows Phone 7 series, the next generation operating system of Windows Mobile OS. The entire features have been renewed in this OS for next mobile generation and now it comes with integrated features like social networking sites, user can easily exchange contents with their fellows and a new look. Windows Mobile has been a disaster for the Microsoft brand.

8. Zune

Microsoft wanted to compete against the Apple’s iPod and hence it released Zune in the year 2006. But this device was not capable of competing with the Apple’s iPod and failed. The sales during the first week of launch remained very low. Microsoft even decided to launch the first generation Zune in shade of poor brown but the decision was turned down by technology community. Microsoft campaigns a lot for Zune and its features were improved too recently but all in vain as the device is only sold in US and Canadian markets. Though the recent versions of Zune have been praised due to its low price, ease of use and it is well stocked too, has an impressive feature list and Zune Marketplace for downloading movie, music and TV shows. The device is also stacked up with features like wireless syncing and other social features that made sharing of songs among user easy. Though the device is rejuvenated but it failed to take over the market.

7. Microsoft Bob

Windows 95 was greatly used among the consumer’s during the year 1995. BOB have features like finance tool and word processor and the user interface looked like interior of the house, showing different kinds of rooms with different applications. It allowed the consumers to decorate and design the rooms according to themselves and they were able to move the objects according to their needs. The house correspondence failed and it sometimes appeared more complex rather than simple. It wa made to take over the work of program manager but was not able to do so.

6. Microsoftultra mobile PC

It has always been the dram of Microsoft to manufacture mobile devices that can function like the desktop computers. The graceless mobile device had a very short battery life and always required power plug-in point and had an old way of input through stylus. Microsoft tried to do thing before the time and tried to launch such mobile devices even when there was no technology to support it. Microsoft is still working on this, and according to the rumors have built a dual display touch screen device to take the top position in the market.

5. Windows Me

Windows Me was launched just eight months after the launch of Windows 2000 and it didn’t become so known before Windows XP came in the market in 2001. There were complaints from the users regarding its unreliability, its instability. People said that it was pathetic and it kept crashing very frequently. When users used System restore option it resulted in malware reinstallation and deletion. Desktop computing world regarded it as the “Mistake Edition” and called it a mistake that should never be repeated again.

4. Microsoft Office Assistant

The windows operating system was used by people either at home or in offices and Microsoft took the responsibility to help people solve this problem. Though, the Microsoft office assistant was the lowest point of Microsoft. It is more known as Clippy the Paper clip, whenever you create any word document an animation used to pop up every time which use to be very annoying. Many people had a problem with the paper clip’s constant intervention. Microsoft removed this problem in the next Windows XP but till that time the clippy became popular among the people.

3. Internet explorer

It was released in 2011 and this used to be the gateway for web browsing for millions of people. It came up with many new features. This browser had many security problems; these increased so much that in 2004 United States directed people to use any other web browser other than internet explorer. This browser had many viruses, Trojans and malware programs written on it. Microsoft has worked to release a new and improved version of internet explorer.

2.Windows Vista

It was launched in January 2007. It was a operating system and was designed to make sharing of media and files easier between computers, to have updates and news headlines and for many other purposes. For the early user it was very difficult to operate the system and MP3 player, printers and digital system didn’t work on this operating system. Microsoft’s reputation was blown off by the drawbacks of Windows vista. The lesson was learnt by Microsoft and it releases a better version Windows 7 which didn’t have the disadvantages as were faced in Windows vista.

1. Microsoft Mira

At that time it looked like a great idea to have a Smart Display that was easy to connect without the need of any wired connection to a PC, which allowed user to take out emails and letters without sitting on the desk. It was named as Mira, and was a LCD monitor and was powered by battery and had a touch screen interface. The main drawback of this Display is that it needed to be attached to a PC, they weren’t computers themselves. The second problem was the cost; it was easier to buy a notebook than to buy the expensive Smart display.

10. Bookmarks

If you work extensively with Word and if your documents run into several pages, you will love Microsoft Office 2013. The package comes with excellent bookmarking feature which allows you to tag the point where you were working before shutting down the file. You don’t have to search for the point and scroll up and down for it. This feature is one of the best ones for boosting productivity of the user. It saves a lot of time as well.

9. PDF files editing

Although PDF files are used extensively in various aspects, they are very inflexible. Formatting and editing these files is very bothersome. Microsoft 2013 makes it easy. With Word 2013, you can edit the PDF file as much as you want and with great ease. You save both time and trouble. From being a liability, PDF becomes one of your strengths when you use the 2013 version. A lot of people will want to use the latest version solely for this reason.

8. Image search

Microsoft 2013 has also made working with PowerPoint very easy. Although a highly flexible system, PowerPoint was slightly troublesome with respect to finding images. Office 2013 solves this problem beautifully. You can trigger the Bing search engine to find images with higher speed. Downloading the image and sticking them on the page is easier than ever before. For people who make regular presentations, Microsoft Office 2013 is a gift.

7. Enhanced Excel

The functions with Excel are much more enhanced. Among the various versions released by Microsoft, Excel in Office 2013 is the most user friendly. Excel helps you in various functions such as analysis, formatting, presentation and so much more. Not only is the new feature wonderful for newbie users, it is a feature which is sure to convert old users into 2013.

6. Better Interface

The highlight of MS Office 2013 is the excellent user friendly interface. This new version comes with certain alterations in terms of appearance and functions and these alterations make it much easy to work with because of their simplified visuals. For one, the 3D appearance has been done away with. Secondly, File tab has been altered to improve functionality.

5. Flexibility and easy portability

There is a new feature in Office 2013 known as Office-on-demand. With the help of this option, any single office applications can be used on a computer without having to install the feature. This is very useful for people on the go. If you do not have access to a computer with has Office installed in it, you can use the Office-on-Demand feature and download the application which you need immediately. This kind of portability and flexibility did not exist in the other versions.

4. Enhanced click-to-run

Office 2013 brings a few cookies for the browser based installations. The Click-to-Run allows users to use streams before they are fully loaded by installing  those applications in the background. This feature was included in the 2010 version. However, in the 2013 version, the function has been upgraded and made more powerful. This feature is proving to be one of the most functional features for businesses. According to Microsoft, the upgrade has been made in order to accommodate deployment for large businesses.

3. Office telemetry

Office telemetry is another feature which is excellent for businesses. With the help of this feature, businesses can increase their working efficiency and precision. The feature assembles various reports from a wide range of Office clients and sends information to whomever concerned. The telemetry database is linked to Excel through Office Telemetry Dashboard. It combines the features of Office Migration Planning Manager, Office Environment Assessment Tool and Office Code Compatibility Inspector.

 2. Enhanced cloud interface

One of the strongest points in favor of Office 2013 is the cloud interface. With the inclusion of SkyDrive, which is something similar to DropBox, cloud interface has been greatly enhanced. Office 2013 can directly save files on SkyDrive as long as you log into the page using Microsoft user ID. You get some amount of free cloud storage space. If you use additional space, you have to pay a nominal fee. In the present world of cloud computing boost, this interface is definitely going to work wonders for Office 2013.

1. Social media compatibility

Social media compatibility is excellent with Office 2013. Plans are on to include enhanced Sharepoint and sharing social media tools such as Google Plus and FaceBook. More features such as Skype, Yammer and Lync will also be included to enhance social compatibility. With these features, sharing on social media can be directly through Office and the process becomes very simple.

With so many attractive features, Office 2013 is definitely going to prove highly functional.

1. The Tablet is available in two models, one is the NVIDIA based which runs Windows RT and other one is Intel based which runs Windows 8 Pro.

2. The tablet has 10.6 inch, 16:9 widescreen, Clear type Full HD display which is bigger than any other tablet on the market and even bigger than Atom based netbooks. So probably it may just turn out to be a perfect size that can be used both as a tablet and desktop. The display has great viewing angles and automatically adjusts the brightness according to the environment.

3. The Intel based Tablet can do all the work that your Desktop or Laptop can do. You could also use the very new and fluid Windows 8 apps which are destined to grow in future. 

4. The NVIDIA based model of Surface weighs 676 g and is 9.3 mm thin whereas Intel based model of Surface weighs 903 g and is 13.5 mm thick.

5. The Tablet comes with 5 Touch Covers (you can choose any one when buying the tablet). Unlike any traditional keyboard they are touch keyboards and offer excellent typing experience.

6. Surface comes with two camera’s one front and other rear, Microsoft is calling them life cam. They can be perfectly used while video chatting with your friends on skype or taking photos.

7. The Microsoft tablet doesn’t suports 2G or 3G connection so you can’t really use it for calling purpose.

8. It comes with VaporMg casing that protects the technology inside and gives beautiful look and feel to the tablet. The tablet also comes with stand so that you can put up your tablet any where when you are on the go.

9. Microsoft’s Surface comes with 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB internal storage models and also offers the ability to expand the storage using Micro Sd card so you wouldn’t have any problem storing your Videos, Music and softwares on the tab.

10. Surface comes with an integrated Kickstand and a revolutionary, 3mm thin, pressure sensitive cover that doubles as a fully functioning keyboard and trackpad. Your Touch Cover connects to your Surface with a single magnetic click. Now you can chat with friends and respond to emails comfortably.

(via Microsoft)