Watch Netflix for Windows 10 in Picture-in-Picture mode.

Hey Windows 10 users, I've good some news for you all. Don't get too excited. It's just Netflix for Windows 10 picked up a rare useful update that lets subscribers watch videos in picture-in-picture mode. If you're not familiar with the term, picture-in-picture or PIP, lets you watch Netflix videos in a separate window on top of other opened windows.

PIP is available in Netflix version 6.59.265. Don't bother checking the changelog, there isn't any mention of it, but if you're the kind who pays attention to details, then it is impossible you missed the new button at the far-right of the Netflix control bar. 

If you did not set Windows Store to automatically download updates, you get it here.

Skype desktop is available for download again.

If you're not a fan of the Microsoft Skype modern version that is available via the Microsoft Store, you will be glad to learn that Skype for Windows desktop, a.k.a classic Skype, is available for download again. Microsoft pulled the software from its website last month citing security issues and today, the software giant announced on its Answers forum that "...Skype customers can now resume download and install of the official Skype for Windows desktop v7.41."

Again, if you're not a fan of the modern version, head to the Skype page to download the good old 'Classic' Skype.

Microsoft Outlook on Android gets improved Conversation view.

No doubt Microsoft apps on Android are popular with Android users, albeit not as popular as, say, Google's Inbox by Gmail which has home court advantage, but Microsoft Outlook has a respectable 500, 000 downloads in the store. That number is well on its way to grow further as Microsoft keeps adding features to the app.

In today's update, Microsoft brings some improvements to the Conversation view. According to the changelog, all conversations will now appear uncollapsed "with clearer separation between them for easy scanning and readability." Outlook will also automatically take you the last message you read in a conversation, thus drastically reducing scrolling to find the message you need to read first.

Of course, this update also includes the usual performance improvements. If you use Outlook on Android, head to the Google Play Store and download the update.

Formula 1 official app for Windows 10 gets a new logo.

The Official F1 app for Windows is a definite source that brings exclusive content such as team radio transmissions, DRS usage indicator, live tire information and more. The app also provides the latest news, features and videos, post-race highlights, live leaderboard during every race, qualifying and practice session.

Today, the app was updated with general improvements and updates. The change log does not provide any details about the improvements and which features were updated. The only visible change I spotted is the new logo. I posted the old and new logo above. In case you're not a fan, the old logo is on the left.

The season 2017 just ended last Sunday with Lewis Hamilton winning his forth Grand Prix, and Sebastian Vettel finishing second. The next season will start next year on the 25^th of March in Australia and promises to be exciting with Hamilton and Vettel now being even on championships won.

Who will be the 2018 champion? We’ll find out next year. Until then, download the update in Microsoft Store. Note that this update is also available on Android.

Windows 10 Preview Build 17046 adds form autofill to Microsoft Edge and more.

Microsoft has released Windows 10 Preview Build 17046 for PC to Windows Insiders in the Fast Ring and Skip Ahead and the most noteworthy addition applies to Microsoft Edge which is now capable of automatically saving information such as addresses or contact when filling out a form. Microsoft Edge will prompt users to save form data when they first fill a form and the saved data will sync across the user’s devices. In addition, users can manually add or remove entries in Advanced Settings. 

Microsoft also made it easier to access apps Advance Settings with a right click on UWP apps or UWP tile in the Start menu instead of having to go in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. To access Advanced Options, users must do a right-click and click More to find the new Settings option.

This update includes other additions and improvements. Check the Windows Blog to learn more.

UniShare for Windows updated with minor changes and bug fixes.

Like me, you probably have a presence on multiple social networks and sharing to multiple platforms can be cumbersome, but thanks to apps like UniShare, this task is made easy. UniShare for Windows lets you share anything in a few clicks. In its free form, UniShare supports sharing to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. But if you consent to paying a few bucks, you can unlock other features, making it one of my favorite apps on Windows 10. UniShare is also available on Android. It is really cool and a time saver to be able to share my blog posts to the world I just a few clicks.

Today, the Windows version of the app has been updated with the following features:

·       Some minor changes needed because of the Creators Update for Windows 10.

·       Removed Geeklist.

·       Bug fixes.

UniShare is available on the PC, Mobile, Hololens and Hub. Check it out in Microsoft store.

Nextgen Reader, a powerful RSS news reader for Windows 10 fixes a Facebook login error in latest update.

When Google announced the closure of Google Reader back in 2013, Feedly was quick to step in as a replacement and it has been my favorite news aggregator on Android and my Apple devices.  Unfortunately, Feedly, up to this day, does not have an official app for Windows and Windows Mobile. But thanks to third party developers, Windows users have a news aggregator in Nextgen Reader, a free app with in-app purchase that requires a Feedly login, which basically is a Google login. 

Today Nextgen Reader is my favorite news aggregator on my Windows devices, both mobile and desktop. So, if you’re looking for a decent news reader for Windows, Nextgen Reader is one that I strongly recommend.

Nextgen Reader was updated today, bringing the version number to 7.0.23.0, which makes it a minor update. In fact, it is a fix. The change log says that it’s a fix for a Facebook login error. Since I do not use Facebook to login to Nextgen Reader, I cannot write in detail about the error. But if you do, you’ll be glad to know that whatever issue you’re having with Facebook login is now fixed.

Wait no more and go to the Microsoft Store to download the update.

Skype for Windows 10 now lets you share audio and see images in-app.

Today Microsoft has published an update to Skype for Windows 10 adding an improvement to desktop sharing. Desktop sharing has been a thing in Skype for a while and this update makes this feature more powerful in that users will be able to also share their PCs’ audio. Users will thus be able to say, watch a movie or listen to music together no matter their location on Earth. I’m looking forward to try this feature soon. 

This update will also allow users to see images within Skype itself. Skype won’t call a photo handling app so users can view photos in another window. It’s all in one place. Logical.

The update is available for download in the Microsoft Store. However, you may not see it right away, so be patient.

Windows 10 Build 17035 lets you mute a tab in Edge with a click, quickly share files to nearby PCs and more.

Today Microsoft has released Windows 10 Build 17035 for PC to the Insiders in the Fast ring and Skip Ahead. This build does not include anything major, but does come with some simple and yet very efficient improvements in some areas. One of my favorite is the ability to mute/unmute tabs playing audio in Edge.

While some from the Google side will brag about Chrome having had this feature for years, it is worth noting that I prefer Microsoft’s implementation. Where both are similar is that you can right-click on the tab to mute and unmute. Microsoft, however, made the playing media icon clickable. Meaning you can mute a tab with a click instead of two. Now, why not make the audio/video also pause/play after clicking mute/unmute?

Microsoft Edge will let you download any free EPUB book you’re reading on the web.

Near Share is another new feature Microsoft wants you to use to quickly send files, links to PCs nearby via Bluetooth. Near Share will show up as a new quick action in the Action Center. Obviously, New Share currently works with devices running build 17035. So, I’ll be able to test that between my tablets later. I just wish Microsoft would make Near Share work with Wi-Fi too.

Check out the full blog post over at Windows Blogs as there are more improvements in this build, notably in Settings and touch keyboard.

Source: Windows Blogs

Dropbox for Windows 10 gets updated with Fluent design and more.

Unless you’re beta tester of Windows 10, you haven’t experienced Microsoft Fluent design yet. The Fluent Design System will be introduced in the Fall Creators Update to be released on October 17. Up until then, those among us courageous enough to test Windows 10 in the Fast and Slow ring are already accustomed to it and I can say it makes a whole world of a difference. I showed the new design to an Apple fan who fell in love with the Surface Pro tablet before and he immediately joined the Windows Insider program to experience it and he loves it. As of now, not many apps have been updated yet, but Dropbox did.

If you are a Dropbox user, you may want to check for an update in the Windows Store to get a peek at what the Fluent design looks like. Basically, the Fluent Design is translucent, making the background to any open window blurry. It might sound simplistic, but having an entire OS offering such an experience is beautiful and impressive. And that is exactly what the latest update to Dropbox does. Microsoft, I assume, hopes more apps will follow Dropbox in blending their apps design into the OS.

Again, the Fall Creators update will be available to the world on October 17 and you will get to experience an entire new Windows experience on your device. As for me, I’m loving it on my Chuwi SurBook and Surface Pro tablets.

Should you want to see what I’m talking about, you can either join the Windows Insider program or patiently wait for the Fall Creator Update. In the meantime, get the latest Dropbox update in Windows Store. Besides the introduction of the Fluent Design, there’s more in this update. Just check the full change log below:

·       Display your files with 3 different layouts: gallery view, list view and content view.

·       New design.

·       New features for Dropbox Business users.

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Preview Build 16296 to Fast Ring, skipping Skip Ahead.

Microsoft released Preview Build 16296 today and as previously announced, this new build is all about stabilization before the release of Windows 10 Creators Update to the world. Two things before heading to the change log. One) this build is available to Insiders in the Fast Ring, not Skip Ahead. Two) Dona Sarkar wrote that Insiders will be unable to install new language packs on this build, but existing ones will “work just fine.”

Here’s what’s in this Build:

• We fixed an issue where Hyper-V couldn’t create a VM on 3rd party network storage.
• We fixed an issue where for the first few minutes after clean installing a non-English build many inbox app names might unexpectedly appear with English app names.
• We fixed an issue where gaming apps using WebView with heavy use of HTML canvas might have unexpectedly had very low FPS in recent flights.

Now, head over to the Windows Settings and hit that update button.

Source: Windows Blog

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Build 16278 to Fast Ring Insiders.

Today Microsoft released Build 16278 for PC to Windows Insiders in the Fast Ring. Those are mostly bug fixes and improvements in preparation of the release of Windows 10 Fall Creators update.

Here's what has been fixed in build 16278:

• We fixed an issue where upgrading to recent flights would fail if you had a speech for a secondary language installed.
• We fixed an issue where printing from 32-bit apps running on 64-bit versions of the OS was broken when using v3 print drivers on recent builds.
• The ability to take HDR screenshots on your PC via the Xbox app has been removed starting with this build. We plan to re-introduce this feature again in the future.
• We fixed an issue resulting in drag and drop onto websites intermittently not working in Microsoft Edge.
• We fixed an issue where Microsoft Edge would crash after choosing to pin certain websites to Start.
• We fixed an issue where a tab in Microsoft Edge could get in a state where it displayed a tab preview thumbnail even though your mouse wasn’t hovering over the tab.
• We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge for certain websites where after watching an embedded video full screen then using Esc to return to the page would result in the video controller no longer being visible.
• We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge where pasting an image to Imgur.com from your clipboard wouldn’t work.
• We fixed an issue where the Emoji Panel’s tooltips could become mixed up.
• We fixed an issue from recent flights resulting in precision touchpads potentially dropping gestures after coming out of sleep.
• We fixed an issue where the battery flyout might incorrectly show “PC not charging” while the device was changing in recent builds.
• We fixed an issue where fonts using shortcuts would become unusable and disappear from the Fonts folder.
• We fixed an issue resulting in multiple apps crashing in the previous flight if you tried to log into the app using Facebook.
• We fixed and issue where Delivery Optimization Group Policy / MDM policy for DOMinFileSizeToCache was ignored and the service defaults were used instead.

Source: Windows Blog

How to send a web page from your Android phone to your Windows 10 PC?

In the last Windows 10 Build, Microsoft introduced a nice feature to link your Android phone to your computer and once that link is established, you will be able to send a web page from your phone to your bigger screen computer. In this article, I will show you how to set it up. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders only for testing.

Once you've installed the latest update, proceed to Settings - you can do so in the Start Menu or through the Action  Center on the right. You will notice right away that Microsoft added a new setting called "Phone". Go ahead and click on that to begin the link process. For the time being, you can only link an Android phone, with support for iOS coming later.

Next click "Add a phone" to open the "Link your phone and PC" window where you will type in your phone number and select your country, then click the Send button.

Shortly after clicking that Send button, you will receive a SMS on your phone with a link. Opening the link takes you to Google Play Store to download the "Microsoft Apps" app. Once installed, open the app and you will see a tile addressed to Windows Insiders with a "Try it now" button. Tap to get started on your phone and go through a quick tutorial.

Hit the "Try it now" button to launch Chrome which takes you to the Surface devices website - Saw what you did there Microsoft. Tap Share in Chrome and select "Continue on PC". You will be offered two choices: "Continue now" and "Continue later". Tapping the former will immediately open the web page on your computer and the latter option will add the link in the Action Center on your computer for you to access later at your convenience. 
You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account at this point.  Whichever option you choose, the web site will open in Microsoft Edge browser on your PC and there is nothing wrong with that. Edge is actually better for reading than Chrome thanks to the "Reading View".

That's it. Now you have linked your Android phone to your Windows 10 computer. This is a first release of this functionality and I like it for its simplicity and I hope Microsoft keeps it that way.

Have you linked your phone to your Windows 10 PC yet? What do you think of it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Windows Blog

Playcast gets XBOX One support and more.

Playcast has been developed to allow users to cast movies, songs and pictures not only to Google Home, but also to Google Cast Audio, Apple TV (AirPlay), DLNA Smart TV, Miracast, Internet Box, Xbox One, Xbox 360 etc. Playcast cost $3.99 and offers a week trial before you make the decision to buy it and I can tell it is a well worth purchase. There are not many apps in the Windows Store that let you throw stuff to your TV. Plus the app is regularly updated with new features and fixes. 

Speaking of updates, Playcast has been updated this week. Check out the change log:

• XBOX One ready.
• Chromecast Audio Multi-room support.
• German language.

Download Playcast in the Windows Store. Playcast is Windows Universal App. Buy it once and you'll be able to use it on your Windows phone and PC.

Pushbullet client for Windows gets speed improvements and bug fixes.

Like many apps in the Windows Store, Pushpin is a third party client of a popular software called Pushbullet that is available on Android and iOS. Pushpin brings a very useful feature to Windows Phone. With Pushpin, you can easily share files, pictures, links, news with your friends and the world, provided people subscribe to your channel. I use Pushbullet on all my phones and computers and like how stuff I push almost show up instantaneously on my other devices. Pushpin can be installed on as many devices you want and you can choose to which device you want to push to. Pushbullet also handles your SMS so you can reply to them on your computer instead of reaching out for your phone as the messages come in. For this feature to work, download Pushbullet for Windows here.

Back to Pushpin. Whether or not you own multiple phones and, at least a PC and you have been emailing files to yourself, you should give Pushpin a try. It is free with the option to donate via Paypal to the developer for his efforts into bringing this utility to Windows. 

In the latest update, the developer added ads in the full trial version of the app and made some speed improvements and bug fixes. Again, if you haven't tried Pushpin yet, head over to the Windows Store and get your free ad supported copy or pay $1.49.

Viber brings animated stickers to Windows Phone.

Viber has updated its app for Windows Phone today allowing the few Windows Phone users out there to use and send animated stickers, bringing some fun to a platform that has lost its identity thanks to its creator. I'm still a fan of Windows Phone, but it's sad to see the platform losing ground everyday. Viber also lets users save photos and videos to Viber folder as well as sharing them to any app.

Grab the update in Windows Store for free. 

Asphalt 8: Airborne update for Windows brings new competition, rewards and new cars.

If you're having a lonely and boring Saturday with your Windows Phone, download the latest update to Gameloft's Asphalt 8: Airborne game to enjoy great new features. Today's update introduces Multiplayer Seasons where players will race against other players to score points in time-limited races to unlock prizes. The multiplayer league lets players earn bigger rewards at the end of the season as you drive your way through the top of the league.

An update of Asphalt 8 without new cars is not an update per se. This one adds more virtual cars for your pleasure: Falcon7, Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG series, GT by Ctroen, Icona Vulcano V12 Hybrid. The developer promises more cars you cannot afford in future updates.

Check out the full change log before heading to the Windows Store to download and update Asphalt 8: Airborne:

- MULTIPLAYER SEASONS: Multiplayer just got a nitro boost of competition and rewards! Race your best against other players to score points and unlock prizes in limited-time Racing Seasons. 

- MULTIPLAYER LEAGUES: Your skills behind the wheel will be fully recognized as you score high ratings and make your way into higher leagues. The better your league, the bigger your rewards at the end of the Season! 

- NEW CARS: Hungry for more speed machines? The Falcon F7, Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series, GT by CITROEN, Icona Vulcano V12 Hybrid, and more will be added regularly, so check back often! 

- NEW EVENTS: Are your skills sharpened and your engine revved for the new R&D event and 2 new Enduro Challenges? Be among the first to claim some of the most powerful cars ever added to the game! 

 - RIO & AREA 51 UPGRADES: We’ve improved our newest tracks with greater visibility, better lighting and lots of tweaks to make every race more vivid than ever.

Game Troopers launches Pebble game for Windows Phone.

I like those games that do not take a toll on your sanity and helps you enjoy, have fun and relax. Pebble from game powerhouse Game Troopers seems to fall into that category with a game that is simple, "easy to play but really hard to dominate, the perfect mixture between minimalism and velocity, all inside a peaceful environment with relaxing music". I have not played it yet, but this description definitely makes it tempting.

The game play is simple. Drag the pebbles inside a circle as long as their colors match. Should you miss, it's game over.

The game features:

• Drag the pebbles of the right color inside the central circle.
• Challenge your friends and play together on the same device.
• Infinite game play, how many points can you score?
• Boost your game play with amazing power-us.
• Log in every day to get big rewards.

Before proceeding to the Windows Store to download Pebble on your Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile, check out this short video: 

Runtastic for Windows Phone introduces Shoe Tracking to protect your joints and prevent injuries.

I never heard of shoe tracking up until today. At first, I thought it was surreal, but Runtastic really wants to help you track your shoes condition from the time you buy it and for the next 500 km you use to run or walk. Why 500 km you may ask. Well according to a study by Cook, Kuster and Brunet, "the initial cushion of running shoes dropped to 67% after about 150 miles (240 kilometers) and further to 60% after a little more than 500 miles (800 kilometers)." And another study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences "has shown that as the number of miles increases, the cushioning capability of the shoes decreases, exposing your joints to greater shock and force." So take note and mind your joints as from now on. But don't freak out, Runtastic has you covered with an update to their app for Windows Phone. 

They introduced Shoe Tracking to help keep track of the mileage on your running shoes. The app has a builtin database of shoes from which you can choose, and if your's are missing, snap a picture of your shoes to add to the app. If you have an existing shoe, specify when you started using it and include your mileage and Runtastic will take it from there. It is also capable of handling several shoes. 

Head over to the Windows Store to download the updated Runtastic and add Shoe Tracking to your fitness statistics.

Candy Crush Jelly Saga for Windows gets 420 new tasty levels.

I don't know about you, but my Candy Crush intake has dropped to the zero level now, even if the game comes pre-install in Windows 10. Candy Crush, like the Angry Birds franchise, are those games that just plain refuse to disappear. Candy Crush for its part keep adding more "chewy episodes" for the fans out there and I can tell there are a lot and I'm making this statement based on the number of phones and tablets that popup during commute with the different versions of the game running.

In order to keep the fan base happy, 420 levels were added to the game today. Yep, you have to be a fan to enjoy going through all of this. I never got to get above level 10 because I get bored very quickly. For the fans out there, head to the Windows Store to grab the update.