Windows 10 Leak Reveals Cortana Search Bar, Updated Apps

Microsoft has already shown the groundwork for Windows 10 on the Developer Preview, the new start menu, build in metro-apps on desktop and various interfaces for power users show a gradual move to one OS design for all types of users. The second event for Windows 10 is scheduled for January 21, but the big announcements may have already been leaked online, in a new ‘Build 9901’, cited as the Windows 10 consumer edition preview.
Released a few days ago, the main features on the new preview include Cortana, an new Xbox app and various updates to the interface.

Starting with the Cortana search menu, Microsoft is essentially importing all data from Windows Phone or starting from scratch on Windows 10. Cortana will be a virtual assistant and offer information about the weather, local places, general information and tap into other third party apps for updates.

On Windows 10, Cortana is located on the task-bar, either in a search button or search box (depending on preference). The task-bar has been updated with a new shadow design, taking a dark color from the current theme.
The next big change on Windows 10 is the Xbox app. Right now, it just looks like a place to check the Xbox news feed from friends, but advertisements of exclusive Xbox One games hint at PC cross-platform support.
Having exclusive Xbox One games on PC would be a nice idea, but the catch may be only gamers with the Xbox One game can download it for PC. It is still unclear what Microsoft is attempting to do with Xbox.
Microsoft has built in a contact support app, allowing users to potential screen share their problems with a member of staff. There is a new startup guide for Windows 10, which hints at users being able to make phone calls on Windows 10.
The leak shows all of the visual updates to the apps on desktop mode, giving them a Metro redesign. Microsoft still has not announced availability or price, this information will most likely come on the January event.
[Image via geek]

Source : http://www.filehippo.com/

The Best Alternative Browsers

We recently discovered what you, the TechBeat readers, prefer to use when it comes to browsers, however we noticed that some of you commented on how you have chosen alternative browsers over the mainstream ones like Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. So if you are looking for a change and want something a bit different, why not try one of these alternative browsers.

Comodo IceDragon

Comodo IceDragon is a Firefox-based browser that offers a high level of security for those who are particularly concerned about malware and phishing websites. One of the main reasons for this is because you can route web browsing through Comodo's own DNS servers, which the company claims are faster and more secure. Checks are performed on SSL digital certificates and you are given reports on how strong a secure website really is. At the same time an on-demand site inspector checks for malicious code. It features a virtual browsing mode so that it can run completely separate from the rest of your system, therefore ensuring that malware cannot infect your PC. It looks and feels just like Firefox but with added security, however if you prefer the Chrome framework then you have the option of using Comodo Dragon, which is specifically for Chromium based browsing.

Maxthon Cloud Browser

Maxthon Cloud Browser is renowned for its numerous extra features but like most browsers still synchronizes all bookmarks, options, tabs, address bars and new tab links across all your PCs and mobile devices running Maxthon. The Cloud Download enables you to download files directly to the cloud so that they don't clog up your local machine. They are then available from any device. Other handy extra features include MagicFill - a mulit-account password manager, Snap - a screen capture tool and SkyNote - this will save text that is then made available to all your devices running Maxthon. If you love having lots of functionality and the ability to synchronize across all your machines then Maxthon is the ideal alternative browser for you.

Avant Browser

Avant is an alternative browser for those of you who want a Microsoft-based engine but don't really like Internet Explorer. As a browser it is fairly fast, comes pre-loaded with twenty four skins and features tabbed browsing and modular toolbars. You can save personal data so that your bookmarks and form content are accessible from any machine, so handy if you like to synchronize your content. Avant provides you with automatic updates, a password manager and an integral Internet Explorer search engine. Although it may not be the most secure browser out there, it does protect you against pop-ups and malware but not phishing websites.

Source : http://news.filehippo.com/2014/06/the-best-alternative-browsers/nggallery/image/avant-browser/

Download K-Lite Codec Pack 10.55 (Full)

The K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs, and tools. Codecs and DirectShow filters are needed for encoding and decoding audio and video formats. The K-Lite Codec Pack is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your audio and movie files.
With the K-Lite Codec Pack you should be able to play all the popular audio and video formats and even several less common formats.
The K-Lite Codec Pack has a couple of major advantages compared to other codec packs:

• It is updated frequently. So it is always up-to-date with the newest and/or best components.
• All components have been carefully selected for specific purposes. It is not just a random bunch of stuff thrown together.
• It is very user-friendly and easy to use.
• The installation is fully customizable, meaning that you are able to install just those components that you really want.
• The customization abilities even go beyond the component level. Some components are able to handle multiple formats. You can specify exactly which components should handle which formats. The pack can thus be fully tweaked to your own specific needs and preferences.
• Uninstallation removes everything that was installed by the pack. Including all registry keys.
• It is extremely easy to make a fully customized unattended installation with the integrated wizard.
• It does not contain any bad, buggy or unstable codecs.

Click here for Download

Source : http://www.filehippo.com/download_klite_codec_pack