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Microsoft fixes mouse lag issue in Windows 8.1

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The Windows 8.1 update released a new DPI framework that caused problems in games that don’t read raw mouse data. The result was significant mouse lag across several titles like Call of Duty.

Microsoft has released a hotfix that addresses the issue, and has included a list of affected games. There are also instructions on how to extend the update to other games. Read more »

Pegman returns to Google Maps with new update

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You may have noticed that after the latest major Google Maps update for desktop browsers, an important figure suddenly went missing: Pegman. This move made many users frustrated by their inability to quickly access Street View and nearby images by dragging the icon onto the map, and more than a few people opted to continue using Google Maps’ classic view.

Now, the latest update brings back Pegman, and makes viewing images, panoramas, and even indoor areas even easier by having all of them appear on the map whenever you grab hold of Pegman. Read more »

Mac App Store bug legalizes counterfeit iWork, iLife and Aperture

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Apple recently made its iWork suite of applications, including Pages, Numbers and Keynote, along with the iLife suite of apps including iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband free for buyers of new Macs. However, if you’re using a counterfeit version of these applications on your Mac then now there is a way you can update to the latest legit version right through the Mac App Store.

Call it a bug or a feature, but if the Mac App Store detects an older version of Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband or even the $79.99 photo editing application Aperture, it will tell you that an update is available for download in the Mac App Store, regardless of where you sourced the app from. Once you update, the application is permanently associated with your Apple account and can be downloaded for free from Apple any time you want, just like any other app you bought. Read more »

Latest updated to Chrome developer version turns it into Chrome OS under Windows 8

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The current stable version of Google Chrome has two modes under Windows 8. On the desktop mode, it runs the same way it does on Windows 8. In the new Modern UI, it is again basically the same app, but running in a permanent fullscreen mode instead.

Google has been playing around a bit with the browser and how it works under this mode in Windows 8 and you can see that in the latest developer build. The latest update essentially turns Chrome into Chrome OS that runs within Windows 8, complete with a new UI and its own app drawer. Read more »

Google acquires gesture recognition firm Flutter

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Today Google has bought out Flutter, an emerging gesture recognition startup that relies on gestures caught by your webcam to control various applications on your computer.

The acquisition opens up some interesting possibilities in the realm of mobile development for Android, as well as Google Glass. Read more »

Google Chrome 30 brings image search for desktop and new gestures for Android

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Google released an update for its Chrome web browser. The latest iteration of the popular application, dubbed Chrome 30 brings a few neat changes to the desktop and the version for Android devices.

Chrome users for Android will have three new gestures at their disposal. Read more »

Windows 8 adoption continues to rise as XP falls

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Adoption of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system has not been without its share of speedbumps, but it continues to rise according to the latest web traffic figures from Net Applications.

The latest Windows version comes in at just over 8%, mainly eating into Windows XP’s share, which currently stands at 31.41%. Read more »

Dropbox for Windows and Mac now automatically uploads your screenshots

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Dropbox has added a new feature to its Windows and Mac application, which makes sharing screenshots a lot easier. Now when you take a screenshot, it will automatically be uploaded to your Dropbox account.

All you have to do is take a screenshot (Print Screen on Windows and CMD+Shift+3 on OS X) and the file will automatically be uploaded to your Dropbox account. Read more »

Adobe releases Photoshop Elements 12 and Premiere Elements 12 for Mac and Windows

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Adobe has released the new Photoshop Elements 12 and Premiere Elements 12 for Mac and Windows computers. These are updated versions of Adobe’s highly powerful professional photo and video editing software, respectively.

The new updated versions bring many new features, among which is improved synchronization with mobile devices, wherein you can now view, edit and share the same images on mobile as well as desktop devices. Read more »

Microsoft reveals pricing and packaging for Windows 8.1

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The Windows 8.1 update is a month away from release and Microsoft has revealed the pricing and packaging details for those currently not using Windows 8. Existing Windows 8 users will simply have to download the free update when it becomes available but it’s a whole different story for everybody else.

If you’re not using Windows 8, then you will have to purchase the full licensed copy of Windows 8.1. There are two versions available as before, standard and Pro. The standard version will be priced at $119.99 and the Pro version will be priced at $199.99. Read more »

Apple might start shipping Mac OS X Mavericks in October

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Apple introduced its newest version of Mac operating system – OS X Mavericks in its WWDC 2013. Ever since then, it is one of the most highly anticipated updates, for the fact that it brings improved power efficiency, multiple screens and a few other cool software tweaks.

Back at the event, Apple did not announce the availability of the consumer version of its latest operating system, but now, a report from AllThingsD, suggests that the upgrades might be arriving in the month of October. Read more »

Windows 8.1 released to manufacturers, users will have to wait until October 18 to get it

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Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 have hit the RTM stage, meaning Microsoft has sent them out to device markers and with their help will do the finishing touches to the updated OS. The update will be released to the public on October 18.

Windows 8.1 is part of Microsoft’s new strategy – instead of waiting years to deliver new major features to their flagship OS, the company will move to a quick release schedule. And so, just 10 months after the initial launch of the OS comes its first major update. Read more »

Origin store introduces refund system for your games

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EA’s Origin store has forever been living in the shadow of the much more popular and beloved Steam. But now it finally has something that Steam does not, and that is a refund system.

Now, when you purchase a game, you have 24 hours to return it if you don’t like it. Read more »

Windows 8.1 arriving on October 18

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We had heard rumors that the Windows 8.1 update would be arriving some time in October this year but now we finally have the proper release date.

According to a blog post on Microsoft’s Windows blog, the Windows 8.1 update would be released to the general public on October 18 at 12:00 a.m New Zealand time. The Windows 8.1 would also be available at retail outlets and pre-installed on new devices on the same date. Read more »

Windows 8.1 to hit OEMs in August, go on sale in mid-October

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According to sources close to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 update will be released to end users by mid-October.

The RTM version will start seeding in the beginning of August and after manufacturers have fiddled and optimized it for their varying hardware it’s expected to be available to the general public by mid-October. Read more »