Defender Series for iPhone 6 Case Review

OSC HOCO's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus cases, including some very rugged ones, the Defender case is one of the best sellers. It offers a sleek design that protects your phone and lets its style show through. The case has a look of elegance but also the ruggedness that protects the phone from bumps and short drops. The case is very slim, affordable and comes in four colors. The HOCO Defender Case is available for both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.

Design

The HOCO Defender for iPhone 6 Case is well made with polycarbonate shell that's not too thick but can protect the phone's back from scratches, nicks and bumps. The clear back lets your iPhone's color and style shine through, which is a big plus for those who love looking at their phone but wish to protect it with a case. The plastic shell itself does show scratch marks, oil and fingerprints. You can clean the case easily, though the deep scratches will stay. The sides of the case have rubber bumper that's sturdy and grippy. Your phone can certainly survive a short drop thanks to the shock absorbing sides. The case wrapps around the edges of the front display, protecting it from touching any flat surface when you put the phone face down.

The HOCO Defender for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus comes in blue, gold, sliver and pink, all with a clear back. The case feels slim, and it measures 1.6mm and weighs 1.2 ounces. The case is form fitting yet the rubber sides give it some flexibility that makes it easy to install and remove the case.

Features

The HOCO Defender for iPhone 6 Case is very functional while being protective. The case protects the iPhone's power and volume buttons under rubber covers, but doesn't get in the way of you using these buttons. The case has a cutout for the silence slider that's just large enough to use the slider easily, and it has cutouts on the bottom of the phone that give you access to the speaker, mic, the Lightning port and the audio jack. These cutouts have perfect positions. The rear cutout for the camera and flash is large enough and has a black rim to prevent reflecting flash.

Conclusion

The HOCO Defender for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus offers the right balance between being slim and light and providing enough protection. The case can protect the iPhone's back and sides, and provide some shock damage protection as well. Its clear back makes the case look good and sleek, and the rubber sides give you a good grip and the phone shock absorption. We like all three color options for the side bumper, and the quality of the fit and finish of the case. The clear back does show fingerprints and scratches.

Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4
What's Hot: Protective yet thin and light, lets you see the back of the iPhone, affordable price.
What's Not: Clear cover shows scratches quite easily.
Price: $16.99
Web site: osc-accessories.com

How to Uninstall Apps & Games in Windows 10

It’s safe to say that we love our devices. At the very least, we love them enough to have them always with us, asking questions through and providing new information about the world around us. Microsoft wants you to love its new Windows 10 operating system and your Windows device. The free Windows 10 upgrade that arrives in just a week’s time isn’t just about giving you new features to toy with. It also has plenty of changes designed to make life easier.

Uninstalling apps in Windows 8 wasn’t necessarily difficult. That being said, it wasn’t exactly obvious either. Getting rid of something on your PC required you to know whether it was an app or program, which many people didn’t. Once you figured that out you had to find the correct place for uninstalling whatever it is you wanted to get rid of. Apps downloaded from the Windows Store had their own way. Programs downloaded over the internet had another.

Windows 10 addresses these issues. First, it doesn’t matter whether it’s an app or program you want to get rid of. Getting it off your device works the same way. Here’s how to uninstall apps and programs in Windows 10.

Mostly, the Control Panel is gone from Windows 10. In its place, Microsoft has added more features and improved the settings in its dedicated Settings app. It’s this app that has offers the easiest way to uninstall apps and programs in Windows 10.

With your mouse click on the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. If you’re using  touch, you should tap on that same button.

Now tap or click on the Settings cog in the Start Menu. Touch users should see the Settings cog too, but you’ll have to tap the menu button in the top-left corner of your screen to bring up the apps and shortcuts area first. It should be just above the Power button.

Tap or click on System.

Tap or click on the Apps & Features menu item on the right edge of the System Settings menu. It’s the third option from the top of your screen.

Now you’ll need to wait for the Settings app to scan your PC.

Uninstalling things is easier on Windows 10 because it gives you a breakdown of all the relevant information you need. Say that you’re looking to just free up some space. From this screen you can see what apps are taking up the most space. Maybe you’re having stability issues that weren’t always there? You can see what day you install each app or program. You can re-order the list by name, install size or date.  There’s also a search bar to track down the specific app or program you want to uninstall in a hurry.

For the purposes of this tutorial, we’re uninstalling PayPal. Tap or click on the name of the app or program you’d like to Uninstall.

There’s a Move button here because Microsoft originally planned to let users install apps on an SD Card. That feature is still coming, but it didn’t make it in time for the final release. Ignore that button and tap click on Uninstall.

When you Uninstall an app in Windows 10 the information associated with the app goes too. This ensures that no trace of the app is left on your system. It’s all about good computer hygiene really. If you’re sure you want to Uninstall the app and get of its info too tap or click on Uninstall in the pop-up.

Now just give the Settings app time to get rid of the app. If it’s a smaller app it’ll happen in seconds. Larger apps could take more time to uninstall from Windows 10.

That’s if, you’ve successfully uninstall an app or game in Windows 10.

Again, absolutely be sure that you want to uninstall an app or program before doing so. There’s nothing worse than having to track down your passwords and information for an app again if you don’t have them readily available. Any programs that you uninstall — iTunes, for example — need to be downloaded from the web or wherever you installed them from originally if you decide you want them back for some reason. Remember to check the Windows Store too, traditional Desktop programs are available there in Windows 10. Apps you’ve downloaded from the Windows Store can be downloaded there and you won’t need to pay for them again if you already have.

Apps and programs built into Windows 10 — like Mail or Calendar — can’t be uninstalled. Apps added by your device maker can be uninstalled.

How to Get the Start Screen Back in Windows 10

There were two core things that Windows users reacted to negatively whenever they got to try Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems for the first time. First up were full screen apps and how isolating the felt — even though Microsoft did allow some form of limited multitasking. Second, was the Windows 8 Start Screen. The Start Screen is gone in Windows 10 by default, but there is a way to get the Start Screen back in Windows 10 if you’re savvy enough.

It’s absolutely understandable that someone would want the Start Screen if they upgraded from Windows 8.1.The Start in Windows 8 looms large, every time you hit a Windows button or press the Windows key on your keyboard, it pops to life with its flipping tiles, built-in search and up-front power button. Really, the Start Screen was never more than a super-sized version of the Start Menus that came before it. It put the focus on the content of your apps and let you use your entire screen to pin your favorite apps. Since the launch of Windows 8, a large part of users have adapted to the way the start Screen works.

Here’s how to Get the Start Screen Back in Windows 10: Tablet Mode

The Start Screen is gone from Windows 10 because it’s no longer something Microsoft feels that every Windows 10 users needs to stay productive. Windows 10 has a feature called Continuum that knows whether you have a mouse and keyboard connected to your device. If you have a device with touch running Windows 10 and Continuum detects a keyboard it’ll, ask you if you’d like to turn off Tablet Mode. Turning off Tablet Mode shrinks the Windows 10 Start Screen into the Start Menu you likely have on your PC.

You can Turn on Tablet Mode  to get the Start Screen back if you preferred the way the Start Screen in Windows 8 looks. Be aware that doing so also turns all of your apps back into fullscreen apps too.

Look for the Action Center button in the system tray of the taskbar on the right-bottom of your screen. When you find it, tap or click on it. It’ll look like a full or empty mini message. If you’re using a device with a touch screen, place your finger on the right edge of the display and swipe to the left.

Now tap or click on the Tablet Mode button that sits on the bottom-left end of the Action Center.

Again, turning on Tablet Mode does more things than just super-size the Start Screen. As such, it’s not a good way to directly address your Start Screen issue.

Bring Just the Start Screen back in Windows 10: Settings

Luckily, Microsoft was smart to include a more direct way of bringing the Start Screen back and it comes by way of a simple toggle located in the new Settings app.

Press the Windows button on your keyboard or at the bottom of your screen in the left to open the Start Menu.

Now tap or click on the Settings icon in the bottom-left corner of the Start Menu.

Welcome to the new Settings app. This app is one of the big changes Microsoft introduced for Windows 10. Many of the settings and features that were in the Control Panel have been moved here and reorganized in categories that’ll make more sense to users. The category we’re looking for isPersonalization. Tap or click on the Personalization icon; it’s on the middle-right.

The first thing you’ll see in the Personalization screen is the option to customize how your Desktop looks with a picture. We’re not looking for background options, but for Start options. Click or tap Start on the right side of your screen.

Now tap or click on the button labeled Use Start full screen. It is this button that will supersize the Start Screen in Windows 10, giving you an experience very similar to what you got with Windows 8. This switch doesn’t yield to you being in tablet mode or not. This means that you can keep the Start Screen even when you aren’t in Tablet Mode.

This gives you the best of both worlds, you can run tons of different apps in a familiar way, without having to give up the Start Screen and it’s easy to real Live Tiles. Don’t forget that you can use a mouse and keyboard to resize the Start Menu and make it bigger too. Just hover your mouse cursor over its edges.

Windows 10 is a free update rolling out to devices running Windows 7 and Windows 8. Microsoft.

Huawei Watch and its official box packaging sighted

First unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in March, the Huawei Watch impressed us with its luxurious design and build. It doesn't look like any geeky wearable as the stainless steel case and leather strap makes it one classy looking watch. We said the Huawei Watch will arrive middle of the year but we have yet to see the Android Wear device. It could be very soon though based on some photos we've unearthed.

The new Huawei Watch features a round 1.4-inch AMOLED display screen, 400 x 400 pixel resolution, 286ppi, 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB built-in storage, Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, 300mAh battery, and some sensors like heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. The packaging of this smartwatch was recently sighted and the photos below give us an idea that it does look like a luxury watch. Packaging matters and Huawei definitely planned this well.

To review, the Huawei Watch has a 42mm stainless steel case and is 11.33mm. It will be available in three colors: black, gold, and silver. You can choose from either the leather or steel straps. Details about pricing and availability are not yet available but we learned earlier that it's been delayed in China until September or even until 2016.

We're hoping for a $299 price point, much lower than the LG Watch Urbane which is another luxury-looking and stylish smartwatch which is currently priced at $349. We're hopeful this Huawei Watch will arrive sooner than expected.

Huawei posts revenue increase of 87 percent in first half of 2015, smartphone sales up 39 percent

Huawei announced that it sold 48.2 million smartphones in the first six months of 2015, an increase of 39 percent from the same period a year ago. Improved sales in the high-end segment allowed the vendor to net a revenue increase of 87 percent to $7.23 billion.

The manufacturer more than doubled its shipments in China, also witnessing robust growth in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Huawei highlighted Italy and Spain as two countries where it witnessed a healthy sales growth in the European region.

After selling 75 million smartphones in 2014, the Chinese manufacturer is now on track to reach the 100 million milestone this year. With Xiaomi announcing that it sold 34.7 million phones in the first six months of 2015, Huawei can take the lead in its home market if sales numbers continue to rise.

Recent rumors suggest that Huawei will manufacture the next Nexus, which has the potential to catalyse sales heading into the latter half of the year.

Apple Watch Reportedly Commands 75% Of The Smartwatch Market

So now that the Apple Watch has been released, we’re sure many are curious as to how well the device is doing. Has it really changed the smartwatch landscape like many had initially thought? Or is it just one massive and overhyped flop? Naturally there are arguments for both sides, but according to recent data, it seems that the Apple Watch could be a success.

According to the latest data released by research firm Strategy Analytics (via MacRumors), it seems that the Apple Watch is actually commanding a whopping 75% of the smartwatch market at the moment. In fact their lead is so strong that second place is Samsung with a meager 7.5% market share.

The firm goes on to estimate that Apple managed to sell 4 million Apple Watches in the second quarter, which once again dwarves that of Samsung who sold 400,000 smartwatches and is in second place. All of this seems to point towards the device doing really well, but oddly enough Apple has yet to release the official numbers, so what we’re dealing with here is mostly based on estimates.

That being said, during Apple’s recent earnings call, the company’s CEO Tim Cook refuted the claims that sales of the device was declining. Cook points out that sales of the watch actually peaked in June, indicating that if anything, sales appears to be on the rise. In any case we guess we will have to wait for if and when Apple decides to release the official figures, but in the meantime do you think the Apple Watch is doing well?

OSC Classic Book Apple iPhone 6 Plus Case Review

The OSC Classic Book Apple iPhone 6 Case is one of many in their case collection and it's one of the classiest looking cases currently available for the iPhone. The Classic Book case is available for iPhone 6 Plus, and it comes in classic brown leather and other 3 colors.

Design

The OSC Classic Book Apple iPhone 6 Plus Case has a convincing "little book" look. It's no wonder that it looks classic as it's made with genuine leather in an old-fashioned bound leather book style. The curved corners, the book opening style and even the real book spine give the case a unique look. The case offers a thin but rigid hard shell to hold the iPhone 6 Plus, and the thin shell has enough flexibility that it's easy to install the phone and take it out. The shell has super soft touch coating that feels nice in hand and it's kind to the iPhone's surface. It protects the iPhone from pokes to the back and sides, and can absorb a good amount of impact shock. 

The leather on the OSC Classic Book Apple iPhone 6 Plus Case looks to be in high quality and it's thick and well stitched and pressed to fit the phone nicely. The front cover opens like a book cover and it has very stiff inserts to protect the iPhone's screen from any pokes, shock forces and more. The front cover also holds another secret weapon: it has three credit card slots and a bill pocket. You can take your phone and your essentials in one case. 

Features

The hard shell phone holder on the Classic Book Apple iPhone 6 Plus Case is only half attached to the back cover. This allows you to prop up the iPhone 6 Plus in a landscape mode for media viewing and FaceTime/Skype chatting. The case allows many viewing angles including a very flat one if you push the hard shell all the way out. The stand doesn't work in portrait mode. The hard shell has cutouts on both sides to give you easy access to the power button, and the volume buttons and the ringer silence slider. The bottom of the hard shell leaves out the speaker, Lightning port, mic and 3.5mm audio jack for easy access. The rear cutout seems close to the 8MP camera and the dual flash but we didn't see any vignette in our photos, as the cutout doesn't obscure the view of the lens or interfer with the flash.

Conclusion

The OSC Classic Book is a good-looking case for the new iPhone 6 Plus models with its old-fashioned book leather cover, the book spine and strong stitching. The case isn't slim or light, but it gives the iPhone complete protection against scratches, bumps, nicks and even some shock damage. It also offers card/ID slots and cash pocket for your essentials. The case is very easy to install and de-install, and all buttons and ports are easily accessible. The built-in stand works well in landscape orientation for media viewing and video chatting.

Facebook, Google and other tech giants back Samsung in patent court battle against Apple

We're certain patent battles are the last thing you'd like to read this morning, but things are getting interesting in the case between Apple and Samsung. The latter party has managed to garner support from various top tech giants, including Google, HP, and Facebook, who have filed a "friend of the court" briefing at the start of July, protesting against the decision to fine Samsung $548 million.

The patent battle between Apple and Samsung has been ongoing since 2011. Apple accused Samsung of multiple patent infringements of key features from the company's iPhone. The Silicon Valley companies banding together with Samsung argue that the decision against Samsung in this case would have a negative impact on companies that invest in R&D.

"If allowed to stand, that decision will lead to absurd results and have a devastating impact on companies, including [the briefing draftees], who spend billions of dollars annually on research and development for complex technologies and their components."

It's argued that a feature, which could be a result of a few lines of code, may appear during use of a particular product, allowing the owner of said patent to receive profit generated by said product, even if the infringing element was insignificant to the user experience. The tech companies backing Samsung have urged the courts to review their decision in a rehearing.

Apple posts another record quarter, with over $1 billion in Apple Watch sales

Apple reported its third quarter earnings today, putting another period of eye-popping profits on the books. Investors were eager to glean any details about how well the new Apple Watch sold, but the bulk of the company’s revenue is still coming from its trifecta of iPhone, iPad, and Mac sales, with digital goods and services a close fourth. Apple generated $49.6 billion in revenue, slightly above analysts’ expectation of $49 billion. It earned a profit of $10.7 billion, trailing its record of $18 billion that it set during the first quarter of this year.

The consensus among analysts was that Apple would sell around 4 million Apple watches during this quarter. But given the wide range of prices on different models of the Apple Watch, and the fact that revenue is lumped into a larger bucket that includes sales of devices like the iPod, Apple TV, and Beats hardware, it is difficult if not impossible to work out exactly how many were sold.

APPLE SOLD WELL OVER $1 BILLION IN WATCHES DURING ITS FIRST QUARTER ON THE MARKET

What we can say is that the revenue for “other products” jumped to $2.64 billion, well above the $1.76 billion Apple earned for that category during this same period last year. Apple CFO Luca Maestri told The New York Times that sales for the Apple Watch “in its first nine weeks exceeded those of the iPhone and iPad in their first nine weeks of availability.” Maestri also told the Associated Press that revenue from Apple Watch sales was well about the $952 million increase in “other product” revenue, as revenue declined for the iPod and other accessories. In other words, Apple sold well over $1 billion in watches during its first quarter on the market.

Apple Earnings (Q3/2015)

iPhone sales continued to be the biggest area of growth for Apple, amounting for nearly 70 percent of its operating income. Apple sold 47.5 million iPhones in the third quarter, up from 35 million during the same period last year. But analysts had been expecting sales of around 49 to 50 million units, and Apple shares were down about 7 percent in after-hours trading.

Apple also sold 10.9 million iPads this quarter, compared to 13.3 million during the third quarter of 2014. And it moved 4.8 million Macs, compared to 4.4 million this time last year. Greater China continues to be the biggest driver of new growth, with sales there once again up more than 100 percent year over year.

“We had an amazing quarter, with iPhone revenue up 59 percent over last year, strong sales of Mac, all-time record revenue from services, driven by the App Store, and a great start for Apple Watch,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. He ended the earnings call on a high note, telling analysts that sales of the Apple watch in June were the highest of any month yet, demonstrating an increasing consumer appetite for the product.

Apple Device Sales

Cheap Apple Watch Bands On Sale

4 cool apps and websites to help your kids learn more about the moon on National Moon Day

Seeing as how we live in an age where everything from Nutella to x has its own national day, I should not be surprised that today is National Moon Day. At least it celebrates something totally real and inspirational, and if it’s marketing anything, it’s marketing an excitement for astronomy, space exploration, and NASA programs. I think this makes today the perfect opportunity to talk to your kids about that big beautiful glowing moon in the sky, with the help of some of these apps and resources.

The Star Walk 2 app has been around a bit, but I’ve only just recently become a user and a fan. It’s so easy to use, and kids will be blown away by the augmented reality view of the stars — and moon — overhead, complete with labels of the constellations so you know just what you’re seeing. ($2.99 for iOS; $2.58 for Android)

Junior Astronaut – Breaking Through the Space Barrier is an app that Christina described as one “that doesn’t feel like any science lesson I ever had in school” and I can totally see why. It’s seriously educational, with topics ranging from the early development of rockets, to the concepts of mass, weight, gravity, and aerodynamics. But it’s delivered with a heaping dose of humor, retro-hip illustrations by Chris Madden, engaging interactivity, and fantastic storytelling (thanks to a collaboration with Wired Magazine’s space and science writer), that can get even the most jaded tween or young teen to turn that eyeroll into a glance overhead that sticks.

We’re all huge fans of Brain Pop around here, which can often help explain topics that we parents may stumble over from time to time. In fact, I learn a lot from their conversational, clever animated videos myself. If you’re lucky enough to be a subscriber, you have to check out their Moon Video today which is a great way to learn some basics about the moon, as well as the four main theories scientists have about how the moon was formed. And by the way — check with your kids’ school! I was surprised to learn that my kids have subscription access through their classes, and I’m so happy they do.

Also, be sure to check the parent and teacher resources about the moon on Brain Pop Jr and the Brain Pop educators page, which suggest questions to ask your kids to further the discussion, and offers a bunch of fun activities to help bring the learning to life.

I always like reading the This Day in History section on the History Channel website, and July 20 is packed with info about the Apollo 11 crew’s historic moonwalk. (Not related to Michael Jackon’s historic moonwalk.) Click around the related videos for exciting stuff like the newly restored video of Neil Armstrong’s first steps; loads of info on the Apollo 11 program; and biographical info about Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and the third member of the mission, Michael Collins.

10 Things to Love About Windows 10

For months, we’ve watched as Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system took shape. Early on, the operating system looked an awful lot like Windows 8, it’s immediate and almost universally hated predecessor. Quietly, the company did some work behind the scenes before unleashing a ton of new features on testers and members of its Insider Program.

Windows 10 launches on July 29th with a host of new features and software changes. Microsoft says that it’s listened to what users wanted. The Start Screen that completely took over your display is out, unless you’d like to turn it back on or have a Windows PC equipped with touch. Everything from how new updates are delivered to how Microsoft makes its Office productivity apps available has been addressed.

More importantly, Microsoft is trying to strike a new balance between all of its different devices. Windows 10 is Microsoft’s first foray into uniformed ecosystems like the one that Apple pioneered with the iTunes App Store. Buying an app or game works on multiple devices. Xbox accessories work with Windows 10 PCs in the same ways they would an Xbox One. OneDrive and app settings sync keeps all of your important account details and information synced from PC to PC. The Windows Store that was stuffed full of ill-conceived apps and garbage has been cleaned up. Now it offers apps compatible with notebooks, desktops, smartphones and tablets.

Having used Windows 10 all this year, I can promise you that there are going to be some things you love about the new operating system and the way it behaves. Here are 10 of the things you’ll love about the free Windows 10 update in no particular order.

The Surprisingly Small Windows 10 Upgrade Price

First, let’s start with actual pricing. For years, Microsoft took a two prong approach to Windows upgrades.

Say you had a PC already and just wanted to get the latest operating system on it. If you played your cards right and waited until just the right moment, Microsoft gave away free upgrades with PCs still running the previous version of Windows. Microsoft offered this upgrade program in partnership PC makers who didn’t want sales of their machines to tank because people were waiting to get their hands on something new.

The other way you could get a Windows upgrade was by simply paying upwards of $100 for it. Microsoft sold digital copies of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 on its Microsoft Store website. Boxed DVDs were available on store shelves.

Neither of those things make sense today. A very, very small percent of users actually paid the full upgrade price for Windows. Rather than do that, people simply waited until they had to purchase a new PC anyway. Second, in a world where devices, priorities and attention shifts at any given moment, taking three years to develop and add new features in a huge upgrade isn’t reasonable.

Windows 10 upgrades are absolutely free for anyone running Home, Pro and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 for the next year. Those that manage to make to install the upgrade on their PC can expect free updates with new features going forward.

It's Easy to Go Back to Windows 7 and Windows 8 from Windows 10

Microsoft has stacked Windows 10 with tons of features that they say users wanted. It’s spent the better part of three years trying to understand the things users didn’t like about Windows before.

When Windows 10 release day arrives on July 29th, Microsoft hopes that users love it. The company hopes that people will see their own ideas. It hopes that on-screen buttons and more common sense design will have users ready to embrace its products with open arms.

In the event that doesn’t happen, Microsoft has a back up plan. Previously, upgrading your copy of Windows meant leaving your old version of Windows behind without a full-on reset. Never fear, Microsoft has solved that with this release too.

For Windows 10, Microsoft is taking a more measured approach to upgrades. Say you get to Windows 10 from Windows 8 or Windows 7 and don’t like any of the new features it provides. You could break out the restore drive that you created or the old DVD that came with your PC and reinstall everything. You could also just hit the simple button built-into the Windows 10 Settings app and have your old operating system restored. Windows 10 keeps the files necessary to go back to a previous version of Windows for one solid month, giving you plenty of time to decide whether the operating system is right for you.

Your Windows 10 PC Looks at Behaves Like a PC Should

It’s no secret that people don't like full screen apps from the Windows Store and they don't like the Start Screen taking over their display. Windows 10 solves this problem by putting the focus back on the things people are used to.

If you’re a notebook or a desktop users you’ll never have to worry about looking at the Start Screen and full screen Windows apps again. Microsoft, has made both of these things optional, and you only get them by default if Windows detects that you have no keyboard plugged in and a touchscreen present. Windows Store apps now run side-by-side with Desktop apps like iTunes and Photoshop.

Buying Stuff from the Windows Store Just Makes Sense

If we’re calling a spade a spade, the Windows Store was a disaster in Windows 8. Microsoft did the right thing in creating its own safe, centralized place to download apps. Where it errored was it not opening up the store to traditional apps and other things that people like to buy.

The Windows Store is one centralized place for you to buy just about anything you need in Windows 10. Windows apps purchased through the store work on desktops, notebooks, tablets and smartphones. The music and video stores that used to require a trip to Microsoft’s Xbox Music and Xbox Video apps now live in the Windows Store too. All of your purchases sync across devices and are available from any PC that you’re logged into.

Windows 8 allowed developers to put links to their desktop apps in the Windows Store. The new Windows Store allows developers to list their apps directly in the Windows Store for purchase. When you download these apps they are packaged in a way that keeps them from harming your system – just like newer Windows apps. Suddenly, the Windows Store makes sense for millions more users.

Built in Windows 10 Apps Are Much More Mature

There were some pretty great apps included with Windows 8. OneDrive and the second version of Xbox Music both come to mind. There were also some pretty horrible ones too.

Horizontal scrolling, that is Microsoft’s unorthodox idea that users want to scroll through things from left to right is gone. The disappearing menus that kept millions from figuring out how to add an account to Mail or share a picture are gone. Replacing them are common sense ideas borrowed from apps on iPhone, Android and the web.

Mail, Camera, Maps, Calendar, People, Music, Photos, Movies & TV, News, Finance, Weather and Sports have all gotten make overs. The apps that haven’t gotten make overs are already on their way out. Skype has been discontinued and Microsoft now hopes that users will install the Skype desktop app until it unveils a dedicated Messages app later this year to take the old Skype apps place.

There’s only one place to find settings now.

The Reign of Internet Explorer Is Over

After years of hoping that users would forget about its reputation, Microsoft is conceding that Internet Explorer’s time in the sun is over. The browser will live on in versions of Windows 10, there whenever users come across a website that just won’t work correctly for some reason.

Replacing it is Microsoft Edge, the company’s all-new browser for all devices. Microsoft Edge embraces the standards that Chrome and Firefox use instead of its own code. Later in the year Microsoft plans to add extension support so that developers can add more features over time themselves. Already, it has a built-in notetaking mode for devices with a touch screen and a reading mode for consuming longform stories and content. There’s even built-in password management.

On Windows 10 Office is Completely Free for Basic Users To Read Documents With

For a long time users somehow collectively assumed that Microsoft Office was just something that came with Windows. To them, the two were forever joined. Millions of users who needed power features and reliability reluctantly picked up $120+ copies of Microsoft’s productivity apps. Others simply switched to using Google Docs.

Windows 10 marks the first time that Microsoft has made copies of its Office apps available for free to Windows 10 users in app form. Office Online has existed for years, but Windows users watched as Microsoft made viewing documents free in Office apps for Windows Phones, iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Available on launch day in the Windows Store are very functional, free versions of OneNote, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Each connects to Microsoft’s OneDrive service. Users who need more features and document editing can sign up for an Office 365 account for as little as $6.99 a month.

You Don't Have to Worry About Updates

For years, Microsoft has provided tips and best practices for getting and keeping your Windows PCs up-to-date. A growing number of people are now more security and update conscious than they used to be, but some still fail to practice proper PC hygiene.

Microsoft is taking that out of users hands. Businesses are still be able to decide what essential apps get installed on their networks. Users at home will no longer have that luxury. Instead, Windows 10 automates the process, giving users no choice but to install the latest software updates on their systems. Users do get the opportunity to schedule a specific time to perform restarts after software upgrades.

Windows 10 Integrates with Your iPhone & Android Smartphone

Deep down, Microsoft knows that integrating Windows and Windows Phone is essential. Only by having both operating systems work together does either one stand a chance of surviving in a world where people demand a decent ecosystem. All the same apps and services that work in Windows 10 for notebooks, tablets, desktops and 2-in-1s works with Windows Phone. Passwords and other information always sync between the too.

The company is also very realistic about its chances of eclipsing iPhone and Android at this point. In addition to offering its own operating system, Microsoft is reaching out to users through a new app called Phone Companion.

Phone companion allows users to add files to their Android and Windows Phones. In addition to that, the app includes quick links to apps that bring the Windows experience to the iPhone and Android. Besides OneDrive and Outlook, the app includes Cortana, the digital personal assistant that’s built into Windows 10.

Every Windows 10 PC is an Xbox One

The Xbox One is Microsoft’s consumer pride and joy. The company toiled for years in the console space, building a name for itself and snatching away users from other platforms. While it was doing that, video game maker Valve was busy stealing PC gamers right from under its nose.

With Windows 10 Microsoft is trying to turn around its PC and mobile gaming fortunes. First, the Xbox One Wireless Controller will work when plugged into a Windows 10 PC using a microUSB cable. Second, the company plans to add a wireless dongle for those who’d like to ditch the cable connection entirely.

Software wise, the Games app has been tossed out in favor of the Xbox app. Besides providing quick access to Xbox Live, the app lets users record videos and take screenshots from within their games with just a keyboard combination. Video game makers can create Xbox enabled games on PC that have the same Xbox Live privileges as games on the Xbox One. The same technology that allows the Windows Store to carry compartmentalized Desktop apps can be used for video games too.