Windows 10 For Phones Preview To RTM Direct Upgrade Planned

The Windows 10 for Phones preview just got more awesome. Microsoft recently adopted a very welcome strategy on the desktop with plans for Windows Insiders to be able to upgrade directly to the final version.

As in preview to RTM release.

And while Windows 10 for Phones preview is only available for a few handsets right now, there is every chance that this test version will be downloaded by millions when it becomes available on more devices.

For this reason, it is quite critical for these users to have a smooth upgrade path.

Good thing then that this is exactly what Microsoft is working on right now. The company plans to allow Windows Insiders easy upgrades to the final RTM version — without the need for a clean install. It also reduces the risk of errors and issues that may arise during the process.

Gabriel Aul said that this is their intent:

@avladd That is our intent yes. Bugs are always possible. This is a technical preview.

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 13, 2015

Referring to preview to RTM upgrades here.

If anything, this is what Microsoft plans for all current versions of Windows, particularly as it wants these users to upgrade to Windows 10 within the first year of launch.

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will be offered the possibility of upgrading to Windows 10 via the integrated Windows Update feature in these operating platforms. Only makes sense to deliver a similar experience for the phone operating system.

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Recovery Tool Downgrades Windows 10 Preview To Windows Phone 8.1

Tried Windows 10 Preview on your handsets? Found it stable? Good. If not, and you find yourself bugged by the issues present in this beta version then you can always downgrade.

Microsoft promised a recovery tool for users that want to go back to a more stable version of its mobile operating system, and the company has launched it. Conveniently titled the Windows Phone Recovery Tool, the application allows users to downgrade to the previous version.

The reliable and stable Windows Phone 8.1.

You need to download the application via this link, and connect your handset to computer using a USB cable. Make sure that all necessary drivers are installed.

The app automatically detects your phone and prompts you to downgrade to Windows Phone 8.1. It is very easy to use, meaning users don’t need to be experts or overly experienced with this. The straightforward process only takes a few minutes to complete.

A word of caution, though.

Do ensure that you do not interrupt the downgrade process.

No matter what.

Even if the application appears to freeze.

Give it some time and it will finish the downgrade and have Windows Phone 8.1 up and ready on your smartphones. Just as before when you upgraded to Windows 10 for Phones preview.

Downgrading means you will lose your apps and settings, though. And that is because the contents of your phone are erased, and the operating system is installed fresh. Goes without saying that you should back up your content on the device before you initiate the downgrade.

Download:Windows Phone Recovery Tool

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Snapdragon 810 Chip Delivers Heavenly Performance

All this talk of preview operating system is more than enough to make heads spin. Let’s talk about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chip for a little change of pace from Windows 10 and Windows 10 for Phones preview builds.

Microsoft is sure to use this new solution in upcoming flagship Windows Phone smartphones.

And benchmarks reveal that the mobile processor delivers some really wild performance numbers, at least in synthetic tests. Real world performance will be quite similar, one can expect, which means we are looking at some really big improvements.

In AnTuTu, a popular benchmarking tool, the Snapdragon 810 managed to score 61,499 points.

Really out of this world.

This is, of course, on a test unit with a 2K display running Android 5.0.2. Windows Phone numbers on say, a standard 1080p screen are going to be even better.

Still, this is a solid increase from previous Qualcomm offerings.

The Snapdragon 805 on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 managed 49,136 points on the same test, while the Snapdragon 801 that powers the Sony Xperia Z3 was only good enough for 42,334.

Just for the record, the Apple A8 chip that powers the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus only scored 46,940 points. Meaning the Snapdragon 810 really towers over the competition right now. Excellent news, as the chip goes into production by the middle of March.

We’ll soon see a number of devices running Windows 10 for Phones being powered by the Snapdragon 810 — from Lumia flagships to Windows Phone variant of the HTC One M9 Hima.

And judging by these tests, fans of mobile devices are in for a good time.

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Limited Windows 10 For Phones Preview Release Due To Too Many Issues

Microsoft released the Windows 10 for Phones preview this week, but the technology world already knew that only a small number of smartphone would be eligible to install it in this first phase.

That is because unconfirmed reports prior to release already hinted of such a possibility.

Curiously, the demo video that had Joe Belfiore showcasing the new mobile operating system had the senior executive using the Lumia 1520. This led to some people questioning whether there was a workaround that allowed deployment of the test version on the phablet.

The man himself responded to this, saying that Lumia 1520 he used on the video was an engineering sample, and not a retail device.

He further explained that the only reason why this first ever preview build of Windows 10 for Phones is not compatible with more handsets is because that far too many issues are present:

@chief_tech@GabeAul …we ARE working on 1520 and other phones. We were hoping to release more with 1st preview, but too many issues still.

— joebelfiore (@joebelfiore) February 13, 2015

Obviously, many Windows Phone users took to the social channels and feedback platforms to complain that the preview was not available for more devices. And Belfiore had a pretty solid explanation for this, saying that Microsoft had two choices here.

Either release the preview build early on a small number or devices, or delay it to later when fewer people would be left out. Guess which option the people choose?

Besides, a PC BSOD is much easier to fix than a bricked phone.

We wait, then.

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A Couple Updates Releasing for Windows 10 Build 9926 Today

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As part of Microsoft's monthly patching cycle, Gabe Aul has promised on Twitter that a couple new updates will be available today for Windows 10 Build 9926. And, this coincides with the list we received of the full stack that will release today, with only a couple security bulletins affecting all versions of Windows.

As you probably already know, Microsoft ended advance notification for updates recently, and is now only available for contract paying customers. But, if you want to get the list of what's coming today, check out What's Headed Your Way for Microsoft Patch Tuesday over on WindowsITPro.

In his Twitter post, Gabe gives the specific, associate KB articles for the Windows 10 updates.

Releasing some updates on WU for 9926 this morning: http://ift.tt/16V6tUt

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 10, 2015

The KB articles are not live yet, but will be soon.

[Want to discuss this further? Hit me up on Twitter, on Google+, or LinkedIn]

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OneNote 2013 free desktop version gets even better with latest update

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Last March Microsoft announced that a desktop version of OneNote 2013 would be made available for Windows 7, 8/8.1 and Mac computers at no cost to bring the popular note taking tool to users on those devices.

This was in addition to the Windows Store Modern version of the app and the one on Windows Phone. Since then we have also seen free versions of OneNote released on iPad, iPhone, Android and on the web.

Microsoft’s OneNote has truly become a star jewel in Microsoft’s program offerings and was even made a key feature of the Surface Pro 3. This free version meant that people did not have to purchase the entire Office 2013 Suite to get the software.

At the time of its release last year it did have some functionality restrictions that were intended to help set it apart from the paid version of the desktop software.

This latest update to the OneNote 2013 desktop software (Version 15.0.4693.1001) adds the following list of features that you can now use in the free desktop download:

- Password protected sections



– Page history



– Audio recordings



– Video recordings



– Audio search



– Embedded files

The only aspect that is still a differentiator between the free and paid version is where OneNote 2013 Notebooks are allowed to be stored. On the free version OneDrive is your only option however, if you upgrade to the premium version then you can also store Notebooks on local and network drives as well as SharePoint and OneDrive for Business.

You can read more about OneNote 2013 and get links to all the downloadable versions at OneNote.com.

I have now been using OneNote for almost two years to save all of my notes and other information. Are you using it? If so, how are you putting it to use in your daily routine?

But, wait…there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

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Enabling GodMode for Windows 10

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Just a quick-hit tip here. Those that are familiar with gaming know that there's almost always a tweak available to find that will enable god-like powers in games. These tweaks give you things like unlimited lives, indestructibility, and infinite powers. In reality, it's a cheat. But, who hasn't enjoyed it and used it to learn how to beat the toughest levels of gameplay?

For those Windows 10 testers hungry to have similar god-like powers, Windows 10 has its own GodMode. GodMode for Windows 10 gives you access to 262 new god-like powers. And, while it doesn't give you unlimited lives or save you from bluescreens, it does expose some additional features and tools to play with.

How to enable it

Enabling GodMode is pretty simple. You simply create a new folder (can be created anywhere, but I suggest putting it on the Windows 10 Desktop so it's easy to locate), and give the new folder an intricately specific name.

1. Create a New Folder on the desktop…

2. Rename the folder to exactly this (copy and paste is best):

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Voila! Welcome to GodMode! Have fun with it.

I'll be digging through these and talking about some of the more unique and valuable ones. Stay tuned.

P.S. While I've written this tip is for Windows 10, it also works for other versions of Windows. Try it on the version you are using. Works great for Windows 8.1, which exposes 270 functions.

[Want to discuss this further? Hit me up on Twitter, on Google+, or LinkedIn]

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