#software_innovation.

[phonemantra-blog]

Not available on smartphones yet It seems that Chinese companies have decided to seriously push Android out of at least the domestic market. Huawei has been promoting HarmonyOS for a long time, Xiaomi introduced HyperOS, and now Vivo has joined the game by announcing BlueOS. [caption id="attachment_78142" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Vivo BlueOS[/caption] Vivo BlueOS introduced As Vivo itself says, BlueOS is its independently developed command operating system for the era of generative artificial intelligence. It stands out for its safety, smooth operation, and smart features. It is also the world's first OS to use the Rust programming language. BlueOS isn't just for smartphones. It can run on various devices with processors with a frequency of 200 MHz and 32 MB of RAM. However, it will not appear on smartphones shortly.

[phonemantra-blog]

For PC and mobile Microsoft has released a test build of a major Skype update. Users can already get access to innovations as part of the Skype Insider testing program.  [caption id="attachment_76041" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft[/caption] Skype 8.107 Preview is already available for all platforms supported by the service. The update offers an update to the design of the message reply interface, audio interface, and camera interface on mobile devices. As noted by the developers, there is an updated user interface for replying to Skype messages that will make every conversation clear, smooth, and consistent. For example, the new vertical line allows you to instantly discover replies to messages among general chat. Microsoft is preparing a major update to Skype - users can already test it [caption id="attachment_76042" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft[/caption] The updated Skype audio messaging interface offers on-demand playback, among other innovations. To do this, simply press the Play/Pause button or the wave icon. You can also now determine the duration of a recorded audio message at a glance; convenient time stamps have appeared. The playback speed can be accelerated.  Preview of media files before sending is now available in the camera interface of mobile Skype. You can preview one or more photos in the editor before clicking Submit.  And these are not all the changes. You can download the latest build of Skype Insider from the official website. The program is available on Windows 10 and 11, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS (closed beta).

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The update gave an error Microsoft has fixed an issue that caused Windows 10 security updates released earlier this month to fail with error 0x8007000d. For systems affected by this issue, specifically Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 10 22H2, security updates KB5031356 were not installed despite showing an installation progress bar. The company acknowledged the problems on Friday, confirming user complaints that had been coming up since Tuesday and saying that attempting to install the update manually was also impossible. [caption id="attachment_69829" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft[/caption] Microsoft admitted this and has already fixed the error. “Microsoft has received reports of an issue that prevents Windows updates released on October 10, 2023 (KB5031356) from installing. Devices may initially show progress, but then fail to complete installation, Microsoft said. — According to our reports, one of the most common errors is error 8007000D (ERROR_INVALID_DATA). This error can be found in the Windows Update view under System Settings by selecting Update History. Microsoft addressed the issue over the weekend with Known Issue Rollback, a Windows feature that lets you undo buggy non-security updates distributed through Windows Update. Correction may take up to 24 hours. Users can also restart their Windows devices.

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In older builds of Windows 11, the trick still works, but in new builds, it no longer works. Microsoft has announced the closure of the channel for free migration from Windows 7 and 8 operating systems to modern versions of Windows. [caption id="attachment_61024" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] Until now, users could activate Windows 11 and 10 using valid Windows 7, Windows 8, and 8.1 keys. This “tradition” dates back to 2015, when Microsoft released Windows 10 with a one-year free update period. Apart from giving Windows 7/8 users a free upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft has also allowed their latest OS to be activated using keys from previous editions. Microsoft has blocked the ability to activate Windows 11 with Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys [caption id="attachment_61025" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] Upgrading from Windows 7 and 8 to the latest versions of Windows has been impossible for some time, and now Microsoft is eliminating the loophole that allows you to activate the latest OS with old Windows license keys. The check showed that although old Windows 7 and 8 keys can still activate Windows 11 version 22H2, new versions no longer accept them. Thematic resource Neowin managed to activate a virtual machine running Windows 11 version 22H2, but a similar virtual machine running the latest Windows 11 Canary build (presumably version 24H2) rejected the Windows 7 key.

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Don't be upset, there are plenty of alternatives Microsoft has begun warning about the imminent shutdown of another service - offline maps that can work offline, without an Internet connection, will no longer be available in the Windows operating system.  [caption id="attachment_60411" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft disables offline maps[/caption] As users have noticed, when opening the Maps app in Windows 11, a message appears: “By the end of 2023, offline maps will no longer be available in the Maps app.” After this date, you will not be able to view offline maps in the application. Minus one: Microsoft disables offline maps in Windows 11 [caption id="attachment_60412" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Microsoft disables offline maps[/caption] The decision to end support is most likely due to the expiration of the agreement between Nokia, its Here brand, and Microsoft. Microsoft acquired Nokia's mapping and navigation business (Here) in 2015, and since then both companies have been working together to create offline maps for Windows.

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The company has not yet decided whether to return the drag-and-drop feature. Yesterday, Microsoft released the biggest update since the existence of the Windows 11 operating system. As users discovered, along with the Windows 11 23H2 (or Moment 4) update, one useful feature disappeared from the OS. [caption id="attachment_60403" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] We are talking about the possibility of “drag and drop”. As Mayank Parmar, owner of the WindowsLatest topic resource, humorously complains, new Microsoft developers don't like the drag-and-drop feature or don't understand its importance. When Windows 11 first came out, users couldn't drag and drop items onto the taskbar like they were used to. The option was returned a year later in the Windows 11 22H2 update. Microsoft "celebrated" the option as completely new, although it was familiar to many different versions of Windows. And it looks like history will repeat itself. [caption id="attachment_60404" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] The biggest Windows 11 update: not only new features but also losses in Explorer Windows 11 23H2 introduces Explorer with a redesigned design, recommendations, and a new address bar that's deeply integrated with OneDrive cloud storage. Microsoft support explains: Explorer's newly designed address bar recognizes local and cloud folders. It also shows the status of the file. For Microsoft OneDrive users, the address bar now includes OneDrive sync status and a storage limits pop-up window. [caption id="attachment_60407" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11[/caption] This is all well and good, but with the new address bar, you can no longer drag and drop files or apps. For example, if you have two folders on your computer and you want to move a file from one to the other. Previously, when dragging, the “Move to...” mark appeared, but now it is gone, and the entire function does not work. Here is one typical complaint: Removing this feature from the address bar has disrupted my workflow many times lately. A Microsoft representative said that the company is aware of these changes, but no decision has been made on this matter yet. The company reported: This [drag and drop] is not currently supported by the updated address bar... we will continue to monitor feedback.

[phonemantra-blog]

With updated Explorer, AI in Paint, and integrated RAR support Microsoft has released the largest update to Windows 11 since the existence of this OS. There are a lot of new things in it, and one of the main new features is the Copilot function. [caption id="attachment_60343" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Copilot is a reimagined Bing Chat chatbot adapted for use on Windows. It opens into a classic sidebar that lets you manage your PC settings, launch apps, or get answers to questions without having to go to Google. To some extent, Copilot replaces Cortana. The update added artificial intelligence to the familiar Paint, Scissors, and Photos apps. Some Photoshop features (transparency and layers) have also appeared in Paint, and an AI image generator is also promised. [caption id="attachment_60344" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] A holiday for all Windows 11 users: Windows 11 23H2 has been released AI in Scissors allows you to “cut” text from an image, copy it, and paste it, for example, into a text document or table. In Photos, AI will automatically separate the subject from the background and blur the background. Naturally, in the settings, you can specify the degree of “intensity” of the blur. [caption id="attachment_60345" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Explorer hasn't added much to its capabilities, but it has changed in appearance and is more in line with the style of Windows 11. It now has larger file thumbnails and an option to display the latest files in a carousel style. [caption id="attachment_60346" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 11 23H2[/caption] Windows 11 23H2 integrates the ability to control RGB lighting of various devices (case fans, mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.) from various manufacturers (Acer, Asus, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer). That is, now to adjust the backlight, you will not need to install third-party applications. Windows 11 23H2 also integrates support for RAR and 7-zip file archives, so you can do without WinRAR. And this, of course, is not a complete list of innovations.

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1.2 million users update daily A big Huawei press conference has begun in China. Huawei Managing Director, Terminal BG CEO, and Smart Car Solutions Chairman Yu Chengdong shared the latest achievements of the HarmonyOS operating system. Since the release of HarmonyOS 4, more than 60 million users have upgraded in just a month, with approximately 1.2 million users updating every day today. This version of HarmonyOS is being installed at a record pace. According to Yu Chengdong, the Huawei Mate60 series is very popular among consumers, and the company's partners are now working overtime to urgently produce new batches of smartphones [caption id="attachment_59713" align="aligncenter" width="780"] HarmonyOS 4[/caption] Yu Chengdong previously stated that China has created more than 30 operating systems based on the open-source HarmonyOS, covering industrial terminals, mobile phones, tablets, and home terminals. In total, there are about 600 million users. Currently, HarmonyOS is the third largest mobile phone operating system in the world. Unlike other systems, HarmonyOS covers not only mobile phones, but also wearable devices, smart screens, cars, and other terminals, and its market share is growing rapidly.

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For 52.5 million rubles As Vedomosti writes, 1,800 licenses of domestic analogs of the Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of office programs were purchased for deputies and administrative workers of the parliament. An employee of a large IT company spoke about this and was confirmed by the technical director of the license provider - integrator Step Logic Stanislav Darchinov. In particular, it is mentioned that the role of the operating system was entrusted to Astra Linux, and the place of Microsoft Office was replaced by the MyOffice package. At this stage, we are talking about perpetual licenses with three years for receiving updates. The publication added that the purchase amount was 52.5 million rubles. [caption id="attachment_62777" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Windows and Microsoft[/caption] Windows and Microsoft Office are being replaced. The information was confirmed on the government procurement portal, as well as in the press service of the State Duma. 1,800 My office licenses cost 23.1 million rubles, and the same number of Astra Linux licenses cost 29.3 million rubles. Only Step Logic's application was received for the competition. “The solutions were fully delivered to the customer in September,” said Stanislav Darchinov. The developers of the MyOffice software package and the Astra Linux operating system declined to comment. It was previously reported that Microsoft stopped renewing licenses for Russian companies after September 30.

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The cloud version aims to compete with ChromeOS Microsoft is indeed working on a “web-centric” version of the next generation of the Windows operating system, widely known as Windows 12. This was reported by the thematic resource WindowsLatest, citing several sources close to Microsoft and its industry partners.  [caption id="attachment_61723" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Windows 12[/caption] The cloud, or web-based, version of Windows 12 is similar in operating principles to the already well-known ChromeOS operating system from Google, which is used mainly on school and student PCs and laptops, which are characterized by accessibility.  Microsoft is preparing a lightweight version of Windows 12 for very cheap PCs and laptops As WindowsLatest notes, the cloud version of Windows 12 is not intended to replace the traditional proprietary OS on desktop computers and could be the “true” answer to Chrome OS. This is Microsoft's attempt to create a more modern, modular, and lightweight version of Windows for low-cost educational devices.  Microsoft is already building a development team for the next generation of Windows. This is confirmed by job listings appearing online. It also notes that the “next generation of Windows” will appear in 2024. As WindowsLatest learned, the Microsoft Edge browser and a new artificial intelligence system will be the center of the first web version of Windows 12.