Recommended Posts

looks like you moved your theme from "start menu is dead" to now "desktop" is dead. What will be next for you?

Did you see anything where they're returning to desktop only paradigms?

Care to prove me wrong? Today has showed that Windows 10 is all about responsive computing. Universal apps, cloud computing, and mobility is driving Windows forward. Not once did I see anything related to the classic desktop. Not even a hint of anything forthcoming. Microsoft is moving past the desktop. It's dead.

 

Prove me wrong.  Where did Microsoft proclaim:  "Desktop is dead" ?  You do understand that "universal apps" can run windowed on a...wait for it.............DESKTOP?

 

Per the Microsoft Windows 10 page:  "The next version of the Office desktop suite is also currently in development, more on this in the coming months."

 

Yea, the desktop is dead.   :rolleyes:

  • Like 3

Prove me wrong.  Where did Microsoft proclaim:  "Desktop is dead" ?  You do understand that "universal apps" can run windowed on a...wait for it.............DESKTOP?

 

Per the Microsoft Windows 10 page:  "The next version of the Office desktop suite is also currently in development, more on this in the coming months."

 

Yea, the desktop is dead.   :rolleyes:

I think you and I have two different definitions of "Desktop". The desktop only stuff you saw in Windows 9x, XP, and 7? Yeah, all that's gone now. Universal apps, and the cloud are the future of Windows.

As for Cortana, its focus is clearly mobile and tablet devices. Also I'm pretty sure MS doesn't give a rats ass about people with old desktop pc's, their target clearly is

 

Their target, I think, is in encouraging app development by a broader ecosystem.

 

The lines are already so blurred between the larger smart phones, phablets, tablets, Surface etc, and laptops that a unified OS is much more functional than anything restricted to one set of devices.

 

I think they do care about desktops... they just view the desktop alongside every other system. They are making it work in concert, not in competition.

I think you and I have two different definitions of "Desktop". The desktop only stuff you saw in Windows 9x, XP, and 7? Yeah, all that's gone now. Universal apps, and the cloud are the future of Windows.

 

uh what?  The desktop is...the desktop?   :huh:

 

Your definition is apparently wrong since you're referring to applications/programs or whatever.  Not the same thing.

 

If anything, with Windows 10, Microsoft is bringing the desktop back into focus by allowing windowed Modern UI apps.  

I think you and I have two different definitions of "Desktop". The desktop only stuff you saw in Windows 9x, XP, and 7? Yeah, all that's gone now. Universal apps, and the cloud are the future of Windows.

 

This could be the source of the misunderstanding and clear definaitions can clear things up a lot. 

 

 To most, a desktop is what you see when you sit (or some stand) at a desk/table/couch/chair and use a computer to navigate the web, use programs, through chat, using a keyboard/mouse/or touch while viewing on a large (15+" typically)  screen....

 

Could you define what a "Desktop" is you? This whole time you weren't talking about apps that can be used on all devices have you?

  • Like 2

Google Voice and Siri are used on mobile devices which have built-in microphones so I can actually use it, I don't have a microphone on my desktop PC.

 

edit: Its seems that my post which just asked what the purpose of Cortana was on a desktop PC was deleted.. that is odd..

Do you have a keyboard on your desktop PC?  Do you have a webcam?

 

Either can be used to leverage Cortana - it's not limited to voice-only.

 

And if it were, it can use the mic built in to your webcam - if you have a working webcam at all.

Doesn't matter if you have a mic now, you will soon. It isn't like it is a huge investment. I've had a USB mic that I rarely touch for years.

I have a rather common beamforming mic (came with my Recon3D in PCI Express - it's the same one that ships with current Creative sound cards).  Even if I didn't, if you have a webcam, Cortana can leverage its built-in mic (just like Skype - or any application that supports audio-in - can leverage that same mic).  You're thinking of Google Now or Siri (which use ONLY vocal input, can't leverage keyboards - which Cortana can - and are limited to mobile hardware).  If you use ANY sort of voice application (TeamSpeak or Razer Comms or Curse Voice), what do you use with it?

let's not disparage others. we want good honest dialog. some may have bad info, be nice and correct that. but we should never disrespect others. opinions are just that, opinions.

 

I'm saddened by the apparent trashing of msstyles. I can't see msstyles in modern UI, just might not be feasible. I'm a hobby user and gamer. straight up. I don't need frills or eye candy as they tend to get old fast.

 

if I had a tablet like surface, I'd strictly use modern UI and some mix of desktop for browsing. as a gamer, a combo of desktop and DX12 is my specialty. I'll do what I can to completely alter the look of the default desktop and add some sort of theme for my enjoyment. can one install icons? reason I ask is, most sites i saw today shocked me with flat icons that should fit 8.1 and 10. 

Well, I wasn't saying the use in Windows would be limited. I already use Cortana for non-voice on WP8.

 

On Teamspeak etc I usually use headset with a mic, but when Win10 is installed, I'll definitely use my desktop mic always on.

 

Regarding someone last page who said Win has had voice control for several versions... yea, it did, but that voice control sucked and was very limited in application.

This could be the source of the misunderstanding and clear definaitions can clear things up a lot. 

 

 To most, a desktop is what you see when you sit (or some stand) at a desk/table/couch/chair and use a computer to navigate the web, use programs, through chat, using a keyboard/mouse/or touch while viewing on a large (15+" typically)  screen....

 

Could you define what a "Desktop" is you? This whole time you weren't talking about apps that can be used on all devices have you?

To me, "Desktop" is the whole ecosystem. Programs. Workflow. Etc. - All that encompasses "desktop" in my books. What Microsoft used to do with Windows XP back in 2004, they're not doing today with Windows 10. The difference between the two is like night and day. While we still have familiar concepts such as the taskbar, and 'windows' on the desktop, they are still very much different, and point to a future where the 'desktop' is no longer a player in computing. Manual window management, manual file management, manual searching through the Start Menu, Mouse only navigation, etc - None of these are primary "features" anymore. Microsoft is very much wading away from the desktop everyone here is referring to.

I don't quite understand why "desktop" and "cloud" are mutually exclusive. The main functional use of "desktop" is running multiple apps simultaneously in the same space. The second is the file system. Both are sorely lacking on mobile systems.

 

Just keep the taskbar and windowed apps. This is essential in work and play.

 

I have everything of that on my Surface without having to go into a masterrace mancave.

I think you and I have two different definitions of "Desktop". The desktop only stuff you saw in Windows 9x, XP, and 7? Yeah, all that's gone now. Universal apps, and the cloud are the future of Windows.

 

Can you see the wallpaper in front of you with start menu on your left hand side of your screen on your Windows 10 TP build on your PC right now?

 

Yes? Then you have the desktop. It's right there with the taskbar at the bottom.

 

No? Then you must be a troll staring at the start screen and saying "Oh, That's neat! Mommy, look at the live tiles all over the screen! Yay!"

 

:rolleyes:

  • Like 2

To me, "Desktop" is the whole ecosystem. Programs. Workflow. Etc. - All that encompasses "desktop" in my books. What Microsoft used to do with Windows XP back in 2004, they're not doing today with Windows 10. The difference between the two is like night and day. While we still have familiar concepts such as the taskbar, and 'windows' on the desktop, they are still very much different, and point to a future where the 'desktop' is no longer a player in computing. Manual window management, manual file management, manual searching through the Start Menu, Mouse only navigation, etc - Microsoft is wading away from the desktop everyone here is referring to.

 

You're describing an operating system called Microsoft Windows, which has undergone many changes since Windows 1.0.  You're not, however, describing the desktop.

 

I guess Microsoft is "wading" so far from the desktop it ...

 

 

 

Microsoft is giving us an early look today at how Windows 10 will run on tablets, and it

I have everything of that on my Surface without having to go into a masterrace mancave.

 

Good for you? I can't seem to find the file system and taskbar on my phone. My masterrace mancave is sadly lacking, I suppose. All I have is a desk.

Care to prove me wrong? Today has showed that Windows 10 is all about responsive computing. Universal apps, cloud computing, and mobility is driving Windows forward. Not once did I see anything related to the classic desktop. Not even a hint of anything forthcoming. In fact, Microsoft went out of their way to decommission old desktop only paradigms from Windows past. Microsoft is moving past the desktop. It's dead.

I wouldn't say the desktop is dead, but it is dying or at least taking a back seat. There have been no mouse specific features added to the OS or new utilities (yet) same old disk management, device management, and defragment and clean disk dialogs. Hopefully that will change. I also want proxy icons and spring loaded folders.

The Windows Desktop is vital to content creators and anyone needing large, complex or high performance software. To say that this is unimportant, dead or something Windows is moving away from shows a profound misunderstanding of the software industry and how computers are used. As a major player in this industry Microsoft understands this better than anyone.

 

If anything the Windows Desktop has seen more evolution in Windows 8 and 10 than in Windows 7. Its interface and functionality are increasingly catering to the needs of power users, virtual desktops being an obvious example.

 

Of course Windows has done extremely well on the desktop so far and not so well in the mobile space, so that's where most of the low-hanging fruit is and that's what gets most of the attention right now especially in a consumer-oriented event like yesterday's conference. To go from there to saying that Microsoft is neglecting or letting the desktop die is simply unwarranted.

 

Then again, this discussion will pointlessly go on for 20 more pages at least.

looks like you moved your theme from "start menu is dead" to now "desktop" is dead. What will be next for you?

Cloud computing and Metro is dead.

Some years down the line, he will switch to a Mac. :p

Whats the purpose of Cortana on desktop PC?

 

Who has a microphone connected to their desktop PCs? 

 

 

Personally I think we're screwed. the search bar on the taskbar is probably even uglier than metro and I sure hope there's a way to remove it cause I'd rather chew glass than look at this every day. my two cents

 

 

 

I do for skype. of course your point still stands it's freaking useless (just like it is for mobiles except the novelty probably wears out even quicker)

 

Did you both watch the video? If you did, you would know why Cortana will be good for the desktop.

It's not the desktop that's dead. Windows 10 clearly shows MS is listening to user feedback and improving the desktop with virtual desktops, Cortana integration and what have you.

 

No, what we will see (IMHO) is a push away from Win32 and towards universal applications. It would not surprise me if not too far from now even Office for the desktop will be turned into a universal application. 

 

Win32 apps will still be supported for some time to come, but they'll be relegated to legacy status.

  • Like 2
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Glow 26.9 by Razvan Serea Glow provides detailed reporting on every hardware component in your computer, saving you valuable time typically spent searching for CPU, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, and other stats. With Glow, all the information is conveniently presented in one clean interface, allowing you to easily access and review the comprehensive hardware details of your system. Glow provides detailed information on various system aspects, including OS, motherboard, processor, memory, graphics card, storage, network, battery, drivers, and services. The well-organized format ensures easy access to the required information. You can export all the gathered data to a plain text file, facilitating sharing with others for troubleshooting purposes. No installation needed. Just decompress the archive, launch the executable, and access computer-related information. Glow runs on Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit versions. Glow 26.9 changelog: New Features The processor hardware detection engine has been significantly enhanced beyond traditional Intel and AMD architectures. Native support is now available for modern platforms such as Apple Silicon (M-Series) and the newly introduced NVIDIA Spark. In addition, all ARM-based processors can now be accurately distinguished between ARM32 and ARM64 architectures, providing precise hardware reporting. This marks a major milestone for Glow's hardware detection capabilities. The RAM manufacturer identification algorithm has been expanded. JEDEC vendor codes for popular brands such as Patriot, PNY, Team Group, GeIL, Lexar (Longsys), and Asgard/Gloway have been integrated into the database. This significantly reduces the likelihood of incorrect or "Unknown Manufacturer" results and improves overall hardware detection accuracy. New Public IP Address and Internet Service Provider (ISP) features have been added to the Network section. To ensure reliability, this information is retrieved from the trusted service ipwho.is. When Hiding Mode is enabled, no requests are sent and these features remain hidden, as they may expose sensitive information. The search engine used in the Installed Drivers, Installed Services, and Installed Applications sections has been enhanced. You can now perform more flexible and accurate searches using initials, partial matches, and loosely arranged character sequences. The TS Preloader loading bar has been rebuilt using our modern TS Custom Controls graphics library, developed entirely in-house. As a result of this infrastructure upgrade, the loading bar now features smooth rendering and rounded corners that align with the visual style of Windows 11. [TS Updater] A new validation algorithm has been added to check whether the target application is currently running before the update process begins. Bug Fixes Resolved a condition that could prevent TS Preloader from shutting down safely during rare application crash scenarios. Fixed a text alignment issue in the Network section affecting the display of DNS addresses. Alignment is now rendered correctly. [TS Updater] Fixed an issue that could prevent the updated application's executable "*.exe" file from being located after the update process. [TS Updater] Fixed a bug that could leave outdated "*.sha256" files in the application directory after an update. [TS Updater] Fixed a rare issue that could cause subfolders to be moved into the root directory after an update. [TS Updater] Fixed an issue during the first launch that could cause flickering and a temporary white window appearance due to Windows Defender interactions. Changes A small improvement has been made to the internet connectivity detection algorithm. Connectivity checks are now performed in the background with minimal impact on the user interface thread. The keyboard shortcuts in the top menu have been reorganized and simplified to provide a consistent experience across all Türkaysoft applications and to avoid potential conflicts with standard Windows shortcuts. The TS Preloader splash image has been updated with a Türkiye-themed stadium design to celebrate Türkiye's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—its first appearance in 24 years. Congratulations, Türkiye! The TS Custom Controls module has been updated to version 26.6, delivering improved stability and a more polished visual appearance. [TS Updater] The application icon has been redesigned to provide a more modern and refined look. Note: Always unzip the program before using it. Otherwise you may get an error. Download: Glow 26.9 | 1.8 MB (Open Source) Links: Glow Homepage | Screenshot | Github Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • DWARF mini review: the world's smallest smart telescope for night and day sky captures by Steven Parker DWARFLAB reached out to me asking if I was interested in checking out the DWARF mini, which is a portable astronomy telescope designed for amateur astronomers. Why do I say it's for amateurs? Well, for starters, it's not what you'd call "high end"; it's more of a professional-grade starting point for amateurs serious about capturing what's up there in our night and day skies. A typical amateur astronomer is most likely thousands of dollars deep into the hobby, and I will make no claims that this DWARF mini (at a fraction of the cost) could replace it all, okay? Well, if you read on, it will be clearer what I am trying to convey. Disclosure: DWARFLAB provided a free sample without any editorial input or review pre-approval. I have always been interested in looking up and observing the night sky. I see satellites crossing the sky above my garden most nights, and I am always looking at the moon. Yeah, I have a 200MP camera on my phone, but at 200X zoom, AI takes over and makes the pretty moon pictures that I snap, the DWARF mini does not, you get an actual true picture of what you can barely see with the naked eye. Before we start, let's share the highlights of the DWARF mini in bite-sized format: Pocket-Sized & Ultra-Lightweight Weighing just 1.85 lbs (840g), the DWARF mini easily fits into a backpack or large pocket. Its all-in-one, compact design makes it the ultimate grab-and-go digital telescope for hiking, camping, or traveling to dark-sky locations. Intuitive App Control & Built-in Sky Atlas Go from unboxing to your first shot in just 3 minutes! The DWARFLAB App provides a seamless experience with an interactive star map. Simply select your target and start exploring without the steep learning curve of traditional setups. Auto GOTO & 360° Pivot Freedom Enjoy pinpoint automated tracking with full 360° rotation. Powered by a high-sensitivity Sony IMX662 sensor (1/2.8-inch, 2.9μm pixels), it captures amazing, low-noise astro details, bringing faint nebulas and star clusters to life with stunning clarity. Pro-Level EQ Mode & Long Exposure Unlock advanced deep-space imaging with Equatorial (EQ) Mode. Supporting impressive single-frame exposures up to 90 seconds and featuring built-in light pollution filters, it easily cuts through city glow to reveal intricate celestial structures. Smart Cloud Processing & All-Ages Fun Effortlessly enhance your raw data with integrated cloud processing for professional-grade results. Perfect for beginners, kids, and adults, this telescope makes exploring and sharing the wonders of the universe an exciting, family-friendly adventure. The packaging is a pretty minimal affair with the outer box opening like a flap to reveal the plastic mould of the DWARF mini sitting in it. Below, the Sun filter, charging cable, cleaning cloth, and documentation can be found. DWARFLAB also provided a Mini Hydraulic Tripod ($89.99), and I highly recommend getting it if you plan on purchasing the DWARF mini, as it fully supports the motorized tracking feature of the telescope; plus, at 840g, the weight of the telescope, you will need a tripod that supports more than the weight of a smartphone anyway. What's in the box DWARF Mini Smart Telescope × 1 Sun Filter x 1 Type-C to Type-C Cord x 1 Cleaning Cloth x 1 User Guide With that out of the way, here are the full specs: DWARF mini Dimensions (DWH): 60.70 mm x 100.38 × 183.61 (2.39" x 3.95" x 7.23") Weight: 840g (1.85lbs) Aperture diameter: 30 mm (telephoto), 3.4 mm (wide angle) Image Sensor: SONY IMX662 1/2.8" (Telephoto) OmniVision OS02K10 1/2.8" (Wide-angle) Focal length: 150 mm (telephoto), 6.7 mm (wide-angle) Equivalent focal length: 1016 mm (telephoto), 45 mm (wide-angle) Shutter Speed: Tele - 1/10000-90s, Wide - 1/10000-30s Maximum exposure time: 90s (telephoto & wide-angle), Both in EQ mode Rotation range: Lens: 225°, Base: 360° Effective Pixels: 2.07M Maximum Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (Telephoto & Wide-angle) Built-in filters: Astro, Dark, Duo-Band (Telephoto), Astro (Wide-angle) Output: JPG, FITS, TIFF, MP4 Shooting Mode: Photos, Videos, Astronomy, Burst Shooting, Time-lapse Photography Storage: 64 GB Battery: Built-in 7000 mAh, supports external USB charging Charging Port: Type-C NPU: 1 TOPS Features: WiFi, NFC NFC One-Touch Connection Astronomy Post-Processing/Appointment Shooting/Astronomy Mosaic Wi-Fi Transmission Range: 15m (open environment) Color: Black Compatibility: iOS & Android smartphones/tablets Warranty: 2-years (24-months) MSRP: $399 Design Charge port On/off button Lens On the DWARF mini itself, it is a pretty minimal affair. On one side, there is a Type-C USB port to charge the non-removable 7000 mAh battery, and on the other side, a large button to power on or off the telescope. The button is flanked by an LED that is green when connected via the DWARFLAB app, or lights up red when being powered off. Below the button, there are four LEDs that indicate battery power. The DWARF mini does not have any sharp edges as all sides are rounded off; it has a good heft to it, but the weight of it feels quite balanced in the hand, so it isn't top or bottom-heavy. On the front there is the DWARFLAB logo which is quite small and there are no other markings on it. The tripod offers full 360° rotation of the motorized base, which allows for tracking for the time-lapse mode, but also for the 90-second captures of nearer objects in the sky, such as the Sun or the moon. Usage To get started, simply power on the DWARF mini and open the DWARFLAB app, tap on Connect, and it will scan for the DWARF mini over the Wi-Fi network. The device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, as well as Bluetooth for discovery, so connection issues were minimal in my experience with it. As previously noted in the specs, the DWARF mini will stay connected with a phone or tablet up to 15 meters in an open environment, such as a backyard. Lighting status Powering on: The green circular light will rotate and breathe in turn Powering off: The red circular light is gradually extinguished Connecting: Green light strip rotating Connected: Green light strip solid/always on 4 lights 1= 0-25%, 2= 25-50%, 3= 50-75%, 4= 75-100% battery power To view the full lighting status, such as tracking mode and connection failure, you can check the user guide on the official DWARFLAB page. DWARFLAB app Above, you can see the steps undertaken to connect the DWARFLAB app to my Galaxy S26 Ultra. Weirdly, I got an alert that a firmware update failed to get uploaded to the DWARF mini the first time, but upon retrying, it worked. Then place the DWARF mini outside, make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to it, and then head back inside, because you can manage it from the comfort of your home. Simply enter the Atlas tab in the app and search for what you want to capture, and then tap on the camera icon; the DWARF mini will then attempt to track the object and give you a live view right on your connected device. Results I've had the DWARF mini since April, but even though my garden is south-facing, I had a lot of trouble trying to capture a good image of the moon. In the end, it was possible after I took it with me on a trip to my parents in Southend, UK, at the end of May. Here is a capture of the moon, resulting from 20 stacked images over a 90-second exposure. What you are seeing here is not AI-assisted. A good example of what I mean is the latest flagships with their 200MP cameras claiming to capture things like closeups of the moon, and while they are not as good as the above example on the DWARF mini, the resulting image on smartphones is actually AI-assisted above 30X zoom. Here is an example of a similar shot at the moon at 200X zoom using an HONOR Magic8 Pro. The difference is clear. Next, here we have a shot of the daytime moon. Here is a shot of Arcturus, the red giant star, which is the fourth brightest in the night sky. As previously mentioned, it could be a bit clearer, but clouds passing in front of it muddied the shot a bit. The Sun The DWARF mini also ships with a sun filter, meaning you can take great shots of the sun as well. Tracking Sun Resulting (stacked) shot Live zoom The pictures themselves are limited to Full HD, and some of the examples actually came out in HD (1280x720), but this is because the standard telescopic result is in 720p while "Wide" is in 1080p. Above you can see how in the app the Sun is tracked, the resulting capture, and Live zoom. I have only scratched the surface of what is possible with this telescope; I found several examples online of shots of the Milky Way, among others, such as nebulae and galaxies. All of this requires patience and knowledge, although if you know what you are looking for, simply enter it in the Atlas tab in the DWARFLAB app, tap the camera icon, and the telescope will attempt to track it. Conclusion The good The DWARF mini definitely places itself in a price point that makes astrology accessible to anyone looking to get started in the hobby. Say you want to have a closer look at the moon, simply enter it in the Atlas, and the Live view also lets you zoom in and snap pictures. The bad Some issues I came across while operating the DWARF mini were that it sometimes failed to connect unless I held my smartphone right next to it, and finding and tracking sometimes took several attempts to get it calibrated. I discovered that it helped if I sort of positioned and pointed the telescope in the general area it was supposed to detect, but this obviously wouldn't work with objects you can't see with the naked eye; more testing is required for that. Another bit of advice is to ensure that the lens is clean. While making the examples of live zooming on the sun, I discovered that the telescope lens and sun filter were not completely clean, and only after cleaning with a microfiber cloth was I able to get a decent shot of the sun. Where to buy and a coupon Okay, $399 is not cheap for a side hobby, but nor is a $1,500 smartphone flagship that you'll most likely have for a couple of years. This is a one-time entrance into astrology, and it won't become obsolete in one year like a smartphone. It's a thumbs up from me. The DWARF mini is available to buy right now in the U.S. and U.K. at the links below. DWARF mini for $399 on the official site DWARF mini for $399 on Amazon U.S. Use the NEOWIN5OFF coupon code for an additional 5% off at checkout (expires June 21) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader Dis Continued
    • The name, you mean? If so, it's actually the objects common name. There's another one called NGC 7293 which is also known as Helix Nebula (because we're looking at a helix structure top down) but other times also known as the Eye of God. You'll understand when you see it
    • Welcome to Neowin! Enjoy your stay!
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      lamborghiniv10 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      lamborghiniv10 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      X-No-file earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • One Month Later
      pestcontrol46 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      pestcontrol46 earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      272
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      75
    4. 4
      +Edouard
      71
    5. 5
      FloatingFatMan
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!