Not too long after the official launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4, the company said that it will release a software update for the Galaxy S3, which will bring in most of the new features that are not hardware-dependent and if you’ve been waiting for it, here it is, the leaked version at least.

Thanks to insiders from Sammobile, they have received the Android 4.2.2 software update for the Samsung Galaxy SIII which brings several Galaxy S4 features such as an updated lockscreen, the new Settings menu, and many more. The update is available for download though, it’s an unofficial and incomplete version. Android 4.2.2 is still under testing phase by Samsung and is expected to be made available in June 2013 but if you are adventurous enough and do not wish to wait, hit the source link for more information.

Meanwhile for the rest of us, Android 4.2.2 for the Samsung Galaxy SIII comes with new enhancements such as:

• New S4 Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, new unlock effect, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
• New Screen modes: Adapt display and Professional Photo
• Daydream
• Driving mode
• Actionable notifications
• New additions in Notification Center
• Completely revamped Settings UI
• Addition of Voice controls
• Gallery modes with white background
• Full-screen Samsung apps
• New S-Voice
• New smart switch widgets

(Source: Sammobile)

It is not exactly a surprise since most of us are already aware of it through leaked early builds but Microsoft has officially confirmed that Windows Blue will be officially called Windows 8.1. This confirmation was made few hours ago by Tami Reller, the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the company’s Windows division.

Not only that, Reller has also announced that Windows 8.1 will be made available as a free update to existing Windows 8 users via Windows Store. While no actual delivery date has been mentioned, do note that the public preview of Windows 8.1 will be out on 26 June to coincide with Build developer conference in San Francisco.

Available for both Windows 8 and Windows RT, the conference is certainly a good venue for Microsoft to release the preview to users as the company are expected to discuss Windows 8.1 (as well as other major Microsoft products) in detail over there. Let’s see if Windows 8.1 able to provide significant improvement to the operating system.

[Source: Windows Team Blog. Image: Mary Jo Foley] 

We have been hearing the rumors about it for quite some time and earlier today, DiGi has finally announced their partnership with the French-based music streaming service Deezer. As part of the deal, DiGi customers with selected Internet data plans are now able to enjoy Deezer Premium+ services without any charges for at least 3 months.

Alternatively, customers are also able to subscribe to the service for RM 8 per month which is much lowered than Deezer’s standard monthly fee of around RM 18 (USD 5.99) for Premium+ and RM 9 (USD 2.99) for Premium. As part of this package (aptly called Deejay), subscribers are also able to utilize DiGi CallerTunes playlist.

The Deezer Premium+ service allow users unlimited access to around 20 million tracks in Deezer’s catalog without any advertisement through up to three smart devices in addition to their PC. Additionally, the Deezer Premium+ subscribers are also able to enjoy their music while being offline. To check if one is eligible for the free subscription, just point the Internet browser in his or her smartphone to deezer.digi.com.my while connected to DiGi’s mobile data network.

Meanwhile, Deezer’s partnership with DiGi is indeed their first significant attempt to push the service in our market since the service was made available for Malaysian users last year. Then again, it is not exactly a surprise that Deezer choose to partner with the telco as they also have similar arrangement with dtac of Thailand which is also a company under the Telenor group just like DiGi. Deezer’s partnership with Orange back in France is apparently quite successful; so let’s see if they are able to emulate it here in Malaysia through DiGi.

To learn more details about the new DiGi – Deezer music streaming collaboration, check out www.digi.com.my/deezer and www.deezer.com.

While Windows 8 brings together a fresh new look in the form of Modern (previously known as Metro) user interface and a new Start screen to the long running operating system, not all users are happy with them. In fact, there are actually quite a lot of users out there that demand the return of the iconic Start button and an option to boot directly to desktop environment just like Windows 7.

Well, their wishes might be granted soon as there are reports that those functionalities might make a return to the operating system as part of the upcoming major update called Windows Blue a.k.a Windows 8.1. That being said, nothing is finalized at the time being which means that there are still possibilities that these features will be taken out prior to the public release of Blue.

Since the new Start screen is designed for touch gestures, consumers that using non-touch devices might encountered some difficulties in getting used to the new interface even though the interface still accessible using mouse. Hence, it is not surprise that a lot of users feel the need to have the classic Windows Start button back in Windows 8 as well as the ability to boot direct to desktop environment.

Meanwhile, majority of us here at the HQ prefer to have the good old Start button back as well although I personally have pretty much moved on to the Windows 8 interface comfortably. How about you guys? Let us know your thoughts through the comment section below.

[Source: Mary Jo Foley @ ZDnet]

Several CEO of tech giants are known to reply email from customers occasionally such as the late Steve Jobs of Apple as well as Nokia’s Stephen Elop but how many have engaged with customers that contacted their support department?

Well, Red Hat’s CEO Jim Whitehurst is one of the rare few that have tried it. Not that he does it on daily basis but in order to describe the importance of customer support for the company, he recently took up a role as a customer support specialist with the Red Hat’s North America support team which is shown in the video below.

It might not be something that occurred frequently but still, we wonder if CEOs of tech companies in Malaysia are interested (or dare enough) to answer calls at their company’s support call centers as what Jim does. If that ever happens, we believe  that it is surely going to be an interesting session for both the CEO and customers.

Using Firefox on your Windows or Mac? Mozilla has just released Firefox 20, an update to its web browser that comes with a new private browsing feature, a new download manager and more.

First up, if you’re say, shopping for a birthday present online, and do not want your browsing session recorded and risk getting “caught” by the birthday boy or girl, you can open up a new private browsing mode without having to close whatever you’re doing. The private browsing feature will open up a new browsing window whereby all history for that session will not be recorded. Private browsing is also available for Firefox for Android app, which allows you to open up a private tab.

Another notable feature in the update would be a new Download Manager that shows you all your downloads without having to open up an annoying new window. Available on the toolbar in the browser itself, all you need to do is click onto it and you will be able to see a list of downloaded files. As its name suggest, you can also manage all your downloads on the list like pausing and resuming a download.

Finally last but not least, Mozilla also released an update for its Android app that gives better support for lower-end ARMv6 devices such as the HTC Legend, Samsung Galaxy Pop and more. There are also some improvements for developers so visit Mozilla’s blog for more information.

(Source: Engadget, Mozilla)

An early build of Windows Blue, the codename for Microsoft’s next version of Windows, has been leaked online. Windows Blue is set to be the first rollout of Windows which would feature yearly updates and competitive prices to stave off the competition and ensure a higher amount of user upgrades.

The leaked image of Windows Blue shows off some new features not found on the current Windows 8. For example, there are now more sizes to customize Live Tiles with, as well as greater personalization options not found on Windows 8. Snap View has also been updated, where users can now not only snap two windows in a 50:50 view, but also snap four apps next to each other. There will also be support for multi-window Snap Views, which will support Metro Windows 8 apps across different monitors.

Finally, Microsoft will also pack Windows Blue with Internet Explorer 11, the latest iteration of the company’s browser. While details are still scarce at this point, one of the possible features that may be found on IE11 is tab syncing, which could sync between different Windows Blue devices and possibly even on Windows Phone.

Head on after the break for more screenshots of Windows Blue, as well as expected release dates for Microsoft’s latest version of Windows.

Good news for students out there – you are now able to obtain Windows 8 Pro Upgrade for a fraction of its standard retail price as Malaysia is now part of 50 countries throughout the world that are involved in the special Windows 8 program for students by Microsoft.

Instead of paying around RM 621 (USD 199.99) as per usual, eligible students are able to grab the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade for around RM 218 (USD 69.99) – that’s around RM 400 off the standard price. Of course, one’s PC must be running on either Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 and all the transaction is done through the online Microsoft Store.

Available from March 7 onwards, this offer is also extended to the faculty and staff members of academic institutions throughout the country. To learn more, check out the program’s Terms and Conditions or head on to the online Microsoft Store.