Thurrott Daily: November 12

Good morning from the Amtrak Acela Express on the way to New York City. It’s a big day today for a variety of reasons. But here’s what else is happening.

11/12/2015 7:03:47 AM

Windows 10 Field Guide: This weekend

I’ve been working on Windows 10 Field Guide, my coming e-book, and will release it over the weekend. As with previous Field Guides, and like Windows 10 itself, it will be incomplete and will be updated regularly going forward. It will cover Windows 10 with the November Update and is currently closing in on 500 pages, though that number is inflated—a lot—by images that haven’t yet been sized-optimized. All part of the fun, I guess. But it’s happening.

A little reminder from Microsoft about Office on iPad Pro

Eager to jump on the iPad Pro publicity bandwagon, Microsoft’s Kirk Koenigsbauer has penned a post called Microsoft Office apps are ready for the iPad Pro:

As we announced in September, we have optimized Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote apps for the iPad Pro. Starting today, these Office apps are now available and take full advantage of new multitasking features, so you can be productive on your iPad Pro right away.

He then goes on to highlight the ways in which Office takes advantage of unique iOS features for iPad Pro, like Split View and Slide Over. But don’t be confused by the timing: Yes, these apps are now available, but they have been iPad Pro compatible for weeks.

Tim Cook on Surface Book: “Diluted,” not “deluded”

I tried to ignore a story about Apple CEO Tim Cook describing the Surface Book as “deluded,” mostly because I’m sick of him getting press for complaining about products he eventually copies outright. But as it turns out, he never said it. Cook said, instead, that Surface Book was “diluted.” The Irish Examiner (mis)reports:

“It’s a product that tries too hard to do too much,” he said. “It’s trying to be a tablet and a notebook and it really succeeds at being neither. It’s sort of [diluted].”

See, the thing is, that’s not what he said. He said “diluted.” And the publication fixed that in one place, but not in the quote. Because the Internet.

Roku announces Black Friday deals

I’ve got a 4K-capable Roku 4 on order, but if you’re setting your sights a bit lower, you may want to hold out for Black Friday, as the firm is going to offer some great discounts on lower-end set-top boxes.

We’re happy to introduce one of the most affordable Roku players ever, the Roku SE! This special edition Roku player will be available in the U.S. for a limited-time only during Black Friday weekend online and at select national retailers starting 11/26. It will be available for just $25.

In addition, promotions on other popular Roku streaming players may be offered during the Black Friday weekend.

Firefox OS can (sort of) be installed on Android handsets now

Having actually used Firefox OS, I’m not sure why anyone would want to do this, but if you’re interested in seeing what all the excitement is about and have an Android handset, go nuts. PC World reports:

Firefox OS 2.5 is ready as a developer preview. To make it easier for developers and interested users to try it out, Android device owners can download Firefox OS 2.5 developer preview as a system app launcher. [So] you’ll experience what Firefox OS has to offer without losing your Android apps.

You can find out more from the Mozilla Hacks blog.