Tech tidbits from around the web.
11/2/2016 9:20:12 AM
Seagate releases an external SSD for Xbox One
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And from what I can see, it has two things going for it: It has an Xbox logo on it, and it’s an SSD, not an HDD, which means it will be faster than using the console’s internal drive.
Slow-loading screens are for newbs. Built for elite gamers, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox SSD uses flash storage to help you decimate game load times and get into the action quicker. Designed exclusively for Xbox, it lets you store the hottest titles in one thin and ultra-portable drive.
- Load games faster and transition quicker between levels
- Store 15+ games1 and more downloadable content
- Plug-and-play setup gets you up and playing in seconds
- Compact size and no power cable makes it perfect for your living room or bringing to a friend’s house
Obviously, it would be better if Microsoft just let you swap out the Xbox One’s internal drive. I really wish that were possible. Also, the price is likely to be pretty high, not that I can find it at any of the retailers Seagate links to. The firm’s previous HDD models are available at Amazon, however, and are inexpensive: You have a choice of 2 TB ($100) and 4 TB ($150) versions, both in pleasant Xbox green.
Microsoft says no to Windows 10 Long Term Servicing branch on general-purpose Surfaces
This one will confuse people, but the good news is that it applies to no individuals, just those in managed businesses. Mary Jo Foley reports:
Microsoft won’t support general-purpose Surface devices running the Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) of Windows 10.
When I asked whether this was a new policy, a company spokesperson said “this info has been communicated with customers from the beginning.”
Microsoft’s official reason for the Surface LTSB policy:
“LTSB prevents Surface devices from receiving critical Windows 10 feature updates and certain non-security servicing updates. Therefore, LTSB is not supported as a suitable servicing solution for general-purpose Surface devices. As a general guideline, if a Surface device runs productivity software, such as Microsoft Office, it is a general-purpose device that does not qualify for LTSB and should instead run Current Branch (CB) or Current Branch for Business (CBB).”
“Microsoft says AI will make you better at your job, not steal it”
They would say that. In their cold, robotic voice.
Here’s how the new MacBook Pro will support Windows in Boot Camp
Macrumors heard from a reader who contacted Apple about whether the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar would still support Windows in Boot Camp. They will.
Abraham sent an email to Apple’s software engineering chief Craig Federighi, who shared good news for dual-booters.
Question from Abraham: Craig, am I correct in assuming that the Touch Bar becomes a row of visual function keys when using Windows with Boot Camp?
Federighi’s answer: You are indeed!
Presumably, this means the Touch Bar will likely display virtual function keys between F1-F12, along with an Escape key, when running Windows. It remains to be seen if there will be specific controls for system-level tasks such as volume, playback, and display brightness. Meanwhile, the virtual power button should work, but without Touch ID.
Makes sense.
“Can you live on Xbox One for a whole month?”
I’ve lived on it for three years, so sure.
Project Fi now lets you monitor usage in real time
There’s no official word from Google, but Android Police reports that the Project Fi app is now reporting real-time usage data.
Project Fi subscribers are getting a new tool to track data usage today. A post in the Fi sub-Reddit by the verified Google community manager account says data tracking will now update live, and that usage will be broken out by app. It’s all live right now—just open the app and check it out.
This feature requires Android 7.0 or higher.
Seriously, Project Fi is amazing.
Acer R13 is the latest Chromebook to support Android apps
Which means it’s the first affordable Chromebook with a reasonably-sized form factor for adults that does so. Android Authority reports:
Acer’s R13 Chromebook now has full support for Android apps in the Chrome OS beta channel, while support on the stable channel is expected to hit the device in December.
The R13 joins Chromebook Pixel 2015, Acer Chromebook R11 and Asus Chromebook Flip in the select club of Chrome OS devices that can run Android applications.
I wish this list would expand more quickly. I’m looking forward to testing this functionality.
“The iPhone 8 could have wireless charging”
Hey, you never know!
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<p>re: LTSB and Surface</p>
<p>nothing has really changed here: LTSB does only support Quality Updates (Patches) and no Feature Upgrades (Releases/f.k.a. Service Packs) if you are happy with the version of LTSB – there you go.</p>
<p>You may download newer versions of drivers and install them with any means (othern than WU) but that requires either manual steps or repackaging for your software deployment tools – however it might also happen much further down the road that specific devices / silicones are not fully supported and driver versions may not be tested – but that’s also true for any other hardware supplier and not specific to Surface</p>
<p> </p>