Tech tidbits from around the web.
2/13/2017 9:47:49 AM
You can still extend your Office 365 subscription out by five years
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Back in December, I exclusively revealed how you can extend an Office 365 (consumer) subscription out to a total of five years. The reader who told me about that time limit, Roger H., just checked in to say the policy is still in place.
Just to let you know that I was able to successfully apply my Office 365 code today and extend it by a year to Feb 2022. So hopefully there are no sinister plans for the future by Microsoft to stop me maintaining a five year rolling extension.
Nice!
“Microsoft Won’t Stop At Smartphones, Wants to Make Smartcars”
Sure. Why not seek the same success in a new market?
Intel goes for yet another tock with next-gen CPUs
Anandtech has an interesting story about Intel’s continued stumbling around. It looks like 10 nm will need to wait.
Intel’s 8th Generation Core microarchitecture will remain on the 14 nm node. This is an interesting development with the recent launch of Intel’s 7th Generation Core products being touted as the ‘optimization’ behind the new ‘Process-Architecture-Optimization’ three-stage cadence that had replaced the old ‘tick-tock’ cadence. With Intel stringing out 14 nm (or at least, an improved variant of 14 nm as we’ve seen on 7th Gen) for another generation, it makes us wonder where exactly Intel can promise future performance or efficiency gains on the design unless they start implementing microarchitecture changes.
“Why Microsoft Is One Of The Most Innovative Companies Of 2017”
Because it’s not even mid-February yet?
Google Assistant on the Pixel can now control your smart home devices
CNET explains.
You no longer need a $130 Google Home to take full advantage of the search giant’s connected tech.
Teased a couple of weeks ago via a blog post, the Google Assistant on the company’s own Pixel phones will now be able to control your smart home with a voice command. Simply go to the settings of the Google Assistant and pull up “Home Control” and you’ll have access to the same connected tech as the Google Home.
“Tim Cook Thinks Augmented Reality Could Be as Big As the iPhone”
Reality check. He said the same thing about the iPad and Apple Watch.
Google offers a Google Home/Google Play Music bundle
Google talks up a new deal for its music service.
If you haven’t tried Google Play Music yet, starting today through February 27, you’ll get six months of Google Play Music for free when you buy a Google Home device. Complete your home music system by adding a Chromecast and get $15 off when you buy the two together.
*With Purchase. Ends 2/27/17. Redeem by 3/6/17. $9.99/mo. charge unless you cancel before trial ends. New subscribers only. Terms apply.
Apple is giving away three months of Apple Music with wireless Beats products … Even if you’re already a subscriber
The Verge reports that Apple is countering Google’s music offer, sort of:
Apple’s BeatsX wireless earbuds will finally hit store shelves tomorrow after a few months of delays. But it turns out there’s a slight silver lining, because buyers will find a card inside with a code that’s good for three free months of Apple Music — a $30 value. Better yet, Apple will also include the promo card in other Beats products, like the Powerbeats 3 Wireless, Solo 3 Wireless, Studio Wireless, and Beats Pill+ for a limited time.
The offer applies to existing Apple Music subscribers, too.
Sony is adding Google Assistant to its smart TVs
Wired reports:
Sony’s latest 4K panels boast powerful processors that improve the look of just about any video you throw onto the screen. But the chips inside these TVs don’t stop at making movies look better: Like giant Pixel phones, the TVs will have Google’s voice-controlled Assistant built into them.
Well, they will eventually. According to Sony, Google Assistant will be added to their new sets via a firmware update later this year.
Sony’s sets already come with Android TV, but this year’s models will be the first television sets with Google Assistant.
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<p>Who said that "Why Microsoft Is One Of The Most Innovative Companies Of 2017?” Microsoft? LOL.</p>
<p>Microsoft wanting to join Google and Apple in the smart car market is expected. Why not? They followed them in all the other markets.</p>