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Avatar

rtodd_us

Alpha Member Since Jul 2016

28 Posts
63 Comments
Upvotes 95%
Downvotes 5%
  • Subject Posted By Forum Category Last Activity Activity
    Anyone else having controller issues with Xcloud
    By rtodd_us, 5 months ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Games
    rtodd_us Microsoft Games 3 months ago 4 Replies
    1909 update for a Surface Pro 4
    By rtodd_us, 1 year ago
    13 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Windows
    rtodd_us Microsoft Windows 1 year ago 13 Replies
    Microsoft’s MFA app backup.
    By rtodd_us, 1 year ago
    3 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Cloud
    rtodd_us Microsoft Cloud 1 year ago 3 Replies
    Work moving to Windows 10…
    By rtodd_us, 1 year ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Windows
    rtodd_us Microsoft Windows 1 year ago 4 Replies
    Installation of Windows 10 in enterprise
    By rtodd_us, 1 year ago
    6 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Windows
    rtodd_us Microsoft Windows 1 year ago 6 Replies
    Best phone for kid’s first phone…
    By rtodd_us, 2 years ago
    20 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us General Discussion Mobile 2 years ago 20 Replies
    Brad need help in PUBG
    By rtodd_us, 2 years ago
    3 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Games
    rtodd_us General Discussion Games 2 years ago 3 Replies
    Migrating from HDD to SSD
    By rtodd_us, 2 years ago
    19 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us Microsoft Hardware 2 years ago 19 Replies
    The move to IOT devices
    By rtodd_us, 3 years ago
    7 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Smart Home
    rtodd_us General Discussion Smart Home 3 years ago 7 Replies
    Spectrum/Time Warner Modem
    By rtodd_us, 3 years ago
    2 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us General Discussion Hardware 3 years ago 2 Replies
    Nexus 6P updates
    By rtodd_us, 3 years ago
    2 Replies
    Forum: Google
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us Google Mobile 3 years ago 2 Replies
    New phone ideas
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    10 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us General Discussion Mobile 3 years ago 10 Replies
    Best Android SMS messenger?
    By rtodd_us, 3 years ago
    3 Replies
    Forum: Google
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us Google Mobile 3 years ago 3 Replies
    Pixel Phone and storage
    By rtodd_us, 3 years ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: Google
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us Google Mobile 3 years ago 4 Replies
    Question about adding SSD to an old computer
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    9 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us General Discussion Hardware 4 years ago 9 Replies
    Router and security
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    3 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us General Discussion Hardware 4 years ago 3 Replies
    Android vs Apple, advice for a co-worker
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us General Discussion Mobile 4 years ago 4 Replies
    Transfer money to kid’s account.
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    3 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Games
    rtodd_us Microsoft Games 4 years ago 3 Replies
    Microsoft and AI, have they lost before they even start?
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us Microsoft Hardware 4 years ago 4 Replies
    Xbox One app channel list refresh?
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    0 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Games
    rtodd_us Microsoft Games 4 years ago 0 Replies
    A question about Direct TV Now
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    9 Replies
    Forum: General Discussion
    Category: Music + Videos
    rtodd_us General Discussion Music + Videos 4 years ago 9 Replies
    Microsoft Edge and YouTube
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    6 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Windows
    rtodd_us Microsoft Windows 4 years ago 6 Replies
    Project Fi question
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    4 Replies
    Forum: Google
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us Google Mobile 4 years ago 4 Replies
    Microsoft VR
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    2 Replies
    Forum: First Ring Daily
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us First Ring Daily Hardware 4 years ago 2 Replies
    Microsoft VR solution and this consumers use case
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    0 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us Microsoft Hardware 4 years ago 0 Replies
    Xbox One questions
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    5 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Games
    rtodd_us Microsoft Games 4 years ago 5 Replies
    Surface phone…
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    14 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Mobile
    rtodd_us Microsoft Mobile 4 years ago 14 Replies
    Surface Pro 4 issue after recent patch
    By rtodd_us, 4 years ago
    2 Replies
    Forum: Microsoft
    Category: Hardware
    rtodd_us Microsoft Hardware 4 years ago 2 Replies

    comment
    Okay this will not be a popular opinion, but my friend and I play PUBG routinely. It's our go to game, h

    Posted 2 months ago on COD DOA (Premium) – 57 Comments

    comment
    In reply to BeckoningEagle:Cell signal level is 3-4 bars. I've even direct connected my elite controller

    Posted 5 months ago on Anyone else having controller issues with Xcloud – 4 Comments

    Forum Post

    Anyone else having controller issues with Xcloud

    Hello all,


    Is there anyone else having issues with the controller on Xcloud? In app and browsing games and menu items my controller works fine. However, when a game loads up my left and right sticks as well as my d pad are unresponsive. When I go to the feedback/Quit menu via the ellipses the sticks and dpad become responsive again. I am using a Pixel 3 on Android 11.


    Thanks,


    Todd

    Posted 5 months ago on Anyone else having controller issues with Xcloud – 4 Comments

    comment
    This makes 15 dollars a month subscription for game pass look much more palatable.

    Posted 7 months ago on Next-Gen Console AAA Titles to Sell for $69.99 – 34 Comments

    comment
    In reply to JustMe:I'll give that a go.

    Posted 1 year ago on 1909 update for a Surface Pro 4 – 12 Comments

    comment
    In reply to lwetzel:Any idea why I am not offered 1909? I even did the refresh pc. Might go clean install if

    Posted 1 year ago on 1909 update for a Surface Pro 4 – 12 Comments

    comment
    In reply to jlv6321903, I wonder if SP4 has ended support for future versions of Windows 10.

    Posted 1 year ago on 1909 update for a Surface Pro 4 – 12 Comments

    Forum Post

    1909 update for a Surface Pro 4

    Hello all,


    Should I be worried that I am trying to "seek" 1909 on a Surface Pro 4 and I am not seeing the update. I remember in December seeing it as an optional update, but it isn't there now. Am I paranoid and shouldn't worry about it?

    Posted 1 year ago on 1909 update for a Surface Pro 4 – 12 Comments

    comment
    Let's go! Thanks Paul for doing this

    Posted 1 year ago on [CLOSED] Microsoft’s Windows Weekly Giveaway: Surface Pro X, Pro 7, and Laptop 3 – 2573 Comments

    comment
    Do they allow multiplayer for Halo and Gears?

    Posted 1 year ago on First Impressions: Project xCloud (Preview) – 16 Comments

    comment
    I for one would love this as I have contemplated pursuing programming as a hobby and would love to see these p

    Posted 1 year ago on From the Editor’s Desk (Monday, October 14) – 49 Comments

    Forum Post

    Microsoft's MFA app backup.

    Hello all,


    Recently Microsoft announced cloud backup to their Authenticator app. Does this do what Authy does? Ie does the Microsoft Authenticator run like Authy, in that a user could move to a new phone download the Microsoft app and there would be no interuption of service?


    Thanks in advance,


    T

    Posted 1 year ago on Microsoft’s MFA app backup. – 3 Comments

    comment
    Thanks to everyone who responded. I'll look into these options. I was able to look into the tips and th

    Posted 1 year ago on Work moving to Windows 10… – 4 Comments

    Forum Post

    Work moving to Windows 10...

    Hey all,


    Long time since I have posted here. As mentioned in the title above we are moving to Windows 10 in my workplace which is a large hospital. The organization isn't training staff, but our department has taken it upon itself to at least provide some videos to ease the transition. This is especially important since most staff still don't feel comfortable in Windows 7 (resizing windows instead of snapping them using google to visit sites etc. Our supervisor provided a video, but it is 5 years old. Is there any resource available for the current version of Windows 10 that is a good beginner tutorial similar to the one our supervisor provided?


    Thanks in advance,


    Posted 1 year ago on Work moving to Windows 10… – 4 Comments

    comment
    I'm curious about the Apple sign in. Is this one of those things that sounds good on paper, but implemen

    Posted 1 year ago on Hands-On with iOS 13 Beta – 36 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Daekar:Could it be for VR? I have heard that will be their differentiator and that requires highe

    Posted 1 year ago on Sony PlayStation 5 Will Feature 8k Graphics, Ray Tracing, and PS4 Compatibility – 32 Comments

    comment
    In reply to wright_is:Thanks for the quick reply. That makes sense. Wish it wasn't any downtime, but 10

    Posted 1 year ago on Installation of Windows 10 in enterprise – 6 Comments

    Forum Post

    Installation of Windows 10 in enterprise

    Hello all,


    I was talking to our IT personnel at work about upgrading our Windows 7 PC's to Windows 10. We are doing a gradual upgrade of the PC's in the workplace. He was saying that it was going to take 1 hour per PC to upgrade. He was worried that we will have to do this everytime we upgrade to a new version of Windows. The question is wasn't there something for enterprises about once Windows 10 is installed there is a way to install Windows 10 in the background and let users still remain logged in and then all it would require is a reset or am I imagining that?



    Thanks in advance for the advice,


    Todd

    Posted 1 year ago on Installation of Windows 10 in enterprise – 6 Comments

    comment
    Paul, I concur with most on the comment section. I think that you went above and beyond for your followers by

    Posted 2 years ago on Ask Paul: January 11 (Premium) – 32 Comments

    comment
    Surface HeadphonesSurface Go

    Posted 2 years ago on [CLOSED] Microsoft’s Windows Weekly Giveaways, Part 3: Surface Hardware – 2088 Comments

    comment
    XBox Game Pass

    Posted 2 years ago on First Ring Daily Live: The Giveaway [GIVEAWAY CLOSED] – 663 Comments

    comment
    Xbox integration? Would love to use the voice recognition of an Alexa as opposed to kinect.

    Posted 2 years ago on Cortana and Alexa Integration Launches in Public Preview – 17 Comments

    comment
    In reply to simont:Does IOS have any parental controls? Primarily dictate what apps they can download, preven

    Posted 2 years ago on Best phone for kid’s first phone… – 19 Comments

    Forum Post

    Best phone for kid's first phone...

    Hello all,


    Back with another question in hopes that you come through yet again. I have a soon to be middle schooler. Is there a phone you would recommend that is durable and cheap, but not "cheap" if you get my drift? Also would love to have some parental controls, really like the one included in the Microsoft launcher that Paul just wrote up and my understanding of IOS there is no solution per say. Would an Essential phone be okay ($500 price point seems legit compared to what is offered), but worried if it will be unsupported in the future with the company in trouble. Any suggestions?


    Todd

    Posted 2 years ago on Best phone for kid’s first phone… – 19 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Mehedi:That game is so cartoony and childish. I tried it and my kids love it, but I don't ge

    Posted 2 years ago on Brad need help in PUBG – 3 Comments

    Forum Post

    Brad need help in PUBG

    I have been playing a lot of PUBG lately and would love to get a little better at the game. Any tips you have learned along the way? And what settings for sensitivity do you have for the Xbox version?


    Thanks in advance,


    PUBG noob.

    Posted 2 years ago on Brad need help in PUBG – 3 Comments

    comment
    In reply to paul-thurrottYeah that might be a better now that I think about all the trash I have on that compu

    Posted 2 years ago on Migrating from HDD to SSD – 19 Comments

    comment
    In reply to wunderbar:That's good to know. I am looking at getting a Samsung SSD and it is the same size

    Posted 2 years ago on Migrating from HDD to SSD – 19 Comments

    Forum Post

    Migrating from HDD to SSD

    Finally making the plunge into upgrading to a SSD. However, I have been searching the web on how to do this and it would see that most everyone uses cloning software. Is there a way to do this without downloading third party software? Is there nothing native in Windows 10 to perform this task?


    Thanks Todd

    Posted 2 years ago on Migrating from HDD to SSD – 19 Comments

    comment
    Thanks for posting this Brad.

    Posted 2 years ago on Fighting The Demon: Why Brad Drove 1100 Miles by Himself (Premium) – 124 Comments

    comment
    Getting an Xbox One X and moving the old Xbox One to the boys room. Currently I have the old Xbox One as my "

    Posted 3 years ago on We Help Wednesday 12/13? – 7 Comments

    comment
    I finally got my IoT network set up and posted this to the DSLreports forum, but I figured this might help som

    Posted 3 years ago on The move to IOT devices – 7 Comments

    comment
    In reply to brad-sams:Thanks! Sorry should have researched the site a little better huh.

    Posted 3 years ago on We Help Wednesday 11/15 – 25 Comments

    comment
    I'm looking into getting into the smart home trend. Is there anything that you would recommend regarding

    Posted 3 years ago on We Help Wednesday 11/15 – 25 Comments

    comment
    In reply to lvthunder:Price. My father in law pays 220 for internet and cable. He gets 35 mbps/5 on internet

    Posted 3 years ago on Paul’s Tech Makeover: Our TV Defeat (Premium) – 42 Comments

    comment
    In reply to pwrof3:Agree on both aspects. However, it still maintains the same functionality as it did when T

    Posted 3 years ago on Paul’s Tech Makeover: Our TV Defeat (Premium) – 42 Comments

    comment
    Did you look into Sling TV? I feel this in combination with OTA is the best solution on the Xbox One. The on

    Posted 3 years ago on Paul’s Tech Makeover: Our TV Defeat (Premium) – 42 Comments

    comment
    In reply to wunderbar:If you're concerned about security this is the backwards approach. You shouldn'

    Posted 3 years ago on The move to IOT devices – 7 Comments

    comment
    So I got on DSLReports forum and posted this topic there and got some really helpful advice. The overall cons

    Posted 3 years ago on The move to IOT devices – 7 Comments

    comment
    In reply to wunderbar:"having 2 routers doesn't mean that your devices won't be able to communicate

    Posted 3 years ago on The move to IOT devices – 7 Comments

    Forum Post

    The move to IOT devices

    Hello all,


    After reading Paul's venture into smart lighting and the rise of the AI voice assistants Echo and Google Home, I am now leaning to getting in on the action. However, I am still concerned about the security issues IOT devices bring with it.


    With that in mind, what is the best way to secure these devices within a home network? Or is it even a concern? My thought was to take my existing router ( A Netgear nighthawk X6) and attach an old router I have (an Actiontec C1900a) via a VLAN port. Use the Actiontec 2.4 band and use that for all IOT devices. On the Actiontec I would deactivate the 5 ghz band and on the Netgear deactivate the 2.4 ghz band to eliminate interference. Would this prevent the IOT devices from being able to see my data on my personal devices (phones, tablets, PC's)?


    Is this too overthought? Is there a better solution? I have heard using the guest network on the router for IOT, but since the devices can't see each other I would imagine that would gimp the voice assistants ability to control the device.


    Long thread over. Thanks for your advice.


    Todd

    Posted 3 years ago on The move to IOT devices – 7 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Polycrastinator:What are the benefits of IPv6? I was reading that there is no meaningful differen

    Posted 3 years ago on Spectrum/Time Warner Modem – 2 Comments

    Forum Post

    Spectrum/Time Warner Modem

    So I recently had to make the change to Spectrum. In doing so I will need to get a new modem and was wondering if any of you have some suggestions. I am getting 100 mbps download speed option and the choices I am thinking about are the Arris SB6141 which can go up to 100 mbps but only has 8 channels or the Arris SB6183 which can go up to 300 mbps and has 16 channels, but according to spectrum is incompatible with ipv6 on their network. So the question is how important is ipv4 vs ipv6 or 8 channels vs 16 channels? Anyone have experience with either of these modems or has another suggestion?


    Thanks in advance,

    Todd


    Posted 3 years ago on Spectrum/Time Warner Modem – 2 Comments

    Forum Post

    Nexus 6P updates

    I have read that the Nexus 6P I just bought will not receive Android updates after September 2017 and more important security updates after September 2018. Is there anyway to get this updates outside of OTA updates (ie download/root the phone etc)?

    Posted 3 years ago on Nexus 6P updates – 2 Comments

    comment
    In reply to jr.flynn:Funny enough I felt the same way until I came across a game called EUIV. This game is su

    Posted 3 years ago on Xbox One Tip: Broadcast a Game Session with Beam – 1 Comments

    comment
    What is your recommendation for Last Pass given that it has been hacked twice? I would like to add 2 factor a

    Posted 3 years ago on Questions for 3/24 Podcast – 11 Comments

    comment
    What is your favorite stock Android replacement apps? Things like an SMS messenger, reminder lists, email etc

    Posted 3 years ago on Questions for 3/17 Podcast – 5 Comments

    comment
    I'm interested as well. I feel the UI is super slow on the current XBox build.

    Posted 3 years ago on Creators Update to Xbox One – 2 Comments

    Forum Post

    Best Android SMS messenger?

    Hello All,


    It's your resident question asker asking another question. I've recently purchased an android phone (was going to go Pixel, but went with a lot cheaper nexus 6p). And have a question about what sms messenger people use on Android? I was thinking Signal or Pulse SMS. However, Pulse SMS I'm worried about security, but love the feature with sms on computer, because of work policies.

    Posted 3 years ago on Best Android SMS messenger? – 3 Comments

    Forum Post

    Pixel Phone and storage

    Going to bite the bullet and get a Pixel XL phone.  However, only the 32 GB model is available with no expandable memory.  This got me thinking, with Google Photos unlimited full resolution backup is it necessary to have that much storage.  If you back routinely to the cloud is there a reason to get more storage if, like me, you only use a handful of apps.  Anyone think of a reason more storage might come into play outside of photos before I pull the trigger on a cheaper phone?

    Posted 3 years ago on Pixel Phone and storage – 4 Comments

    comment
    In reply to jimchamplin:Yeah I heard Android Studio is a dumpster fire LOL. You know that is interesting abou

    Posted 4 years ago on New phone ideas – 10 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Polycrastinator:Yeah, that is kinda the phone I'm looking at.

    Posted 4 years ago on New phone ideas – 10 Comments

    comment
    In reply to jimchamplin:I'm not sure I agree with that based on my wife's experience with her IPhon

    Posted 4 years ago on New phone ideas – 10 Comments

    Forum Post

    New phone ideas

    Hello all,


    My son spiked my Lumia 1520 off some bleachers last night. The phone just has a crack on the screen but usable otherwise. My question is would you guys wait until the newer hardware shows up during the holiday season or just go ahead and purchase a new phone because the incremental changes have kind of stagnated. I'm tempted to hold out and see, but rumors haven't inspired confidence in it being worth the wait. FYI my next phone is going to be Android, not a big fan of the Apple lock in ecosystem.

    Posted 4 years ago on New phone ideas – 10 Comments

    comment
    I guess I should have been more clear. It is a Windows 10 machine.

    Posted 4 years ago on Question about adding SSD to an old computer – 9 Comments

    Forum Post

    Question about adding SSD to an old computer

    Hello all,


    I am looking to replace an old hard drive with an SSD. However I am not looking forward to it as it seems to be a complicated and time consuming process of moving files/OS from one disk to the newer one. Would it be possible to keep the OS on the old harddrive and move files that require speed (games etc.) to the SSD or is that a useless move. Any other ideas to make this easier?

    Posted 4 years ago on Question about adding SSD to an old computer – 9 Comments

    comment
    I'll go for the Amazon Kindle Fire for my son.

    Posted 4 years ago on Everything Must Go: Loose Phones and Tablets (Updated) – 100 Comments

    comment
    In reply to skane2600: Yeah, but which would be easier, a built in block or having to edit group policies.&nbs

    Posted 4 years ago on Thoughts on Windows Cloud? – 10 Comments

    comment
    I have thought "could this be part of an enterprise security play?".  I would think IT would prefer that

    Posted 4 years ago on Thoughts on Windows Cloud? – 10 Comments

    Forum Post

    Router and security

    Hello all,

    I'm wondering if some more technical people on the site would help me out regarding router and security.  I recently have been experiencing slow downs on my network (using a Nighthawk X6 as a router) at certain times of the day.  When playing games the ping is really bad when in the past it has been excellent. Running speedtest on another machine I find that I am getting the download speeds I have signed up for.  I used the netgear genie app and all devices on the network were accounted for. 

    My question is if someone or something was hacking my router would a low speedtest be an indication?  Anyone familiar with Nmap and is it user friendly?  Thanks in advance.

    Posted 4 years ago on Router and security – 3 Comments

    comment
    In reply to PeterA: Thanks, I'll give that a try!

    Posted 4 years ago on Transfer money to kid’s account. – 3 Comments

    Forum Post

    Transfer money to kid's account.

    I currently goofed and made an incentive that worked for my kids doing well at school.  Good news is that it works, the bad news is that it works.   The incentive was after a certain amount of good grades the kids could earn 10 dollars in Xbox credit.  This is made easy through the add money feature of the Family settings. 

    However, I would like to not use "real" money, but my microsoft rewards points that I have collected over the years.  My question is, can I transfer the gift cards earned through rewards to my sons' account using the add money feature of said family settings?  Any advice would be helpful.

    Posted 4 years ago on Transfer money to kid’s account. – 3 Comments

    comment
    Is there a way to forward SMS messages and missed to a PC on an Iphone and a Windows phone?  Something si

    Posted 4 years ago on We Help Wednesday 1/25 – 25 Comments

    comment
    I see my Apple anti-bias runs deep.  Thanks for the input I will pass that along.  I'm surprised tha

    Posted 4 years ago on Android vs Apple, advice for a co-worker – 4 Comments

    Forum Post

    Android vs Apple, advice for a co-worker

    Recently a co-worker asked me for advice on what phone she should get since I like most on this site am I technology enthusiast.  However, I am an ardent Apple hater. I hate their approach to technology (hardware over software, form over function etc.)  which leaves me as a little biased as a resource.

    She stated that she currently is a Droid user and is not invested in the Apple ecosystem.  The only feature that matters for her is the camera.  

    My advice to her was since she was not invested in the Apple ecosystem and camera was her main feature, get a Nexus 6p or a Pixel.   Iphones are solid, but know if you get one you need to get everything Apple to get the best experiences.  However in hindsight I feel that my bias shows through (which was mentioned before I gave her my thoughts).  

    What is this community's opinion?  I hope to eliminate my biased in her decision by using other's more informed opinions on this site.  Thanks in advance. 

    Posted 4 years ago on Android vs Apple, advice for a co-worker – 4 Comments

    comment
    Does the aspect ratio of 3:2 give it away as a surface product?  

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft Patents a Phone with Foldable Screen – 32 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Simard57: Interesting because I find that alot of sites have me go to the google play store when I

    Posted 4 years ago on First Ring Daily EP 61: Gimbals Are Go For CES – 6 Comments

    comment
    I was hoping that it would be a Cortana device.  Come on Microsoft, its going to be the phone all over ag

    Posted 4 years ago on CES 2017: Lenovo Announces New ThinkPad X1 Family, Miix 2-in-1, and More – 13 Comments

    comment
    In reply to illuminated: Sadly a friend of mine is excited about the Uber feature and I would bet that they wo

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft and AI, have they lost before they even start? – 4 Comments

    Forum Post

    Microsoft and AI, have they lost before they even start?

    Curious to see the communities response to this.  In my small part of the world, I have seen many co-workers/friends/families jump on the Amazon Echo/Dot bandwagon this holiday.  Because 40 bucks is not that much for a last minute gift I have seen many people venture out and get an Amazon Dot.  Some are testing the waters of home automation and seeing how well the Dot works before investing money into lights or something similar.

    Being a fan of the new Microsoft, I see this as a disturbing trend and foresee their entry into AI as very daunting based on the perception that familiarity breeds content.  With Amazon already a leg up what features would Microsoft need to be able to sway a customer base who sees Microsoft and thinks "problems" based on their past track record?

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft and AI, have they lost before they even start? – 4 Comments

    comment
    Xbox question.  I started using the One guide as just that, a TV guide for all my apps and live TV.  

    Posted 4 years ago on We Help Wednesday 12/28 – 9 Comments

    Forum Post

    Xbox One app channel list refresh?

    Is there a way to refresh the app channel list in the One Guide menu?  My ESPN apps for Live and ESPN3 have been stuck on 4 days ago's information.  I've searched the interwebs and have only found a way to refresh the dashboard, which I don't think is the issue since I have updated information everywhere else on the Xbox menu's (Home screen, and TV channels).

     

    Thanks in advance,

    Todd

    Posted 4 years ago on Xbox One app channel list refresh? – 0 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Tonymiller: That is both awesome and scary. I did not know that and would be great for the kids on

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Wizzwith: Sling TV offers HBO channel within their app.  So you can't download HBO Now or HBO

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Bats: It is an add on, but only $5 extra as opposed to $15 for HBO Now and Sling TV add on.  

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    comment
    Just an update.  I went ahead and signed up.  You do have access to Watch ESPN and HBO Go.  I w

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    comment
    In reply to lordbaal1: Untrue.  It is permanent price until you cancel.  However they do have the ty

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    Forum Post

    A question about Direct TV Now

    Hello all looking to switch to Direct TV Now from Sling TV.  I currently watch all TV through the Xbox One and currently Sling TV is the only streaming service provided thus far.  However $35/mo for 100 channels is tempting enough for me to make a switch and cross my fingers that it comes to Xbox at some point.  To appease me all that would need to happen in the interim is for Direct TV now to have access to both Watch ESPN app and HBO Now since those are the two channels I watch most on Sling.  Does anyone know if a Direct TV Now login would allow access to these apps if I was to get the HBO add on? 

    Posted 4 years ago on A question about Direct TV Now – 9 Comments

    comment
    So I guess this means Surface Pro 4 can run this?

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft Plans to Make Mixed Reality Mainstream in 2017 – 11 Comments

    comment
    I'm guessing it is a hardware HTML5 thing.  Is there a way to reset Edge to defaults in the off chance a

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft Edge and YouTube – 6 Comments

    comment
    Would it make sense if the screen was not a PC, but a VR/AR headset.  I think this direction might lead t

    Posted 4 years ago on Of Home Hub and Microsoft’s Missed Opportunities – 73 Comments

    Forum Post

    Microsoft Edge and YouTube

    Recently I've noticed that watching videos on YouTube has caused my Surface Pro 4 to overheat and the battery life lasts only 1 hour or so on Edge.  I go to Chrome and watch YouTube and everything is just fine.  Has anyone else had this happen?  Is this a Google response to Edge's battery life ads?

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft Edge and YouTube – 6 Comments

    comment
    I really enjoyed this article.  Thanks!

    Posted 4 years ago on Next Up for the Windows Insider Program: Changing the World – 41 Comments

    comment
    I think this solution cannot be compared directly to the Oculus and HTC Vive.  Based on specs of the Holo

    Posted 4 years ago on Windows Holographic: A Familiar Battle Between Minimum and Recommended Specs (Premium) – 9 Comments

    comment
    Sorry to bring this back up from the dead, but Verizon is screwing with my parents and told them about Project

    Posted 4 years ago on Project Fi question – 4 Comments

    comment
    "Multi-media Mondays".  Talk about items related to entertainment apps (Sling TV vs Vue, Netflix, etc), g

    Posted 4 years ago on Feedback Requested: First Ring Daily Segments – 32 Comments

    Forum Post

    Microsoft VR

    I recently watched a video by a gamer/youtuber talking about Microsoft's VR ambitions.  He essentially trashed it as a gimmick, because it would fall short in the specs with Occulus Rift and be head to head with Sony VR.  This is where Microsoft falls short in their marketing.  Currently the perception is that VR is for gaming.  I think where Microsoft falls short.  They showed in their announcement I guy in a virtual room with crap things on a shelf and yada yada yada.  What was skipped over was the real marketing angle.  The virtual "man cave" where huge TV's can be had with minimal cost.  Where the FOV issues of HoloLens become a thing of the past.  Take that HoloLens NFL ad they put out last year.  If I as a sports fan could have that then hello virtual man cave.  Do you think this is where Microsoft should head, the entertainment market or do you think in order for VR to succeed it must go through gaming to gain popularity?

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft VR – 2 Comments

    Forum Post

    Microsoft VR solution and this consumers use case

    When HoloLens was first announced I was impressed like many of us.  My view was maybe a little different than most though.  My first thought was "man the TV manufacturers were going to go out of business."  I could create a virtual TV as big as I wanted to and as many as I wanted, anywhere I wanted, sign me up.  However, as we know now the FOV and price point put a stop to that thought.  Fast forward to now.  Microsoft is offering that same HoloLens experience in a 300 dollar VR headset using my existing computer/laptop.  Oh yes we are getting somewhere.  So now for the price of a small screen TV I can have a  virtual 90 inch mondo TV.  Not only that I can have multiple 90 inch TV's.  Football may never be the same again. I can have those hologram images shown in that NFL HoloLens video on a virtual room with none of the FOV problems of HoloLens.  I certainly hope this is where they are going, because if it is I am all in.  Screw the VR games, I am good with watching football on my TV while streaming an Xbox One game on another TV, while streaming a Steam game on another, with a hologram replay on the streets of a Paris café.  Sorry wife and kids, daddy has got to play.

    Posted 4 years ago on Microsoft VR solution and this consumers use case – 0 Comments

    Forum Post

    Project Fi question

    I was looking into this, but had a question.  In regards to data rollover is it just month to month or can you buy a bunch of data one month and have it carry over indefinitely until you use it up?  Also how much data do you actually use in real world use since it prioritizes public wifi over cellular.  Do you see less data usage when using project fi.

     

    Thanks in advance

    Todd

    Posted 4 years ago on Project Fi question – 4 Comments

    comment
    In reply to anchovylover: When you look at creatives who use this type of thing they need to invest in both a

    Posted 4 years ago on Anyone else disappointed in Surface Studio? – 22 Comments

    comment
    Any more word on those Xbox streaming devices and there presence at the Microsoft event?  Also with the e

    Posted 4 years ago on Questions for 10/21 Podcast – 7 Comments

    comment
    I'd like the watch  

    Posted 4 years ago on Everything Must Go: Windows Server 2003 Ship Gift – 93 Comments

    comment
    I know I keep harping on this, but could Panos be referring to streaming the game to his surface. After all th

    Posted 4 years ago on First Ring Daily EP 9: Surfacing The Music – 20 Comments

    comment
    In reply to Narg: Thanks!  Awesome to know that the ability to share games is there. My kids have their o

    Posted 4 years ago on Xbox One questions – 3 Comments

    comment
    In reply to naveen: I'm thinking more along the lines of speculated project Beihai as evidence of them trying

    Posted 4 years ago on Surface phone… – 14 Comments

    Forum Post

    Xbox One questions

    I have two questions.  For some backstory before I get to my questions.  I currently use an Xbox One for my multimedia downstairs.  My kids however like play on it, so therefore no TV if they play.  I sometimes use the streaming capabilities to allow them to use the PC upstairs and play games (which is pretty awesome).  The downside is that I have to use a splitter and switch the source on the downstairs TV which only allows me OTA channels with no Netflix or other streaming service, because Microsoft still hasn't developed the ability to use the Xbox while someone streams on another device (please do this). 

     My first question is if I buy them an Xbox One for upstairs, is there a way to have the games purchased show up on that console, as they have been purchased on my account and the downstairs Xbox One is set as the home console.  

    My second question is regarding parental controls.  I understand there is a function in Xbox which allows for limiting time for my kids.  I was wondering if Microsoft allows both Xbox and Windows 10 time constraints and log there activity within a single login, ie Microsoft account.  As I understand it, you have to set time constraints on Xbox only on Xbox and Windows 10 only under you Microsoft account.  Also activity logs are only present in Windows 10 parental controls.   Is there something I'm missing here?  Is there a more comprehensive way to do this?

    Thanks for your comments in advance,

    Todd

     

    Posted 4 years ago on Xbox One questions – 3 Comments

    Forum Post

    Surface phone...

    A lot has been written and speculated about this vaporware device.  There is no doubt that this phone will not help Microsoft in the phone wars.  As Paul has written many times this war is lost and Windows mobile is on life support waiting for the next big thing.  In recent write up Paul speculates that AI is the next big thing and as I do agree with Paul that AI is going to be a big category, I disagree with him that AI will be the only big thing.

    Apple seems to think that Augmented reality is the next big thing based on reports coming out a couple weeks back.  Maybe that is because they know that they are not well positioned on the AI front, but maybe they are right.  

    Why I mention this is because of the supposed Surface phone.  As nothing is known about this mystery phone, speculation is abound with ideas.  Most point to the HP Elite as the brain child of what Microsoft plans to do with the phone.  However, since we are just speculating.  Why couldn't it be something more than a PC in your pocket.  After all Surface is all about inventing new categories.

     I would suggest something that would A) position Microsoft back into the mobile world and not as a phone and B) jump start the next big thing, in this case Augmented Reality.  A phone/hololens mashup.  As I understand it the hololens is powered by an Atom processor, something a phablet type device could power.  So essentially the phone is the engine and a peripheral like a sunglasses would house the lens and the kinect sensor.  Whether tethered or a wireless dispay these glasses would be a lot slimer than a hololens and with the right design features possibly fashionable.  Add the capabilities of an HP Elite with its continuum features and I believe this type of device could present a better future than its phone/continuum strategy.

    Thoughts?  I know this is more a dream scenario, but I believe it has merits and would differentiate it from competitors like Google and Apple who are still just perfecting an familiar concept.

     

    Posted 4 years ago on Surface phone… – 14 Comments

    comment
    I would like to suggest someway to filter read threads vs unread threads instead of seeing all of them in a gi

    Posted 4 years ago on What features are we missing, what do you want to see added? – 82 Comments

    comment
    Xbox Live: rtoddu054 Games played: Overwatch, Battlefield 1 (when it comes out), ARK survival evolve

    Posted 4 years ago on Gaming ID Thread – 4 Comments

    Forum Post

    Surface Pro 4 issue after recent patch

    Anyone else having an issue when the Surface starts up, if I click a notification it freezes for about ten to twenty seconds and then the screen blinks and all is back to normal?

    Posted 4 years ago on Surface Pro 4 issue after recent patch – 1 Comments

    comment
    One has to wonder what these numbers would have been without the forced get Windows 10 campaign.  Would i

    Posted 4 years ago on Windows 10 is Now on 400 Million Devices – 94 Comments

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