Thurrott Daily: May 9

Tech tidbits from around the web.

5/9/2016 5:08:49 PM

Windows 10 upgrade to remain free for those who use assistive technologies

Microsoft revealed late last week that it will continue to offer the Windows 10 upgrade for free to those users who require assistive technologies.

As you may have heard, the free Windows 10 upgrade offer for customers running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 is set to end on July 29, but we want to clarify that that deadline will not apply to customers who use assistive technologies. We are continuing to deliver on our previously-shared vision for accessibility for Windows 10 and we are committed to ensuring that users of assistive technologies have the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10 for free as we do so.

The firm also reminds customers that it published an accessibility roadmap for Windows 10 earlier this year.

Windows 10 build 14332 ISOs are available

Microsoft didn’t ship a new build of Windows 10 via the Windows Insider program last week, but it has now made the latest build, 14332, available in ISO form. Neowinreports:

Microsoft later released a new SDK Preview for build 14332, and today, it’s also made ISOs available of the latest build – its first since 14295 back in March.

The new ISOs for Windows 10 Insider Preview build 14332 for PCs can now be downloaded from Microsoft’s site, including those for the Enterprise SKU.

iTunes is picking up a minor redesign

We’ve seen that Apple Music will be significantly updated this summer, but it looks like the legacy iTunes desktop application is picking up a minor refresh too. ViaMacrumors:

A redesigned dropdown media picker will be used to switch between Music, TV Shows, Movies, and other content, replacing the existing navigation icons. Like the current menu, the new menu is customizable, so sections of iTunes that are not used can be hidden from view. Forward and back buttons can be used to navigate between different sections.

A persistent sidebar located on the left side of the app is being added, which will make it easier to access different portions of an iTunes Library like specific songs or albums. The sidebar, like the menu bar, can be edited to show desired content, and songs can be dragged and dropped to playlists.

It pains me to think that people rely on this piece of crap application. I wish Apple would ship store apps on Windows and Mac that mimic its mobile apps (which aren’t actually all that bad).

2016 Moto X leaks

We’re starting to see leaked renders and photos of the next Moto X, and it looks like this one will address my two issues with the current version, the lack of a fingerprint reader and its good (but not great) camera. Gadgets 360 reports:

Images of the Moto X (2016) and its US-only Droid counterpart for Verizon have leaked via HelloMotoHK’s Google+ account. The two variants seem to share some similarity in design, with the biggest differences appearing to be a differently shaped home button, a slightly different rear speaker layout, and the presence of the Droid logo.

The Moto X (2016) and its Droid counterpart both bear a protruding rear camera module with what appears to be a flat tire design similar to the Moto 360 smartwatches. The bottom bit is anticipated to house the dual-LED flash module. Other notable design choices include discrete volume and power buttons on the panel.

Crossing my fingers on this one. The 2015 Moto X was so close to perfect.

What do we really know about the PS4.5?

CNET provides an update about the widely rumored Playstation 4.5.

A new PlayStation console with the capacity to handle “higher-end gaming experiences” is forthcoming.

This new version of the PlayStation will come equipped with “enhanced graphics and power.”

That is literally all we know. The rest of it is speculation.

That’s kind of crazy when you think about it.