Microsoft has announced Surface 2 on AT&T 4G LTE
Image Source: Microsoft
Today Microsoft announced the Surface 2 AT&T 4G LTE version that will be available for $679 USD soon. To get more information on this, please visit the Microsoft Surface blog.
Learn more about the Surface 2 here: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-2
Link: http://blog.surface.com/b/surface/archive/2014/03/17/announcing-surface-2-at-amp-t-4g-lte.aspx
Microsoft Updates Remote Desktop Software for Mac and iOS
Image Source: Softpedia
Mary Jo Foley brought on Twitter to my attention that Microsoft has released new versions of their RDP clients for MacOS and iOS.
Great new app: Office Lens for Windows Phone
Microsoft has published a very useful new tool for Windows Phone. With Office Lens you can trim and enhance pictures of whiteboards and documents taken with your mobile and save them to OneNote. Actually it is similar to a scanner but you have it in your pocket. Here’s an example of what the app does.
Image source: Microsoft
If you want to learn more about the app please follow the link or just search for the app on your Windows Phone.
Link: Windows Phone Website
Surface Firmware Updated (March 2014)
The Surface system firmware has been updated on 11/03/2014. The new version comes with great enhancements which you can find in the list below.
The following updates will be listed as “System Firmware Update – 3/11/2014” when you view your update history.
- Surface Pro UEFI (v2.04.0450) improves experience when using BitLocker so that a Surface Cover can provide PIN input.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.262.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.262.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update Device (v2.0.268.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Cover Telemetry (v2.0.229.0) improves stability and experience for Surface Covers.
- Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller (v14.69.24052.168) resolves wireless network connectivity issues.
- Marvell AVASTAR Wireless Composite Device (v14.69.24052.168) improves Miracast support.
- Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth ®Radio Adapter (v14.69.24052.168) updated as part of a driver package that includes the Marvell Wireless Network Controller and Marvell Wireless Composite Device. There are no Bluetooth updates in this version of the driver.
- Intel(R) Display Audio (v6.16.00.3135) improves Miracast support.
- Intel(R) HD Graphics Family (v10.18.10.3431) improves Miracast support and enables daisy chaining of monitors using DisplayPort 1.2.
- Intel WiDi Audio Device (v4.5.44.0) improves Miracast support.
Link: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/install-update-activate/pro-2-update-history
Pre-order Surface Power Cover now
If you live in the US and you own a Microsoft Surface Pro, Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2 you might be interested in the Surface Power Cover which can be pre-ordered at the Microsoft Online Store. (see Link). With the Power Cover you can increase your battery life by up to 70%.
Image Source: Microsoft
Link: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Surface-Power-Cover/productID.298465700
The making of Surface
Windows 8.1 Quick Guide for Business
Microsoft has published a great guide for Windows 8 which gives you an overview of how the OS functionality can be used for businesses. I really like the last few slides as they explain all important keyboard shortcuts and swipes.
Windows 8.1 brings together everything you do across all your devices whether at work or on the go. Windows helps you stay productive and connected while mobile. Windows allows you to create a truly one of a kind experience that is made for the way you work. Whether you’re brand new to Windows 8.1, or just want a refresher, this quick guide will show you the basics and beyond.
Link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40895
Project Siena: Enabling Business Users to Create Mobile Apps for the Enterprise
I’m back from vacation and it seems that in the last 3 weeks loads has going on! Microsoft has introduced Project Sienna which is a great tool for the LOB to create applications for Windows 8. Actually it’s a WYSIWYG Editor which helps to easily create a GUI for accessing data. On the TechNet blog you’ll find detailed Information and a great Video which Shows the power of Sienna. Please follow the link to TechNet to learn more.
Link: TechNet
Yammer updates its apps for Windows, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad and Android
Microsoft has updated all Clients for Yammer including Windows, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad and Android. You’ll get loads of new Features which you can all find on the Yammer blog.
Source: https://about.yammer.com/yammer-blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/windows-phone-inbox.png
Link: TechNet
Microsoft announces mail encryption for Office 365
Microsoft has announced a new feature within Office 365 called “Office 365 Message Encryption”. This enables you to send encrypted emails to any other mail service. Check the Office 365 blog for more Details. The article explains how to Setup the new Feature. Good read. There is also a FAQ section which includes:
FAQ:
Q. When will Office 365 Message Encryption be available?
A. Office 365 Message Encryption will be available for purchase during the first quarter of 2014, and customers who are currently using Exchange Hosted Encryption (EHE) will be upgraded to Office 365 Message Encryption beginning in the same timeframe. EHE customers can learn more about the upgrade by visiting the EHE Upgrade Center.
Q: How do I get Office 365 Message Encryption?
A: Office 365 Message Encryption will be available as part of Windows Azure Rights Management. Office 365 Enterprise E3 and E4 users will get Office 365 Message Encryption at no extra cost. We’re including it in Windows Azure Rights Management, which is already part of the E3 and E4 plans. We’re also including it in the standalone version of Windows Azure Rights Management, without raising the price of that service. Office 365 Message Encryption is available as an add-on for other Office 365 plans and for standalone plans. For example, Exchange Online Kiosk Plan 1 and Plan 2 customers will be able to add the service to their subscriptions at a cost of $2 per user per month.
Office 365 Message Encryption is also available to Exchange on-premises customers who purchase Windows Azure Rights Management service. Office 365 Message Encryption requires on-premises customers to route email through Exchange Online, either by using Exchange Online Protection for email filtering or by establishing hybrid mail-flow.
Q. I am currently an Exchange Hosted Encryption (EHE) Subscriber. What happens to my subscription?
Customers who are currently using Exchange Hosted Encryption (EHE) will be upgraded to Office 365 Message Encryption beginning in the first quarter of 2014. EHE customers can learn more information about the upgrade by visiting the EHE Upgrade Center.
Q. How does Office 365 Message Encryption relate to other encryption technologies?
A. A variety of encryption technologies work together in Office 365 to provide protection for emails at rest and in transit:
- TLS encrypts the tunnel between mail server to help prevent snooping/eavesdropping.
- SSL encrypts the connection between mail clients and Office 365 servers.
- BitLocker encrypts the data on the hard drives in the datacenter so that if someone gets unauthorized access to the machine they can’t read it.
- Information Rights Management. Windows Azure Rights Management in Office 365 prevents sensitive information from being printed, forwarded, or copiedby unauthorized people inside the organization.
- S/MIME is an encryption scheme that uses client-side encryption keys, popular for some government B2B scenarios. Read more about the upcoming S/MIME enhancements in Office 365 here.
Office 365 Message Encryption is designed to help you send confidential messages to people outside your company simply and securely, without the administrative overhead required to use S/MIME or similar technologies. It’s an outside-the-company companion to Information Rights Management, which is why it’s included as part of the Windows Azure Rights Management offering.
