GadgetsDownunder

Microsoft Killed the Start Menu Because No One Uses It

from slashdot - 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Microsoft recently killed the Start Menu and their explanation for it seems fairly straightforward: no one used it. Though this may be a bit of an exaggeration but Microsoft explains that use of the Start menu dipped by 11 percent between Windows Vista and Windows 7, with many specialized Start functions — such as exploring pictures — declining as much as 61 percent."

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FCC Fridays: September 23, 2011

from engadget - 4 months, 3 weeks ago

We here at Engadget Mobile tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there, we've gathered up all the raw info you may want (but probably don't need). Enjoy!

Phones

Read - Fujitsu F04D
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Microsoft 'Ribbonizes' Windows 8 File Manager

from slashdot - 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Microsoft said today it will 'ribbonize' the file manager in next year's Windows 8, adding Explorer to the short list of integrated applications that already sport the interface in Windows 7. Microsoft's Alex Simons, director of program management, released screenshots of the new ribbon interface planned for Explorer (scroll way down). 'We evaluated several different UI command affordances including expanded versions of the Vista/Windows 7 command bar, Windows 95/Windows XP style toolbars and menus, several entirely new UI approaches, and the Office style ribbon,' explained Simons. 'Of these, the ribbon approach offered benefits in line with our goals.' Plans by Microsoft and others to ribbonize applications have often met resistance. 'We knew that using a ribbon for Explorer would likely be met with skepticism by a set of power users, but there are clear benefits,' Simons said."

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Yahoo gets Android handset in Japan, renews hope for long-awaited AltaVista phone

from engadget - 6 months ago

Mobile operating systems, it seems, make strange bedfellows, so perhaps it's not a major surprise that Yahoo, a top traffic presence in Japan, is getting its own Android handset in that country. The search engine is lending its name to a version of Sharp's AQUOS 009SH. The Gingerbread handset is preloaded with Yahoo Home, Auctions, and various other Y-branded goodies. The phone's SoftBank contract also comes with a free two-year premium membership to Yahoo Japan and some bonus points for Yahoo Shopping purchases. The Yahoo Phone will be hitting Japan next month. ...

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Fujifilm's F600EXR Lets You Hunt the Best Shooting Spots via GPS [Cameras]

from gizmodo - 6 months, 1 week ago