Pedro Hernandez

Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile build 14356 to the Windows Insider fast ring this week, allowing participants in the early-access program to test some of Cortana’s new cross-device capabilities. “Cortana will now surface your phone notifications and critical alerts, including messages from messaging services, SMS or social media as well as missed calls from any […]

Microsoft took the wraps off Office 365 Advanced Security Management, a new set of tools for Office administrators powered by the company’s shadow IT-busting Cloud App Security offering. Cloud App Security itself hails from Microsoft’s acquisition of Adallom in 2015. The product provides businesses with insights on whether unsanctioned cloud services are being used in […]

As promised, and after a year of numerous preview releases, SQL Server 2016 is now generally available along with the customer support and software assurance benefits that come with hitting the milestone, announced Microsoft on June 1. SQL Server 2016 is the latest in a growing portfolio of “cloud-first” enterprise products from the Redmond, Wash., […]

Windows Holographic, the augmented- or mixed-reality technology that powers Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, is now available to the company’s hardware partners, announced Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, on June 1. “Today, we announced that Windows Holographic is coming to devices of all shapes and sizes from fully immersive virtual reality […]

Microsoft already has high hopes for blockchain FinTech. Now, the software maker believes blockchain, the tamper-resistant distributed ledger technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, can help combat human trafficking and other societal problems that stem from a lack of proper personal identification. Microsoft is teaming with Blockstack Labs and ConsenSys to develop blockchain-based identity […]

Computex 2016, the major computer trade show that takes place each year in Taiwan, is currently underway. And as usual, there is no shortage of PCs powered by Microsoft’s Windows operating system. This year, it’s Windows 10’s turn in the spotlight, since the OS launched well after last year’s expo closed up shop. Microsoft and […]

Microsoft is on the lookout for early-stage startups whose technologies complement its own cloud-first ambitions. The Redmond, Wash., technology giant on May 30 announced the formation of Microsoft Ventures, a formalized venture fund that will enable the company to finally address a gap in its corporate investment strategy. “In Microsoft’s history of engaging with and […]

Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft did not support in-place upgrades from the Pro to the Enterprise edition of the operating system. Getting Enterprise’s extra security features and expanded set of IT-friendly capabilities meant wiping the system and reinstalling the OS. Windows 10 solved this by essentially packing all of the features found in Enterprise into […]

Microsoft has redesigned its Skype consumer app for Android tablets, bringing it in line with last year’s overhaul of the app for Android smartphones. Both versions of the app now sport a more consistent design, and on tablets, the revamped interface includes enhancements meant to help users make the most of the added on-screen real […]

Office document co-authoring and embedded comments aren’t enough. Sometimes, successful collaboration requires an off-the-cuff remark or impulsive question to move projects along. Microsoft announced that Office Online, the browser-based versions of the company’s productivity apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote), now features Skype-powered chat capabilities when attached to an Office 365 commercial account. Skype and […]