pro

Surface tablet updates take aim at Wi-Fi issues

As part of Patch Tuesday, Microsoft is rolling out more firmware updates to its Surface RT and Surface Pro tablet/notebook hybrids today.

April's cumulative update for Surface RT focuses almost entirely on Wi-Fi, according to Microsoft's Surface RT Update History page.

The update:

Fixes certain "limited" connectivity issues Improves Wi-Fi to handle a wide range of access points Resolves system crashes caused by certain Wi-Fi issues

The April firmware update is the fifth Surface RT cumulative update the company has made since Microsoft launched the Surface RT in the U.S. and Canada in late … Read more

Microsoft Surface dissed in China over warranty policy

First Apple, now Microsoft. China is again raising a ruckus over warranty policies on U.S. tech products, this time targeting the Surface tablet.

China National Radio, the government's mouthpiece, argued yesterday that the Surface tablet should follow national law by offering a one-year repair policy for the entire tablet and a two-year warranty for its major parts, Bloomberg reported. China National Radio claims that Microsoft offers a one-year warranty in China both on the device and its components.

Microsoft, however, contends that Surface is covered by a two-year warranty. A spokeswoman for the company sent CNET the following … Read more

Apple's big Mac Pro revamp to debut this month, report says

Mac Pro users who have played the waiting game with Apple to completely revamp its desktop machine might get the goods soon, according to a new report.

Citing an accurate source, Mac Daily News says Apple plans to announce a new model of the machine sometime this month.

An Apple spokesman told CNET the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.

Mac Daily News warns that the April date could "slip" all the way through June, which is when Apple is expected to once again hold its annual developers conference in San Francisco. A source familiar with … Read more

Daggers out for Windows 8, plaudits for the iPad

The war on Windows 8 continued this week. But there's probably something more to that than an unpopular operating system.

The week began with Dell -- ostensibly one of the biggest proponents of Window 8 -- making bleak predictions about the OS in an SEC filing.

Dell didn't stop there. It had a damning statement about the PC too. "The deteriorating outlook for the PC market [is] a result of, among other things, smartphones and tablets cannibalizing PC sales."

Which brings us to the market-devouring iPad, which, since its release this week, has passed the three-year mark. … Read more

Keep on schedule with Alarm Clock Pro for Mac

Some Mac users want to use their computer as a substitute for an alarm. Alarm Clock Pro for Mac incorporates a number of features and options expected from an alarm app, but normal users may find other options preferable.

Available as a free trial version with a 15-day usage limit, the full version of Alarm Clock Pro for Mac requires a $19.95 payment to unlock complete functioning. The program's native installer functions well and provides the user with basic introductions if it is their first time using it. Activation requires acceptance of a user agreement and a prompt … Read more

Episode 33: Sony Xperia Z gets a whole new kind of dunk test

Straight out of the box, the LG Optimus G Pro looks like it's going to be a crowd pleaser. With its 13-megapixel camera, spare battery, and charger, "quad-beat" earbuds, and cute Korean comic book manual, Jeff can't help but hear "Dream Weaver" in his head when gazing into its gorgeous display. It's even big enough to live up to Molly's phablet standards. Plus, the LG Optimus G Pro sports a sparkly back that, once again, prompts our hosts to reference "The Matrix."

The Sony Xperia Z, which made a surprise … Read more

April Fools: Apple 'bounce back' campaign for Mac users

Update 4:57 a.m. PT: We were fooled by April Fools' Day. We have corrected and recast the story accordingly.

Wouldn't it be nice if Apple planned a "bounce back" campaign to win back customers who defected to Windows machines? It would dovetail with the expected reawakening of the company's dormant high-end Mac Pro line -- but the idea is just a joke.

Video producer Lou Borella, the creator of the "We want a new Macpro" Facebook group, had said yesterday -- April Fools' Day -- that Apple itself contacted him about the … Read more

Design calendars, cards, and more using your digital images with Picture Collage Maker Pro

It's so easy to take pictures and store them on your PC that you could quickly end up with the digital equivalent of the old shoebox stuffed with photos. You keep meaning to organize them into displays or albums, but it just never happens and eventually you aren't even sure who some of the people are or why you took the photos. Thankfully, Picture Collage Maker Pro offers a simple way to help you organize your photos into customized albums, calendars, special occasion cards, and more.

As soon as Picture Collage Maker Pro is installed, you're directed … Read more

The tough-as-nails Kyocera DuraPro from U.S. Cellular

As U.S. Cellular's only rugged device, the Kyocera DuraPro meets military standards for shock, dust, and water resistance. And while it excels at being tough, don't expect to find any high-tech specs in this feature handset: it has only a 3.2-megapixel camera and a low-resolution display, and its 3G data speeds are as fast as a slug on Ambien.

Then again, the DuraPro was never meant to be on the bleeding edge of technology, and what it lacks in powerful specs, it makes up for with clear, reliable phone calls and decent photos. The phone is … Read more