Wednesday
Jul242019

Microsoft gets rid of the ‘Online’ name for its Office web apps

You no longer have to call apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with the “Online” branding if you’re using the web apps. The company plans to drop this for its Office Online suite of apps. It does make sense to just drop the Online name, since using it through the web basically means you are online. However, this might cause some confusion when Microsoft tries to differentiate the web version from its desktop and mobile apps. Microsoft said it’ll just call them “Office for the web” to clarify things, which if you think about it is what the Online name did for them anyway. That said, other Microsoft products will still hang on to the Online descriptor. These include Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Project Online, and Office Online Server.

Source: Engadget

Wednesday
Jul242019

Nintendo will reportedly repair Switch Joy-Cons with ‘drift’ problems for free

An internal memo that got leaked reportedly instructs Nintendo customer support representatives to offer free Joy-Con repairs for units that suffer from the “drift” issue. This infamous drifting issue causes some of them to move things on the screen on their own. Customers wouldn’t need to show proof of purchase and just take them at their word. For those who paid for a previous Joy-Con repair, the customer support reps are advised to issue refunds. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the existence of this memo.

Vice got in touch with Nintendo’s customer support about this issue, and they were told to update their system’s software. They were instructed to call back if the behaviour repeated itself, which it did. They weren’t given any pushback when they called back and were told they were being sent a pre-paid shipping label to send the defective Joy-Cons in for repairs.

Wednesday
Jul242019

Roku is reportedly testing a Wi-Fi extender to improve its streaming reliability

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Roku hasn’t really released products outside of its core offering of streaming media players. But it seems the company might release something to expand its hardware offerings—and improve its streaming capabilities. The company is reportedly testing a Wi-Fi extender called the Roku Relay. It’s designed to improve wireless connections inside a home as well as reliability while streaming. This product hasn’t been announced yet, but The Verge reports it’s being tested by users outside the company. It’s a small white gadget that plugs into a power outlet and rests alongside the wall. It’s supposed to be used with Roku devices to improve their Wi-Fi connection. It isn’t known if it can be used with other devices, too.

The Relay is being marketed as an extension of Roku players. According to the manual, it’s directing people to install the Relay halfway between the router and the TV. The launch doesn’t seem to be imminent, though. It has yet to pass the US’s Federal Communications Commission’s clearance process, which it would need before it can start selling the product.

Wednesday
Jul242019

These are the new ASUS ROG Phone II accessories

ASUS Republic of Gamers

The ROG Phone II needs some accessories to make it a worthy purchase. And ASUS prepared a few alongside the launch of the new phone.

We get the new AeroActive Cooler II, which is four times quieter than the original at 24dB. It’s designed to keep the exterior of the phone cooler and help drop temperature by 5 degrees lower. At the same time, it doubles as a kickstand, so you can leave the phone on the table and uses a wireless controller.

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