Third-party desktop apps start to appear on Windows Store

Microsoft is finally putting to use Desktop Bridge and is letting third-party developers bring current desktop apps into the Windows Store. Desktop Bridge gives developers the ability to create Universal Windows Platform apps and use all the APIs, which include the Action Center and Cortana. This makes it easier for developers to port their apps to Windows ecosystem—encompassing everything from PCs, phones, HoloLens, to Xbox One. Microsoft has added support for three popular installer technologies: InstallShield, WiX, and Advanced Installer. In this first rollout, the apps you’d see include Evernote, doubleTwist, Arduino IDE, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro, Virtual Robotics Kit, and PhotoScape.

Source: Engadget

Apple releases another GM of macOS Sierra ahead of launch

There are usually only one gold master or GM released to developers before the final macOS is released. This time, though, Apple outed a second GM for macOS Sierra a few days before official release. The new build is labeled 16A323. One GM is usually released because it’s supposed to represent finished code. However, there are cases like these when companies spot bugs that need to be fixed as soon as possible. Sierra will be a free updae for Mac owners and will be bringing Siri and Apple Pay to the brand’s desktop OS.

Source: Apple Insider

Apple’s been moderating search terms for GIFs on iMessage after porn showed up

Apple uses Bing to power its new GIF search on iOS 10 and trouble showed up in the most unusual way. Searching for even a supposedly harmless term like “huge” uncovered things like someone’s private parts or someone engaging in sexual acts. Apple has since started to moderate the search terms for both words with obvious sexual connotations but this will be a tricky line to tread as even seemingly harmless words like “bounce” show up images of women’s breasts.

Source: Engadget + Gizmodo

Rakuten Kobo fosters the love of reading through Corporate Social Responsibility Program

Early reading skills are extremely important, naturally; but research shows that older children who struggle with reading with middle school and later are at risk of giving up entirely. Further, in old age, reading can go by the wayside as eyesight and hand strength fail or as older adults downsize into smaller housing and leave their books behind. As a company created by and for booklovers, supporting literacy and reading accessibility seems like a natural fit for Rakuten Kobo to step in and hlep make a difference.

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