WhatsApp on Windows app won't need your phone to work

WhatsApp has just released a native app on Windows that no longer needs you to link your phone for it to work. The refreshed app just exited beta and is now available on the Microsoft Store. You no longer need the web-based desktop app or the one on the browser. This native version should run faster and be more responsive.

It also features a slightly cleaner interface than the previous app version but doesn't look drastically different. The most significant change is you no longer need to keep your phone online or close by to sync messages between your phone and the desktop app. According to the Meta-owned messaging service, it is also working on a native app for macOS.

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Apple's iCloud app on Windows gets ProRes and ProRAW support

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Apple's newest update for its iCloud app on Windows now supports ProRes video and ProRAW photo formats. So, if you're an iPhone user with a Windows machine, you can access these files now through iCloud. The update also lets owners of shared files or folders add or remove people. And now, it's also possible to generate strong passwords through the iCloud Passwords app. As Engadget pointed out, this makes iCloud Keychain a more viable cross-platform password manager for those who use them.

Sony brings full-capability of the DualShock 4 to the PC and Mac with new accessory

Alongside the announcement of PlayStation Now’s availability on Windows, Sony is introducing a new USB adapter that will bring DualShock4 support to both Windows and OS X. The $29.99 dongle promises to bring “every feature” of the PlayStation 4 gamepad, including full access to “buttons, analog sticks, touch pad, light bar, motion sensors, vibration, and stereo headset jack,” for as long as these features are available on the game you’re playing. The accessory will start shipping next month.

You can already connect the DualShock 4 to the PC via Bluetooth or by using a USB cable but this allows for easier connection and it gives you access to all the capabilities. However, according to The Verge, you can only connect a single controller to the adapter and you’ll just need to use a USB cable to connect the second controller if you want to add another player into the mix.

Microsoft exec claims they won’t hit 1 billion device installs target by 2018 for Windows 10

Microsoft set the bar high for itself by aiming to have one billion devices with Windows 10 installed by the year 2018. However, the company recently acknowledged the timeline isn’t feasible. According to Windows Marketing Chief Yusuf Mehdi, the goal is still one billion but it won’t happen that soon. They attribute this to the reduction of the Windows Phone business. Mehdi says Windows 10 is “off to the hottest start in history” as they have over 350 monthly active devices—these devices include everything from PCs, laptops, tablets, to some smartphones.

Windows 10 was received better in the PC world but users have complained about being forced to upgrade with repeated messages asking them to do so. Due to the blowback from this, Microsoft is changing their approach on how to remind users to upgrade.

Source: Bloomberg | Via: Apple Insider