Microsoft waives July deadline of Windows 10 upgrade for assistive-tech users

Microsoft recently announced that they’re ending the free upgrade program to Windows 10 by July 29^th. Past that deadline Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will need to pay for their copy of Windows 10. However, there’s now an exception to that rule: those who use technologies designed for disabilities or those who make use of assistive technologies. Some of the assistive technologies in Windows 10 include a screen-reader app, Narrator; digital magnifying glass, Magnifier; and using your PC with just your voice alone with Speech Recognition. Microsoft hasn’t stated though until when this deadline will be and how they will determine if a computer user is said to be an assistive technology user. We will let you know when Microsoft gives out more details.

Source: PCWorld

Spotify to venture into videos

Not wanting Apple Music to creep up on them, Spotify announced they’ll be debuting original video series on its platform. There will be 12 new shows with actors like Tim Robbins and Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons. These music-related series can range from a few minutes long to 15 minutes and won’t be kept behind a paywall, meaning free and paying users will have access to them. One of the new shows is called Landmark and will be focusing on a “significant moment in music history.” Spotify has already shot two episodes for this show, one focuses on the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds and the other is on Metallica.

While they are releasing music-related video content now, the streaming service plans a “phase two” where they’ll focus on comedy and animation series that will be geared towards the young audience of Spotify. According to Spotify’s Content Partnerships Head Tom Calderone, music will always be a priority for them but they know their users want more from them. “We have to figure out a second act, and I think it will come out of video,” Calderone said. “The idea is to make sure users know they can come here for something other than playlists.”

Source: 9to5Mac

Dedicated smart home app reportedly coming to iOS 10

The list of devices that support Apple’s HomeKit platform continue to grow. And with that means varied apps needed to manage different kinds of appliances or devices. Thankfully, there might be a central hub for all of that in the future, if the rumours are to be believed. MacRumors reported they saw a review on Amazon from an Apple employee that claims a “standalone” HomeKit app will be coming in the fall just in time for the release of iOS 10. The staffer can’t say how it’d work but the implication is it’ll be a hub for all HomeKit-compatible gadgets. Of course, there’s no certainty that Apple plans to show up soon. But if this does get released, that’ll give Apple an edge in the smart home market.

Source: Engadget

Radiohead outs digital version of new album

Radiohead’s ninth studio album A Moon Shaped Pool has officially been released digitally. It’s now available on iTunes and Amazon and it’s streaming on Tidal and Apple Music. Before the online release of the 11-track album, the songs “Burn the Witch” and “Daydreaming” were released earlier this week. For those who want physical copies of the album, you have to wait to get them until June 17^th but you can pre-order now. The band will kick off its world tour on May 20^th in The Netherlands. They will be playing at the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival in Montreal, which is happening on July 29 to 31.

Source: Associated Press via Business Insider