Windows 8 Beats the iPad!

Windows 8 is now available for anyone to download, and it already shows a ton of potential. In fact, Microsoft’s bold new OS, which reminds us a lot of Windows Phone, outshines the iPad in some key areas. Granted, there were things we didn’t like in our Windows 8 Consumer Preview — and the iPad 3 or iPad HD is just around the corner — but there’s no question that Apple will soon have a real fight on its hands. Here are the top 10 ways Windows 8 is better than the iPad right now. 

1. Windows 8 is more personal than iOS
While iOS represents photos with a flower icon, Windows 8 lets you choose any photo you want to populate the live tile that lives on the Start screen. And that's just one of many ways you can customize the screen you'll see most. You can move items around, name groups of apps around and name them using the Semantic zoom feature, and pin everything from your favorite people and websites to the Start screen.

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2. Faster multitasking on Windows 8
No double- tapping a button to see your stuff here. Windows 8 lets you thumb through the applications you recently opened fast and fluidly just by swiping from the left edge of the screen. If you want to see all of your open apps at once, swipe from the left edge and then pull your finger back towards the edge to reveal a thumbnail view.

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3. People App: Beyond the Address Book
One of our favorite features in Windows 8 is the People app. Why? Because it automatically links duplicate contacts so that there’s only one person for a given name. So, for example, if your friend is on Windows Live, Exchange, and Facebook, you’ll see all of those accounts listed. Plus, you can see your contacts’ latest updates on Facebook and Twitter.

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4. Windows 8 gives swifter access to Settings
Want to connect to a different Wi-Fi network or the settings for your app? On iOS you need to exit the app you’re using and open the Settings app. On Windows 8 you just swipe left from the right side of the screen and tap settings. There you’ll see network settings, shortcuts for adjusting everything from volume to brightness, and those settings related to the app you’re using. It’s just faster.

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5. You can access and attach files in Windows 8
Yes, Android does this already, but Windows 8 does it better. Using the Mail, for example, you can easily attach photos or documents to outgoing emails using Windows 8's well-designed file picker. It's a cinch to select more than one file, whether it's stored on your PC or in the cloud on SkyDrive. The file picker is also open to third-party apps. With iOS, you can't attach anything to outgoing messages within the email app and the file system is hidden.

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6. Windows 8 lets you snap apps next to each other
Say you want to work on a spreadsheet while rocking out to Slacker. Or you want to watch some videos while cleaning out your inbox. Windows 8 makes it easy with its Snap feature. Building on Windows 7, you can easily resize the window so it takes up one- third or two- thirds of the screen when you place it next to another open program, whether it's with your finger or a mouse. Plus, Microsoft is working with developers to enhance their apps so that you get all the functionality you need even in a smaller window.

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7. Internet Explorer 10 Is a super fast browser
Internet Explorer 10 is one of the fastest browsers we've tested. Period. On our home network connection sites loaded almost as soon as we were done entering the URL in the address bar. In a side-by-side test with the iPad 2, our Samsung Tablet loaded with Windows 8 narrowly beat Apple’s slate, loading seven popular sites in an average of 4.3 seconds, versus 4.8 seconds for the iPad. While we wish the tabs were always visible, we like how Windows 8 makes it easy to close all of the tabs you're not using with a single tap.

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8. Windows 8 is optimized for keyboard use
While you can add a keyboard case to an iPad, Windows 8 is optimized for mouse and keyboard use. Our favorite feature: the ability to search for an app just by typing on the Start screen. Windows 8 also has a ton of keyboard shortcuts, such as Win C for opening the Charm menu, Win D for showing the desktop, and Win Z for opening the app bar. We’re excited to see more designs like the IdeaPad Yoga that combine both touch and keyboard input.

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9.  Xbox is built in
If you have an Xbox you’ll be glad to know that the Xbox Live Games app (currently in preview mode) presents your 3-D Avatar and lets you keep track of your game activity. You can also download games from the app, since it has a built-in marketplace. For now the selection is very skimpy, but we anticipate the number of Xbox Live games to explode by the time Windows 8 launches. The separate Xbox Companion app lets you stream videos you’ve purchased from your Windows 8 PC or tablet to the console. It works, but right now the quality is only so-so.

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10. Windows 8 supports more devices
Out of the box, Windows 8 will support lots more peripherals than the iPad or iOS because it’s built on Windows 7. If you have a USB drive, keyboard, printer, or camera, it should just work. Microsoft’s new OS makes it simple to access these add-ons via the Devices charm. Just swipe from the right side of the screen. And you can add devices from the PC settings menu.

Davy Jones from The Monkees - DEAD

Davy Jones looking healthy and happy at 

autographing signing just a fortnight before his

 death

• British-born Jones died in his sleep at his Florida home
• Sixties icon survived by wife Jessica and four daughters
• Bandmates Micky and Peter react to shock news
• American group reformed last year and toured UK and U.S.
• But new tour dates were cancelled amid reports of infighting
• A woman made a 911 call from Davy's home urging the operator to 'hurry'

By Paul Thompson and Kimberley Dadds

• • 
    

He suddenly passed away in his sleep yesterday morning following a massive heart attack.

But photos have now emerged of The Monkees star Davy Jones looking healthy and happy at an autographing session just over a fortnight ago.

The lead singer of the 1960s group died at his home in Florida at the age of 66 on Wednesday morning.

Scroll down for video...

A picture of health: Davy Jones, who suddenly passed away on Wednesday morning, looked happy as he signed autographs at an event in California just two weeks ago

Stars including Eva Longoria, Boy George and Nancy Sinatra have all taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness at his passing.

And seen in pictures that have emerged of him just a fortnight ago, the singer looked tanned and full of life.

The singer was appearing at the quarterly 'Hollywood show' autograph session in Burbank, California on 11 February alongside other star greeters including Harry Potter's Tom Felton and American Pie actress Shannon Elizabeth.

And he was clearly enjoying himself as fans flocked to see him and receive their own special signature.

Greeting fans: On 11 February the lead singer of The Monkees attended the autograph session in Burbank as he joked and laughed with passers by

In the photos Davy is seen grinning widely as he holds up some signed guitars and joked with passers by.

He was also seen signing memorabilia such as CD cases and posters of the group in their heyday as he beamed for the cameras.

And he was due to carry out a similar session in May at the Dead Mans Curve Hot Rod Event in New Jersey in May, where he was due to hold a private meet and greet for several selected fans.


The lead singer of the Daydream Believer group – which also consists of original members Micky Dolenz, 66, and 70-year-old Peter Tork – passed away in Indiantown, where he lived, his publicist, Helen Kensick, confirmed.

Last picture: Davy passed away at his home in Florida following a heart attack

An official from the medical examiner's office for Martin County, Florida, said they received a phone call from the Martin Memorial Hospital informing them that Davy had died.

A spokesman for the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital in the town of Stuart.


The spokesman said they are investigating Jones’s death but said there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.


A statement released by the Sherriff’s Office said:  ' A witness has stated that earlier this morning he was at 9955 SW Fox Brown Road in Indiantown, Florida, with David Jones (He stated Mr. Jones began to complain of not feeling well and having trouble breathing.
'Martin County Fire Rescue responded and transported Mr. Jones to Martin Health System. Stuart, where he was pronounced deceased.  At this time there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.  Family has been notified.'

His bandmate, drummer Micky Dolenz, released a statement to TMZ saying he had 'bad dreams all night long' before learning of his friend's death this morning.

'Can't believe it...Still in shock...had bad dreams all night long,' Dolenz said, adding: 'My love and prayers go out to Davy's girls and family right now.'

Bassist Peter Tork released a statement saying: 'It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones.'

With his bandmats: From left, Peter Tork, Mickey Dolenz, Jones and Michael Nesmith, seen here in 1966

'His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family.

'Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy.'

Michael Nesmith who didn't join the original members of the group, Davy, Micky and Peter - in reuniting for a 45th anniversary tour last year - also revealed he will 'miss' the pop icon. 

He wrote: 'I will miss him, but I won’t abandon him to mortality. I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence.'

The 911 call that was made to call an ambulance to Davy's home can be heard below.

The woman on the phone is heard telling the operator that she needs an ambulance and urged 'hurry'. 


She was then heard shouting at other people in the background. 


Davy leaves behind four daughters, Talia Elizabeth, 43, and Sarah Lee, 40 from his marriage to Linda Haines, and Jessica Lillian, 30, and 23-year-old Annabel Charlotte from his marriage to Anita Pollinger. 

Monkee-ing around: Davy joined The Monkees in 1965 along with Micky, Peter and Michael Nesmith and became a television hit

The pop icon – who was born in Manchester, North West England – married 33-year-old TV presenter Jessica Pacheo, who he met in 2006, in August 2009.


In May 2011, the singer said he was having some of the happiest times he's ever had in his life with Jessica.


He explained: 'We have love. We have friendship. She’s also aware of what I’ve done in music, and the fact that I no longer really need to prove anything.'  

Davy joined The Monkees in 1965 along with Micky, Peter and Michael Nesmith – who did not rejoin the group for their shows last year – and they went on to record a number of hit records including Daydream Believer, Last Train To Clarksville and I'm a Believer.
Jones was born on December 30, 1945, in Manchester, England. His long hair and British accent helped Jones achieve heartthrob status in the United States. 

Just months before his death: Pictured at the Royal Albert Hall last May with two of his daughters, Annabel, left, next to her Jessica and far right, his wife Jessica Pacheco 

Heartthrob: Davy with daughter Talia from his marriage to first wife Linda Haines, pictured in 1969

Last year, the pop/rock group - who were created to appear in their own TV show in the 60s - reformed for a 45th anniversary tour, but they ended up scrapping some dates amid reports of fall outs between the group.

At the time, Micky wrote on his Facebook page: 'Dear Fans and Friends, The Monkee Tour has, indeed, been cancelled but for reasons that I cannot discuss at this time. 

Paying tribute: Various celebrities including Eva Longoria, Elijah Wood and Stephen Fry, paid tribute to the singer on Twitter 

'I can say that the reasons pertain to business and are internal matters.
'Needless to say, I am disappointed but the situation was unavoidable and I want to apologise to all the fans out there who will not be able to experience what was a wonderful show indeed. Regretfully, Micky (sic).'

Making a comeback: Jones reformed with the band last year for a UK and U.S. tour, seen here in London in May giving Micky a high five

CELEBS TWEET TRIBUTES...

'My heart is sad that my favorite Monkee Davey Jones has passed away! #I'mABeliever'

EVA LONGORIA

'He was my 1st crush!'

LISA RINNA

'Davy Jones leaves a wife, 4 daughters and a great legacy. Gone too soon.'

NANCY SINATRA

'Listen to "She" and "Daydream Believer", Davy Jones has passed. Very sad news.'ELIJAH WOOD

'Davy Jones of the Monkees is dead. He was 66 years old. A little bit of my youth just died.'AL ROKER

According to The Monkees website, Monkees.com, Jones left the band in late 1970.

In the summer of 1971, he recorded a solo hit Rainy Jane and made a series of appearances on American variety and television shows, including Love American Style and The Brady Bunch.

Jones played himself in a widely popular Brady Bunch episode, which aired in late 1971. In the episode, Marcia Brady, president of her school's Davy Jones fan club, promised she could get him to sing at a school dance. 


By the mid-1980s, Jones teamed up with former Monkee Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz and promoter David Fishof for a reunion tour. 


Their popularity prompted MTV to re-air The Monkees series, introducing the group to a new audience. 


In 1987, Jones, Tork and Micky Dolenz recorded a new album, Pool It. Two years later, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In the late 1990s, the group filmed a special called Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees.
'R.I.P. Davy Jones' is now trending on Twitter with celebrities starting to pay their respects.

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria tweeted: 'My heart is sad that my favorite Monkee Davey Jones has passed away! #I'mABeliever'.

And Melrose Place star Lisa Rinna retweeted Eva's message, writing: 'Ditto! He was my 1st crush!' 

Popular: The Monkees throw down their surfboards in a memorable scene from the opening credits of the hit U.S. TV show

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2108590/Davy-Jones-dead-Monkees-singer-looking-healthy-just-fortnight-death.html#ixzz1nrxVGrLJ