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Microsoft has unveiled Office 15

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Microsoft has unveiled the newest version of the company’s popular suite of Office software: Office 15.

“We are taking bold steps at Microsoft,” CEO Steve Ballmer said at the press conference in San Francisco. “The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light up when paired with Windows 8.”

Now a cloud-based subscription service, the new Office is tied to you rather than your computer. As updates are released during your subscription period, you’ll get them for free. Heavily tied to the cloud, Office saves documents by default to the cloud, allowing you to access your content while on the go on other devices such as your tablet and phone.

This comes as good news now that cloud services are taking deep root into our computing lives. It will necessitate Uganda businesses and people to adopt the web more in order to make the most of these cloud offerings

Office 15 will be included on ARM-based Windows 8 devices, including Microsoft’s self-branded Surface tablet. It will also be available as a standalone product, with pricing and availability set to come.

§  Office 365 Home Premium — designed for families and consumers. This service also includes an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype world minutes per month.

§  Office 365 Small Business Premium — designed for small businesses. This service also includes business-grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD web conferencing.

§  Office 365 ProPlus — designed for enterprise customers who want advanced business capabilities and the flexibility to deploy and manage in the cloud.

Purchase of the Office 15 suite will be more tied to the cloud hence Uganda and Africa in general will need to embrace web passed payment if we are to tap into the benefits of this cloud distribution model.

 

UMEME-MTN Touch Pay Launch at Serena Hotel Kampala – Photos

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On Thursday 12th July, MTN Uganda and UMEME officially launched Touch Pay; a new mobile money payment system. The system makes use of Mobile Money Technology to help UMEME customers pay their bills from their mobiles. Mobile subscribers on Airtel can also pay their Electricity bills using Touch Pay.

Previously, National Water and Sewage Corporation, Zuku TV, Multi Choice, Star Times among other companies have made use of this service.

Touch Pay system was launched by Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda the minister of ICT.

Present were Mr. Patrick Bitature Board Chairman UMEME, Mr. Charles Chapman MD UMEME Uganda, MTN CEO Mazen Mroue, Guests from different banks and the press.

Register your SIM now, and make use of UMEME/MTN touch pay.

Technology is the only way to change Africa!

Qatar Airways World Best Airline Skytrax Awards

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Qatar Airways an airline that flies to Entebbe among its many destinations has won the title of World’s Best Airline for the second consecutive year.

It took the Airline of the Year prize in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Awards, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

The top 10 was dominated by airlines from Asia and the Middle East.

Skytrax collected opinions from 18 million international fliers between July 2011 and June 2012 on different aspects of airline passenger experience — from check-in to in-flight entertainment.

The 2012 World Airline Awards

Airline of the year:

1. Qatar Airways

2. Asiana Airlines

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

5. ANA All Nippon Airways

6. Etihad Airways

7. Turkish Airlines

8. Emirates

9. Thai Airways

10. Malaysia Airlines

Top 11-100 can be found here.

 

 

The Best Airline in Africa
 
1 South African Airways
 
2 Kulula
 
3 Air Mauritius
 
4 Kenya Airways
 
5 Egyptair
 
6 Mango
 
7 Ethiopian Airlines
 
8 1time
 
9 Air Austral
 
10 Air Seychelles

Best first class airline:

1. Etihad Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. ANA All Nippon Airways

The full list is here.

 

Best business class airline:

1. Cathay Pacific Airways

2. Qatar Airways

3. Oman Air

The full list is here.

 

Best economy class airline:

1. Singapore Airlines

2. Qatar Airways

3. Asiana Airlines

The full list is here.

 

Best cabin staff:

1. Malaysia Airlines

2. Asiana Airlines

3. EVA Air

The full list is here.

 

Best seats:

First class: Etihad Airways

Business class: Oman Air

Premium economy: Turkish Airlines

Economy class: Asiana Airlines

 

Best catering:

First class: Etihad Airways

Business class: SWISS International Air Lines

Premium economy: Qantas Airways

Economy class: Singapore Airlines

Signature dish: Malaysia Airlines

 

Best inflight entertainment: Emirates

Best regional airlines: Garuda Indonesia

Best low-cost airlines: AirAsia

Most improved airlines: China Eastern Airlines

 

 

Microsoft Surface features that may make IPad second best

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Following Microsoft’s unveiling of Surface, a Windows tablet, CNN reports the following 5 ways Microsoft’s Surface may be better than an iPad. 

1.     Keyboard

Apparently “Lots of people get frustrated with the iPad because typing on it is a major chore. They want to use it like a full-fledged desktop, but they’re stymied by the input method. … If the Surface ships with the keyboard — and if Microsoft markets the device as a tablet that will let you get some work done — it could be a big hit.”

2.     Size

With a display screen of 10.6 inches that is almost a full inch bigger than the iPad’s and said to be optimized to have essentially the same dimensions as a movie screen, we can bid, farewell to black bars when watching video.

3.     Power

The Windows Pro model will run on an i5 Intel processor and come with up to 128 gigabytes of internal memory (the iPad currently goes up to 64). This is more power to your tablet.

4.       USB ports

Both versions of the Surface come with two USB ports (2.0 on the RT and a faster 3.0 on the Windows Pro). Apparently, the lack of ports has been one of the few persistent complaints about the iPad.

5.       Xbox SmartGlass

The Xbox SmartGlass feature, which Microsoft rolled out at this month’s E3 video gaming expo, will work with the iPad and Android tablets.

The above Microsoft Surface features that may make IPad  second best

 

We hope when the product is on market we shall know exactly if it will be the real iPad competitor or killer.

Microsoft has unveiled Surface, iPad Killer?

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Microsoft has unveiled Surface, a Windows tablet. Speaking at the event Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said “It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn’t envisioned. Much like Windows 1 needed the mouse, we wanted to give Windows 8 its own hardware.”

Mashable reports that just as Windows 8 is a reimagining of the Windows operating system, Microsoft describes Surface as a reimagining of the tablet. The first of its kind, Surface is designed to work as both tablet and PC and comes in a version running Windows RT as well as a version running Windows 8 Pro.

Super-thin, the tablet is just 9.3mm thin for the Windows RT version and 13.5mm for the Pro version. Both have two full size USB ports — something you won’t find on the vast majority of the tablet competition. You’ll also find a Micro SD port on the side of the RT version and a microSDXC port of the Pro version for adding data to the device or reading files (like pictures from your digital camera) on the fly.

Surface has a 10.6-inch 16:9 widescreen HD display screen. Designed to be mobile yet sturdy, the screen is made of Gorilla Glass -– an ultra-strong glass – to prevent scratches and breaks if it takes a tumble.

12 Tips to Help Cope with a Job You Hate

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If everybody loved their job, they probably wouldn’t call it work. The lucky ones are those guys who have figured out how to get paid for doing what they love, while the rest of us simply get paid so we can afford to do what we love on the weekends.

But for some of us, the workplace can be miserable, so much so that it consumes your whole life. And in a tough job market, the idea of quitting without having another job lined up is just too risky.

So when you in such a situation, he a 12 mastered tips to help you cope up with that Job you hate;

1.Become your own boss

Why always wait for your boss to make orders to see you working because you hate that job. You need to grow your mind and learn the dos and don’ts of that job and make sure you do all you can as expected before your boss makes orders. I guess you know how stressing orders can be!

2. Rant, rave and holler

Just don’t start yelling at work, in office, in your coworkers’ presence. Make yourself calm before anyone can help you come down. You might be doing at the place you never dreamt of but your girl friends , friends and co workers might  all be in the same situation . Now sit down and think of yourself, look at the way forward and make sure whatever you do puts you in a better position to run for your next job. Don’t think of sitting home as you may even fail to pay your transport when the dream job opportunity interview comes.

Try posting your gripes on a site like Jobvent.com. You’ll feel better when you get it off your chest, and while you’re looking for a new place to work, you can see what people have to say about some of the companies you’re looking at.

3.Remind yourself that this isn’t permanent

Since you know that it is temporary job, simply make sure you remind yourself of this fact . Don’t stress up but just keep trying to give this current job your best as you look out for more opportunities to get you the job you want.

4.Make time for yourself

The truth is that this is good advice whether you hate your job or not. It’s easy to get into the painful grind of sleeping, working and eating. Choose something that you enjoy whenever you have time. Don’t take all your time thinking of your annoying job, if you enjoy playing football then so make some time to play often, if you enjoy making love, I am afraid this might not be a great activity as you might get stressed up even more .

5.Add something fun to the mix at work

You managed to buy a good IPod, Iphone and have a high capacity memory card. Why don’t you look for those nice songs and comical short clips that will help bring back your laughter even in absence of your loved ones and friends? Just make sure you add something you enjoy to your work.

6.Keep your sense of humor

It’s not just an old wives’ tale that laughter is the best medicine. Many scientists believe that humor can enhance your ability to cope with a number of situations by giving you perspective and helping you to see that the problem is manageable. Try and add humor to your daily routine whenever possible. Watch a sitcom over a drama or listen to a goofy morning radio show rather than the news. Keeping your sense of humor will allow you to be optimistic in the face of adversity, which will help you keep the ball rolling forward every day.

7.Focus on life outside of the office

If you work for 8 hours every day, why take 16 hours of your day thinking about work. While in your office, think of other things out of work and make sure you think of things that don’t stress you even more. When work is done, focus on some other life, work time will come but make sure you give yourself time to think of yourself and your personal desires.

8.Be a better worker

You may not be happy at work, but you don’t have to waste your time. Since you’re likely applying for other jobs anyway, you might as well do all you can to enhance your skills. Take advantage of training programs, if your company offers them. Better still, try and convince your boss that you need to leave early once a week to attend a class at a local community college. That way you’ll get out of work and make yourself more attractive to future employers at the same time.

9.Don’t jeopardize your job

On a note related to the previous tip, however awful things are, you don’t want to ruin all of the hard work you’ve done. Even if you’re eventually leaving your job, you don’t want to leave it on bad terms, so make all the effort you can to keep from destroying relationships at your job. Also, don’t slack off. How you perform at your current job can determine if you get your next one. Use that as motivation to keep your performance up. A positive attitude will go a long way in getting you out of a bad situation.

10.Organize an activity at work

If your problem at work is that it has become a grind, chances are that some of your coworkers probably feel the same way. Assuming that you actually like your coworkers, try suggesting an activity with them to liven things up. Make plans for the office to go bowling one night. Or, get a weekly softball game together (ask some of the companies you do business with if they’d like to play against your team and maximize your networking potential).

11.Set job-hunting goals for yourself

The best way to get through a hard time is to set goals in terms of finding new employment and meet them. By setting goals you identify a finish line, and by meeting the goals on a daily, weekly and monthly basis you give yourself something to feel good about. The goals can range from sending out resumes to expanding your networking opportunities.

12.Seek professional help

Ask experienced employees and employers to help you understand your job situation , ask them to share their experience at the kind of work and let them advise on the best way to get work moving on well.

Source: askmen.com

TPF – 5 Contestants Are on Probation

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Sunday night was the probation show at Tusker project fame Season 5, with a number under performances, 5 contestants were put on probation for possible eviction this week.

All contestants had to perform English songs for the night.

Samantha Nzemara performed Set Fire to the rain by Adele and she pulled off a good performance according to judges Ian, Hermes and Juliana. Steve performed Without you by Asher Raymond , Eunice did Battlefield by Jordin Sparks, Sharon did California King Bed by Rihanna , Ruth performed  Best thing I ever heard by Beyonce , and Damian  did  That’s the way you are by Bruno Mars among others.

Ruth had the best show for the night receiving great comments from all the competition Judges,

About Ruth’s performance, Judge Ian said- “wow, wow, wow the show has started, this is the best thing”

Juliana – “You brought the house down”

Hermes – “I feel very good about your performance”

At the end of the show, 5 contestants were put on probation and these are;

  1. Eunice: Kenya
  2. Damian: Tanzania
  3. Allan: Uganda
  4. Fatuma: Rwanda
  5. Nancy: South Sudan

To save any of the contestants, vote everyday by Sms.

Big Brother Africa, 2 Evicted, 2 Upgrade to Upville

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At the eviction night that was graced by a performance from Tanzanian Bongo Flava star A.Y, IK had to play his role and two Downville housemates were evicted as voted by the public.

First it was the Namibian duo of Junia and Jessica to come out the house, happy to arrive on stage, the two were taken through their past while in the reality house just before IK announced that Jessica had been evicted and Junia had to move and join Upville.

South Africa’s pair ‘Lee and Keagan’ was next, the guys who all looked scared of knowing what would happen were asked questions about this relationship with different girls in the house. From the pair, Lee was evicted and Keagan joined other Downville members like Keitta and Junia who earlier upgraded to Upville.

Only to be surprised, tonight, Upvillers paid little or no attention to any new member that joined the classy house. Junia and Keagan were not really welcome in the house.

If the behavior of the Upville members was not planned, then it is a serious strategy to prevent any new mate from staying in the house for so long.

After knowing this, who are you supporting in Big Brother Africa; share your views with us in the comments section below.

Keep right here for updates about Big brother.

Facebook Tests Call Button to compete Google Hangouts?

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Recently my attempt to try and user Google Hangout on Air to broadcast to Uganda from Uganda was   a failure from start since the feature is not available to Uganda as yet.   Originally Google+ Hangouts, allowed you to video chat with up to 9 different people at once and now Google+ Hangouts on Air, lets you broadcast to an unlimited audience.   Google+ Hangouts is being rolled out around the world. By last check (June 2012), it was available to Kenya subscribers but not yet for Uganda though we hope it will be coming soon even to Ugandans.

Here comes the Facebook “Call” Button. Facebook is reported to be testing the call button that will enable better video chat and possibly latter video broadcast.  Facebook partnered with Skype (a Microsoft owned brand) to bring better video service to Facebook though this has not been as fast as the market may have wished. With the increase in popularity of social chat services such as Google Hangouts it looks like Facebook is ready to get better video service more on its users now.

Facebook Tests Call Button to compete Google Hangouts?

Do you think the “Call” button will influence Facebook members to use video chat more? Will Facebook be able to compete against other social video chat services such as Google Hangouts which are yet to gain good traction in Uganda and other African Countries where Facebook is social king? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

Is Microsoft launching its own tablet iPad Killer?

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Microsoft was the first player in the tablet market having launched its prototype tablet years ahead of Apple. Well it was possibly the wrong timing then and the project somehow never materialized. Three years after Apple successfully launched the iPad and is having solid sales for the iPad, Microsoft is said to be launching it’s own tablet, call it the “iPad Killer”.  It is expected that this tablet will run Windows RT (a version of Windows 8).

With a reputation to have more flexible licensing that caters not just to top tier, we shall await to see how the Microsoft tablet (if launched)  and other tablets running Window RT will perform in the tablet market.

As a follow up we covered a story about Window 8, coming to the tablets with extract here below

Tablets running windows 8 are slated to arrive on market in 2012. There will be 4 versions of windows 8 with one of the biggest difference being if they run on ARM processors or Intel processors. Versions for Intel are Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise. Windows RT is the official name for the version designed to run on low-powered ARM processors, which are used in a lot of tablets today.

Entry-level Windows 8 tablets are expected to be under $300 and high-end models, with specs comparable to the latest iPad will cost around $1,000 which pricing will enable Microsoft to compete the iPad and Android tablets. The flexible pricing is good for developing markets where more affordable tablets devices are needed.

Will it be the iPad Killer? Well we can only tell once it is on market.