Microsoft Releases Face SDK for Windows Phone
Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 May 2012 10:47 Written by Alan Wednesday, 16 May 2012 10:47
Today Microsoft released a beta version of Microsoft Face SDK (software development kit) for Windows Phone. An SDK is used by developers to integrate a particular service into an app they are building. In this case, it is mostly for photo-oriented apps for Microsoft’s mobile operating system, which incidentally, we are hearing has now passed RIM in the U.S. market.
The new Face SDK beta is version 2.0.1 of the software, although it’s the first we have heard of it, likely because there are no developers around here.
“The Microsoft Face SDK provides many state-of-the-art algorithms to process face images, such as face detection, alignment, tracking, and cartooning. The SDK makes it easy for developers to create interesting, face-related Windows Phone applications.”
You can head over to Microsoft Research to grab the 34.1 MB file and if you use it to develop a Windows Phone app then send us a link so we can check it out and let others know about it.
Microsoft Details New Parental Controls for Windows 8
Last Updated on Monday, 14 May 2012 08:33 Written by Alan Monday, 14 May 2012 08:33
Windows has had parental controls in it’s past iterations, but Windows 8 will be bringing a whole new level of control according to information released today from Microsoft. This is a touchy area when it comes to control because, while we want to keep our kids safe, many of us try to walk the line between safety and becoming too invasive.
The next-generation of the Microsoft operating system will feature easier parental controls. Users can simply create a separate account for their child. A checkbox to enable family safety is present in this new version of the process. Labeled simply “Is this a child’s account? Turn on Family Safety to get reports of their PC use”, the new OS allows for simple deployment. With Windows 8 users will no longer be bombarded with a stream of parental permission requests to handle, but can simply set up the separate account and receive a weekly email report “summarizing your child’s computer activities”. Microsoft thinks, rightfully so, that this new approach will make life easier for both adult and child.
“We expect you’ll find activity reports a great tool for teaching your kids about responsible computer use. Of course, you can also easily add restrictions by just clicking a link in the activity report. With the simplicity of activity reports, we believe more parents will adopt Family Safety, resulting in a safer computing environment for children.”
The new “Family Safety” accounts will won’t be able to access the parents’ email account, online accounts, documents, etc. Users can customize their own account settings without affecting their parent’s account and children won’t be able to download malware or other potentially dangerous files.
You can get more detailed information by reading the full post over at the Building Windows 8 Blog. The new Windows 8 will allow users to tailor the way parental controls work to whatever they think is best for their family. You can check out Microsoft’s intro video below.
Xbox Companion App for Windows Phone Gets Minor Update
Last Updated on Monday, 14 May 2012 11:32 Written by Alan Monday, 14 May 2012 11:32
Today Microsoft pushed out a new update, version 1.2, of the Xbox Companion app for Windows Phone. First released back in 2011, the Xbox app brings console controls to your mobile handset, allowing users to search for movies, TV shows, music, and games. You can then use your Windows Phone as a remote control for the Xbox to play all of that media.
Microsoft has not posted a change log for the update so it’s not clear what is new, but since nothing is obvious, we can only assume the changes are behind the scenes, likely bug fixes and security updates. Unfortunately there are no cool new features present in this update, but maybe these fixes are in advance of one that is coming.
The Xbox Companion app is available for free download from the Windows Phone Marketplace. The app requires both an Xbox (obviously) and an Xbox Live account. Membership in Xbox Live is available for free, or you can get either a Gold account for $5 per month or a Family Pack for $8.33 per month (billed annually)
