Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Software : Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud

Software : Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud

Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud

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Nuance takes Dragon Anywhere into the cloud

Nuance is ready to take smartphone dictation to the next level through a completely revamped version of its Dragon Anywhere app.

First reported by 9to5Mac, the new iOS and Android app is a drastic departure from the original app that extends far beyond the dictation functionality it provides for the built-in keyboard in iOS.

The new functionality owes no small debt of thanks to its new status as a completely cloud-based app that means it can take continuous dictation with no time limit and the added level of accuracy allows users to easily write an entire document using the dictation.

The entire app works by voice and all navigation can be done without having to so much as touch your iPhone or iPad. Once work is complete it can be synced straight to Dropbox or Evernote where you can then collaborate on editing the document with co-workers or friends.

Dragon for Mac

Dragon Anywhere for iOS and Android isn't the only incoming offering. The new Dragon for Mac gets a refreshed look that makes it smaller and much easier to fit onto your busy desktop. Nuance also claims that speech recognition is faster than it once was.

Anyone interested in the Mac edition, it costs $200 (around £127, or AU$272) from Nuance's website and that drops down to $100 (around £63.90, or AU$136) if you own the previous edition.

Microsoft patches up critical Internet Explorer vulnerability

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Microsoft patches up critical Internet Explorer vulnerability

Microsoft has issued a critical security update for all versions of Internet Explorer that prevents attackers taking control of a PC.

The bulletin explains that CVE-2105-2502 has the potential to allow a remote code execution if a user stumbles upon a specially crafted website inside Internet Explorer and those that have activated full administrative user rights are most at risk.

For Internet Explorer versions 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 running on Windows, including Windows 10, the update is rated as critical whereas for versions running on Windows server the vulnerability is only given a moderate tag.

The update patches up the problem by changing how Internet Explorer handles objects in memory and will be welcomed by the millions of internet users that still count Microsoft's browser as number one.

How to update

Legacy systems that have yet to upgrade to Windows 10 are missing out on Microsoft Edge, the new browser that will be at the centre of things going forwards. Internet Explorer can still be used on Windows 10, however, Microsoft is trying to wean its users off the browser and over to Edge, which has a range of new features and isn't affected by this vulnerability.

Microsoft is delivering the critical IE update via its automatic Windows Update facility for those that have automatic updating turned on and for everyone else it can be downloaded right here.

Parallels Desktop 11 gives Cortana a native home on your Mac

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Parallels Desktop 11 gives Cortana a native home on your Mac

Parallels launched the latest version of its desktop virtualization software for OS X users. Even though Parallels 10 allowed OS X users to run Windows 10 alongside OS X without requiring a reboot, the new Parallels Desktop 11 brings added features that make Windows feel native on the Mac.

In a demonstration of Parallels Desktop 11 ahead of its launch, Nick Dobrovolskiy, VP of Development of Parallels Desktop, showed that Windows 10 can look as if it's native to OS X. Rather than running Windows in a virtualized window on OS X, the Coherence Mode, which is now available for Windows 10 on Parallels Desktop 11, puts Windows apps in the OS X dock at the bottom.

Coherence

With Coherence on, you won't even notice you're running Windows as there is no virtualize window. Windows apps take on the Windows UI, but they each open in their own separate window, just like native OS X apps.

Hey, Cortana

Another big change for Parallels Desktop 11 is that Cortana can live natively on OS X thanks to Coherence Mode. Not only will Cortana look like she belongs on your Mac, but she can also be commanded to launch your Mac apps.

Cortana

"Hey, Cortana," Dobrovolskiy commanded, "Launch Chrome on my Mac," and the Chrome browser for Mac opens. If you just say "Launch Chrome," then the Windows version will open, so it's important to add the "on my Mac" distinction at the end of your command.

Other new innovations

In addition to Cortana and Coherence Mode support, Parallels Desktop makes use of native Mac gestures. With Force Touch, you can also use Mac's Quick Look feature to get a preview of your Windows file. This brings Mac support to Windows.

Dictation

And because OS X supports voice dictation, you can use your Mac's voice dictation feature in Windows 10 apps. Dobrovolskiy launched the Microsoft Word program for Windows on his MacBook Air and launched OS X's voice dictation to dictate, rather than type, text.

To conserve battery life, the new Travel Mode shuts down select system resources while you're away from your power outlet.

Location

Parallels Desktop 11 can also use your Mac's location information, which is useful when asking Cortana to look up nearby restaurants, map your directions or get weather information.

Pricing

Parallels Desktop 11 is available for $79 (£50, AU$107). Users upgrading from Parallels Desktop 9 or Parallels Desktop 10 can pay the $49 (£31, AU$66) upgrade charge.

If you don't want to virtualize Windows 10 and prefer to dual-boot instead, Apple added support for Microsoft's latest OS for its Boot Camp utility.

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