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Mechanical Dictionary

Mechanical Dictionary is the No. 1 Dictionary of Mechanical Engineering. It cover all the terms you need to know about the mechanical aspect.

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Days Until - countdown

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Days Until is a light weight & clean countdown timer that displays the time left until a specified event along with sending you a reminder. Also features:

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A metal theme for Smart Launcher.

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Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 comparison review: Why Sony outpaces Samsung in this smartphone battle

IFA 2014 brought along the which means the Samsung Galaxy S5 has a new rival. See how these two flagship compare in our Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5 comparison review. : .

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Price

Since the Xperia Z3 is a brand-new smartphone, it's no surprise that it's more expensive than the Galaxy S5 which is a few months old. Read: .

In the technology market, especially mobile, those few months make a big difference and while the Sony Xperia Z3 is £549 (the official price), the Galaxy S5 can be yours for around £390 at the time of writing.

That's a fairly big difference but the price of the Xperia Z3 will quickly drop. In fact, Clove already has it for £515 (with free accessories) so it shouldn't be long before it drops below the £500 mark.

Is the Xperia Z3 worth paying extra for? Read on to find out the different in hardware, performance, unique features and software. Related:

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Design

Sony has been producing dust- and water resistant phones (and tablets) for a while now, almost solely, and the Xperia Z3 is, of course, no exception – although the feature has trickled down to cheaper phones in the form of the Xperia M2 Aqua.

Samsung likes features and has added this to the design of the Galaxy S5 also. They phone has a rating of IP67 and the Sony Xperia Z3 touts IP68. The first number relates to dust, so both are completely dust tight. The second refers to water so while the Galaxy S5 can be submerged in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes, the Xperia Z3 can handle up to 1.5m so is marginally better.

One thing we worry about is the fact that the Galaxy S5's rear cover is still removable so if it's not clipped into place properly a seal won't be made and water will easily get in. The Z3 only has a couple of flaps to keep shut.

The Xperia Z3 is a little thinner at 7.3 mm compared to 8.1 mm but since it's a slightly larger phone, it's heavier at 152 g against 142 g. These are small and pretty insignificant differences. What has far more effect is that the Sony handset feels far more premium and luxurious with the combination of aluminium and glass. The Galaxy S5 is too plastic fantastic for a flagship smartphone.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Screen

Things are pretty similar when it comes to the screen on these two smartphones. Both have Full HD resolution, which we've come to expect from top-end handsets and they are only 0.1in different in size. The Galaxy S5 has a 5.1in screen while the Xperia Z3 sticks with the 5.2in display found on the .

The slight size difference means the Galaxy S5 has a pixel density of 432 ppi while the Z3 offers 424 ppi but that's far too negligible to notice.

Samsung uses its favoured Super AMOLED technology while Xperia Z3's IPS LCD display employs its own Triluminos and X-Reality. We've seen both and the Xperia Z3's screen is more easy going and out favourite while the AMOLED tech is a little too in your face – you may disagree though.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Processor and GPU

Things are identical when it comes to the engine room with both Sony and Samsung opting for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and Adreno 330 GPU. It's a 2.5 GHz quad-core chip no matter which phone you opt for and we've found performance to be top notch on each.

The Xperia Z3 does win a little one-up on the Galaxy S5 since it has 3 GB of RAM instead of 2 GB. More memory will always be a good thing as far as we're concerned.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Storage

Storage is another area where these two handsets are very similar but it's Samsung which gains a brownie point this time with a 16- or 32 GB model – although the higher capacity tends to be a little harder to find. Sony has decided to launch the Xperia Z3 is just 16 GB. Both have a microSD card slot for adding up to 128 GB of storage.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Wireless

As you would expect from two high-end flagship smartphones, the Xperia Z3 and Galaxy S5 come with the latest wireless technology: 11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and Cat 4 LTE 4G. However, there are a couple of differences to point out.

The Galaxy S5 has microUSB 3.0 which means faster charging and transfer speeds with the right cable and it has a 'download booster' which combines your Wi-Fi and 4G connection for faster speeds. In the Xperia Z3's favour is MHL 3.0 which supports 4K video output with the right adapter.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Unique features

With such a similar set of hardware, it's unique features which will massively help you decide which one to buy. Which appeal to you will depend on your taste (and whether you own a PS4).

The Galaxy S5 has a number of features which the Xperia Z3 doesn't have such as a fingerprint scanner (housed in the home button), an IR blaster for controlling other gadgets with and a heart rate monitor.

That's a nice trio of items but they may be of no use to you. Perhaps the support for High-Res audio (including DSD files) on the Xperia Z3 will appeal more – and noise cancelling with the right headphones as per the Xperia Z2. It also has front facing stereo speakers and gamers will be delighted to hear that PS4 Remote Play is on-board.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Cameras

There's little difference for front facing selfie camera fans as the Galaxy S5 has a 2Mp webcam while the Xperia Z3 offers a slightly higher resolution 2.2Mp shooter. Both can shoot video in 1080p quality.

However, there is a bigger difference when it comes to the main cameras. Samsung has opted for an impressive 16 Mp on the Galaxy S5 while the Xperia Z3 sticks to the 20.7 Mp camera with Sony's Exmor RS sensor found on multiple predecessors. It is worth noting that the Z3's camera has a new 28 mm wide-angle lens and a whopping maximum ISO of 12800. Both can shoot up to 4K (2160p) video with digital stabilisation features.

In the Galaxy S5's favour is a dual-tone flash while the Xperia Z3 offers a dedicated camera/shutter button on the side of the phone. Each has a large array of camera apps such as HDR, panorama, dual camera etc.
The Xperia Z3 marginally wins for us but the Galaxy S5 has one of the best smartphone cameras around too so we don't think you'll be disappointed either way.

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5: Software

The Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z3 both come pre-loaded with the latest version of Android, 4.4.2 KitKat. But that doesn't mean they are the same in this area. In fact, they are far from it because Samsung and Sony add their own user interfaces on top of stock Android.

Sony's is much closer to plain Android and still looks much the same as before with only some minor changes. For some users a lack of change will be a good things and Sony's interface is stylish, easy to use and comes with a good amount of decent wallpapers, widgets and apps such as Walkman.

Samsung's TouchWiz interface is well known for being one of the most complicated and customised around. While it may not be the most user friendly, if you like additional features then it may be the one for you. It offers smart pause, smart stay, multi-window, private mode, kids mode and many more plus the Magazine UX which is a swipe away from the homescreen.

These are two very different approaches to software so if you don't know which you prefer from reading this then try them out via friends or in shop before making a purchase.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comparison review: What's the difference?

Sony launched several new devices during IFA 2014 in Berlin at the beginning of September. Among those new devices was the , which replaces the (Sony skipped over the Z2 Compact, it seems). Here, we put the two smartphones head-to-head to see how they stack up in our Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comparison review. See also:

See also:

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Price

The Xperia Z3 Compact costs £429, from Sony, though you'll find it cheaper if you shop around. Clove is offering it for just £349, for example.

For now, you can still buy the Xperia Z1 Compact from Sony too, at a price of £349. We've yet to see it offered much cheaper by third-party resellers so the Z3 Compact is a better deal right now. Read next:

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Design and build

The Xperia Z3 Compact has a sleeker and more streamlined design than its predecessor. It's lighter, thinner, more durable and has new colours.

Taking a closer look, you'll first notice that the Z3 Compact comes in black, green, orange or white, while the Z1 Compact has white, pink, yellow or black options.

Sony has shaved a small amount off of the thickness and weight with the new model, too. The Z3 Compact measures 8.6mm thick and weighs 129g, compared with the 9.5mm and 137g of the Z1 Compact.

When it comes to durability, the Z3 Compact has new nylon corners to protect the smartphone should you accidentally drop it, and it's dust- and waterproof to a rating of IP68 compared with the IP55 rating of the Z1 Compact.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Screen

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact has a 4.6in screen, which is bigger than the 4.3in of the Z1 Compact but the overall size of the phone is similar thanks to the thinner bezels on the newer smartphone.

They share the same 720p resolution, though, which actually means that the pixel density of the older phone is slightly higher, at 341ppi compared with the Z3 Compact's 319ppi.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Hardware

Inside the Xperia Z3 Compact is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz paired with 2GB RAM. That's impressive, but not completely dissimilar to the Z1 Compact's Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor clocked at 2.2GHz, also paired with 2GB RAM.

We've not been able to run our full benchmark tests on the newer Compact yet, but we were impressed with the results achieved by the Xperia Z1 Compact and expect the Z3 Compact to be even better.

You'll get 16GB of built-in storage with both the Z1 Compact and Z3 Compact, and both offer microSD card slots. The Z3 Compact supports microSD cards up to 128GB while the Z1 Compact offers up to 64GB, though.

Connectivity features in both smartphones are largely the same, including Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and 4G LTE, but the Z3 Compact does support the faster 11ac WiFi standard that the Z1 misses out on. 

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Camera

You'll also find a similar camera in both of the Z Compact smartphones from Sony. Both have 20.7Mp main cameras with the Sony Exmor RS sensor, but the Z3 Compact does offer a 25mm wide-angle and a super-high ISO of 128000.

The front-facing camera on the Z3 Compact is 2.2Mp while the Z1 Compact has a 2Mp camera on the front. They're both capable of recording 1080p video.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Software

Both the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and its predecessor run Android 4.4 KitKat with Sony's own user interface.

The Z3 Compact has some cool new features that the Z1 Compact missed out on, though. It supports PS4 Remote Play for playing PS4 games over a WiFi network and has high-res audio playback including DSD files. If you don't own any high-res music then Sony's DSEE HD (digital sound enhancement engine) promised to upscale it to near high-res quality. 

Spotify vs Google Music comparison review: What's the best music streaming service?

So you're a big music lover but all these streaming services are confusing. Here we take Spotify and Google Music and compare the differences between them including quality, what's on offer, features and apps. : .

Spotify is still the biggest player in the music streaming market but it doesn't mean it's your only choice. Google Music is certainly worth a look so read our comparison review to see which the best streaming service is.

Spotify vs Google Music: Price and subscriptions

The streaming model of Spotify differs from Google Music a fair amount. If you don't mind listening to the occasional advert, you can listen to music for free. On Google Music, you can only listen to the individual tracks or albums you have purchased – pricing is competitive with many albums under £5 and an album of the week for just 99p.

One thing both have in common is an unlimited ad-free streaming service. They're called Spotify Premium and Google Music All Access. You can trial each for a month without paying but afterwards you'll have to pay £9.99 per month.

Spotify vs Google Music: Features and service

The features on offer from Spotify and Google Music are very similar but there are a few small and potentially key differences.

Spotify vs Google Music: Apps

As you might expect, each service can be used on the web and on mobile via apps - iOS and Android for each plus Windows Phone and Blackberry for Spotify. However, Spotify has a desktop application which can be downloaded for PC or Mac. You can use all of these whether you pay a subscription or not but the Spotify app will only let you listen to music on shuffle if you're using the free service.

Spotify vs Google Music: Streaming quality

No matter which service you opt for, you'll get music streamed at a maximum of 320kbps which, unless you're an audiophile, it will satisfy. You will need to be on a monthly subscription to get the higher rate though.  

Spotify vs Google Music: Quantity and new releases

In terms of content, Spotify has more than 20 million songs available to stream. The firm adds around 20,000 each day. Bear in mind that a chunk of these songs have never been listened to so although Google Music has slightly less, the sheer quantity isn't everything.

What you want from a streaming service is the most recent singles and albums available as soon as they are released. In general, you'll get that from both but there will occasionally be exceptions. For example, Coldplay has decided to not allow streaming of the latest album, Ghost Stories so only the singles are available.

Spotify vs Google Music: Offline and backup

A real plus point of Google Music is the ability to upload your existing music. You can backup and listen to up to 20,000 tracks which appear alongside you're streaming content as one happy library. You can easily download content for offline listening by pinning it within the app. Music purchased from the shop doesn't count towards that limit.

Spotify does allow offline listening but there are a couple of limitations – you can download up to 3,333 tracks to each device and stay offline for up to 30 days. Spotify offers a similar feature to Google Music in that you can play local files. There's a section for this in the desktop application but you can also sync these files with your mobile device to be played from within the app.

Spotify vs Google Music: Radio and recommendations

As you would expect from a modern streaming service, both Spotify and Google Music will learn what your taste is like to then recommend content. Both offer radio stations based on the music and artists you listen to. This is only available on Google Music if you pay monthly for All Access.

A free feature on Google Music is Instant Mixes which is similar to a radio station but essentially creates a playlist from your music based on favourite songs or artists. It shows you what's coming up next and you can skip forwards.

Spotify vs Google Music: Third-party devices

Spotify and Google Music are compatible with speaker systems and other gadgets like , , Apple TV (via AirPlay), , Smart TVs and more - compatibility varies. Spotify is more widely available in this way, however, in cases such as Spotify on Sonos, you'll need a Premium subscription.

: .

Spotify vs Google Music: Social

Spotify has much better integration with social networks. Not only can you post what you're listening to, you can see what you're friends are listening to without them posting something specifically. You can also follow artists so you know what they're listening to and make sure you don't miss new releases. Furthermore, you can keep track of your streaming habits with last.fm integration.

FancyTran for BlackBerry review

Bonjour! If that's the limit of your French, or any other language, FancyTran is an essential BlackBerry app.

The fundamentals are simple: type in a word or phrase, hit 'Translate' and seconds later, an accurate translation is produced. The application is tiny at 179kb, because it doesn't actually include any dictionaries, despite having dozens of languages to choose from.

Instead, it connects to the translation engines provided by Google, Bing, FreeTranslation, Majstro and Systran, and uses your BlackBerry's data connection to convert your words into a foreign language.

This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the number of available languages and words to look up is absolutely enormous, and having a number of translation engines available means you can cross-check your translations before inflicting them on the locals.

On the other hand, FancyTran's dependence on a data connection could spell expensive disaster if you need to use it abroad - expect some chunky phone bills unless you have a contract that allows you to use a data connection while roaming. You can always connect via your phone's WiFi connection, but the inability to download words for checking later is a drawback.

Still, if you're learning a language - particularly if you regularly practice somewhere you don't want to lug your dictionary to - FancyTran is an incredibly powerful application to have to hand.

NEXT: our expert verdict >>

Sony Xperia Z3 release date, price and specs UK: Pre-order or get it now

Just six months after the  went on sale Sony has unveiled the Xperia Z3 smartphone at IFA 2014. Here we reveal all there is to know about Sony's flagship smartphone, including UK release date, price and specs. and read our Sony Xperia Z3 hands-on review.

The Z3 wasn't Sony's only IFA 2014 product launch: Also see: , , ,  and .

Here is the brand-new Sony Xperia Z3 family - the Sony Xperia Z3 with the smaller Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact:

Sony Xperia Z3 release date UK

Sony only cofirmed that the Xperia Z3 would launch in September but has now put a date for release: 29 September. However, the device is already on sale at retailer . Also see: .

Sony Xperia Z3 price UK

has listed the Xperia Z3 for pre-order at £549, but Clove (link above) has the smartphone for £515 including a free accessory bundle worth £40.

If you're looking to get the Sony Xperia Z3 at the best price also see our . 

Sony Xperia Z3 specs

As we expected, the Android KitKat 4.4.4-powered Sony Xperia Z3 features a super-slim 146x72x7.3mm, 152g rounded aluminium frame with durable tempered glass panels. A 5.2in (1920x1080) ultra-bright display uses Sony's Triluminous, Live Colour LED and X-Reality tech, and is said to be easily readable even in bright sunlight.

Available in black, white, copper and silver green, the Sony Xperia Z3 also offers better waterproofing protection than ever, with its IP65/68 rating meaning it can survive up to 30 minutes at depths of up to 1.5m.

The Sony Xperia Z3 is fitted with a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM and Adreno 330 graphics. It's available with 16- or 32GB of storage, and microSD cards up to 128GB in capacity are supported.

Battery life is also extended, says Sony, and you could get up to two days from the Xperia Z3's 3100mAh non-removable cell and Stamina power-saving mode.

Like its predecessor there is a 20.7Mp camera that supports 4K video, combining Sony's Handycam and Cyber-shot technologies, but now with a 25mm wide-angle Sony G Lens that lets you fit more into the shot. Sony claims the Z3 is the world's first smartphone to offer ISO 12800 sensitivity, and it's bundled some new social modes and editing features in the camera app.

Multi-camera lets you record from several angles using multiple compatible Xperia devices; Face In lets you record both an event and your reaction to it; AR fun lets you scribble on photos and add animations; Movie Creator combines your footage and snapshots into a home movie; and Sound Photo lets you add sound to a picture.

The front camera is rated at 2.2Mp and supports 1080p video. 

Also new to the Sony Xperia Z3 is PS4 Remote Play, which lets you use your phone as a remote screen to control PlayStation 4 games. It works with the DualShock 4 wireless controller and GCM10 Game control mount, so you can continue playing PS4 games on your phone.

Sony's renowned Walkman software is also present, and the Xperia Z3 supports high-res audio. DSEE HS tech upscales lower-quality audio to near-high-res quality. Front-facing speakers feature S Force Front Surround, which Sony claims plays everything loud and crystal clear.

The Sony Xperia Z3 supports 4G LTE, dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, GPS and GLONASS. A dual-SIM version will also be available as the D6633.

Check out the other products expected to be unveiled at .

Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter.

Windows 9 release date, price, features: Windows 9 doesn't have a name yet, according to Microsoft

Microsoft has sent out invitations for an event on 30 September where it is expected to announce the Windows 9 beta as a 'technical preview' and follow-up to Windows 8. Here's everything you need to know about the Windows 9 release date and new features including the return of the start menu and loss of the charms bar. Updated on 26/09/14.

It's fair to say that  has not been a universal success. In many ways a necessary step not terribly well executed, Windows 8's attempt to stitch together desktop and mobile has been way too radical to encourage new users. And as the longer life of existing and combines with the growth of and to continually slow PC sales, Window 8 has come to be seen as a dud. This means two things: expect a new and improved Windows in the fastest possible time, and expect it to be called 'Windows 9'. It's unlikely there will be a Windows 8.2, and there definitely won't be a Windows 8.3. (See also: .)

Here we outline what we know about the Windows 9 release date, based on Microsoft communications and credible rumours. We'll also take a look at our analysis of what we expect Windows 9 to cost, as well as listing the features we expect to see in Windows 9. We will of course update this piece as we know more.

Windows 9 release date

Until now (beginning of September), Microsoft has not mentioned Windows 9 by name but the image at the top of the article was posted by the firm's Chinese division on Weibo saying ""Microsoft’s latest OS Windows 9 is coming soon, do you think the start menu at the left bottom will make a come back?". It was quickly removed but managed to grab it.

We expect Windows 9 to launch in PCs, laptops, tablets and phones that you can buy in April 2015 but Microsoft is likely to show it off - to some extent - on 30 September as it has now sent out invites to an event where it will outline 'what's next for Winodws and the enterprise'. Microsoft will reportedly show off a 'Windows Technical Preview' and we expect that availability for the Windows 9 beta will be announced.

Ok, Windows 9 hasn't been mentioned by name for the event - although it has now after Alain Crozier, president of Microsoft France, told employees that Windows 9 would be shown off at the event. This was spotted by which was told that actually, the next version of Windows doesn't have a name yet.

A shows some interesting details about Windows 9, including the 'fact' that the Preview version is scheduled for release between "Q2-Q3 2015". This means the official launch is unlikely to be in April 2015 as previously thought. The Q2-Q3 window is huge, of course, and the Preview could therefore appear any time between April and September 2015. It's possible there will be Christmas 2015 launch to consumers and, given that everything never goes to plan with a new Windows launch, we wouldn't be surprised if you can't buy a new laptop, PC or tablet with Windows 9 until then.

The document has a section detailing 'update items' which include changes to the Metro UI (Microsoft still calls the modern UI Metro internally, apparently), Windows Defender, OneDrive and improved Windows activation. There's also a mention of Cortana, Windows Phone 8.1′s personal assistant, which could mean it's coming to Windows 9.

Windows 9 Technical Preview leaked

Ahead of the 30 September event, the Windows 9 Technical Preview has been leaked on . The build number is 9841, although the site in unsure whether this is the exact build of the public Technical Preview.

Plenty of information (which we've outlined below) has already been available about Windows 9 including the return of the Start Menu - although it combines the old style Windows 7 style with Windows 8 Starts Screen functionality. New information is that the feature will be resizable.

We've heard that the Charms bar (that bit which pops in from the right) would be gone from Windows 9. However, Winsupersite says that it's still present on touch-based systems but can only be accessed with touch, not a mouse pointer.

Task view (above and shown in one of the videos below) is used to switch between apps and is opened via a button on the taskbar. File Explorer, meanwhile, will open with a new Home view as the default, showing things like favourite folders, recent folders and recent files.

Windows 9 leaked videos

Before we even get to 30 September, videos supposedly showing Windows 9 have been leaked online. They show a unified Notification Center, demonstrate multi-desktop (Task view) and the start menu. Watch the videos below but bear in mind that things could change by the time the final version arrives.

Windows 9: No Charms bar

claims that in Windows 9, Microsoft will do away with the Charms bar – that menu which pops in from the right with buttons like search, share, start and settings. However, the site is talking about Windows 9 on the desktop as the feature will remain as it is on tablets - this matches up with the information from Winsupersite above.

If you're wondering what the new regime will be, Winbeta said: "One method that we heard about that stands out is having a button up near the window controls that once pressed, would reveal the Search, Share, Devices and Settings charms from the top of the window (there's no need for a Start Button for desktop users in the charms.)"

"Another idea Microsoft have been toying with is removing the Charms completely. While it's possible, we're not entirely sure how that would work," it added.

Windows 9: Start menu returns

As we explain below we are certain that the new Windows update known as 'Threshold' will grow up to be Windows 9. And we expect Windows 9 to launch at some stage in early 2015, probably April 2015. This week we have seen what its claimed are leaked screenshots of Windows 9. Just to confuse things, these shots are labelled 'Windows 8.1 Pro', but that is consistant with what we have been hearing about the Threshold build that will eventually become Windows 9.

Windows-watchers at and have shown off screenshots of the new Start menu in Windows 9. There's also a shot of the new Windows Store in Windows 9. Click the Windows 9 screenshots to view them at full size.

Windows 9 screenshots

Look to the lefthand side of the new Start menu in both Start menu shots and you can see a list of recently used apps and the option to select a list of 'All apps'. One interesting point to note is that 'All apps' appears to include both Desktop- and Metro apps. The key to Windows 9 is marrying up the two disparate elements of Windows 8 in a way that makes sense to consumers. This way Microsoft can satisfy both those users who miss the Start menu, and also make Metro apps more useful.

Microsoft hasn't lost its taste for uncomfortable compromise, however. Strong rumours suggest that the expanded Start menu will appear within a more 'Desktop' Start screen and in the Desktop for PC- and laptops users. But that the same, expanded, Start menu may take over the entire Start screen for tablets and other smaller touchscreen devices.

Now look over to the right for another symbol of the same movement. To the right of the apps list is an area with pinned Metro apps. So as now you can see from the Start screen live tiles for important apps such as weather, mail, news, and calendar. Just as now the new Windows 9 Start screen is customisable, it seems, but here you can also pin Desktop Windows software. On both sets of screenshots you can see icons for the Pictures and Documents folders, as well as what looks like a 'My PC' tile that gets you straight into the file system.

Windows Phone 9

Talking of Cortana, the document also mentions Windows Phone 9, which is tagged alongside Windows 9 for a Q2-Q3 Preview release. We're only just seeing new smartphones running- the first version to feature Cortana - but in a year's time Windows Phone 8 will be consigned to the history book. Let's just hope that existing hardware will be upgradeable and that owners don't end up in the same situation as Windows Phone 7 buyers did.

Windows 9

Based on Microsoft's Build 2014 developer conference, we've put together an - beyond even Windows 9.

Microsoft partners will be getting a pre-beta version of Windows Developer Preview 9 soon, we understand. Thus those partners will have seen the earliest version of Windows 9 before the Build conference this April.

We expect to see a single beta of Windows 9, which will likely appear in the summer of 2014. If everything goes perfectly it is possible that Microsoft will release a Release Candidate version at the end of August or the beginning of September 2014. That date could easily slip.

Once a RC is released, bugs will be collected and fixed for several months before the final code is released to manufacturers. On this basis, it makes sense to see a Preview version from April 2015 onwards. (See also: .)

Windows 9 price

There's no word on what Windows 9 will cost, but we can make an educated guess. We'll update this piece as we know more.

How to price Windows 9? This is the classic innovator's dilemna: Microsoft has existing products that make it a lot of money, but is building new and better products for which it cannot charge as much. The market has changed. Apple gives away the most recent version of OS X for free, and PC- and laptop makers are feeling the pinch as smartphones and tablets eat into their markets.

So how much will Windows 9 cost? Not a lot.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was free to consumers, although not to OEMs who purchase licences to put on PCs and laptops they sell. Even if customers have to pay to upgrade to Windows 9 they won't have to pay much. Just a few pounds.

Windows 9 features

We expect that Windows 9 will be 64-bit only, although we expected that for Windows 8 and we were wrong. A lot depends - as ever with Microsoft - on what OEMs want to build, and what Intel gives them with which to build.

One thing that Microsoft has to do is allow Windows Phone and Windows RT apps to run on both Windows Phone and Windows. Even Xbox apps should become cross compatible. You may also be able to pin Metro apps to the taskbar. Also expect to see Kinect-based 3D gestures to be enabled for laptops with 3D cameras - basically the ability to control your computer with gestures.

Microsoft's recent pronouncements suggest a full return of the Start menu and that Windows 8-style apps will be able to run on the desktop. Windows 9 will definitely be less traumatic a chance for desktop users.

One key - although less obvious - development is likely to be much improved power management. The rise of mobile devices has made battery life a key battle ground for Windows. Intel has done its part, massively improving power management with its latest generation of mobile processors. But the Windows software needs to keep pace, so expect Microsoft to make great claims for Windows 9's power management capabilities.

Visit Windows 7 Advisor and Windows 8 Advisor for more Windows advice. Or email our Helproom Editor for bespoke advice.