As a tech junkie, I love staying up to date on the latest and greatest technology. That's why when the Surface 3 was released last month, I couldn't wait to get my shipment. It felt like Christmas morning - nothing says exciting like unwrapping a brand new gadget and adjusting the settings to fit my needs.
And I gotta say, it's a really great tablet. Light, fast and operating on the latest version of Windows 10, I was excited to start playing around with it. The tablet itself didn't disappoint. But sadly, Windows 10 did. Still a pioneering and great OS, Windows felt a bit outdated and boring. It was all business and much less fun that the other OSs out there. So I tinkered with that as well, and here are some of the best solutions I've found to enhance my Microsoft 10 experience.
Get Your Game On
The Windows Store is an obvious inclusion in the Windows 10 software. User friendly and easily searchable, I have no complaints about the store itself. In fact, Windows even listened to the feedback their users provided and
.
Something that I feel is missing is the variety of apps that I get on my Android phone. The Windows Store is lacking a serious number of apps, as many apps are not developed for Windows, instead with the focus being on Android and iOS.
As an Android phone user, I've gotten accustomed to having my apps and games available at the tap of my screen. But unfortunately many of these apps aren't available on Windows, thus rendering my games unusable on my tablet. So to make up for this I use Andy OS, my Android emulator of choice as it allows me to access my Google Play account and the Google Play Store on my tablet. I kind of feel like I'm cheating on my tablet but until all my apps are on the windows app store, I don't really have a choice.
Privacy and Security
It's no shock that privacy and security are hot button issues - after all, your personal devices store and have the ability to offer insights to your personal information. This is why when, in August of last year, there were
many people decided to jump ship and move to other operating systems.
Logic might dictate that I have nothing to hide, so there's no reason for me to worry in this sense. And Google accesses personal information, is that going to stop me from using Gmail and chrome, nope. So why would Microsoft avoid doing the same? Regardless of the reasoning and even though I am on Microsoft's bandwagon here, others aren't that understanding.
But when it comes to the controversy over WiFi Sense, the biggest issue is that there is potential for a fellow Windows user to access your network. This means that they are hiding behind your IP address, thus rendering you unable to prevent an attack on your devices. This is problematic to say the least, especially in regards to my concern for my work email and accounts. Thankfully, I know that my personal inbox is being checked and scanned frequently by the LogDog Inbox Detective to ensure that none of my sensitive information (credit card statements, passwords, contact list, etc) is visible and therefore at risk. And for work, we use Nuro Secure Messaging to keep our messages (which range from everyday conversations to info regarding banking, clients, etc) safe and protected. Plus, I can access it both on mobile and desktop.
The sad truth is that no system is perfect and vulnerabilities are a part of the tech industry. Unfortunate but true, this only leads to me believe that it's my responsibility to ensure that I have my info secured, protected and as safe as can be. Considering the fact that Windows is a Microsoft product, there is a never ending supply of hackers waiting to infiltrate. Just last week a good friend of mine got hit with CryptoWall Ransomware on his PC. He was stressed about it but I simply explained that he can combat without paying them off.
Another specific concern that Windows 10 users experienced was that Cortana was tracking their location. Definitely a concern to have - technology always begs the question "where is the line between advancement and personal boundaries?" Well, thankfully for this specific issue, the settings are pretty easy to correct the defaults that concern many Windows 10 users.
Create Your own Media Center
We all know that tablets are a main viewing platform for TV and video watching. In fact, when it comes to watching TV in the bedroom,
, including me. So the fact that Windows discontinued their Media Center on Windows 10 is a huge bummer.
Of course, there's always streaming services and the option to download online. But having the organized and easily accessible Media Center on my home screen is a big loss. Not only did it store my movies and TV shows, it also did the same for personal videos, music and photos.
Considering the fact that my wife is giving birth to our first child in a matter of weeks, it would have been great to have this Media Center to help me organize photos and videos of what's sure to be the cutest baby ever born. But alas, I'll have to make due without. And thanks to Plex, I can have the benefits that the Media Center offered.
So while the tablet couldn't be better, I am forced to conclude that the Windows 10 app store is in it's infancy . And while there are some great options to make up for what's lacking with the OS, the extra effort we expend on finding and installing replacements for native options is a strike against the operating system itself. Even if it isn't Microsoft's fault.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.