Mozilla still unconvinced of benefits Google's WebP images

Posted by Harshad

Posted: 17 Oct 2013 01:48 PM PDT

Mozilla studied Google's WebP image format and wasn't convinced it's significantly better than decades-old JPEG. In this chart, a lower number means a smaller file size for a given quality level compared to JPEG.

(Credit: Mozilla)

Bad news for fans of Google's WebP: a Mozilla has given it a resounding meh in a study comparing it and rival image formats.

The study compared JPEG to WebP, JPEG XR, and HEVC-MSP, a . Google has touted WebP as a way to reduce file sizes on the Web and therefore to speed up Web page loading and cut bandwidth costs.

If you've been using the Preview version of 8.1, many of these features should already seem familiar: swiping up from the base brings up the All Apps drawer, desktop backgrounds can move in parallax effect, and of course, the obligatory "Start" button is back (though it's just a visual icon for the home screen).

Other changes include deeper integration with Bing, SkyDrive, and many tweaks that may not seem revolutionary as far as the operating system goes, but add a much-needed level of polish to every native app that comes with it. SkyDrive, for example, runs much better as a native experience: Your files and docs will automatically appear in your SkyDrive no matter what Windows 8.1 device you sign into. Internet Explorer 11 includes the ability to hold unlimited tabs at the footer drawer. Additionally, there is a slew of other improvements that make this a must download for any current Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Preview user.

You can grab Windows 8.1 via the Windows Store.

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Windows 8.1 app updates: Facebook, Netflix, and more

Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:57 AM PDT

The new and improved Facebook app for Windows 8.1.

(Credit: Facebook)

The launch of Windows 8.1 has ushered in several updated applications, led by Facebook.

The social network on Thursday released its official app for Windows 8.1. The application comes with many of the features users would expect, including the ability to see friend activity in the News Feed and Notifications. Users can also receive Facebook updates automatically on the Start Screen. The app is available for free in the Windows Store.