SurfCube 5 for Windows Phone 8 is now available to consumers. This major release of the popular web browser introduces a number of new features, including support for the new speech API in Windows Phone 8. The app is a popular choice for those who require that little bit extra which Internet Explorer doesn't quite provide. So what joins speech in version 5?
We last looked at SurfCube back in January when the app was bumped to support Windows Phone 8 in general. But in version 5 we're also looking at more file types being supported. Users can now access the following within the browser:
- WMV
- AVI
As well as the above, the development team has also implemented the first steps of Readability (readability.com) integration. The "Reader mode" strips down a web page to the content (ignoring CSS and other 'clutter') to display text and images. Perfect for viewing articles without having to deal with other distracting elements. The mode can be accessed via the contextual menu (press and hold on a web page).
Next up is "Article Cinema." It's regarded as the most complex single feature in SurfCube since tabs were introduced in version 2. Articles are transformed into a cinema-like experience. Images are displayed while the article itself is read out to the user (see above screenshot). Multiple articles can be added to a playlist for future playback, using the "Play later" option from the context menu while selecting a link. It really is a cool feature.
If all that wasn't enough, there are a number of cosmetic changes and bug fixes included to boot. Check out the official video, demonstrating some of the new features in version 5 of SurfCube:
You can download Surfcube for $1.99 (free trial present) from the Windows Phone Store. A free, ad-supported version (left-hand QR code) is also available.
Halo: MCC's live service elements make it better, not worse
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more popular than ever, but some fans don't agree with the live service approach 343 Industries has taken with it. Here's why those elements are, at the end of the day, great for the game and for Halo overall.
Microsoft's Surface Duo is not 'failing up'
Microsoft announced this week that it was expanding Surface Duo availability to nine new commercial markets. While Surface Duo is undoubtedly a work in progress, this is not a sign of a disaster. It's also doesn't mean that Surface Duo is selling a ton either. Instead, the reason for the expansion is a lot more straightforward.
Here's what you can do if Windows 10 update KB5001330 is causing issues
In this guide, we'll show you the steps to get rid of the update KB5001330 to fix profile, gaming, and BSoD problems with the Windows 10 October 2020 Update and May 2020 Update.
These tools will help you keep your PC's drivers updated
Windows 10 does a good job of updating your PC's drivers, but third-party tools can help you clean up and optimize your system. Here are the best tools to keep your Windows 10 PC's drivers up to date.