The Social Magazine

The Audi R8 Explored: The Brand New Super Car Everyone is Going to Love

Autos

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February 20, 2015

The R8 was launched back in 2006. Boy, has it come on leaps and bounds since. Since its conception, everyone has fallen in love with the Audi R8. But, the new release for 2015 is tipped to be one of the most exciting car launches in a long time. Let’s face it; Audi has barely put a foot wrong over the last few years. They are mean machines. What’s more, they are the epitome of style, class and money. The Audi is a simplistic status symbol. It’s not ostentatious in its design. But, everyone has fallen in love with the classy design of the Audi.

Engine Specs

The new R8 is sure to please petrol heads everywhere. The V10 and V10 Plus engines are sure to be a crowd pleaser. But, the 5.2 litre engines are going to be what holds the most appeal for Audi fans. The 533 BHP capacities is a keen feature. It’s the new generation of Audi. From super sensible to super car, Audi have done it again.

Engine wise, the R8 is a big leap for the automotive giant. The concept showed that the V10 Plus engine was capable of making a lot of noises. But, despite the kick ass motor, it’s a great car for everyday use. Sure, you may not want to put the kids in it (sticky fingers on beautiful upholstery is a no-no) but it looks great and performs well. Oh, did we mention that the V10 Plus engine kicks out an impressive 602 BHP too?

Despite the unusual engine specs, the carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard. This results in the R8 becoming a whopping 50 KG lighter than other cars. The seven speed gearbox will see you hurtling down the motorway in no time at all.

According to Audi claims, and we do believe them, the V10 Plus will do 0-62MPH in 3.2 seconds. Wow. The acceleration figures of the new R8 match that of the Lamborghini Huracan. But, without the pretentious styling.

Interior Styling

Sources at Merchants Automotive have said that the styling of the R8 is nothing short of stunning. What would you expect from Audi really? The interior is a supple and soft. The flat bottomed steering wheel could be viewed as large. But when you are handling such a mean machine, it makes sense to have a feeling of control. The sports buttons and the drive select mode are great for cruising and long journeys. But, the checked flag button entitled ‘performance mode’ is sure to put tingles up and down your spine.

The dash is akin to the TT. But, don’t let that put your off. The Sat Nav screen is a clever tech point from Audi. The soft materials and the attention to detail are classic Audi. For those that are embarking on long journeys and want to test the R8, you will be pleased to know that it is exceptionally roomy and is amazingly comfortable.

So, are there any bad points? Well, unless you have a spare £100,000 the likelihood is that you won’t own one. Still, it’s nice to dream.

Sony Takes Pre-Orders For Smart Glasses

Tech

Steve Weichel

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February 20, 2015

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A developer edition of Sony’s augmented reality smart glasses will go on sale in ten countries next month, the tech giant has announced.Pre-orders for the SmartEyeglass, costing $840 (£620), are now being taken in the UK and Germany, with Japan and the US to follow shortly.

The black-framed glasses are compatible with recent Android operating systems.

Last month Google announced that it was withdrawing its smart glasses for redevelopment.

Sony’s initial model will come with a software development kit to encourage people to design apps for it, the company said.

The glasses, which weigh 77g, contain an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, image and brightness sensors, 3-megapixel camera and a microphone.

They also come with a controller, designed to be attached to clothing, which contains a speaker, touch sensor and the device’s battery.

Text is displayed in front of the wearer in monochrome green.

‘Intrusive’

Apple chief executive Tim Cook has been open about his dislike of glasses as a wearable device.

“We always thought that glasses were not a smart move, from a point of view that people would not really want to wear them,” he told the New Yorker.

“They were intrusive, instead of pushing technology to the background, as we’ve always believed.”

Stuart Miles, founder of tech site Pocket-lint, said: “I think [Sony is] wasting their time, energy and effort.

“Google Glass obviously needed a complete rethink… I can’t see how something thick-rimmed and more invasive-looking than Google Glass is going to catch on.

“People are keen on wearables like fitness bands and watches, but they care about their faces. Wearing something on your head is a lot stronger than wearing something on your arm,” he added.

“The industry keeps pushing it but consumers just don’t want it.”

5 Ways Spring Home Sellers Can Gain An Edge

Home Improvement

Steve Weichel

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February 15, 2015

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5 Ways Spring Home Sellers Can Gain An Edge

Along with tulips and daffodils, “For Sale” signs will soon be popping up across neighborhood lawns. An improving labor market in the U.S. is expected to spur increased home sales in 2015, so if you’ve been wanting to sell your home, low interest rates and tight inventory levels should create an attractive environment.

“With the improving economy, we will see more people leaving their parents’ homes. Living in your parents’ basement isn’t part of the American dream,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. “Nearly three million new jobs were created in the last 12 months, and that provides incomes for families and confidence for making long-term decisions.”

NAR forecasts a jump in existing home sales in 2015 to a 5.25 million rate, an increase from 4.93 million sales in 2014. The national median existing-home price was $208,500 in 2014, a 5.8 percent increase from 2013, according to NAR. Yun forecasts the median home price to rise again in 2015 to $218,300.

Inventory levels, or the number of homes for sale, remain tight, which could give sellers an edge. “For most of 2014, inventory stood at 4.5 to 5.5 months of supply. That compares with a more balanced market of 6 to 6.5 months’ supply,” Yun says.

When it comes to readying your home for sale, think about three things: clean, clutter and color, says Sheryl Grider Whitehurst, managing broker at Traders Realty in Peoria, Illinois.

Here are five things you can do to get a leg up on the competition this spring.

1. Spring-clean your home.

Take the time to do a deep cleaning on your home. Clean your windows. Consider a fresh coat of paint. Clean the grout in your ceramic tile. Consider whether your carpets need cleaning. “When you walk into a nice hotel room, everything is nice and sparkly clean. You want the same thing for your house,” Whitehurst says.

Even small things can make a difference. “Make sure the furnace filter is clean. If it is dirty, potential buyers will wonder how you have taken care of other mechanicals in your house,” Whitehurst says.

Cleaning also means sprucing up your landscaping, which includes flower beds and bushes. “People wait until the last minute to prepare the outside, and sometimes it just doesn’t get done,” Rogers says.

“The earlier you can have a professional landscaper come in to do a spring cleanup, the better. If the weather will tolerate it, put some more plantings in. Why not get a fresh look and fill out a flower bed? It can take some time to for those to set and mature, so the sooner the better,” Rogers says. “A good professional spring cleanup could be $400 to $500, but is probably the best return dollar-for-dollar. It will get people to go into the house, and it makes people think you cared about the house.”

Also take a look at your house from the street. What do you notice? Have your shutters faded over time? Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? How does your mailbox look? Ask yourself: “Can I do something simple to make it look like I take pride and ownership in my property?” Whitehurst suggests.

Consider your backyard as well. “Curb appeal means the back, not just the front,” Rogers says. “Have your decks power-washed, or painted or stained. Consider getting a plastic shed for rubbish barrels. Have a clean, neat place to store rubbish barrels.”

Czech Central Bank to Maintain Forex Markets Intervention

News

Howard Johnson

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February 10, 2015

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Czech Central Bank to Maintain Forex Markets Intervention

The Czech Central Bank has warned that it may extend its interventionist policy.This move, spurred by the European Central Bank’s latest measures to combat Eurozone deflation, would be intended to keep the koruna weak against the euro.

Early indications suggest that the currency cap could now endure well into 2016.

The Price of Eurozone Deflation in Prague

The Czech Central Bank has today announced its intention to extend its market intervention measures right through to the second half of 2016, and possibly throughout the full duration of this year and next.

The decision by the country’s government has been spurred by the latest measures of the European Central Bank, who are currently struggling to rein in Eurozone deflation.

Czech Central Bank Governor Miroslav Singer explained that this weakening of the Euro, combined with the continued fall of oil prices, has created an atmosphere defined by “unusually high levels of uncertainty”, which is adding increased downward pressure to Czech prices. As a result, the bank is now expecting deflation to hit as 2015 progresses.

A History of Involvement

This latest move by the Czech Central Bank follows on the heels of intervening measures affected at the close of 2013, when it became necessary for the bank to devalue the currency after previously setting its interest rates at almost zero.

This earlier action saw the bank invest over 7 billion euros in a single day, in an assault on the currency exchange market that saw the nation’s currency fall by more than 5 per cent against the euro. This act helped to stave off domestic deflation, succeeding in ending the country’s two-year long recession.

At the time of the move, the Czech Central Bank made a pledge, which their latest statement suggests they remain keen to uphold: that it wouldn’t allow the koruna to firm beyond 27 against the euro.

A Country Poised to Act

The Czech Central Bank’s current benchmark interest rate sits at 0.05 per cent, which makes it the loosest monetary policy east of the Eurozone. The Monetary Policy Board has been quick to announce that it will not move into negative interest rates as a result of the euro’s continued fall.

In order to stick to this policy, the only tool remaining to the Czech government is a further devaluation; a truth readily acknowledged by Mr Singer.

Mr Singer has stated: “The central bank is prepared to move the exchange rate commitment to a weaker level if there were to be a long-term increase in deflationary pressures capable of causing a slump in domestic demand, renewed risks of deflation in the Czech economy and a systematic decrease in inflation expectations.”

With many analysts agreeing that the country’s currency is too strong at its current levels, it seems that a further devaluation may well be on the horizon to save the koruna and brighten the fate of the Czech economy.

Finding The Right Online Shoe Store

Culture & Style

Steve Weichel

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February 9, 2015

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What are the qualities of your favorite online shoe store? Some people may quickly assume that great prices are the most important quality. However, scenarios of some of the world’s most popular shoes show that price might a factor, but it definitely is not one of the most important factors.

Variety

People like a good selection; they like to have options when they shop. The online stores that offer plenty of choices are often more successful than those with limited choices – no matter how great the prices are. This isn’t to say that specializing in a certain type of shoe, such as cowboy boots or women’s shoes, isn’t beneficial. Shoe buyers will appreciate the higher quality that comes from a focus on a specific type of shoe, as long as there are plenty of options.

Brand Reliability

Online purchasing typically demands some level of trust on the part of the consumer. The consumer turns over their money before they have even had the chance to try on a pair of shoes. As a result, the shoes need to consistently be of good quality, with long-lasting durability.

Comfort

Shoes get a lot of mileage. Even high heels that are only worn one or two nights a month can begin to show signs of wear before too long. If the shoes continue to feel great, however, the shoe owner is likely to continue wearing those shoes for a very long time. Comfort often trumps style, color, and other aspects of shoe selection. When designer shoes are also comfortable, no sacrifices need to be made. Comfortable shoes in all styles will draw customers to the online store over and over again.

Customer Service

The quality of service and the personal touches that customers feel they get can make all the difference. If the shoes don’t fit just right, but they can be exchanged easily, the shoe buyer is likely to return. It is easier to trust an online store when the possibility to talk to a real person is open.

Giving Back

Businesses today are often judged for their effect on the community as much as they are for the quality of their product. Some successful shoe companies actually made their name because of the work that they were doing in the community. Consumers today like to see how their favorite companies are giving back to the public.

Price Selection

Price does play a role in choosing a favorite online shoe provider, but customers will often spend a bit more for shoes that they know will last comfortably for a long time. With that said, a good range of prices will attract more customers and will keep them coming back if the quality of the shoe holds up to prices that are just a bit higher than others.

What is your favorite shoe store on the web? Does it have any of these qualities, or does it have some of their own? While price is a factor, it should be clear that it is one of the last defining qualities that turn a reputable shoe selling website into a favorite. Instead, the quality of customer service, the selection of shoes, and the high quality of shoes can all play a much more important role when looking to buy shoes online.

First Global Solar Plane Flight To Stop in India, Myanmar, U.S.

Travel

Howard Johnson

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February 5, 2015

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First Global Solar Plane Flight To Stop in India, Myanmar, U.S.

The quest to complete the first solar-powered flight around the world moved a bit closer to reality Tuesday.Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg announced the Solar Impulse 2 aircraft will depart the United Arab Emirates on their historic adventure in late February or early March, making a total of 12 planned stops.

The route includes landings in Myanmar; China; India; Phoenix, Arizona; and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. At speeds between 50 and 100 kilometers per hour (31-62 mph) Piccard and Borschberg aim to circle the globe flying about 25 days over a total of about five months.

An earlier version of the plane was the first solar-powered aircraft of “perpetual endurance” to fly “day and night without a drop of fuel,” according to its website, thanks to advanced solar cells that charge light-weight lithium batteries. The batteries are able to store enough energy to allow the plane to fly long distances at night. Developers say Solar Impulse 2 takes what engineers learned from its predecessor and pushes it a step further.

Compare the aircraft’s wingspan to a giant Boeing 747-8: Solar Impulse 2 is 12 feet wider — at 236 feet. And it’s very lightweight, just 2½ tons, lighter than a large SUV.

With just one seat, designers acknowledge Solar Impulse 2 isn’t commercially practical. But that’s not the point. Instead, engineers aim to demonstrate the possibilities of solar-powered aviation and to promote clean-energy technology.Soon, the plane’s unique silhouette may be visible across the horizons of Southern Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Cities on the planned route include the Chinese communities of Chongqing and Nanjing, as well as Ahmedabad and Varanasi in India.

The pilots have already set a few solar aviation records. In 2010, with Borschberg in the cockpit, a previous Solar Impulse became the first manned plane to fly for 24 hours on nothing but solar-powered batteries. The team followed that up in 2012, when the plane flew from Spain to Morocco, making it the first manned sun-powered plane to fly to another continent.

And in 2013, Piccard and Borschberg flew an earlier version of Solar Impulse on a mission across the United States.

Piccard is a bona fide adventurer — with world records to prove it. Decades after pioneering ultralight aircraft in the 1970s, Piccard and his colleague Brian Jones were the first to circle the earth nonstop in a balloon in 1999. Their gondola is displayed at the Smithsonian.

Breaking barriers is a Piccard family tradition. His grandfather explored the stratosphere in a pressurized chamber carried by a balloon. Ten miles high, he was the first human to see the curvature of the planet with his own eyes.

Piccard’s father plumbed the Pacific, taking a special submarine to a record-setting depth of nearly 7 miles.

Borschberg came to the project with more than two decades as a Swiss Air Force fighter pilot.

Ebola Crisis: ‘Too Slow’ WHO Promises Reforms

Health

Howard Johnson

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January 29, 2015

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Ebola Crisis: ‘Too Slow’ WHO Promises Reforms

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set out plans for reform, admitting that it was too slow to respond to the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.At an emergency session in Geneva, director-general Margaret Chan said Ebola had taught the world and the WHO how they must act in the future.

She said the corner had been turned on infections but warned over complacency.

More than 8,500 people have died in the outbreak, the vast majority in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

Contingency fund

Dr Chan said: “This was West Africa’s first experience with the virus and it delivered some horrific shocks and surprises.

“The world, including WHO, was too slow to see what was unfolding before us. Ebola is a tragedy that has taught the world, including WHO, many lessons about how to prevent similar events in the future.”

The WHO says patient database figures give the best representation of the history of the epidemic. However, data for more recent weeks are sometimes less complete than in the regular situation reports

Dr Chan said that although disease outbreaks would continue to deliver shocks, “never again should the world be caught by surprise, unprepared”.

The reforms announced included a “dedicated contingency fund to support rapid responses to outbreaks and emergencies”.

There would also be improvements in international co-ordination and greater support for countries that needed to respond quickly to emergencies.

This would also require vaccines and drugs to be brought to the market more speedily.

Liberia announced on Friday that it was down to just five confirmed cases – there were 500 a week in September. Guinea and Sierra Leone have both also experienced falls in infection rates.

Dr Chan said the worst-case scenario had been avoided, but warned: “We must maintain the momentum and guard against complacency and donor fatigue.”

WHO figures show 21,724 reported cases of Ebola in the outbreak , with 8,641 deaths.

Why Every Business Should Host Events

Money

Howard Johnson

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January 25, 2015

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Businesses are increasingly beginning to utilize the potential of event hosting to promote their business. Companies across all sectors are getting in on the act, from financiers to medical professionals to technology giants.

Many SMEs think of these events as a novelty reserved for big businesses with big budgets, but this isn’t the case at all. There are hundreds of options available, with events companies like Neptunus offering exhibition spaces to suit all pockets.

But why should you host an event in the first place? There are some very good reasons; read on to find out what they are…

Increased Exposure

Company events are one of the best ways to increase your business’ exposure, making it increasingly visible not only to your peers and suppliers, but also to potential customers and allies. The event you host is obviously going to be associated with you, and this means that you can promote your business and market it to your audience without appearing to have an agenda. It’s a brilliant option to showcase the things that you’re best at, whether your expertise is your strongest suit, the research you conduct, or the work you produce. The more successful your event, the more likely that you’ll be remembered amongst your contacts for all the right reasons.

A Targeted Audience

The people who attend your event are going to be interested in what it offers them, and seeing as that’s going to be associated with your business, you know that anyone who attends is curious about what you do. Many guests are willing to pay for such a privilege; when they do, you know that you have an audience who are guaranteed to be interested in what you offer, making your event the perfect place to network. They want to hear what you have to say, so make sure that you deliver.

The Opportunity for Customer Interaction

People like to have a name to put to a face, and attending an event hosted by your company gives them the opportunity to do so. Modern business is increasingly conducted via the internet, meaning that often your customers only communicate with you via Facebook, email, Skype or the telephone. Actual face-to-face meetings are much more personal, and this is always a good thing: clients tend to be far more forgiving when things go wrong if they have an established and friendly relationship with you, and are reminded that you’re more than just a voice on the other end of the telephone.

Could hosting an event prove beneficial for your business?

Windows 10 To Get ‘Holographic’ Headset And Cortana

Tech

Steve Weichel

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January 23, 2015

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Windows 10 To Get ‘Holographic’ Headset And Cortana

Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will bring its voice-controlled assistant Cortana to PCs.It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the operating system over views of the real world.

In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.

The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10’s first year of release, may aid its adoption.

It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft’s previous policy of charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.

One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its ecosystem.

“Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower,” said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy.

“Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.

“Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.

“My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people interested in its phones.”

Holographic helmet

It is likely to be years away from release, but Microsoft’s chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens headset represented a “magical moment” of “category creation” that developers lived for.

The wearable tech’s augmented reality see-through lenses represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other existing eyewear – assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the world surrounding the wearer.

The company said that the final version of the machine would not need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released within Windows 10’s “timeframe”.

It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a prototype version as soon as July.The HoloLens system features a see-through lens, which the firm said would provide a more “personal” experience than other devices

Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:

playing Minecraft with the video game’s graphics appearing over living room furniture
seeing a Skype video appear as if it was taking place on a building wall
creating a model of a drone, which she saw in front of her face while shaping it by moving her hands and giving voice commands

“The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by developer commitment in the months and years to come,” commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.

“Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his tenure as CEO.

“The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an encouraging sign that he’s breaking down the silos that slowed innovation and stalled execution in recent years.

“Cortana on PCs

Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm’s Xbox games console.

One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs from “day one” is Cortana – the voice-controlled tool previously limited to Windows Phone handsets.

Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore demonstrated how the software could be told to:

bring up Powerpoint presentation documents
locate photos taken during a specific month
dictate and send emails
tell the user whether or not the weather forecast indicates they should wear a coat later
show where their car is parked

In addition, Mr Belfiore showed how the software could be used to respond to requests that had been typed, rather than spoken into a PC.

Windows 8 had been criticised by some for placing so much focus on touch-centric commands rather than the mouse and keyboard.

But Mr Gillett said he thought the addition of Cortana’s voice controls could prove more popular.

“Voice is a going to complement other ways of interacting with the computer not be a substitute,” he said.

“If you had to say every command instead of touching or clicking, then that would be annoying.

“But if you can quickly say to Cortana, for example, schedule lunch with my mum next Tuesday, then that is powerful.”

Browsing with Spartan

Mr Belfiore also highlighted one of the core benefits of Windows 10: a single app will run on multiple types of device, with the user interface reformatting itself to suit the machine it is running on, rather than having a different program for phones, tablets and PCs.

He showed how this meant more advanced versions of the firm’s popular Office programs Excel, Powerpoint and Word could be brought to handsets running Windows 10 than were possible under Windows Phone 8. He also demonstrated a new “universal” Photos app that collates and sorts pictures taken with different devices.

Mr Belfiore also confirmed reports that the firm’s Internet Explorer web browser was being replaced by a new program codenamed Project Spartan.

This will have Cortana built-in to allow voice commands and provide extra personalised information – such as directions to a restaurant whose website is being looked at.

The software also includes a new “noting mode”, which will let users scribble or type over a page and then share it with others.

“Project Spartan shows a new Microsoft that is not afraid to depart from legacy in order to deliver a better experience,” remarked Carolina Milanesi from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech.

The new system also introduces the ability to stream Xbox One video games from the console to any other Windows 10 PC or tablet on the same wi-fi network.

This means that users will be able to play any game in their Xbox library on another device in another room of their home if the property’s main TV is being watched by someone else.

The facility is similar to the service Sony offers for its PlayStation 4 games machine that allows it to stream titles to Xperia phones and tablets and the PlayStation TV mini-console.

Analysis: Richard Taylor, North America technology correspondent

Many of the headline features of today’s announcements were widely expected.

Some – like voice dictation on mobile, a cloud-based music service and auto-enhance for photos – are strikingly similar to those already available on rival operating systems.

But others are genuinely innovative – quite aside from its awe-inspiring holographic ecosystem.

Gamers will appreciate making the traditional gaming experiences more social and cross-platform.

Heavy web users may be tempted by the collaboration and offline features of the Spartan web browser, as well as the deep integration of Cortana.

And the addition of this powerful natural voice assistant on the desktop is groundbreaking too.

But the case for voice interaction on PCs is not as well-proven as it is on mobile – and Cortana needs to be well executed, otherwise the tried and tested keyboard and mouse could still prove too tempting for users.

The key question: will the combination of the familiarity of past versions of Windows and an enhanced feature set be enough to tempt users to upgrade?

Offering Windows 10 free for the first year is a huge incentive to kickstart adoption.

Windows 10 is well positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of PCs.

But Microsoft is hoping for more than this: it needs the OS to provide a much-needed boost for its mobile ecosystem – and in this regard Microsoft is betting that its universal approach to coding apps will be enough to tempt users away from rivals.

The Essential Guide to Hiring a UK Lawyer

News

Howard Johnson

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January 18, 2015

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The Essential Guide to Hiring a UK Lawyer

There are many occasions in life when you could need to hire a lawyer. You might have been accused of a crime, but there are also many other situations that require someone with legal knowledge. You could be going through a divorce or custody dispute, writing up your will or even just buying a house. For everything for which you might need a lawyer’s assistance, there will be specialists who are experts in that particular area. But finding yourself a specialist isn’t the only thing you need to think about. If you require a lawyer in the UK, you’ll need to determine how you will pay for their services and do plenty of research to find someone prepared to take on your case. If you think you need a lawyer but you have no idea where to start, use this guide to make the process simpler and less confusing.

Determine the Correct Type of Lawyer

In the UK, lawyers are qualified as either solicitors or barristers. The general rule is the barristers defend people in court while solicitors work on legal matters outside of court. However, there are exceptions. But if you’re looking for a lawyer, it’s not likely that you’ll have to worry about the distinction between a solicitor and a barrister. What you should be concerned with is the lawyer’s specialty. For some matters, it’s obvious what sort of lawyer you need. If you’ve been accused of a crime, you need to seek out someone qualified incriminal law Leeds residents recommend. But other issues might not be as clear.

You want to ensure that you choose a lawyer who has experience with cases similar to yours, but some attorneys won’t hesitate to take on cases they’re unfamiliar with. In order to avoid this, use other sources to determine what sort of lawyer you need. You can ask your friends, family, and colleagues. Or you can also do some private research over the internet, using websites or books. You may also be able to get an appointment at your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, though this can be difficult since the organization experienced cuts to funding.

Research Costs

One of the significant worries, when you need a lawyer, is whether you’ll be able to afford it. For some situations, you may have factored the cost of an attorney into your activities. For example, if you’re buying a house you will have considered the cost of your solicitor. However, some events that require a lawyer are unforeseeable, such as being accused of a crime or getting divorced. When you begin to look at candidates, you can get an idea of the sort of money you’ll be paying and start to work out if you can afford it. If you’re certain you won’t be able to afford defense for a criminal case, you may be able to access legal aid. However, recent cuts have made this difficult. You can find out whether you’re eligible for legal assistanceon the Government’s website.

You may also choose to use someone who will work for you on a “no win, no fee” basis, such as a personal injury lawyer. If you do this, you need to make sure you know exactly what fees you’ll be paying in the event that you win your case. It could be a portion of your compensation, plus extra costs for admin, filing, and other expenses. You can try to negotiate your fees too – don’t immediately settle for whatever figure they quote to you.

Create a Shortlist

When you first start looking for lawyers, you might find that there are an overwhelming amount, and you don’t know where to start. Using a search engine or register is a good starting point if you don’t have anyone to ask for recommendations. However, you should ensure you narrow down your options by including your local area and the specialism you require in your search. Asking for recommendations from friends, family and professionals is a good idea too. For example, if you’re buying a house you might ask your estate agents to recommend a solicitor who can manage the deal.

Apart from making sure they’ve handled cases similar to yours, there are a few things you can do before arranging to meet a lawyer. You can look for reviews and testimonies online to see how other people found their experience. You can also check their qualifications, just to reassure yourself that they’re qualified to practice. Once you have a few people you can talk to, make appointments to meet them and discuss your case.

Talk to Lawyers About Your Case

When you meet the lawyers you’ve made appointments with, you need to discuss your needs with them to ensure they can help you. When you’re talking to them, make sure you bring up the things that you think are important and ask plenty of questions. A good lawyer will be ready to answer anything you throw at them. Don’t be scared to get involved and remember that you’re in charge. You might be asking them for expert help that you don’t know much about, but you do know what you need from them. If you don’t feel that they’re addressing your particular problem adequately, it may be that they aren’t familiar enough with that area of the law. You might be better off going elsewhere.

Separating the Good and Bad

There are lots of ways to separate good lawyer and bad lawyers. Professionals should be open and honest with you, and prepared to answer your questions. They should be realistic about what they can do for you, without making big promises that they might not be able to keep. Don’t let smaller things slide either, like punctuality and responsive contact. If they take a long time to get back to you when you contact them, they’re not worth your time or money. You don’t need to be an expert to find a good lawyer. Use your intuition and choose someone professional, knowledgeable and competent.