8 Software Releases of 2014 To Go A Long Way!

 As 2014 is nearing its end and just 27 days are left when we will step forward towards a new beginning, it would be great if we rewind the year of 2014 here, recalling what are those software releases of this year which will be remembered in future as great ones and which are going to impact out technological circles in the days to come too. There were tons of them but here we have selected the best eight out of them which have the potential to transform the tech industry in 2015 and beyond.







1. Facebook Messenger:

If you are using the mobile app of Facebook you must be knowing the fact that Facebook's messaging service doesn't exist for the mobile versions anymore. When you are using Facebook on your smartphone or tablet, you cannot send a message or chat with a friend through the main app. You are bound to install and use Facebook Messenger for messaging and chatting purposes. Initially Facebook users didn't like the innovation and even refused to install the Messenger system, but Facebook made it mandatory. Facebook took this move to streamline activities of the main app and they always wanted to ensure that their service has to be used so that it doesn't die in face of competition from other messaging apps.

2. Cortana:

Cortana is a personal voice assistant by Microsoft which is used on their own platforms. Cortana is a part of Windows 8.1 and it's just like Google Now and Siri. Using Cortana you can search on the web while speaking to your device. Cortana performs other tasks too based on several commands like it can send a message and it can automatically update you about those information which are relevant like flight reports, local weather data and traffic status. Cortana is also expected to be a part of Windows 10. It means Cortana and Google Now will keep challenging each other as Google has been adding features from Google Now into the Windows version of Chrome.

3. Netflix on Linux:

Netflix is a DRM-locked video streaming service which is being made available on Linux. Netflix has been launched on Linux but unofficially. The video streaming service is compatible with selected Linux distributions including Arch, Gentoo and Ubuntu. It can also be availed through the latest beta of Chrome for Linux as the browser has the code to play DRM-protected video.

4. Android apps for Chrome browser:

Usually apps are able to run on either Android or Chrome. Google has released some apps which are compatible with both Android and Chrome OS. Thereafter, hackers figured out how Android apps are created for Chrome browser and also offered tools which would help users to see if their favourite Android apps were actually workable on Chrome or not. Though it's not very clear yet what are the specialities of an Android app for Chrome browser and Chrome OS, but the technicalities behind it sound cool.

5. iOS 8:

Though iOS 8 arrived as a huge disappointment among iPhone and iPad users because of its bug issues, but still iOS 8 created a lot of buzz during its release. In the first and second releases of the operating system there were lots of bugs which caused severe problems for older iPhone and iPad models and the latest iPhone 6 models. iOS 8 has been avoided by Apple users so far, but it's expected to stay there amid all negativities.

6. Photoshop on Chromebook:

There is an online version of Photoshop now. Photoshop is the most popular image editing tool which has been introduced in Chromebooks for students. It can be used only on those Chromebooks and Adobe Creative Cloud which is operated under educational license. Speculations arose that as Photoshop has an online app now, it should work on all modern web browsers too, cross-operating systems, including Linux. In 2015, the app version of Photoshop will be available for general public.

7. Windows 10:

A preview was offered for Windows 10 as Microsoft didn't have a great time post launch of Windows 8 because of user complaints. Now with this preview Microsoft sought users' opinion for the next Windows. Windows 10 will not hit the markets before mid-2015 but public was allowed to download the preview and try the beta version for free. The technical preview of Windows 10 has a feedback tool too which is aimed at users to suggest Microsoft what can they do to improve the next Windows.

8. Apple Pay:

Apple is all set to make its digital wallet popular worldwide. Apple took an excellent approach to reach to everyday user through its Apple Pay feature, which is implemented by NFC technology. A simple UI is used in Apple Pay which makes it easy to be used with iPhone and iPad latest models. The software has access to banking institutions like Bank of America and Citi Bank as well as credit card companies like American Express, MasterCard and VISA. Apple Pay works like a virtual credit card which allows you buy goods instantly at several retail stores.