Microsoft has rolled out a new, free Windows 10 ($144 at Amazon) app directed toward anyone who uses its Office suite, either the paid or free version. Known simply as Office, the new app is an update over the previous My Office app. The intent is the same, but the new version has a cleaner …

Editors’ note, Nov. 3, 2017: This story was updated to specify that the free upgrade for those seeking assistive technologies will expire Dec. 31. After that, all users will need to pay for the Windows 10 upgrade, which starts at $119.  Microsoft hasn’t yet closed the door all the way for those in search of a Windows 10 freebie. Until …

Apple may adopt a key feature from smartphones manufactured by its biggest rival. Next year’s lineup of iPhones could include three different and distinct variants: a “4.7-inch model, another that will be 5.5-inches and a premium handset that will be either 5.5-inches or larger equipped with a screen bent on the two sides,” the Nikkei Asian Review reported Tuesday, citing …

Microsoft Office, OneDrive and Skype are wending their way to Lenovo’s Android smartphones. Microsoft and Lenovo announced on Monday a deal in which Lenovo will preload Microsoft’s three productivity applications onto certain Lenovo devices powered by Android. Microsoft Office typically includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other programs. OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud-based storage service through which people can save and …

Apple may be overhauling its retail store staff positions, a move that could benefit both shoppers and product owners. The iPhone maker is adding three new job titles to its retail staff, the MacRumors blog reported Sunday, citing multiple retail sources. New so-called Pro positions will focus on explaining Apple products to customers. Creative Pros will aim more for teaching …

Samsung’s mobile chief is singing the praises of the iris-scanning technology built into the upcoming Galaxy Note 7. “Iris-scanning is the safest security technology at the current level,” Koh Dong-jin said, according to a story in the Korea Herald on Thursday. That’s because within 18 to 20 months of birth, your iris becomes fixed and cannot be reproduced, Koh said. …

Now playing: Watch this: Snapchat removes racially insensitive filter 1:20 Enlarge Image Snapchat is in trouble once more over a filter seen by many as racist. John Clarke/Twitter/screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET A Snapchat filter depicting the facial features of an Asian person has stirred up controversy yet again for the photo and video sharing service. Rolled out on Tuesday, the …

Now playing: Watch this: Everything you need to know about the major MacBook Pro… 5:59 Apple may treat its MacBook Pro to a major revamp, but just when remains a mystery. Sarah Tew/CNET Hang on, MacBook fans. You may yet see a significant upgrade after all these years, though sadly not in 2016, according to Bloomberg. Apple is planning to …

Wondering how fast your internet performance is on your smartphone or tablet? Netflix has launched a mobile speed test app to answer that question. Rolled out on Tuesday for both Apple iOS and Android users, Netflix’s Fast Speed Test estimates your present internet download speed. To determine your speed, the app runs a series of downloads from Netflix’s servers and …

Consumers looking for the highest display quality in a smartphone will find it in Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7, according to a new report. Set for release on August 19, the Note 7 is Samsung’s latest phablet, equipped with a 5.7-inch, 2,560×1,440 pixel Quad-HD Super AMOLED screen. The device features a curved screen that bends around the corners of both sides. …