If you’ve been following the Microsoft news carefully, you might have heard of the company’s newly renamed consumer subscription services. What was once known as Office 365 Home and Personal are now known as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.
That said, there are still some differences to know about these two plans especially when it comes to how they stand out from a free Microsoft Account. In this guide, we’ll take at that and help you choose the one that’s right for your personal use or family.
Free Microsoft Account
What is a Microsoft account? | Microsoft
If you’ve been following the Microsoft news carefully, you might have heard of the company’s newly renamed consumer subscription services. What was once known as Office 365 Home and Personal are now known as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. That said, there are still some differences to know about
We’ll get started by mentioning a Microsoft Account. Anyone can create a Microsoft Account, free of charge, and add credit or debit card details later to enjoy Microsoft’s paid subscription services. A free account gives you access to some of the same things that you’ll get with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family account, including Office, OneDrive, Outlook, Skype. You’ll also get an Outlook.com email address, too, as well as the ability to create an Xbox Live profile, and enjoy Microsoft’s other services. However, there are some very important limits with free Microsoft Account. We’ll be taking a look at those now.
When it comes to Office, a free Microsoft Account only comes with access to web apps, and the free mobile apps on iOS and Android. This will give you basic editing functionalities, but some more sophisticated features like the drawing and mailings elements of Word will not available. You’ll still have access to co-editing and the same ability to preserve formatting across the web, mobile, and desktop apps, however.
In other areas of Office, a free Microsoft Account also gets you limited access to some of the features Microsoft announced for its new subscription service. You’ll be able to enjoy basic spelling and grammar checks with Microsoft Editor, layout recommendations with PowerPoint Designer, Filter Words and pacing with PowerPoint Presenter Coach, too. As for the creative aspect of PowerPoint, you’ll get access to 2,000 templates, 750 images, 25 loops videos, 82 fonts, and 320 icons.
Now, for OneDrive. A free Microsoft Account gets you access to 5GB of storage, and the same integrations with Windows 10 as a paid Microsoft 365 Plan. You’ll be able to enjoy Files on Demand, PC Folder backup, and Personal Vault. However, you won’t get Ransomware detection and recovery, or password-protected sharing links. You’ll also have to keep that 5GB limit in mind when using the service. There’s also a 3 files limit with Personal Vault, too.
On the emailing side things, in Outlook, you’ll get your own Outlook.com email address, and access to the web app, and mobile app for iOS and Android. You also can use the Play my Emails feature of Cortana on Android. Storage limits on mailboxes, though, will cap out at 15GB, but you will get the Calendar integration with Google Calendar, TeamSnap, and Schools.
Finally, there is Skype. With Skype and a free Microsoft Account, you’ll still be able to enjoy unlimited voice and video calling for up to 50 people. You’ll also get call recording, subtitles and live captions, and guest links.
Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family
Microsoft 365: A subscription to make the most of your time
If you’ve been following the Microsoft news carefully, you might have heard of the company’s newly renamed consumer subscription services. What was once known as Office 365 Home and Personal are now known as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. That said, there are still some differences to know about
Now, for Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family. These two plans are otherwise the same when it comes to features, but the pricing is different once they become available on April 21. Microsoft 365 Personal is $6.99 per month and is best used with one person. Microsoft 365 Family, meanwhile is $9.99 per month and can be used with up to 6 people. There are no other differences between the two, other than price, and how many people can access the plan.
When it comes to Office, though, both Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family are much different from a free Microsoft Account. In addition to having access to the web versions of the Office apps, these two paid subscriptions get you the desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook for MacOS and/or Windows 10. You’ll also enjoy the same real-time co-authoring and formatting preservation as a free plan. Offline editing is also included, so you don’t have to worry about staying online to edit your files. However, there are some extra features that only subscriptions can offer.
With Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family, you’ll get access to advanced grammar and style features of Microsoft Editor (Editor only includes spelling and grammar for free). You’ll also get advanced layout recommendations with premium content, and extra monotone pitch, originality, and speech refinement options in PowerPoint Presenter Coach. There is also the added benefit of Money in Excel, which isn’t included with a free Microsoft Account. This feature lets you make spreadsheets to manage your bank accounts, and more. Elsewhere, you’ll also get access to 300 additional templates, 8,000 images, 175 looping videos, 300 fonts, and 2800 icons for creative content in Excel.
Looking at OneDrive, now, these paid plans offer you much more storage space than a free plan. You’ll get access to up to 1TB of space per person. The same integrations with Windows 10 and Office are also here, as well as Files On Demand, PC Folder backup, and Personal Vault. However, you need not worry about limits, as Personal Vault with these paid plans has unlimited storage up to your 1TB quota. You also get extra ransomware detection and recovery, as well as expiring and password protected sharing links.
In terms of emailing, the paid plans also boost your experience quite a bit. In addition to the web and mobile Outlook apps, paid plans give you access to the Outlook desktop app on Windows 10 and MacOS. Storage is also boosted up to 50GB on your mailbox, and you get additional custom email domains, and advanced security features like email encryption and link checking, too.
Finally, there’s Skype. With Skype, you’ll get some extras there, too. In addition to unlimited Skype to Skype voice and video calling, and call recording, subtitles, guest links, you’ll get mobile phone and landline calling too. This has a limit of 60 minutes per month, however.
Other differences
In addition to Office, Skype, Outlook, and OneDrive, a free Microsoft Account and paid Microsoft 365 Home and Family plans have some other differences too. When it comes to support, a free Microsoft account only has account and set up support. Microsoft 365 Home and Family, though, come with ongoing technical support for Windows 10 and all the Microsoft 365 apps. There’s also the Microsoft Family Safety app, too, which comes with paid plans. This app lets families share their locations with each other, and also and manage screen time across Windows, Xbox, and Android. Parents can even use the app to track how their teens are driving.
You’ll also find that these paid plans have access to the Partner Benefits program if you’re in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. Microsoft has a list of these here, some are valued as much as $134 to as little as $27.
Do you think you’ll opt in to the new Microsoft 365 Home or Family plans? Or will you be keeping a free Microsoft Account? Let us know in the comments below.
Online slots have long been a favorite for casual gamers and seasoned bettors alike, offering simple gameplay combined with the thrill of potential rewards. However, as the landscape of online gaming continues to evolve, a new wave of slot games is emerging—one that incorporates puzzle mechanics into the traditional reel-spinning experience. These puzzle-based slots are changing the way players engage with the game, offering more interactive and challenging gameplay that goes beyond the usual spin-and-win formula.
In this article, we’ll explore how puzzle mechanics are transforming the world of online slots, why they are gaining popularity, and what players can expect from this innovative trend.
The Evolution of Online Slots
A Brief History of Slot Games
Slots have come a long way since the days of mechanical machines with just three reels and a lever to pull. The digital transformation brought these games online, making them more accessible and varied. Early online slot games mimicked the physical versions, with similar symbols and basic gameplay. As technology advanced, developers began incorporating themes, storylines, and special features like bonus rounds and free spins, making online slots more immersive than ever before.
What Are Puzzle Mechanics?
Puzzle mechanics in games are features that require players to solve problems, think strategically, or perform certain actions in a specific sequence to progress. Popular in genres like adventure or mobile games, puzzle mechanics are now finding their way into online slots. Instead of relying solely on luck, players can now enjoy a more engaging and mentally stimulating experience by solving puzzles while they spin the reels.
In puzzle-based slots, players might be required to match symbols in a certain way, clear the board, or complete a specific objective to unlock rewards. These mechanics provide an added challenge, requiring not just chance but also skill and strategy.
How Puzzle Mechanics Enhance Online Slots?
Increased Player Engagement
One of the key reasons puzzle mechanics are gaining popularity in online slots is that they significantly increase player engagement. Slot gacor hari ini can become repetitive after a while, with players simply pressing a button and waiting for the outcome. Puzzle elements, on the other hand, give players more control and decision-making opportunities during gameplay.
By combining skill and chance, puzzle mechanics keep players invested longer. Each spin becomes part of a larger strategy to solve the puzzle, giving players a sense of accomplishment when they succeed.
More Rewarding Experiences
Puzzle mechanics also create a more rewarding experience. In many of these games, completing a puzzle or solving a problem leads to bigger bonuses, extra spins, or unlocking new levels within the game. This contrasts with traditional slots, where payouts are often random and disconnected from the player’s actions.
In puzzle-based slots, players may be able to unlock progressive rewards by completing various stages, making each win feel more earned. The satisfaction of solving a puzzle adds an extra layer of excitement, as it’s not just about hitting the jackpot but also about progressing through the game.
A Shift in Focus: From Luck to Strategy
While luck still plays a significant role in puzzle-based slots, the introduction of strategy adds a new dimension to the gameplay. In traditional slots, outcomes are purely based on chance, with random number generators (RNG) determining the result of each spin. Puzzle mechanics shift the focus by giving players more agency over the game’s outcome.
Examples of Puzzle-Based Slot Games
Popular Titles Leading the Way
Several puzzle-based slot games are already making waves in the industry. These games combine the familiar elements of online slots with puzzle-solving features, creating a unique and exciting experience for players.
Gonzo’s Quest: One of the most popular examples of a puzzle-based slot game, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, incorporates cascading reels and multipliers that increase with each consecutive win. Players must clear symbols to uncover hidden treasures, and the puzzle-like gameplay makes each spin more strategic.
Finn and the Swirly Spin: Another example from NetEnt, this slot uses a spiral mechanic where symbols move in a swirl rather than traditional paylines. Players must clear symbols in a specific order to unlock features, creating a puzzle-like experience that requires more than just pressing spin.
Reactoonz: This game by Play’n GO features a grid layout rather than traditional reels, with symbols that explode and collapse to form winning combinations. Players must think ahead to trigger special bonuses by clearing enough symbols, making the gameplay highly interactive.
These titles are just a few examples of how puzzle mechanics are being incorporated into slot games, offering players more than just a reliance on luck.
Conclusion
Puzzle mechanics are changing the way we play online slots by adding a layer of complexity and interaction that wasn’t previously available. These games offer more engaging, rewarding, and strategic experiences, appealing to both casual players and those looking for a more involved gaming session. As the trend continues to grow, puzzle-based slots will likely become a staple in the world of online gaming, revolutionizing how we think about and play these classic games.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
