Springtime is a period of renewal and that often includes new iterations of all your favorite gadgets. Laptops and phones and even game consoles are all getting a new look on the outside and new specs on the inside this year, and you might be tempted to upgrade. But if you do, that leaves the question of what to do with your old model. If its still in good working condition, theres a pretty good chance someone will give you a few bucks for it here are the best places to make that happen. Trade-in sites Lots of people can make good money selling old stuff online, but its usually a full-time job for them. You, on the other hand, probably would like it to be as easy and quick as possible. To get some money in your hand without too much fuss, we recommend an automated trade-in site. You'll select your device from a list, get a quote within minutes and send the device to the company in return for cash in a matter of days. Decluttr Decluttr definitely lives up to its name. Not only can you sell phones from a number of manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung and Google, but the site also takes lots of physical media, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games and books and yes, there are plenty of people who still collect these. For devices, you'll be asked to provide a general assessment of its condition before youre given a quote immediately. Once you complete your order, the site will send you a free shipping label. Decluttr also will accept handsets as old as the iPhone 7, though it'll offer you only $2 for a 32GB model in excellent condition. Back Market Back Market has been rising in popularity the past few years, and its easy to see why. It offers excellent prices since it sources multiple refurbishers for quotes. Youll just answer a few questions about your phone, then take your packaged device to a UPS Store and show the clerk a QR code in order to get your prepaid shipping label. Payment is dropped straight into your bank account, so you dont have to wait for a check (or worry about cashing it). Back Market takes a pretty wide variety of products too, including headphones and speakers. uSell uSell operates as a broker, searching other sites for their best offers on a given device and taking care of the rest. Like most buyback sites, it's big on iPhones, but you can still sell off other manufacturers' devices; it really depends on who's buying them at that point. The selection is a bit of a grab bag newer phones like the Galaxy S22 aren't listed, though you can get a quote for the iPhone 15 ($401 for an unlocked, flawless 128GB model). Once you complete your order the site will send you a free shipping kit to send in your device, and you can get paid for the item via PayPal, Venmo or an old-fashioned check. ecoATM If you don't want to have to worry about packaging up your old device and mailing it off, or would like to receive your payout right away, there's always ecoATM. It's literally all in the name: the company operates automated machines that you place your device into to get it examined, and it pays you out on the spot. It accepts the biggest brands (i.e., Apple, Google and Samsung), along with devices from a wide variety of manufacturers, including LG, Motorola and ZTE. If the machine determines that your device isn't worth anything at all, you can still use ecoATM to responsibly recycle your old gadget. You'll find ecoATM kiosks in Walmart, Dollar General and Kroger locations, as well as malls and check-cashing stores across the country. Amazon While browsing Amazon listings, its likely youve come across products marked as refurbished. Well, if youve ever wondered where those come from, a lot of them likely hail from Amazons trade-in program. The company will put its own products, like Kindle ereaders and Fire tablets front and center, but you can also send in phones and gaming products in for an Amazon gift card as well. Its not great if you want cash, but if youre looking to upgrade an Amazon device, this option is your best bet, as trading in an older one also nets you a 20 percent discount in addition to the store credit. Youll need to print out a shipping label, or you can drop off your electronics at select Amazon Locker, Whole Foods or uBreakiFix locations. Apple This is a good option if youre looking to upgrade to a newer Apple device. You can trade in iPhones, iPads, Macs and even Apple Watches. Thats notable as wearables are a category you dont often see on trade-in sites. Apple will even take your old Android phone if you were thinking of making the switch. The trade-in values are on par with other sites (though occasionally Apple will offer extra credit on certain categories), but you can get a smaller payout in the form of a gift card instead if youd rather wait before making a new purchase, want to put it toward media purchases or even just use it in an Apple Store. The latter, by the way, also accepts trade-ins in case youre not comfortable shipping your old but still expensive device. Target Target used to do in-store trade-ins only, but now its entirely a mail-in operation. You select your product from a pretty extensive list of eligible products, including smart speakers and media players (like Zune!). As usual, youll answer a few questions about its condition to get a quote. Then youll get a prepaid shipping label to attach to any box that youll drop off at your nearest USPS location. Payment is only offered via an electronic gift card, which is still pretty good given that you can buy all sorts of things at Target besides electronics like groceries, clothing and furniture. It'sWorthMore The nice thing about ItsWorthMore is that its on-site forms handle a larger variety of gadgets than other sites, including cameras, drones and even graphics cards. It also handles products from a larger variety of companies such as LG, AMD and even GoPro in addition to standards like Apple, Samsung and Google. Youll answer a few standard questions about your devices condition and whether you still have the original box obviously, the more youve kept from the original packaging, the better. Youll then get a ballpark estimate of its worth and a prepaid shipping label to print out. Once your device has been received, youll generally get the assessment and payment via direct deposit, check, PayPal, Zelle or a gift card in under 10 days. BuyBackWorld The appeal of BuyBackWorld is that device assessment is a streamlined process: Instead of having to answer a barrage of detailed questions about the condition of your device you simply give it a general assessment and let the site handle the rest. Just like with ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld will provide a printable shipping label in your confirmation email but, if you dont have a printer or boxes to pack your device up, you can always have the site send you a free shipping kit, which can handle everything the site takes except desktop computers. Dont worry if you do have a larger item, though BuyBackWorld will still cover free shipping via FedEx, you just need to provide your own packaging. GadgetGone If youve read through the other site descriptions, GadgetGones modus operandi should be familiar: To sell a product, youll have to answer a few questions about what type of device you have and what condition its in, after which the site will generate a prepaid shipping label. At least here you can find brands like OnePlus included among the options, and you can also sell MacBooks and Mac minis here. You can get paid a number of ways, too, including PayPal, virtual VISA card, Amazon and Target gift cards or just good, old-fashioned bank transfer. Store trade-ins Whether its because you dont want to wait for your money, or because youre not entirely comfortable dropping expensive electronics into a mailbox and hoping they make it to their destination, you might prefer taking your items to a retail location. Fortunately there are still plenty of brick-and-mortar locations to do just that. Even wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have gotten in on the trade-in game. Best Buy Best Buy also offers trade-ins both by mail and in-store with more than 1,000 locations, this might be extremely convenient for you. You fill out the form online and bring that to customer service. It's easy, but there's one big downside: You can get your payout only via a Best Buy gift card. This is great if you spend a lot of money with them anyway, but not ideal if you need cash. GameStop GameStop is infamous for buying games back at ridiculously low prices and flipping them at near retail, but don't let that stop you from making some easy cash when you need to quickly clear your closet of old electronics and games. And yes, I said cash: GameStop offers store credit, a prepaid Mastercard or actual money if you want to take your bounty elsewhere. For example, you can trade in Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Switch and get $25 in store credit or $17.50 cash, which isn't bad when new copies are going for $50 on Amazon. GameStop also accepts phones, tablets and Apple Watches, though the prices aren't going to match what you'd get from an online trade-in site. You can even sell your Amiibo collection if you just want it gone and dont care about recouping its full value. Consumer to consumer Sometimes you prefer to cut out the middleman and get a bit more personal a transaction where you're selling your device directly to another person instead of letting a faceless site flip it for you as a "refurbished" unit. In those cases, you want a site that's more user-to-user, though a few will still automate certain bits to make your sale as smooth and secure as possible. Swappa Swappa is a marketplace site, which means sellers can set their own price. So if you're getting rid of a newer phone, this is probably the best way to go the iPhone 16 fetches around $400, for example. That's a huge improvement over what you'd get selling through a site like Decluttr, which is offering only $162 for a 128GB unit. Amazon When shopping on Amazon, you've probably been tempted by some of those marketplace deals in the past and, chances are, if you list an item on there, someone will give your old device a look. Since almost everyone on earth seems to have an Amazon account, your potential customer base is huge, and it costs only $0.99, plus a percentage based on category, to sell an item through the site. The downsides are that Amazon isn't really optimized for individual sales; you'll be competing with wholesale companies and even bots that will tweak the price of a product automatically in response to the competition. eBay eBay is sort of the Wild West of sales sites, but the biggest advantage is that you can sell anything there and hopefully find a buyer, regardless of how old a product is. Even so, the site has come a long way in the past decade or so, with a dedicated tech section in the top menu and a hub page highlighting current deals. In the end, it still works as it always did: You list a product and set an end date for the listing with a minimum price, or just set a "Buy It Now" price if you don't want to wait to see how an auction turns out. Chances are you already have an eBay account with a feedback score, so there's no extra setup required on your part. Your first 250 listings are free every month, and you'll pay up to 15 percent of the purchase price (plus a small flat fee of $0.30 or $0.40) if an item sells. The biggest downside is that you're competing with a lot more sellers, and chances are there's always someone willing to undercut you on price. Cash-back comparison Ultimately, the site you go with should be whatever's most useful and convenient, but if you just care about how much money you'll get, we've priced out the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S22 just to give you an idea of what each site will pay out. iPhone 15 (unlocked, 128GB, good condition) Amazon: N/A Apple: $400 (trade-in credit), $390 (gift card) AT&T: $190 (bill credit or promotional card) BackMarket: $396 (cash) Best Buy: $325 (gift card) BuyBackWorld: $340 (cash) Decluttr: $162 (cash) eBay: $315 (cash) ecoATM: $251 (cash) GadgetGone: $417 (cash) GameStop: $230 (cash), $256 (store credit) ItsWorthMore: $421 (cash) Swappa: $463 (cash) Target: $290 (gift card) T-Mobile $290 (bill credit) uSell: $371 (cash) Verizon: N/A Samsung Galaxy S23 (unlocked, 128GB, good condition) Amazon: N/A Apple: $195 (trade-in credit or gift card) AT&T: $290 (bill credit or promotional card) Back Market: $203 (cash) Best Buy: $150 (gift card) BuyBackWorld: $180 (cash) Decluttr: $135 (cash) eBay: $225 (cash) ecoATM: $133 (cash) GadgetGone: $232 (cash) GameStop: $131 (cash), $146 (store credit) ItsWorthMore: $236 (cash) Swappa: $308 (cash) Target: $190 T-Mobile: $155 (bill credit) uSell: N/A Verizon: N/A Once you've picked a site and listed your item, there are a few important things to remember before you ship off your device. At the top of the list is to do a full factory reset before disposing of a phone or laptop (or any other device) containing personal data. That also means turning off "Find My iPhone" and the activation lock on iOS devices. See if you can unlock the phone, too; you'll actually get more money selling it carrier-free. And finally, make sure you've backed up any important data you may have, like contact info, game saves and, of course, photos. Cash is great, but it won't save your memories. Images: Mike Blake / Reuters (ecoATM); Alamy (Gamestop); Getty Images for eBay (eBay)This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/where-to-sell-used-electronics.html?src=rss

I don't have room for a bulky dock in my home, but the Roomba 205 has an innovative solution.

JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 bring better battery life and improved audio

Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten!Disneys beloved Lilo & Stitch returns to the big screen in a brand-new live-action adaptation. The heartwarming story of a young Hawaiian girl and her mischievous alien companion comes to life like never before, blending adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments.The post Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer In Theaters May 23 appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Sony Pictures Imageworks brings the mythical creature Gryla to life in Red One with stunning visual effects. From intricate character design to seamless CGI integration, their VFX work enhances the films larger-than-life action and holiday magic.Bringing Gryla to the screen required advanced creature animation, complex texture work, and realistic motion capture to ensure every movement felt both terrifying and believable. Imageworks expertise in digital artistry transformed this legendary figure into a visually striking presence, blending seamlessly with live-action sequences.Experience the full breakdown of how the team at Imageworks crafted Grylas haunting yet mesmerizing look in Red One!The post Red One Gryla VFX Breakdown by Imageworks appeared first on Vfxexpress.

This article is republished with permission fromWonder Tools,a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps.Subscribe here.I like thinking on paper. Thats why Ive got a box under my desk with 27 old idea notebooks. But when Im looking for a specific note scrawled early in 2020, digital notes are helpfully searchable.Given that paper and digital have distinct advantages, Ive been experimenting lately with hybrid approaches. Read on for what Ive found to be most useful.My current notebook of choice:The reMarkable Paper ProWhat it is:A specialized paper tablet originating from Oslo, Norway that feels like a cross between a Kindle and an iPad. Its designed for writing and reading, not Web surfing, games or social apps. In touch and sound its closer to paper than any digital device Ive used. Its simple to use, well-designed, and I rarely need to charge it.Choose this if . . .You like the feel of paper but prefer having a single, organized device to piles of paper notebooks. Its great if youre easily distracted by multi-purpose devices (thats me) or if you spend a lot of time taking notes by hand and want a luxurious, minimalist device.My favorite features:Feels like paper.You can adjust the marker (stylus) to look and feel like various pens or pencils. The screen somehow even sounds like paper.Backup and sync.See any of your notes later on your phone, tablet, or laptop app as editable PDFs. During an online meeting you can even use the paper tablet as a whiteboard to screenshare live notes or diagrams.Flexible annotations.I like annotating PDFs as I read. You can toggle your notes on/off to return to the original. Unlike the Remarkable 2, this model lets you add color annotations, though I rarely do. You might find it handy to have distinct hues for highlighting facts or quotes.Distraction-free.No apps, email, browser, or notifications to tug at your attention.Easy import.You can easily import articles or documents from your Web browser or from Google Drive or Dropbox.Eye-friendlyItseasier on your eyesthan an iPad or computer, and works well in the dark, too, with an adjustable, built-in backlight.Templates.You can start with a blank page or your choice of lined or dotted page templates; calendar or task list templates; or even a Bullet Journal from the newtemplate and workbook collection.CaveatsSingle-purpose device.If you need a multi-function tablet, this isnt it. If you already have a digital watch, phone, tablet, & laptop, you may have enough.Premium investment.The $579 price point makes this a luxury device for those who can afford to invest in a fancy note-taking tablet.Doesnt work with Kindle books or other reading formats.Its great for PDFs and ePub files, and you can even import Web articles with a bookmarklet in your browser. But you cant use it to read your Kindle books.Feels large for reading.If youre used to holding a small Kindle in your hand, this device feels big at 274 x 197mm (10.8 x 7.8). ThereMarkable 2 is a little smallerand cheaper ($399).No multi-document view.Unlike a laptop or an iPad, this device doesnt let you view multiple documents at once. Thats good for staying focused, but it adds friction when youre switching back and forth between two reference documents, as Ive been doing lately.Slower page turns.As with other E Ink screens, you have to wait a bit longer for each new page to load on this device than on LCD or LED screen devices.Clunky handwriting to text conversion.You can convert handwritten notes into digital text, even if you have messy handwriting like mine, but the process involves multiple clicks and I havent been thrilled with the resulting conversion and formatting.Slight learning curve.Its easy to use out of the box. But for advanced features, like triple-tapping to cut and paste text or adding multiple annotation layers, youll need a bit of practice.Pricing:$579 with the Marker (stylus) or $629 with the Marker Plus, which has a built-in digital eraser. The Book Folio protective cover is $89, while the Type Folio cover, which lets you type notes, is $229.The eraser tip is worth the extra $50 for quick corrections. The cover with built-in keyboard is only necessary for those who type all the time or use the device in place of a laptop. The optionalConnectsubscription for backing up your device and syncing to mobile and desktop apps is $30/year after a free 100-day trial.My flexible, reusable backup notebook:RocketbookWhat it is:A reusable notebook with plastic pages (made with Polyester/ Polypropylene) that you write on with erasableFriXionpens.How it works:To digitize notes, use Rocketbooks free smartphone app (iOSorAndroid) to scan a page and send it to Google Drive, Evernote, Slack, Dropbox, Box, Trello, OneNote, OneDrive, iMessage, iCloud, or Google Photos. Then wipe the page off to reuse it.Choose this if . . .You like writing with an ink pen but want to keep notes organized in your preferred digital hub. It works well if you want a relatively low-cost, reusable notebook and dont want another digital device.My favorite featuresReusable pages.Wipe off the ink with a damp cloth and you can repeatedly use the same pages.Easily scan notes to your digital hub.By marking a symbol at the bottom of a given notes page, you can send that particular page to your preferred destination. You can send some pages to one place, others to another.No subscription cost.The app is free, with no monthly fees.Lightweight design.The spiral binding and fold-back cover makes it easy to quickly return to any page.Easy page titling.You can write a double-hashtag at the top of any page to set its title for simpler digital categorization.Text conversion.Transform your handwriting to searchable text as long as its not illegible.CaveatsRequires a special pen.Youll need a backup supply of FriXion pens.Different writing feel.Plastic pages feel different from traditional paper.Occasional smudging.The erasable ink can sometimes smudge before it dries completely. Be careful about leaning your hand on fresh ink.Cheap, light material.This is essentially a collection of coated plastic sheets, so it doesnt have the heft of a thick notebook or a digital tablet.Pricing:$30 to $50 depending on the size and style. These go on sale periodically.FriXion penscost a few dollars each.Tips:I like the $38Fusionmodel because it includes 42 pages with seven different page templates. It includes monthly and weekly calendar pages, dotted, lined and list pages, and project, goal and idea templates.Size:I prefer the executive size (6 x 8.8 inches) because its a bit more portable than the larger letter format. The mini size can be handy if you like keeping a notebook in your pocket.I also like a new hybrid alternative, theBoogie Board Blackboard 2.0This reusable smart notebook has a permanently dark screen. It feels like writing on black glass with a special smart pen/stylus. Like the Rocketbook, you link theBlackboardto a free mobile app. From the app you can send an image or PDF of anything youve written or drawn to another app like Dropbox or Apple Notes.Like the Rocketbook, you dont have to worry about recharging the screen. There is, technically, a battery in the Blackboard, because its a passive LCD screen, but you can use it for years without an issue. Ive used other Boogie Board screens and never had to change a battery. I think of it like a grown-up Etch a Sketch. Its a fraction of the cost of the reMarkable tablet or an iPad, but its flimsy case gives it a much cheaper, more plastic-y feel.Limited space: The Blackboard 2.0 has just one page to use and then sync before running out of space. The Rocketbook, by comparison, gives you 42 pages to write on before you need to sync or erase. The reMarkable can store hundreds of thousands of pages of digital notes.Charging and syncing:If you get the Blackboard version with the Smart Pen, you do have to recharge the stylus. Its easy to misplace either the pen or the pen cover. On the plus side, its a little easier to sync and erase than the Rocketbookjust press a button to sync your writing or drawing to your online notes. Press another button to erase a page and start fresh.Pricing:$150 for the Blackboard 2.0 with the Smart Pen, or $45 for the same Blackboard minus the smart penin which case you use your phone to scan what you write into theBlackboard app, much like the Rocketbook.If you want a digital pen:Livescribes LivePenWhat it is:A digital pen that records what you write on special paper and converts it to digital text. Consider this if you like the feel of paper and want to backup your notes digitally without a tablet.Youll still have to buy special notebooks so the pens built-in camera can track your words digitally. I like that the newest model is ultra-portable. I had an old version of this pen that felt like a chunky highlighter. The $65 LivePen bundle includes four 158-page journal-sized notebooks. Keep them in distinct locations so you can use them with your digital pen wherever inspiration strikes.CaveatsSpecial paper required.Youll have to repeatedly buy Livescribe notebooks or download and print special paper files with the required micro-dots.Easy to misplace.The LivePen is smaller than the other note-taking tools, meaning its easier to lose it.Comfort considerations.Its smaller than older models, but may not be as sleek as your favorite Cross pen.Battery dependent.Youll have to charge it every couple of weeks.Prefer plain paper? TryLeuchtturm1917What it is:A traditional, sturdy, paper notebook, with a table of contents section at the front to help make it easier to organize notes inside.Choose this if . . .Youre a traditionalist who wants zero distractions or if have no interest in additional gizmos to plug in. Or maybe you just enjoy the tactile experience of pen on paper. No batteries, charging, cords or software updates needed.Tips:Snap pictures of important notes and upload them to ChatGPT, which excels at recognizing handwriting and converting it to digital text. No special app needed, and you can send the converted notes to your digital hub of choice.Options: Ilike the $17.50 dotted model with numbered pages, two page markers, a pocket and an elastic closure band. If you often write outdoors, consider the $29Outlinesmodel for extra durable waterproof paper and a water resistant cover. Or if you draw, try the120gmodel for $29 for low-transparency paper that wont let ink run or colors show through to the back.Want a cheaper choice?This similarRettacy notebookis just $8.Bottom line: I rely on a blended systemNo one tool satisfies all of my note-taking needs.Other explorations:I useLetterlyto take audio notes, and I experiment occasionally withGoodnotesand other iPhone and iPad apps.Why all-digital isnt optimal:I need to get away from screens on Saturdays, and periodically at work. So no digital-only system will work for me.Why all-paper doesnt work:Having filled up desk drawers and storage bins with old reporting notebooks, Im not eager to accumulate more paper. And my urban life is variableI often dont have a paper notebook with me.What I prefer:For now, the reMarkable Paper Pro is my preferred note-taking tool when Im at work or doing extended brainstorming at home.An occasional replacement:When in meetings or with my children, I sometimes prefer my Rocketbook to remove any hint of digitalia.Paper lives on.I sometimes pull out an individual piece of paperor index cardsand later digitize it with ChatGPT.This article is republished with permission fromWonder Tools,a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps.Subscribe here.

The Trump administration is starting another round of job cuts this one with more than 1,000 at the nations weather, ocean and fisheries agency, four people familiar with the matter tell The Associated Press.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday began plans to lay off 10% of its current workforce, people inside and outside the agency said, with some of them requesting anonymity due to fear of retribution. The numbers were presented to NOAA employees and managers were asked to submit names of positions for layoffs to agency headquarters, which will then go to NOAAs parent agency, the Department of Commerce, on Wednesday, the people said.Three former senior NOAA officials two former political appointees from the Biden administration who speak regularly with managers at their old agency used the same number for upcoming job cuts: 1,029, 10% of the current 10,290. They talked to multiple people still in NOAA and a current agency worker detailed the cuts that a manager explained to employees.While most people know about NOAA and its daily weather forecasts, the agency also monitors and warns about hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and tsunamis, manages the countrys fisheries, runs marine sanctuaries, provides navigation information to ships and observes changes in the climate and oceans. The agency also plays a role in warning about avalanches and space weather that could damage the electrical grid. It helps respond to disasters, including oil spills.The new cuts come afterearlier rounds of Trump administration firings and encouraged retirementsat NOAA, plus the elimination of nearly all new employees last month. After this upcoming round of cuts, NOAA will have eliminated about one out of four jobs since PresidentDonald Trumptook office in January.This is not government efficiency, said former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. It is the first steps toward eradication. There is no way to make these kinds of cuts without removing or strongly compromising mission capabilities.The cuts are being ordered without specific guidance from the Trump administration on how or where, which makes it even worse, Spinrad said.NOAA spokeswoman Monica Allen said the agencys policy is not to discuss internal personnel matters, but said NOAA will continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.NOAA has already stopped releasing some weather balloons that gather crucial observations for forecasts in two locations Albany, New York, and Gray, Maine because of lack of staffing, the agency said last week.This is all happening as a severe storm systemis forecast to move through the central and southern partsof the nation late this week in a multi-day outburst with strong tornadoes, hail and damaging winds expected.Weather forecasts will worsen and people are going to start seeing this very quickly, warned former NOAA chief scientist Craig McLean. It will also limit how much commercial fishermen will be able to catch, he said.On top of all the job losses, cuts in research grants to universities will also make it harder for the U.S. to keep improving its weather forecasts and better monitor whats happening to the planet, McLean said.People are silently watching the United States decline as a technological leader, McLean said. America got to the moon, but our weather forecasts wont be the greatest.Seth Borenstein, AP science writerThe Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APsstandardsfor working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas atAP.org.

Save up to 50% on business and personal memberships with a 1Password promo code.

Editors note: Ahead of Microsofts 50ths anniversary, weve fixed the layout on this story which we originally published in 2012 when Windows 8 launched. Nows a good time to revisit our look at an operating system that helped shape personal computing over the years.Two years ago today, when Windows 1.0 celebrated its 25th birthday, we didnt yet know what the future of Windows would hold. Now that Windows 8 is on the market, the original is more relevant than ever before. Today, Windows 1.0 turns 27, and despite the many ways computing has changed since its debut, the two operating systems have some surprising similarities. Lets take a look at just how far weve come since Windows 1.0 and where Microsoft is retracing its own footsteps with the latest version of Windows.On November 10th, 1983, Microsoft announced Windows. For $99, it came with a notepad, calendar, clock, cardfile, terminal application, file manager, a game of Reversi, Windows Write, and Windows Paint. The original press materials, prepared using Windows Write, had this quote from Bill Gates:Windows provides unprecedented power to users today and a foundation for hardware and software advancements of the next few years. It is unique software designed for the serious PC user, who places high value on the productivity that a personal computer can bring.Windows 1.0 looked like this:John C. Dvorak famously joked that when Microsoft announced Windows, Steve Ballmer still had hairAs chronicled in the December 1983 issue of BYTE Magazine, Windows was an attempt to make the desktop operating system relatively affordable. When most computers were still primarily text-based, the hardware requirements for a desktop operating system were expensive: the Apple Lisa started at nearly $10,000, and a competing Visi On system required an expensive hard disk with a whopping 2.2MB of free space, as well as 512KB of RAM. Windows promised the same features with a pair of cheaper double-sided floppy disk drives instead, and half the memory.It took two more years for Windows to be released long enough for the industry to write it off as vaporware, a term ironically coined a year earlier by a Microsoft engineer. (Tandy Trower, the product manager who finally shipped the OS, recounts his story here.) Microsoft knew how to laugh at itself, though. On November 20th, 1985, the company shipped the operating system, and the very next evening, Microsoft held a roast for itself at the Comdex expo in Las Vegas. InfoWorld editor Stewart Alsop presented Bill Gates with a Golden Vaporware award, lampooning the missed release dates. John C. Dvorak famously joked that when Microsoft announced Windows, Steve Ballmer still had hair. Microsoft tossed dry ice into buckets of water in a failed attempt (given the dry Las Vegas air) to provide some genuine vapor.However, shipping Windows wasnt enough. You see, Windows 1.0 was trying to sell businesses and customers on a radical new paradigm the graphical user interface (GUI) at a time when arguably only one company, Apple, had made headway with that environment.* Sound familiar? It should. Now Microsoft is attempting to enter the touchscreen tablet space with Windows 8 and the Surface RT, at a time when arguably only Apples iPad has made more than a dent in the marketplace.And its hardly the only parallel. Like Windows 8, the original Windows attempted to simplify computing without jettisoning legacy applications. Where Windows 8 has the familiar desktop waiting beneath its Metro UI, Windows 1.0 ran on top of the popular MS-DOS. In fact, you needed to install Windows 1.0 atop an existing installation of MS-DOS 2.0. Microsoft planned to call the operating system Interface Manager until shortly before the 1983 announcement.Also like Windows 8, the original version of Microsofts operating system had a potential problem getting software developers to build for the new paradigm. In November 1983, shortly after the Windows reveal, InfoWorlds John Markoff rooted out an issue right away: a significant number of programs would misbehave in the windowed mode, and take up the entire screen. The New York Times questioned the value of windowed environments, period, in a 1984 editorial. When InfoWorld asked IT managers at a number of companies about whether they would adopt Windows in February 1986, these were the replies they received.Then as now, companies seemed happy enough with what they had, and worried about how Windows might have a fragmented user experience if software manufacturers dont follow standards. Then as now, critics suggested that users would really want extra hardware (then, a mouse; now, a touchscreen) in order to get the most out of the operating system. 27 years later, Windows 8 has the challenge of selling Live Tiles and touchscreens to people who dont necessarily need them to stay competitive. Then, Microsoft promised that Windows sales would be a slow burn. We may be there again.Running Windows on a PC with 512K of memory is akin to pouring molasses in the arctic.And amusingly enough, part of that new UI is a tiled interface that directly hearkens back to its ancestor. Youre probably familiar with how you can drag windowed programs on top of one another so that they overlap, yes? That functionality was removed from Windows 1.0 by the time it shipped. Instead, applications would appear tiled, each one automatically resizing itself to fit the available space. Stories differ as to whether that was a conscious decision by Microsoft or whether a secret agreement with Apple caused them to remove overlapping windows, but the overlap returned in Windows 2.0 and sparked an Apple lawsuit along the way. And yet, Windows 8 brings back the tiled interface with Windows Snap, and not all apps are functional when resized to smaller proportions. No wonder the Windows logo is back to square one.Windows 1.0 launched to optimistic but middling reviews, and didnt end up fulfilling its promise to be an affordable, powerful OS. Popular Science liked the idea, but called it relatively slow, noting that it takes up to 15 seconds to switch from one program to another. Multitasking was a memory hog, too: my 640-kilobyte computer couldnt hold more than two medium-sized programs in memory at once, complained the publication. Creative Computing worried about the dearth of compatible graphics cards, and was uncertain whether Windows was a valuable upgrade over DOS. InfoWorld led with the headline Windows Requires Too Much Power and gave it a 4.5 (out of 10) score. It makes such intense demands on the computers processing power that its just not appropriate for an ordinary 8088-based IBM PC or compatible, wrote the publication. And The New York Times said that running Windows on a PC with 512K of memory is akin to pouring molasses in the Arctic. It turned out that you really did need that extra memory and that expensive hard disk drive to run Windows at a reasonable pace, and some even suggested a RAM disk like Intels Above Board.It took two more versions of Windows for the operating system to catch on.We shouldnt kid ourselves, though: in the 80s, the PC industry was a wild west, and those days are long gone. The issues that stymied Windows 1.0 when Microsoft was young wont necessarily block todays operating system from success, not when every major computer company is churning out compatible Windows 8 machines and the appeal of touchscreens has already been proven. In 1985, Windows 1.0 launched into a market about to boom, one that was just waiting for the right operating system to unify a host of different computer hardware. There were several competing platforms, and one of them could have stood up.But if Windows 8 fails, there will still be a huge number of computers waiting for the next version of the now-familiar operating system. Unless you believe that the PC itself will make way for mobile devices, of course.*The Xerox Star, VisiCorps Visi On, IBMs TopView and Digital Researchs GEM were also-rans. Allegedly, Bill Gates saw a demo of Visi On at Comdex 1982, and was originally inspired to develop Windows for fear of losing IBMs business to Visi On instead.See More:

Administrative & Operational Assistant - Remote (USA/Canada)Support a growing, dynamic team in a high-impact role that helps make cities greener!About UsAt Citygreen, we are on a mission to transform urban spaces by integrating innovative green infrastructure solutions that make cities healthier, more sustainable, and more livable. Our systems help create thriving urban forests, combat climate change, and improve community well-being.As a fast-growing company, we believe in efficiency, innovation, and collaboration, and we're looking for a highly organized, proactive Administrative & Operational Assistant to join our remote team. If you're passionate about making an impact and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, we'd love to hear from you!About the RoleAs our Administrative & Operational Assistant, you'll play a critical role in supporting the CEO and ensuring smooth operations across multiple functions. From coordinating travel, managing events, and handling inbound inquiries to engaging in sales support, you'll be the backbone of our team's efficiency.You'll also take ownership of initial lead qualification and discovery meeting bookings, making you a key player in our business development process. Knowledge or experience using AI-powered tools for administrative tasks, workflow automation, or data analysis is a strong plus.This is a fully remote position, working USA Central time zone hours. We are hiring in cost-effective locations across the U.S. and Canada, with a strong preference for candidates based in Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Tennessee, or Alberta.What You'll Be Doing Travel & Event CoordinationOrganize travel logistics for team members, ensuring smooth, stress-free trips.Plan and execute 1 major event per year and 3 smaller events, handling all logistics, vendor coordination, and budgeting.Ensure catering is arranged for all sales events in advance. Operational & Administrative SupportLiaise with manufacturing facilities to coordinate and ensure on-time deliveries.Manage inbound phone and email inquiries, providing excellent service and transferring inquiries to the appropriate team members.Utilize AI tools for administrative efficiency, such as scheduling automation, data entry, and task management. Sales & Lead Qualification SupportConduct initial phone outreach to qualify inbound leads using our company playbook.Schedule discovery meetings with qualified leads for our Business Development Managers (BDMs).Track and manage lead communications through our CRM system.Use AI-powered analytics tools to enhance lead qualification and reporting.How to ApplyIf you're ready to bring your organization, coordination, and operational skills to a company that's making a real difference, we want to hear from you! Apply today with your resume and a short cover letter explaining why you'd be a great fit for this role.Requirements Organized & Detail-Oriented - You love creating structure, managing schedules, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Strong Communicator - You're comfortable handling inbound calls, engaging with potential clients, and coordinating with different stakeholders. Self-Starter & Problem-Solver - You take initiative, find solutions, and keep projects moving without constant oversight. Tech-Savvy - You're comfortable working with CRM systems, travel management software, and sales engagement tools. Experience with AI-powered productivity tools is a strong plus! Experience in AI Applications, Event Planning, Sales Support, or Executive Assistance is a strong plus!Benefits Make an Impact - Be part of a mission-driven company dedicated to making cities greener and healthier through innovative green infrastructure. Remote & Flexible Work - Benefit from the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, supporting a healthy work-life balance. Profit-Sharing Program - Join our Growth by Sharing plan, where you benefit from the company's success. Career Growth Opportunities - Gain valuable experience and grow your career by working closely with the leadership team in a fast-paced, expanding organization. Competitive Compensation - Receive a salary that reflects your expertise and performance, complemented by performance-based incentives. Paid Time Off - Enjoy generous paid leave, including vacation days, sick leave, and recognized public holidays. Training & Development - Enhance your skills and advance your career with targeted professional development opportunities.