Windows 8 to offer new Metro-based search feature

Microsoft has revamped the Start screen's search feature in Windows 8, hoping to help users more easily find and view specific apps, settings, and files.

Like most features in Windows, search has evolved over the years.

In Windows 7, users can type the name of an item in the search field at the bottom of the Start Menu to locate programs and other files. But by default, the initial search results are limited to what can fit in the window, forcing users to click on a link to see more results in a full window. The results also show files from a range of categories, including applications, documents, music, images, e-mail messages, contacts, and even Control Panel settings.

In Windows 8, Microsoft has endeavored to both enhance and streamline the Start screen's search feature, according to the latest edition of the Building Windows 8 blog written by Brian Uphoff, a program manager on Microsoft's Search,

Apple releases iTunes 10.5 with iTunes in the Cloud, WiFi sync support

iTunes 10.5 is officially available to the public ahead of Wednesday's launch of iCloud and iOS 5. The release is required for users who want to make use of iOS 5 features like iTunes in the Cloud and wireless syncing via WiFi, and is available via Software Update for both Windows and Mac users.

According to Apple's release notes, there are only a few major features that come with iTunes 10.5. The first is iTunes in the Cloud support, which not only allows you to re-download previous music, TV, movie, and book purchases on your iOS devices, but also allows your other devices to automatically download that media when you buy it. 

This, plus the wireless WiFi syncing for iOS devices, makes up the bulk of the 10.5 update (we also hear iTunes Match is included, but we're still downloading), though users who don't plan to make use of those features will still want to upgrade if they want to update their devices to iOS 5 when it becomes available. It's also worth noting that the iTunes 10.5 update for Windows 7, Vista, and XP SP2 also comes with a handful ofsecurity updates, so it's likely worth upgrading if only for improved security protections, too.