Technology

Forget doodling with the N-Trig pen, and you can think twice creating those OneNote books: if you're among the first to pick up a Surface Pro 3, the first thing you'll want to do is download the latest firmware update. Released just in time for the device's launch in the US and Canada, it fixes a problem first reported by reviewers that prevents the device from charging (and resuming from sleep) despite the power adapter being connected. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to ZDnet's Mary Jo Foley that the update both addresses the power issue and improves the Surface Pro 3's performance. Additionally, you'll want to grab a separate update that activates a double-click screenshot function, which allows you to take a wireless screen grab using the Surface Pen's button that's automatically pulled into OneNote. How to update To download the new firmware and other updates from the Windows Store: 1) Swipe in from the right edge of the scree...

Microsoft Office execs have said for months that the company wants to forge a more open relationship with customers. To build on that goal, Microsoft launched the Office 365 for business public road map on Wednesday. The website shows the status of upcoming Office 365 features. Microsoft also announced an opt-in program called First Release that gives customers early access to new features. This year, Office GM Julia White told Information Week that, because Office 365 is a cloud-based platform, Microsoft can not only introduce new features more quickly, but also offer earlier previews to the public. In a blog post announcing First Release and the new road map, Office 365 group product manager Jake Korzybski reiterated this theme. "Just as we transformed our development process, we need to transform our communication processes regarding changes and future updates to the service," he wrote. Both the road map and First Release are targeted at business and institut...