They might be so popular as to be almost an extension of people's arms, but most Americans ditch their smartphones and return to the trusty computer when buying online.

That was the finding of a Gallup survey released Tuesday which said that 74 percent of adults in the United States with smartphones usually turn to their computers for making purchases on the Internet.

The situation is similar when browsing products online or comparing prices: 62 percent do so on their computers, while only 21 percent use their smartphones.

Of the six online activities Gallup measured, using social media such as Facebook or Twitter is the only activity Americans say they conduct more by smartphone (44 percent) than computer (24 percent).

The survey was conducted via the Internet in April-May with 15,776 US adults who said they had a smartphone.

Microsoft tweaks streaming music plan for Windows 10
New York (AFP) July 7, 2015 - Microsoft has rebranded its subscription-based music services as part of a ramped-up effort to compete with the likes of Apple, Google Spotify and others.

The US tech giant said its Groove Music -- the rechristened name for XBox Music -- will be built into the Windows 10 operating system that is designed to power computers and a variety of mobile devices.

"Our fans asked for faster ways to access the music they love -- quickly, efficiently, and on their favorite devices," Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said in a blog post Monday.

"And for that, we're proud to introduce the evolution of our current Xbox Music experience, now titled Groove, with new features we think you're going to love.

"Groove describes what people feel and do with music, and is more intuitive for our Windows 10 customers on what they'll find with the app."

Microsoft has struggled to gain traction in music dating back to its device designed to compete with the original Apple iPod -- a portable music player called Zune discontinued in 2011 after some five years.

LeBlanc said the new Groove service will have access to 40 million songs and offer "an improved experience for listening to and managing your music."

Groove will offer ad-free music for downloads and playlists at $10 a month or $99 per year, similar to plans from Apple and Google.

Microsoft is preparing to roll out Windows 10 starting on July 29, first with a small group of "insiders" testing the new operating software, then gradually expanding the base.

The company, which dominates in personal computers but has been lagging in mobile devices, is hoping the new system will help it better compete with Google's Android-powered devices and Apple's iOS hardware.

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MICROSOFT