How do you use the AI chat features in the Microsoft Edge browser? Is it better than Google Search?

This is my first encounter with this feature in Microsoft Edge. I got in by sheer accident and decided to try it out. I just posted a few random questions to see the result of the search. It looks great and is a very easy tool to use. It gives results based on its search and nicely summarizes with references. For software developers, it should be very useful. The present embodiment, it is a better tool than Google Search without any AI add-ins. However, Google has come out with its own AI-powered search tool, AI Chatbot called Bard. Bard is also based on chatGPT.  ChatGPT is owned by Sam Altman and Microsoft has invested $10 billion into chatGPT.

How do you start the chat?

If you notice the following at the top right of your Microsoft Edge (Microsoft EdgeVersion 111.0.1661.44 (Official Build) (64-bit), you will be able to start the chat.

Question 1. I wanted to find out what version of Microsoft Edge would I be able to do chat. Here is the exact question and answer.

Question 2: I taught courses on SQL Server at the Pacific Center of Advanced Technology Training in Honolulu for many years and I wanted to see how it can leverage the chat.

Here is the exact question and answer:

Looks like it could be a good training and learning tool not only for SQL servers but also for all other kinds of software. At this point, I am not sure it can access an available server via the browser to answer specific questions.

Question 3: How many Vietnamese are in Poland?

The Vietnamese embassy and Vietnamese community leaders in Poland estimate that about **20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese people** may reside in Poland, although the Polish government in 2002 put the upper possible range at about 50,000². The Vietnamese-Polish community is the fourth-largest Vietnamese community in the European Union, after France, Germany, and Czechia¹.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) Vietnamese people in Poland - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people_in_Poland Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) Vietnamese people in Poland - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people_in_Poland Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) How many Vietnamese live in Poland? - 2022. https://wisoky.jodymaroni.com/asia/how-many-vietnamese-live-in-poland/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) Overseas Vietnamese - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Vietnamese Accessed 3/22/2023.

Question 4: A Windows question:

I just wanted to see what it comes up with.

I have over 100 folders each of which has a single image file. What is the most effective way to retrieve all the images and save them to a single folder?

One way to do this is to make a batch file, which searches recursively for a specific file type, and copy all instances of it to a folder of your choice. This script should do the job for one partition at a time: 

```for /R "C:\" %%G in (*.png *.jpg *.jpeg *.gif) do copy "%%G" "E:allPictures" pause```

Another way is to use Windows (File) Explorer. You can search for a specific file type and copy all instances of it to a folder of your choice. Here's how to do it:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location you want to search.

2. In the search box, type `*.<file extension>` (e.g., `*.jpg`) and press Enter.

3. Once the files are visible, press Ctrl-A to select all of them.

4. Drag and drop them to the right location.

This should work admirably!

If you want to look in multiple adjacent folders, you can use Python. Here's an example script that reads multiple images from multiple folders:

```

root_folder = '[whatever]/data/train'

folders = [os.path.join(root_folder, x) for x in ('Type_1', 'Type_2', 'Type_3')]

all_images = [img for folder in folders for img in load_images_from_folder(folder)]

```

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) I want to copy all images on my computer to a single folder. https://superuser.com/questions/813865/i-want-to-copy-all-images-on-my-computer-to-a-single-folder Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) Gather similar files from multiple folders and copy them in ... - PCWorld. https://www.pcworld.com/article/444210/gather-similar-files-from-multiple-folders-and-copy-them-in-one-simple-step.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) I want to copy all images on my computer to a single folder. https://superuser.com/questions/813865/i-want-to-copy-all-images-on-my-computer-to-a-single-folder Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) Easiest way to extract the contents of many folders at once?. https://superuser.com/questions/523816/easiest-way-to-extract-the-contents-of-many-folders-at-once Accessed 3/22/2023.

(5) Python Read multiple images from multiple folders. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/44002577/python-read-multiple-images-from-multiple-folders Accessed 3/22/2023.

(6) How to Find All the Photos Stored on Your Windows 10 PC. https://www.howtogeek.com/393290/how-to-find-all-photos-stored-on-your-windows-10-pc/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

Question 5: How soon will hydrogen overtake gasoline in the industrial and transport sectors?

It is difficult to predict when hydrogen will overtake gasoline in the industrial and transport sectors. However, hydrogen has the potential to significantly reduce air pollution in the form of greenhouse gases from trucks, buses, planes, and ships⁵. The transport industry should prepare for a hydrogen-powered future². 

Hydrogen demand in the transportation and industry sectors is expected to grow, especially from 2025 onward, when more vehicles become available². By 2030, when projects are expected to be transitioning from the pilot stage to commercialization, the most attractive carriers are ammonia and LOHC with a transport cost (excluding hydrogen production) of $2.5-4.5/kg of hydrogen (for 10,000 km)³. 

Supplying hydrogen to industrial users is now a major business around the world. Demand for hydrogen, which has grown more than threefold since 1975, continues to rise – almost entirely supplied by fossil fuels, with 6% of global natural gas and 2% of global coal going to hydrogen production⁴. 

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) Hydrogen’s Role in Transportation | Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/hydrogens-role-transportation Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) Unlocking hydrogen’s power for long-haul freight transport. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/global-infrastructure-initiative/voices/unlocking-hydrogens-power-for-long-haul-freight-transport Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) Hydrogen costs hang on solving transportation - Reuters Events. https://www.reutersevents.com/renewables/renewables/hydrogen-costs-hang-solving-transportation Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) The Future of Hydrogen – Analysis - IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-hydrogen Accessed 3/22/2023.

(5) Hydrogen Could Become A $130 Billion U.S. Industry By 2050 ... - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2019/10/07/how-hydrogen-could-become-a-130-billion-us-industry-and-cut-emissions-by-2050/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(6) Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Advances Cleaner Industrial .... https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/15/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-cleaner-industrial-sector-to-reduce-emissions-and-reinvigorate-american-manufacturing/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

Next was a general question.

Question 6:

Is India a success story?

India is a land of diversity, with people from different religions, states, and cultures. India has been an unprecedented story of success but challenges remain⁵. India is a story of democracy that has beaten all odds, yet it is also a story of unfulfilled potential⁵. There is no dearth of Indian success stories that are keeping up-and-coming entrepreneurs motivated⁴. 

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) India has an unprecedented story of success, but challenges remain. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-an-unprecedented-story-of-success-but-challenges-remain/story-yKSQrsgKd3ivixEJJjLMvM.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) Indian Success Stories | Read The Inspiring Stories | Global Indian. https://www.globalindian.com/story/indian-success-stories/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) Success Story News | Latest News on Success Story - Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/success-story/news Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) Success Story News | Latest News on Success Story - Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/success-story/news Accessed 3/22/2023.

(5) Top 10 Success Stories of Inspiring Indian Entrepreneurs [2023]. https://digitalscholar.in/indian-entrepreneurs-success-stories/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(6) Digital India is a global success story. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/thedanispost/digital-india-is-a-global-success-story/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

Question 7:

Is India a success story looking at world news and not just Indian news sources?

India has been a success story in many ways, and it has been recognized globally. For example, Digital India is a global success story². India's democratic project is a success, and no other post-colonial democracy, with India's level of economic backwardness and social diversity, has sustained an almost uninterrupted democratic run⁹. However, India has its share of challenges, and unless it fixes its institutions, it will not become a developed nation in 25 years¹. 

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) Digital India is a global success story. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/thedanispost/digital-india-is-a-global-success-story/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) India has an unprecedented story of success, but challenges remain. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-an-unprecedented-story-of-success-but-challenges-remain/story-yKSQrsgKd3ivixEJJjLMvM.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) Success Story News | Latest News on Success Story - Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/success-story/news Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) India is an unprecedented story of success, but challenges remain. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-an-unprecedented-story-of-success-but-challenges-remain/story-yKSQrsgKd3ivixEJJjLMvM.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(5) Under Modi, India’s Press Is Not So Free Anymore. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/world/asia/modi-india-press-media.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(6) India’s global success should be celebrated and not criticized. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rrr-the-elephants-whisperers-all-that-breathes-indias-global-success-should-be-celebrated-and-not-criticized/articleshow/98749022.cms Accessed 3/22/2023.

(7) PM Modi’s jibe at Rahul: Some can’t stomach India’s success, so attacking it. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/pm-modi-s-jibe-at-rahul-some-can-t-stomach-india-s-success-so-attacking-it/ar-AA18NQ3g Accessed 3/22/2023.

(8) Tristar: A success story. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-network/tristar-a-success-story Accessed 3/22/2023.

(9) success stories - The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/success-stories Accessed 3/22/2023.

(10) Is India the new success story of the coronavirus pandemic?. https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-india-the-new-success-story-of-coronavirus-pandemic-363890 Accessed 3/22/2023.

Question 8:

What institutions need fixing for India to achieve guaranteed success?

India needs to fix its institutions to become a developed nation in 25 years¹. The banking system is one of the institutions that need fixing². The union government has revealed a fiscal strategy for growth that seems to comprise three elements: protectionism through tariff hikes, production-linked incentives, and capital expenditure to create infrastructure¹. India has created several democratic institutions, like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, NITI Aayog, NCLT, and GST council³. 

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) India’s Technological Knowhow and Growth Opportunities | Fixing Urban .... https://bing.com/search?q=What+institutions+needs+fixing+for+India+to+achieve+a+guaranteed+success%3f Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) Here’s why fixing the banking system should be a top priority for India. https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/heres-why-fixing-the-banking-system-should-be-a-top-priority-for-india/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) Success of India's democracy, institutions causing envy among some: PM .... https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/success-of-indias-democracy-institutions-causing-envy-among-some-pm-modi-2348550-2023-03-18 Accessed 3/22/2023.

Question 9:

Why do you say the Indian banking system needs fixing since they suffered the least when two major banks failed in the USA and a major bank failed in Europe?

I apologize for the confusion. I did not mean to imply that the Indian banking system is not doing well. However, the Indian banking system has had far higher non-performing loan ratios than other Asian banking systems since the mid-2010s and Indian banks have had far lower levels of capital³. This has weighed on banks' ability to extend credit because non-performing loans have reduced banks' profitability and risk depleting already low capital buffers³. 

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/22/2023(1) The Indian Banking System | Bulletin – December 2021 | RBA. https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2021/dec/the-indian-banking-system.html Accessed 3/22/2023.

(2) History of Banking In India - Evolution of Indian Banking System - BYJUS. https://byjus.com/bank-exam/history-banking-india/ Accessed 3/22/2023.

(3) Silicon Valley Bank collapse: Indian Banks are ‘not at risk’ from SVB .... https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/banking/news-silicon-valley-bank-collapse-indian-banks-are-not-at-risk-from-svb-contagion-say-experts-here-s-why-226273 Accessed 3/22/2023.

(4) Silicon Valley Bank collapse: No major impact on Indian banking system .... https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/silicon-valley-bank-collapse-no-major-impact-on-indian-banking-system-say-experts/articleshow/98584861.cms Accessed 3/22/2023.

How is Bigdata handled, RDBMS or NoSQL?

 Here is a reasonable article comparing SQL vs. NoSQL. Here you can also look up the differences between RDBMS and Document Databases. 

https://phoenixnap.com/kb/sql-vs-nosql

While Amazon has its own DocumentDB, MongoDB is used in a lot of places (Forbes, Toyota, etc) and Amazon's DocumentDB is compatible with MongoDB. 

Of course, Microsoft's SQL Server is a mature product and it can even handle BigData using Polybase virtualization. You can query data from any SQL Server, Oracle, Teradata, MongoDB, and other data sources using external tables. 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/big-data-cluster/big-data-options?view=sql-server-ver16

Connectivity to HDFS now uses published REST APIs instead of the Java Hadoop client. all you need to do is to configure connectors while configuring the AZURE Storage.

Here is a schematic from Microsoft's documentation of BigData storage and processing in the Microsoft platform.

Also, storing data in itself is not sufficient and Microsoft has POWER BI which also visualization of data from a huge number of database products. It is hard to beat Microsoft at this game.

I am somewhat slanted towards Microsoft due to my association with Microsoft database products for a long time. I have not received any remuneration from Microsoft for this post.

What are the capabilities of the Signal app?

 

Signal protocol used by Signal provides end-to-end encryption for voice, video and instant messaging. It was developed by Open Whisper Systems in 2013 and it was later introduced to create the open-source TextSecure App. 

Signal protocol development is based an earlier protocol called TextSecure by Whisper systems. Later encryption of voice lead to the RedPhone. All of this together got into Signal. another company called G Data Software launched a messaging app called Secure Chat which used Signal protocol. Google's Allo messaging app also uses Signal. Google discontinued Allo in favor of Messages app on Android. Microsoft and Whisper Systems announced Signal support for Skype in an optional Skype feature called Private Conversations.

Signal App can do most of what WhatsApp can do. This is because, WhatsApp is based on Signal. The WhatsApp's Status feature uses Signal to secure its contents. Facebook has a feature called Optional Mode, Secret Conversations in Facebook messenger which provides end-to-end encryption using an implementation of the Signal Protocol.

Signal has a long history of its encryption features that has been leverage by many. 

Summary based on Wikipedia article: 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_Protocol

How do you create a 3D model using Paint 3D?

There was Paint which was Paint 2d. Recently after Windows 10 debut Microsoft added Paint 3D.
Using Paint 3D you can create 3D objects or use existing 3D models.

In what follows you will be using Paint 3D app which you can download from Windows Store, or it may even bundled with some of the computers with Microsoft OS.

PowerPoint3d_0
Launch Paint 3D and this user interface will be displayed where you can create a 3D object or use an existing model.

PowerPoint3d_1

In what follows you will be using an existing models.

Click on the available 3D models and click the dog icon shown.

PowerPoint3d_2

After clicking DOG enter the editor area, your cursor arrow turns to a cross. Now move your cursor without lifting on the surface and you will see a dog model on the editor area.

PowerPoint3d_3

You can edit the color with various options as shown.

PowerPoint3d_4

You can save to your computer using Save As. It can be anywhere you save to, or to the 3D Objects directory.

PowerPoint3d_6

Take note of the different formats that you can save to.

Did Microsoft buy GitHub?

Two days ago it was a rumor but according to a post on Mashable (https://mashable.com/2018/06/03/microsoft-github-acquistion/#7oGpfyPu4Oqt) it seems to have acquired GitHub to be announced on Monday. It is supposed to be valued at $2B but GitHub thinks it's true value exceeds the offer.

It was also on Bloomberg TV Channel.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-03/microsoft-is-said-to-have-agreed-to-acquire-coding-site-github

How do I troubleshoot 'Report Server WMI Provider error' in SSRS 2017?

You have SQL Server Developer 2017 installed with a default instance and you have a SQL Server Reporting Services Configuration Manager. You try to configure the Reporting Services 2017 using the configuration manager and you encounter this error.

SSRS17ConfigManageError_0

You verified that WMI is working and you can get connected to the local computer using wmimgmt.msc command as shown.

SSRS17ConfigManageError_1

The first thing is to check if SQL Server is working and has started. This you can do in Control  | Panel Services. If it has not started, you can start it. You should also check if the Reporting Services for the particular instance has started, and start it if it has not.

If you do not find the SQL Server Reporting Services service in Control Panel|..|Services, the chances are you have not installed Reporting Services. The fact that you have a Reporting Services 2017 Configuration Manager does not guarantee that the Reporting Services is installed.

In this case trying to configure SSRS 2017 will result in the WMI error.

Another check you can make is to see if Reporting Services is in the WMI as shown. There are two Report Servers (one from SSRS 2012 and the other SSRS 2016) and there is no Report Server corresponding to a default instance.

SSRS17ConfigManageError_2

Prior to SQL Server 2017, Reporting Services was installed when you installed the Database engine if you chose to include.

In SQL Server 2017 you need to install Reporting Services before you can configure it. Once you install SQL Server Reporting Services, this error goes away and you can continue configuring the Report Server. In this case, you can verify in WMI  as shown here.

and in the Control panel as shown.

What is Linius Video Virtualization?

Video content need not be a black-box containing the various stuff that go into video like, images, audio, etc. Video Virtualization takes your video file and converts it into another file where the individual pieces in the original video can be edited.

Microsoft, Amazon and IBM are investing in Video Virtualization. Microsoft with the help of Magenic is making Video Virtualization available on Microsoft Azure.

Here is a video that explains Video Virtualization of Linius.


Linius has perfected Video Virtualization protected by patents that all the three previously mentioned cloud companies are using (going to use?).

This is serious stuff as most user experience these days are driven by videos, be it entertainment, news or anything else. Being a single technical source, Linius will profit hugely.

I was driven by curiosity and wanted to see how far I can go in creating a Virtual Video file using Linius Video Virtualization Engine (VVE). I did get to the part of bringing in my video file here:

---------------------------------
Video created to describe a visit to Amalfi in Italy. https://youtu.be/xF1o0uJlk_I

I was able to get this file into VVE at this site: http://VVEplay.com/

When I tried to edit, the software broke my file (which was actually a slide-show) into attached individual frames for each slide. There were no controls in Step 2 where you can edit. Anyway, I published it after the second step and it produced another file at the VVE site.

Now I am not sure how to go from here to edit this '186490283' file. The above produced an error on a web page.

Some of my unanswered questions are:
Do I need to get to the file on VVE site to edit it?
How do I edit it? Graphic User Interface? If Programmatic, how?
How do I use its features, Search, modifying content, introduce ads, etc.?

What is OWIN? How does it relate to Web?

.NET is Microsoft Specific which is also featuring in some Open source projects. Believe me it is true, read here:

https://opensource.com/business/14/11/microsoft-dot-net-empower-open-source-communities

'Microsoft is providing the full .NET server stack in open source, including ASP.NET, the compiler, the .NET Core Runtime, Framework and libraries, enbaling devvelopers to build with .NET across Windows, Mac or Linux'.

This is old story, since 2004 the 'mono project' was a open source implementation of .NET platform.

Now coming to OWIN, which is short for Open Web Interface for .NET OWIN) defines a standard interface between .NET web servers and web applications.

You can find everything you want to know about OWIN here at this master site.
http://owin.org/

These are some of OWIN compatible projects:
Servers and Hosts
    Katana
    Nowin
    Suave
Frameworks
    Jasper
    Nancy
    SignalR
    WebApi
    WebSharper
    DuoVia.Http
    Simplify.Web
    Wisej
Implementations
    Katana
    Freya
    ASP.NET vNext

Microsoft uses OWIN for building ASP.NET Single-Page applications and several of the assemblies used are OWIN based as shown here:

MicrosoftOwinAssmeblies.png

What is XMLNotepad and where do you get it?

XMLNotepad is a Microsoft tool, an XML editor. You can easily open an XML documents using this tool. It is very useful and very informative.

You can get the latest version from the Codeplex site here:

Go to this link.
https://xmlnotepad.codeplex.com/

Click on downloadable installer.
This will take you to the site where you can download the Microsoft XML Notepad.

XMLNotepad2_7.jpg

This application requires .NET 4.0. If it is not available in your computer (look inside Programs and features in Control panel). If you do not have this, you can download and install from here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=17851

Click on Microsoft XML Notepad which brings up the following:

 XMLNotepad2-7_1.jpg

Click Install. It will install directly from a server on the internet and you may see this window.

XMLNotepad2-7_2.jpg

After a while the application gets downloaded and you should see in your All Programs as shown

XMLNotepad2-7_5.jpg

You can get the user interface of this application by clicking the shortcut in the above.

XMLNotepad2-7_4.jpg

Enjoy!

What is ODBMS? and Who is the leader in this segment?

This is the definition of Operational Database Management System(ODBMS) according to Gartner (5/10/2016):

"The operational database management system (OPDBMS) market is concerned with relational and nonrelational DBMS (see Note 1) products suitable for a broad range of enterprise-level transactional applications, and DBMS products supporting interactions and observations as alternative types of transactions"

Based on this definition and other considerations Microsoft is the leader edgin higher than the secodn Oracle. This is what you see in the Magic Quadrant. Microsoft shares the vision with others such as Oracle, SAP, AWS and IBM.

Here is copy of the Quadrant:

Detailed report here to download after registering:
https://info.microsoft.com/gartner-odbms-magic-quadrant-register.html?ls=website

Have you seen my recent Swaytorials on SQL Server 2012?

I think this new tool, SWAY from Microsoft is cool. Tutorials are so easy to follow as you can not only include images but media files as well. Text editing is somewhat limited but as it is, it is quite good.

If you have not watched may be you should review the following:



http://hodentekmsss.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-tutorial-on-creating-script-using-sql.html

http://hodentekmsss.blogspot.com/2016/03/easy-way-to-backup-sql-server-database.html

http://hodentekmsss.blogspot.com/2016/03/scripting-database-in-sql-server-2012.html

http://hodentekmsss.blogspot.com/2016/02/attaching-adventureworks2012-database.html

http://hodentekmsss.blogspot.com/2016/04/creating-scalar-valued-function-in-sql.html

These are all on my other blog which covers 100% SQL Server:

http://hodentekMSSS.blogspot.com

What is the difference between H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC?

Both are Video Compression Standards while H.265 is more recent.

Videos are essential for enjoying the Web, YouTube, or streaming movies. The amount of data produced by any video is very large and to send it over to you over the Internet fast enough for you to enjoy is not easy. It can be sent fast by reducing its size. However, size reduction by itself is not enough since size reduction is accompanied by a reduction in video quality. A lot of processing has to be done to get efficient compression without reducing the quality.

H.264/AVC known variously as MPEG-4 Part 10 or H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, or MPEG-4/H.264 AVC is a video coding format that uses the block-oriented motion-compensation-based video compression standard. This standard was developed jointly by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC JTC1 Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).

H.264 is the standard for Blu-ray Discs and all Blu-ray disc players must be able to decode H.264. Most of the following support H.264:

• Vimeo
• YouTube
• iTunes store
• Adobe Flash Player,
• Microsoft Silverlight
• And, HDTV terrestrial broadcasts.

Read more about it here.
Read about this licensing battle between Microsoft and Motorola related to H.264 here.

H.265\HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) is an improvement over the previous H.264 coding technology and in some form will be the successor to compressed video. H.265 will give the same picture quality as H.264 but with better compression (giving you a smaller file size to deal with).

Video coding exploits the redundancy that exists in Videos both spatial and temporal and removes or takes this into consideration to efficiently reduce the size. This may just be using pixels, blocks of pixels, pixels that do not change at all or change very little, predicting the motion of pixels in a rapid scene change, etc.
I recommend you read this excellent paper by Elemental to understand the H.265 basics(http://go.elementaltechnologies.com/rs/elementaltechnologies/images/HEVC_Demystified.pdf).
 

What is Web RTC?

WebRTC is still evolving although it has already made a big presence.

WebRTC stands for Web-based Real-Time Communications. It is free and the WebRTC project provides mobile applications and browsers to have communication capabilities using simple Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).  Since voice and video are involved it is complicated because of various standards it has to contend with.

WebRTC is supported by Google, Mozilla, Opera and others. Microsoft is not in the list having differences over some of the details such as Google's VP8 video codec to become the default.

Microsoft has its own web based communication which is called CU-RTC-WEB. Microsoft acquired Skype which has browser-based version of voice and video calling application and it is in Microsoft's interest to stay with evolving WebRTC.

The key resource is WebRTC.org.

Here are the components of WebRTC, a screen shot from the WebRTC site.

If you are interested in the under-the-hood details of WebRTC go here (http://www.webrtc.org/reference/webrtc-components).

Here is video of browser based communication between Mozilla and Chrome.

Read more on how the technology is evolving;
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2849392/does-skype-for-web-mean-webrtc-is-ready-for-prime-time.html

Is Samsung TV compatible with Windows 8.1 Miracast wireless display feature?

Oliver:Water Color

Yes it does but there is a problem. Samsung Smart TV cannot pair with Windows Phone 8.1 (Nokia Icon) is a message I get but it still works but there appears to be problem.

I did post saying that Samsung Smart TV is not compatible with Miracast wireless display feature.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-hardware/what-smart-
tvs-are-compatible-with-windows-81/f0187562-5a4e-4cf4-9820-51502d92466d

After trying couple of more times I find that screen mirroring from a Windows Phone 8.1 does work but the image is inverted (Up/Down).