Windows 8 Release Preview coming 'first week of June'

Reckoning it's about time you replaced that copy of Windows 8 Consumer Preview? Microsoft is right there with you. According to the outfit's Building Windows 8 Twitter account, the next major installment of Win8 is due out in "the first week of June," with the Windows 8 Release Preview to hit the intertubes at that time. Go ahead and take off the whole week in preparation -- we're sure you can think of a few DIY activities to bide your time in the event of a Friday release. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, this is just yet another step in the march to a hopeful October ship date for the final build of Windows 8.)


Via engadget.com

Windows 8 release preview, Έρχονται την πρώτη εβδομάδα του Ιουνίου

Κατά τη διάρκεια της ομιλίας του ο πρόεδρος του Windows Division της Microsoft, Steven Sinofsky, ανακοίνωσε ότι την πρώτη εβδομάδα του Ιουνίου πρόκειται να κυκλοφορήσει μία release preview εκδοχή των Windows 8, ως το τελευταίο στάδιο πριν από την τελική εκδοχή του προϊόντος, η οποία και αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει τον προσεχή Οκτώβριο.
Η Release Preview θα μας δώσει μια καλή εικόνα για όλα όσα θα περιλαμβάνονται στο νέο λειτουργικό σύστημα της Microsoft. Η Beta έκδοση των Windows 8 είχε παρουσιαστεί στις 29 Φεβρουαρίου, την οποία και η Microsoft ονομάζει Consumer Preview.



Via techblog.gr

How your company will control your Windows RT Tablet

Windows on ARM really opens up the world of Windows to some great hardware. So great in fact that you'll probably have to buy one yourself if you want one to use at work. But a time will come where you'll want to get your work email and maybe even an app or two. You might already realize that by adding an ActiveSync email account to your tablet opens your new device up to restrictions by your system administrator -- like requiring a lock screen password or the ability to remotely wipe it – and in the Windows x86 world, your company uses things like an Active Directory (AD) Domain and its Group Policies to lock things down.
But, AD isn't an option for Windows RT. According to the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft has instead built in the ability to connect to the company network to access apps, while at the same time, gives the admin the ability to control all the familiar AD security settings like bad password attempts, complexity requirements and can even verify your anti-malware software status. Of course if you leave the company or just want to use your tablet without entering a password, you can always break the tie and regain control of the security.

Via engadget.com

Intel Shows Off Ultrabook-Tablet Hybrid Running Windows 8 (video)

Intel's Cove Point ultrabook can serve double duty as a Windows tablet.

Super-thin, super-light and super-speedy, ultrabooks were designed to make us forget about traditional PC notebooks. They were all the rage at their big CES coming-out party in January, but now even “traditional” ultrabooks are passe.
At IDF 2012 in Beijing last week, Intel showed off a clever new take on the ultrabook platform when it demoed an ultrabook-tablet hybrid reference design dubbed Cove Point.
“When we started talking about ultrabooks last year, we talked about different form factors, and touch and convertibles,” Gary Richman, Director of Marketing for Intel’s PC Client Solutions Division, told Wired. “This has been an evolution over time. Ultrabooks were never meant to be just clamshell designs.”

Intel’s Cove Point — aka Letexo, a former code name still used by some journalists — looks similar to two-in-one tablets like the Asus Transformer, which caters to consumers who can’t decide whether to buy a tablet or notebook.
Cove Point sports a touchscreen that can be used as a tablet when the device is closed. The keyboard rests flush against the back of the screen in this position, so the device more closely resembles a standard tablet than a clamshell notebook. You can also push the screen forward and prop it up against a stand to reveal a full-size keyboard — voila, you now have an ultrabook. Cove Point also boasts other folding modes that make it easy to watch a movie, or type on the touchscreen.

Most importantly, Cove Point isn’t just another Android tablet with an attached keyboard, a la the Asus Transformer. The hardware can be used as a full-fledged PC — Intel showed off the device running the Consumer Preview of Windows 8. At the demo, Cove Point also ran on an early sample of Intel’s upcoming Ivy Bridge CPU. Just like you’d find in a full-fledged notebook, the device sports a 12.5-inch screen, two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port.

Cove Point's screen lies flush against the keyboard when in tablet mode.

Richman and his team have been working on the Cove Point project since last year.
“Where we see the future of computing going, with tablets and Windows 8, is the importance of the touch experience,” Richman said. “[With Cove Point] we were looking to define the compelling form factors, usages and benefits of having a notebook design, while taking advantage of the touch experience in Windows 8.”
Currently, no OEMs have made a Cove Point announcement, but we would be surprised if manufacturers ignored the ultrabook-hybrid form factor entirely. As it’s currently configured, Richman estimates Intel’s Cove Point device would probably cost consumers around $1,000. You can catch a glimpse of Cove Point in this video of highlights from IDF 2012:



Via wired.com

Microsoft reveals the fourth version of Windows 8: Enterprise

We're sure some of you aren't as interested in the Windows 8 versions destined for workplace drudgery as you are the home editions, but admit it, the IT guy inside of you is a little curious. As detailed in an official blog post, the new unique feature in Windows 8 Enterprise is Windows To Go, which we think of as Windows on a stick. Basically it allows you to run your corporate image on a home PC or other personal devices -- the opposite of that USB disk you carry to work with portable versions of your favorite unsanctioned apps.
Also new is the ability to automatically sideload internal Metro apps as well as enhancements to the virtual desktop client. Of course Windows 7 Enterprise features like DirectAccess, BranchCache and AppLocker are still there, but some features like BitLocker are now available in the Pro version of Windows 8 too.
If you were thinking you might like these at home, don't forget that Enterprise is only sold with Software Assurance (Microsoft's perpetual upgrade program), but that does bring extra abilities too, like a free Virtual Desktop Access license -- you didn't think you got that for free did you -- and the optional Companion Device license that extends your VDI and Windows To Go rights to four more personal devices. Now, if it just included the ability to boot directly to the desktop, then most corporation's biggest concern with Windows 8 would be appeased.

Introducing Windows 8 Enterprise
Windows 8 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8 Pro (as outlined in Monday’s blog), plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization needs of today’s businesses. Here’s an overview of some of the key features that will be available exclusively to Windows 8 Enterprise customers (and note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Windows To Go is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick. This will allow IT organizations to support the “Bring Your Own PC” trend and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.
• DirectAccess allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network without having to launch a separate VPN and helps IT administrators keep remote users’ PCs in compliance by applying the latest policies, software updates, is easier to deploy, and it can be implemented with the existing IPv4 infrastructure.
• BranchCache allows users’ PCs to cache files, websites, and other content from central servers, so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN). When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 brings several improvements to BranchCache to streamline the deployment process, optimize bandwidth over WAN connections and ensure better security and scalabilty.
• AppLocker can help mitigate issues by restricting the files and apps that users or groups are allowed to run.
• VDI enhancements: Enhancements in Microsoft RemoteFX and Windows Server 2012, provide users with a rich desktop experience with the ability to play 3D graphics, use USB peripherals and use touch-enabled devices across any type of network (LAN or WAN) for VDI scenarios.
• New Windows 8 App Deployment: Domain joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 Enterprise will automatically be enabled to side-load internal, Windows 8 Metro style apps.

In addition to these features, customers will get improvements to the fundamentals, including end-to-end security and better manageability. Businesses will also benefit from the immersive, personalized experience Windows 8 has to offer and the no-compromise business tablet that will mean businesses no longer have to choose between the functionality of a tablet or the productivity of a PC. There’s a good summary of these features in a press release we issued last month.
Enhancing the Windows Benefits in Software Assurance
As we reimagine Windows 8, we’re also enhancing our Software Assurance (SA) benefits to meet the needs of today’s workforce. I know you all see firsthand how technology has influenced the way people work and how employees need to stay connected to their data, apps and other people from anywhere, at any time, from a range of devices. We will be making improvements to Windows Software Assurance that provides business customers with better ways to enable these flexible work styles.
So let’s take a look at some of the details of the new licensing benefits. After Windows 8 Enterprise becomes available, Software Assurance customers will have the following new use rights:

• Windows To Go Use Rights: Windows To Go will allow companies to support Bring Your Own PC scenarios and will give employees who need to work from home more secure access to their full corporate environment. With Windows To Go use rights under Software Assurance, an employee will be able to use Windows To Go on any company PC licensed with Windows SA as well as from their home PC. Additionally, through a new companion device license for SA, employees will be able to use WTG on their personal devices at work.
• Windows RT Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Rights: When used as a companion of a Windows Software Assurance licensed PC, Windows RT will automatically receive extended VDA rights. These rights will provide access to a full VDI image running in the datacenter which will make Windows RT a great complementary tablet option for business customers.
• Companion Device License: For customers who want to provide full flexibility for how employees access their corporate desktop across devices, we are introducing a new Companion Device License for Windows SA customers. For users of Windows Software Assurance licensed PCs this optional add-on will provide rights to access a corporate desktop either through VDI or Windows To Go on up to four personally owned devices.

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack
In addition to Windows 8 Enterprise, Software Assurance customers also have the ability to subscribe to MDOP. MDOP helps enterprise customers take advantage of desktop virtualization, manage Windows features, and restore user productivity after a system issue. We have recently also added User Experience Virtualization (UE-V), which allows individuals to change their device without reconfiguring applications or settings in Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Windows Intune
Windows Intune offers PC management and security from virtually anywhere via the cloud. In addition, we just announced that the next release of Windows Intune will support mobile device management, a self-service Company Portal and the ability to leverage user accounts, in addition to several other enhancements. Windows Intune is available as an add-on for Windows customers with Enterprise Agreements and gives you a way to manage multiple devices for each employee under a single license.
Enhancing Enterprise Value
Windows 8 Enterprise, MDOP, Windows Intune and our new Software Assurance benefits will help you deliver the experiences people love while maintaining the security and manageability you require.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview to experience first-hand the beautiful, fast and fluid experience that includes the mobility, performance and security features your business needs. I also encourage you to stay tuned here to the Windows for your Business blog for more information on the enterprise value we’ll be delivering.


Via windowsteamblog.com

Windows Store slowly going global, 26 country specific markets launching with next update

From the time of our very first conversations about the Windows Store, we’ve been determined to deliver a global service – one that scales in every dimension. We want to support developers regardless of where they are, and give customers apps that match their interests, including local offerings. We’ve designed the Store to provide both developers and customers with flexibility and familiarity in their transaction options. We’ve seen millions of Consumer Preview app downloads, by people in more than 200 markets, which just confirms our responsibility to deliver globally.
But when you’re building a service at the scale of Windows, it needs to grow gradually and deliberately. Running the Windows Update service with hundreds of millions of client connections has taught us a lot about building, scaling, and securing such a service.

Up to now, the Consumer Preview Store has supported app submissions from developers in five markets, each with a dedicated app catalog (France, Germany, India, Japan and the United States), plus China. Customers outside of those markets see our “Rest of World” catalog. This is a start, and we’re pleased to have served so many millions this early in the release.
In the next significant preview release of the Windows Store service, we will significantly expand our global coverage. We will add 33 additional app submission locales for developers, bringing our total to 38 supported markets for submitting Metro style apps for Windows 8. We will also expand the number of market-specific app catalogs, from 5 to 26.
In addition we will expand the localization coverage of the pre-release developer portal as well, adding 7 new languages. When we release the next update to the Store service, you’ll be able to submit Metro style pre-release apps in any of 109 languages, as long as the app also includes a version in one of 12 app certification languages (an increase of 7 languages from the Consumer Preview).
In each dimension of the Store – developer portal, app submission markets, app certification, app languages, app catalogs – we are increasing the number of languages, consistent with our goal to keep improving and growing the service. All of this growth is, of course, still within the Windows 8 pre-release timeframe, so for those of you developers still waiting to see support for your locale, we appreciate the interest and will just continue to grow rapidly, as we have done since the Consumer Preview.

Beyond the Consumer Preview

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview has been downloaded by millions of customers, and we’ve gotten a lot of feedback and telemetry data that has helped us prepare for the final release. Soon, we’ll describe design changes we’ve made to the Store to address some of the early feedback. As part of the engineering transition to the next pre-release phase, as of April 16, we are no longer accepting Consumer Preview apps into the Store catalog.
The Store will continue to offer all the existing Consumer Preview apps and these apps will of course continue to run on the Consumer Preview build. This will help ensure we support developers in the transition to the next pre-release version of the platform.

Submitting apps

During this preview timeframe, only select partners can submit Metro style apps to the Store. If you are not already working with us directly on an app, you can become a candidate for preview Store submission by attending one of our Windows Dev Camps. The camps have already started, and hundreds more will run throughout the world over the next few months. They are free, designed and delivered by developers for developers, and will give you the information and tools you need, in a hands-on setting, to prepare your Metro style app for submission.
We’re excited to welcome developers from these new markets. We look forward to seeing you at a Dev Camp, checking out all the cool and interesting apps you come up with, and getting them published in the Store.

Via msdn

Microsoft aims to make iPad an underdog with Windows 8

Microsoft reportedly hopes to push Apple's worldwide iPad market share under 50 percent by the middle of 2013 with Windows 8-based tablets, Digitimes reports today, citing unnamed sources.
Microsoft is currently helping its many third-party vendors, including Dell, HP, and Acer, get their tablets out the door this year. Digitimes' sources say as many as 32 Windows 8-based tablets could launch by the end of 2012.
Apple has been the dominant force in the tablet market over the last couple of years. Even though it faces a host of Android-based devices, including the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Amazon Kindle Fire, Apple owns about 62 percent of the tablet space, according to a February report from TrendForce. A subsequent report from iSuppli said Apple should hold about 61 percent of the tablet space by the end of the year.

Although Microsoft reportedly hopes to see that figure inch lower by the time the year is up, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore doesn't necessarily believe it can happen. He sees both Google and Microsoft having trouble matching the iPad's perceived value.
"We believe competitors (Android and Windows) will have trouble matching the price-performance specs of the current iPad product lineup and [Apple] should continue to dominate the category," Whitmore told investors in March. "Windows 8 is receiving mixed reviews and Android (is) in disarray."
Another complicating factor: the possibility that Apple may launch a long-rumored iPad Mini this year. That device, according to a report earlier this week from Chinese portal Netease, will feature a smaller footprint than Apple's current iPad, and could be priced at $249 to $299.
More important, the site cited sources who said that Apple is planning to ship 6 million iPad Minis in the third quarter -- a prospect that could dramatically increase the company's sales and market share.
Apple, of course, isn't invincible. In late 2010, the company owned 87 percent of the tablet market, according to research firm IDC. That's a good indication of how even middling competition can dilute its market share, even if those rivals can't match the iPad's sales. Whether Windows 8 can do the same, though, is far from clear.

Via cnet.com

Microsoft, Επιδιώκει να μειώσει κατά 50% το μερίδιο του iPad με τα Windows 8

Ακούγεται φιλόδοξο, αλλά δεν θα μπορούσε να κάνει αλλιώς η Microsoft η οποία ετοιμάζεται να λανσάρει τα Windows 8 στην αγορά, τα οποία εννοείται ότι θα εξοπλίζουν πολλά από τα επερχόμενα tablets. Οι πηγές που επικαλείται το DigiTimes λένε ότι είναι έτοιμες για κυκλοφορία περίπου 32 ταμπλέτες με το νέο λειτουργικό σύστημα της Microsoft, από κατασκευαστές όπως είναι οι Dell, HP και Acer.

Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι η Apple είναι κυρίαρχος στην αγορά των ταμπλετών, μιας και της ανήκει περίπου το 62% της αγοράς, κάτι που αντικειμενικά, χτυπιέται δύσκολα. Το 2010 της άνηκε το 87% της αγοράς ταμπλετών, αλλά το ποσοστό έπεσε μετά την παρουσίαση Android μοντέλων από ανταγωνιστές όπως η Samsung. Βέβαια, το ζήτημα περιπλέκεται, εάν στην εξίσωση βάλουμε και τις φήμες που λένε ότι θα κάνει την εμφάνισή του και ένα iPad Mini, με προσιτή τιμή.

Via techblog.gr

MacBook Air, ultrabook chips coming as second Intel launch

Ivy Bridge chips for laptops like the MacBook Air, the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook, and HP Envy series will come in a second wave, Intel's CEO said today during the company's first-quarter earnings conference call.
"The first versions of Ivy Bridge that we're shipping are quad-cores," CEO Paul Otellini said during the call today. "And then the second launch of the products is the dual core, which is the mainstream notebooks," he added.
The first launch will happen on Monday, the second launch is likely in June. That's the timeframe that a crush of Ivy Bridge laptop announcements are expected.

And some of them, sporting touch screens, will be targeted at Windows 8, Otellini said in response to an analyst's question. "The biggest change, and the one that we're really focused on, is trying to make sure that we intercept the Windows 8 launch with sufficient quantities of ultrabooks that have touch enabled," he said.
He also mentioned that 100 more ultrabook design are on the way. (That's a jump from the last number that Intel threw out there -- 75.)
And Otellini also threw cold water on the ultrabooks-need-to-be-cheap-to-be-successful argument. "I'm not a subscriber that it takes mainstream price points to get us to high volume. I think...that just helps. And what you're going to see is an incredible amount of differentiation from $699 to $1,299," he said.

Via Cnet.com

Intel Ivy Bridge chips, Σε ultrabooks από τον Ιούνιο και μετά

Τα πολυαναμενόμενα chips της οικογένειας Ivy Bridge της Intel, σύμφωνα με τα όσα είπε σε δηλώσεις του ο ίδιος ο CEO της εταιρείας, αναμένεται να τοποθετηθούν στο Macbook Air, το Dell XPS 13 και τα HP Envy, ως μέρος του δεύτερου κύματος προώθησης των νέων επεξεργαστών στην αγορά. Θα προηγηθούν τα τετραπύρηνα και μετά θα ακολουθήσουν τα διπλού πυρήνα που θα εξοπλίζουν την πλειοψηφία των ultrabooks. Αυτό το δεύτερο κύμα θα λανσαριστεί τον Ιούνιο.

Ο CEO της Intel, απαντώντας σε ερωτήσεις, είπε ότι ένα μέρος από το δεύτερο κύμα των νέων επεξεργαστών θα πάει και σε υπολογιστές με λειτουργικό Windows 8. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι τόνισε πως άλλα 100 σχέδια για ultrabooks θα πρέπει να αναμένονται στο προσεχές διάστημα.


Via techblog.gr

Η Microsoft ανακοινώνει τις εκδόσεις των Windows 8!

Τα Windows 8 θα έρθουν σε τουλάχιστον δύο γεύσεις: μία για συσκευές x86 και μία για τα μηχανήματα ARM. Τώρα η Microsoft είναι έτοιμη να δώσει τις ονομασίες του πολυαναμενόμενου λειτουργικού συστήματος.
Σύμφωνα με μια δημοσίευση στο blog των Windows,οι συσκευές ARM θα πάρουν τα Windows RT, ενώ οι  x86 / 64 συσκευές θα τρέχουν τα Windows 8 και τα Windows 8 Pro θα προσφέρει όλα τα νά χαρακτηριστικά για "την κρυπτογράφηση, virtualization, τη διαχείριση υπολογιστή ΄κ domain connectivity. "Το Windows Media Center, θα μας έρχετε πακέτο ως add-on για όσους πηγαίνουν για την Pro έκδοση.
Για να δείτε αναλυτικά τα χαρακτηριστικά της κάθε έκδοσης επισκεφθείτε την παρακάτω σελίδα
http://windowsteamblog.com

Announcing the Windows 8 Editions

Windows 8 has the flexibility you need - whether you’re on an x86/64 or a WOA PC. You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse – and switch anytime. It’s beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware. And you’ll love browsing through the Windows Store and downloading all the apps you want. And those apps can work together too so you can share photos, maps, contacts, links and whatever else you want faster and easier. All editions of Windows 8 offer a no-compromise experience.
First, Windows 8 is the official product name for the next x86/64 editions of Windows.
For PCs and tablets powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), we will have two editions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice. It will include all the features above plus an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly (more details on this feature can be found in this blog post),which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows. For China and a small set of select emerging markets, we will offer a local language-only edition of Windows 8.
Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro.
Windows RT is the newest member of the Windows family – also known as Windows on ARM or WOA, as we’ve referred to it previously. This single edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life. Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. For new apps, the focus for Windows RT is development on the new Windows runtime, or WinRT, which we unveiled in September and forms the foundation of a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds.  For more details on WOA, we suggest reading this blog post which shares more detail on how we have been building Windows 8 to run on the ARM architecture.
The below chart breaks down key features by edition (this list should not be considered an exhaustive list of features):

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)			x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x
Device encryption			x
Connected standby	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x
Updated Windows Explorer	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x
Windows Update	x	x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x
Picture password	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x
Reset and refresh your PC	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x
Touch and Thumb keyboard	x	x	x
Trusted boot	x	x	x
VPN client	x	x	x
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go		x
Boot from VHD		x
Client Hyper-V		x
Domain Join		x
Encrypting File System		x
Group Policy		x
Remote Desktop (host)		x

In the coming months, we plan to share much more information about Windows 8, including details on pricing and limited-time programs and promotions that we will make available to customers. Today, you can check out a preview of Windows 8 for yourself (if you haven’t already done so!).
NOTE: As with previous versions of Windows, we will also have an edition of Windows 8 specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.  

Via windowsteamblog.com