• All things about Windows 8: Windows 8 Release Date, Editions, Features, Prices

    Posted on August 23rd, 2012 David Brooks No comments

    Windows 8 logoAfter long time of waiting and experiencing various versions, we finally welcomed the official announcement of the release and shipment availability of Windows 8. As an operating system for use on personal computers, Windows 8 could be applied to home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and succeeds Windows 7.

    According to the Windows Design Team, Windows 8 has been “reimagined from the chipset to the user experience,” whereas Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line. Windows 8 is reported to feature a new user interface based on Microsoft’s Metro design language, similar to that in Windows Phone. Also, Microsoft announced that the new OS would remove some old features of Windows OS line and add some new features. What indeed the Windows 8 would bring to the world then? Let’s just get a brief summary for Windows 8.

    Release date

    Windows 8 was first announced in January 2011 at Consumer Electronics Show. During its development and test phases, Microsoft released three pre-release versions: Developer Preview version (September 13, 2011), Consumer Preview version (February 29, 2012), and Release Preview version (May 31, 2012). On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 graduated from the development stage and was released to manufacturing. Windows 8 is slated for general availability on October 26, 2012.

    Editions

    Windows 8 is available in four major editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows RT. The first three have almost the same hardware requirements as that of Windows 7. The latter, however, runs on tablet computers with ARM architecture and has different hardware requirements. The other editions are not available in retail. The new Windows RT edition will only be available preinstalled by OEMs on ARM-based devices while the Enterprise edition will only be available through volume licensing. Hardware vendors willing to receive Microsoft’s certification for such devices need to adhere to a list of certification requirements.

    Features

    Metro
    Based on Microsoft’s Metro design language, Metro UI is by far the biggest change in Windows 8, and can be the most confusing to use at first—especially for desktop users. The Metro environment features a new tile-based Start screen similar to that of the Windows Phone operating system. Each tile represents an application, and can display relevant information such as the number of unread messages for an e-mail application or the current temperature on a weather application. These applications run in full-screen or in docked modes, and are able to share information between each other using “contracts”. They will be available only through Windows Store. Apps in the new interface are developed with the new Windows Runtime platform using various programming languages, including C++, Visual Basic, C#, and HTML with JavaScript code-behind.

    The traditional desktop environment for running desktop applications is accessed via a tile on the new Start screen. The Start button has been removed from the taskbar in favor of a Start button on the new charm bar, as well as a hotspot in the bottom-left corner. Both open the new Start screen, which replaces the Start menu.

    Windows 8 start screen

    Applications developed for this new environment were previously referred to as “Metro-style apps” in development materials, connecting it to Windows 8’s use of an interface following the Metro design language as its primary desktop. However, reports surfaced that due to potential trademark issues with the German company Metro AG, Microsoft officials had begun to advise its Windows developers to stop using the term. A Microsoft spokesperson however, denied these reports and stated that the use of the term “Metro” to describe these apps was merely a codename that would be phased out. Following these reports, Microsoft started using “Modern UI Style” to refer to its tile-based interface and design language.

    PowerShell 3.0

    PowerShell is Microsoft’s strategic task automation platform and a core component of the overall management framework for Windows. Version 3 has been in beta for some time but the final version is included with Windows 8 (and Windows Server 2012 which has also been released to manufacturing).

    Other features

    * Internet Explorer 10 is included as both desktop program and as a touch-optimized app. The latter does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a version of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power usage and works only on sites included on a whitelist.

    * It is now possible to log into Windows using a Microsoft account (formerly known as a Windows Live ID). This will allow the user’s profile and settings to be synchronized over the Internet and accessible from other computers running Windows 8, as well as integration with SkyDrive.

    * Windows Store will be the only method of purchasing and downloading Metro-style apps, as well as advertising desktop apps. Metro-style apps are installed from the Windows Store, or in the form of a Line Of Business app on devices joined in a network domain.

    * Two new authentication methods have been added: picture password, which allows users to log in by drawing three gestures in different places on a picture, and PIN log in, which allows users to authenticate using a four digit pin.

    * File Explorer will include a ribbon toolbar, and have its file operation progress dialog updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.

    * Hybrid Boot will use hibernation technology to allow faster startup times by saving the Windows core’s memory to the hard disk and reloading it upon boot.

    * Windows To Go will allow Windows 8 Enterprise to boot and run from a bootable USB device (such as a flash drive).

    * Two new recovery functions are included, Refresh and Reset. Refresh restores all Windows files to their original state while keeping settings, files, and apps, while reset takes the computer back to factory default condition.

    * USB 3.0 is now supported natively.

    * A new lock screen displays a clock and notifications while the computer is locked.

    * Task Manager has been redesigned.

    * Xbox Live integration (including Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox SmartGlass, Xbox Music, and Xbox Video).

    * Storage Spaces will allow users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.

    * Family Safety is intended to allow parents to protect their children on the Internet, as well as monitor and control their PC and Internet activities and usage.

    * Windows Defender now has anti-virus capabilities, similar to those of Microsoft Security Essentials. It is intended to replace the Security Essentials package and function as the default anti-virus program.

    Windows 8

    Price

    Microsoft recently started accepting registrations for Windows 8 upgrades. Those who purchased a PC any time after June 2 can now sign up to receive the Windows 8 upgrade for $14.99 when the OS is released on Oct. 26.

    Back in May, Microsoft announced that anyone who purchased a Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013 could upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99. Registration for that offer is now live via windowsupgradeoffer.com for PC users in 140 countries. On Oct. 26, Microsoft will start sending out promo codes via email. When you upgrade via Windows.com, Microsoft will display the $39.99 price for general upgrades; enter the promo code on the confirmation page to get the $14.99 price. The promo code will expire until Feb. 28, 2013.

    Those who bought a PC before June 2 or have an older Windows 7 PC they’d like to upgrade can get Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 via Windows.com starting Oct. 26. There are also reports that standalone copies of Windows 8 will cost $69.99 at launch, a price that will jump to $199 after Jan. 31, 2013.

    After selecting your country, Microsoft will ask you to register your personal details and information about your new PC, including date of purchase, retailer, and PC brand and model. You’ll also need your 25-digit Windows 7 product key.

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  • Microsoft announces its Windows 8 Surface tablet PC in both RT and Pro versions for different needs

    Posted on June 19th, 2012 David Brooks No comments

    Even though Microsoft has been releasing several wonderful hardware gadgets that received great popularity in the world, it has been mostly considered as a software giant in the electronic communication industry. Microsoft just released the Windows 8 Release Preview version as the final test before the official release of Windows 8, which would be released soon. At the event in Los Angeles, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was on hand to unveil yet another Microsoft foray into the hardware world, but this time is producing an actual PC for the first time in its history, a new tablet PC for Windows 8 operating system. After a brief review of its hardware development history, Ballmer announced the new Microsoft Surface tablet PC, which is claimed to be designed to fully exploit the capabilities of its new Windows 8 operating system.

    Microsoft Windows Surface Tablet PCActually, this new Microsoft Windows 8 tablet PC includes two versions. A thinner and lighter (9.3 mm thick, 1.5-pound) consumer version (commonly named RT version) that runs the Windows RT operating system (a version of Windows 8 that runs on ARM processors) support standard Microsoft Office desktop apps; instead, it runs a limited functionality version of Office called “Office Home & Student” as well as Windows Explorer, with USB 2.0 support. Take a look at the following content to get to know the RT Version Windows 8 Surface Tablet PC specs:

    Windows 8 Surface Tablet PC RT Version Specs
    676 grams
    9.3 millimeters thick
    10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
    31.5 watt-hour battery
    microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
    Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type Cover
    VaporMg Case & Stand
    Configurable for 32 GB, 64 GB

    While the other one is a larger Pro version (13.5 mm thick, 1.9 pounds) running the Windows 8 Pro OS, which is prepared for business users. The Pro version adopts an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor, and runs all the standard Windows desktop software like Word and Excel, as well as the Metro apps. It can even run Photoshop and supports USB 3.0. The specs of Windows 8 Surface Tablet PC Pro version are displayed bellow:

    Microsoft Windows 8 Surface Tablet PC

    Windows 8 Surface Tablet PC Pro version Specs
    903 grams
    13.5 millimeters thick
    10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display
    42 watt-hour battery
    microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
    Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
    VaporMg Case & Stand
    Configurable for 64 GB, 128 GB

    The Surface’s optically bonded 10.6-inch display is notable. Microsoft describes it as “permanent scratch and wear resistant,” and says that it minimizes glare, which makes it perfect for reading. Meanwhile, you can freely watch 1080P HD videos on Surface freely as its HD 1080P screen resolution produces quite excellent HD video experience for you. It could also output full high-resolution video to a TV via the DisplayPort included.

    It is unclear what company is manufacturing the tablet for Microsoft, though the product itself looks to be a branded device with prominent Windows logos adorning the screen bezel and the back kick-stand. The debut of the ARM-based Windows RT version of Surface is set to coincide with the launch of Windows 8 and will be available in 32GB and 64GB flavors. Pricing will be in-line with competing ARM tablets. The Intel Ivy Bridge i5-based Windows Pro Surface is slated to follow about three months later and will be sold in 64GB and 128GB capacities with prices comparable to Ultrabook PCs.

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  • A wish list of changes for Windows 8 Release Preview on the early June release event

    Posted on April 28th, 2012 David Brooks No comments

    Microsoft has released several versions of its latest Windows 8 operation system to prepare for the official operation system release, which is said to be in this October, like the Developer Preview and Customer Preview versions. Days ago, the company officially announced that the latest pre-release version of the Windows 8 operating system, Windows 8 Release Preview, will become available during the first week of June, a Microsoft executive said Tuesday in Tokyo. “Announce…Windows 8 Release Preview first week of June. Here’s the announce from Japan’s Windows 8 Dev Days #thankyou”, the company wrote on Twitter. The Windows 8 “Release Preview” will be the most complete version to date of Windows 8, said Steven Sinofsky, President of Windows and Windows Live Division. He spoke at Microsoft’s Windows Developer Days, an event to teach developers about Windows 8. No doubt, the Windows 8 Release Preview would be a feature-completed version of this OS, requiring only bug fixes before the final version out. Then, what are the features in Windows 8? Let’s take a look at what features would be included or changed in Windows 8 Release Preview.

    Windows 8 Release Preview

    Readopt Start button or any hint button like this
    There are a lot of people who have been used to Windows operation system with Start button. Many people would get lost and don’t know what to do and how to operate the computer if there is not a Start button or any sort of guidance on how to navigate the Windows 8 desktops. Watching the video of Chris Pirillo’s father trying to use Windows 8, the company might get to know how real people use Windows 8 without a Start button or anything like that. Thus, the company is supposed to readopt Start button to make operating more user friendly.

    Enhanced Multi-Monitor support
    A better built-in support for multi-monitor is anticipated in Windows 8 Release Preview version. The existing situation is that you can only choose one “main taskbar” to open the Start menu and then run metro-style apps. It would be quite easy for your mouse to jump to the next screen when hitting the corner of screen without a proper Start menu. This would make it inconvenient for operating.

    Keep Metro Contained
    For the most part, ignoring the Metro interface of Windows 8 is easy, especially if you think of the new Start menu as a full-screen version of the pop-up start button. The one glaring exception is when you want to open a photo, video or audio file on the desktop, and Windows 8 boots you back to its Metro-style media players. You can change the default programs for these files, but that’s a hassle.

    Adopt better Tablet App Switcher
    Windows 8 would allow Windows 8 tablet users to fast switch apps, but still too sloppy. When you drag a finger from the left side of the screen, one of your recent apps slides in, but you don’t have immediate control of which app to appear. To choose from a wider list of recent apps, you must slide your finger back to the left side of the screen, which opens up a sidebar with app thumbnails. The operation of switching tablet apps could be confusing most people. For better user experience, the company is supposed to adopt better tablet app switcher to do this.

    A Tutorial for Tablets included
    With physical Windows button and other icons on the screen, average Windows 8 tablets users will be able to get along with their tablets nicely. But many other useful features of Windows 8 operation system, like sharing, searching, app switching, etc. which are hidden from plain sight, may not that easy for users to operate. To make new users quickly understand and get familiar with the Windows 8 OS, Microsoft will need to get a wonderful user-guide for Windows 8 tablet users to make them full enjoy the interesting and practical features of Windows 8 OS.

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  • 8 Reasons Why Windows 8 Tablets Would Beat Apple iPad 3

    Posted on February 13th, 2012 David Brooks No comments

    Windows 8 is the next generation of Microsoft’s operating system for personal computers, laptops, and tablets. It upgrades with major changes, such as an integrated software store–similar in concept to Apple’s Mac App Store–and support for ARM chips. Metro is the name of the new touch-centric user interface in Windows 8. Without a doubt, the purpose of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operation system is to compete with Apple iPad. Just several days ago, I wrote a post namely Mac OS X Lion vs. Windows 8 Developer Preview speed comparison, which made a comparison between Mac OS X Lion and Windows 8 Developer Preview in speed testing. The result shows that the Windows 8 Developer Preview takes the lead a little. Today, I would like to share something with you to see whether Windows 8 tablet could beat the Apple iPad 3, totally 8 reasons for your reference:

    Windows 8 Tablet vs. iPad 21. Business users
    Currently, many iPad users handle business with iPad. But Apple has no clear plan to enter large enterprises market with their iPad for business, which Microsoft on the contrast is quite familiar with. If Microsoft could make full use of this, the market share of Windows 8 tablet would be increased enormously.

    2. New Office
    The Microsoft Office is still the killer app in Windows operation system, especially in business market. A fatal reason for the failure of Microsoft’s own brand tablets is that the Office compatibility was damaged in the versions before the Windows 8. Now, Microsoft would provide Office support for tablets with Intel and ARM processors, though it is still not clear whether Microsoft would bring out complete Metro Office.

    3. Mixed type of tablets
    The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Leveno IdeaPad Yoga are all multifunctional, not only as a tablet, but also a notebook device, which Apple iPad could not do.

    4. Metro user interface
    Have to admit that the Microsoft Metro user interface is really beautiful and attractive, which may snatch users from iPad cause they would prefer Metro user interface to iOS interface.

    5. SkyDrive
    Through a Windows ID, users could visit SkyDrive cloud content via any devices, including PC, Xbox, tablets, etc. while Windows 8 includes SkyDrive support.

    6. Run two apps simultaneously
    For Windows 8 tablet users, it is a quite practical function to run two apps simultaneously on one screen.

    7. Nokia tablets
    The Finland Nokia has been famous for its stable hardware around the world. It was reported that some time in this summer, Nokia would bring out Windows 8 tablet, which would no doubt arouse users’ interest.

    8. Wider options
    Apple iPad only has one option, while Windows 8 tablets are provided and supported by various big businesses, which results in wider options for optimization.

    By comparing these two tablets, now you may have your decision in your mind. But these are just for your reference. And due to the specs of the upcoming iPad 3’s are still not clear, there are always changes. So, stay clear if you want to get one Windows 8 tablet or an iPad 3.

    Related readings
    How to rip and convert DVD to iPad 3 to watch DVD movies on iPad 3 freely
    How to convert MKV to Windows Phone 8 to watch MKV movies on Windows Phone 8 freely

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