Windows 8 - News & Updates

[ssparikshya]

Microsoft reveals key features for Windows 8 and Windows RT

Microsoft on Monday revealed more details about the three editions of Windows 8 it will release when it makes its next operating system available later this year, including some key features that will be part of Windows RT, the SKU that's optimized for ARM processors.

"First, Windows 8 is the official product name for the next x86/64 editions of Windows," Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's Windows communications manager, wrote on the official Windows blog.

Microsoft's next OS for PCs and tablets powered by 32-bit and 64-bit x86 chips will come in two flavors, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, while the Windows on ARM (WOA) offering, Windows RT, comes in just one and is only available as a pre-installed OS.

The software giant is loading several new and updated features across all three SKUs, including the next version of Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer 10, Windows Defender, Windows Update, and Enhanced Task Manager (see full chart of SKU features below).

But Windows RT looks to be a somewhat different animal than the x86 versions of Microsoft's next operating system. Unlike Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, Windows RT won't be upgradeable from any edition of Windows 7, obviously, but it also won't get Windows Media Player or Storage Spaces.

What WOA does give you is Device Encryption and Microsoft Office bundled in with the OS, neither of which is available for Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Sounds like a fair trade-off, especially when compared with features available with Windows 8, though Windows 8 Pro has numerous goodies that neither Windows 8 basic nor Windows RT have—and remember, Windows RT doesn't have a Pro edition as yet.

"Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies," LeBlanc wrote. "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."

LeBlanc noted that the chart released by Microsoft on Monday showcased "key features" and "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





Copyright © 2010 Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc.
Source: Microsoft Reveals Key Features for Windows 8 and Windows RT

 

[ssparikshya]

Microsoft Windows 8 OS gets 3 versions

WASHINGTON: Software giant Microsoft has announced three different editions of its upcoming operating system Windows 8.

The operating system will come in three versions, first, Windows 8, for home PCs and laptops. Second, Windows 8 Pro, for enthusiasts and professionals, and third, Windows RT, for devices running low-power ARM processors, such as tablet devices and lightweight ultrabooks.

Brandon le Blanc, head of communications at Windows, announced the versions on the official Microsoft blog, and said they have "worked to make it easier for customers to know what edition will work best for them," The Telegraph reports.

"Windows 8 has all the flexibility you need. You can use a touchscreen or a keyboard and mouse -- and switch anytime. Its beautiful, fast and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware," Blanc added. Windows RT is the first version of Windows designed for tablets.

According to the report, it will come pre-installed on computers and tablets powered by ARM processors and will include a touchscreen-based version of Microsoft Office as standard.

Windows 8 is the standard, consumer-based model that will run on most new home computers, while Windows 8 Pro will include extra features such as file encyption, virtualisation of operating systems and domain management.

TOI

 

[Balvinder_Singh]

RE: Microsoft Windows 8 OS gets 3 versions

Nice, how will b launching date.

 

[Karthik]

RE: Microsoft Windows 8 OS gets 3 versions

Nice information shared.

 

[ASHWANI]

RE: Microsoft Windows 8 OS gets 3 versions

Nice news buddy....hya

 

[ssparikshya]

Windows 8 Release Preview coming this June

Microsoft has announced another preview edition of Windows 8 will be released to the general public in June, called Windows 8 Release Preview, which will be closest yet to the final version.

The Redmond giant has already released two preview editions of Windows 8 before this – the Developer Preview was released in September last year, while the Consumer Preview released at the end of February. Interestingly, more than 100,000 changes have been made to Windows 8 since the Developer Preview.

So far, Microsoft has also detailed the SKUs of Windows 8 that will hit the market, Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT (for ARM), as well as a host of their respective features. The first two, meant for x86 systems, will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Windows 8 has been called the “most significant redesign” of the operating system since Windows 95, and a lot of hopes are riding on the platform, a much bigger gamble than just a way into the tablet, and in the future, with Windows Phone 8, phone markets.

The new operating system is due to be released this October-November, and Microsoft's already at work on the Windows Store, a marketplace for both Metro-style apps, and regular Windows software. Our recent poll of our readers " What do you think about Windows 8 Consumer Preview?," showed much interest in the Windows 8 platform, with the majority answering: "It's great, I am excited!"

Digit

 

[iS THAT ME]

RE: Discover Windows 8...Updated

Thanks guys for the replys...

 

[ssparikshya]

Windows 8 Release Preview is out for download

it seems Microsoft just can’t hold its horses when it comes to anything related to Windows 8 -- they’re that excited about the new operating system. Amid claims last week that Windows 8 boosts too fast for mere mortals, Microsoft has made available the latest Windows 8 Release Preview for public download earlier than expected.

The latest Windows 8 Release Preview went live in the early hours of the day and is the third such pre-cursor for the final finished operating system slated for launch in the coming months. Microsoft had released Windows 8 Developer Preview back in September last year, followed by the much recent Consumer Preview of Windows 8 launched in February.

Microsoft has also tweaked around the nomenclature of these releases. In the case of Windows 7, the two releases preceding the final launch of the product were dubbed “Beta” and “Release Candidate”, respectively. In the case of Windows 8’s timeline, the same releases have been dubbed something else -- what should’ve been “Beta” was “Consumer Preview”, and “Release Candidate” is now simply “Release Preview”.

So what enhanced features will the latest Windows 8 Release Preview provide over the past Consumer Preview build? From what Microsoft disclosed, it seems to be the following: users will able to customize the Start menu in greater detail, better multi-monitor support, and various bells and whistles that gives Windows 8 a smarter look.

The in-built Windows Store application, which was in a rudimentary phase in the Consumer Preview, has been updated in Windows 8 Release Preview -- it means a greater number of Windows and third-party apps to play with.

Only two more steps after Windows 8 Release Preview for purchasing Windows 8 in its final state off store shelves -- after the Release Preview, there will be a Release To Manufacturing or RTM build (which will go to all OEMs like Acer, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc.) and finally the worldwide retail launch rumoured to be around October later this year.
To download Windows 8 Release Preview, click here.

Digit

 

[mmadhankumar]

RE: Windows 8 Release Preview is out for download

is this a new one than the preview that was released in march huh:huh

or just the same version

because both are leading to the same download link thats why i have this doubt

 

[ssparikshya]

RE: Windows 8 Release Preview is out for download

ya i know but microsoft is ready to launch it for all