Hasta La Gadget!

It’s been two weeks since Microsoft signed off on Windows 8, and shipped the final code to manufacturers prepping shiny new computers. Today, another round of folks are getting their hands on the code: devs, and IT pros with subscriptions to Microsoft’s TechNet program. Of course, you might not be a developer or IT whiz and, if we’re being honest, neither are we! Happily for us, though, Microsoft gave us an early peek at the RTM build — the same software that will ship to consumers October 26th. Granted, Microsoft says it will continue tweaking the built-in apps, with updates coming through the Windows Store. Barring these minor changes, though, what you see here is what you’ll get ten weeks from now. Meet us after the break for a summary of what’s new.

Continue reading Windows 8 RTM: what’s new in the final build of Windows 8?

Filed under: Software

Windows 8 RTM: what’s new in the final build of Windows 8? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve already heard that Microsoft was temporarily using “Windows 8-style UI” as a substitute for “Metro” now that the latter is on the outs, and it looks like they may now have a permanent replacement. According to some unnamed sources speaking to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft has decided to simply use “Windows 8” as a name for all things once known as Metro. That means “Metro-style applications” will now be known as “Windows 8 applications,” and that the “Metro user interface” will now be the “Windows 8 user interface.” What’s more, Foley also notes that the phrase “Windows 8 apps” has already turned up on the promo page for Lenovo’s new ThinkPad Tablet 2, which also indicates that the traditional Windows 8 apps will simply be known as “desktop” apps to distinguish the two. We’ll keep you posted if we hear more on the change from Microsoft itself.

Filed under: Software

Microsoft reportedly settles on ‘Windows 8’ as replacement for ‘Metro’ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to IDC‘s latest figures, Android and iOS now account for 85 percent of the 152 million smartphones shipped in Q2 2012. Google’s OS powered 68.1 percent of all smartphones sold — with Samsung making the hardware behind for just under half of those. Apple’s smartphones now claim a 16.9 percent marketshare and while plenty of phone shoppers are holding out for the iPhone’s next iteration, iOS still saw double-digit growth in Q2. There’s more bad news for both BlackBerry and Symbian platforms, which, combined, accounted for less than 10 percent of all smartphones shipped last quarter. Windows Phone 7, meanwhile, hasn’t quite made it to that hallowed third place it reckons it deserves. The mobile OS continues to grow, however, albeit at a gentler rate than both iOS and Android. Microsoft’s likely pinning its hopes on the adjustable widgets and meatier specifications of Windows Phone 8 to draw in some new customers this fall.

Filed under: Cellphones

IDC: Android and iOS continue to carve up the world, another record quarter for smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 06:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Telegraph is reporting that Thorsten Heins, CEO of RIM, has said that the company plans to license outs its new BB10 operating system to other hardware manufacturers when it’s launched, taking a lead from Android to make itself relevant again. More »

RTM. To the everyman, those three letters may not mean much. To those waiting with bated breath for Microsoft’s next operating system, it’s a huge milestone worth celebrating. Microsoft has today confirmed that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing, enabling its OEM partners to grab the final code and begin implementation on systems that’ll be tempting you mightily starting on (or around) October 26th.

If you’re curious about the specific rollout details, here goes. Starting August 15th, devs will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via their MSDN subscription, and IT pros testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through their TechNet subscriptions. On August 16th, customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). Also on that day, Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Win8. On August 20th, Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to the goods, while Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers on September 1st.

Update: Microsoft has just affirmed that starting today, any qualifying business in a supported market can now submit a Metro style app for Windows 8. Boom.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablet PCs

Microsoft confirms Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing, OEM partners now have final code originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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