Hasta La Gadget!

Yesterday we reported that yet another Windows 8 build had been leaked on the internet. While it did not bring any substantial changes, the new Kiosk mode was discovered in this build. That’s not all though. References of Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows Server 2012 R2 have been unearthed in the code of this leaked build’s system files. The references mean it is highly likely that Windows Server 2012 and Windows RT users will also be included in the upcoming upgrade cycle.

Microsoft is expected to make a number of announcements relating to its latest software at the Build developer conference taking place in June. That’s not all, Microsoft is also expected to make some hardware related announcements as well, particularly about its 7 or 8-inch devices. Code from leaked Windows 8 build 9374 also points to Windows RT 8.1, this leads us to believe that Microsoft might launch Public Preview of Windows RT upgrade for tablets such as the Surface RT. In the past three weeks, three Windows 8 builds have been leaked. Perhaps more references to Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows Server 2012 R2 will be uncovered in any subsequent leaked builds.

[Image via Twitter]

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In the last two weeks we have seen two Windows 8 builds being leaked. Yet another build has been leaked and it shows off an entirely new feature, one that is quite exciting. Called Kiosk Mode, it is expected to be released with Windows 8.1 later this year. As far as this latest leaked build, 9374, is concerned there aren’t any substantial changes when compared to previous ones.

The Kiosk Mode feature will be available in PC settings menu and it will allow Windows functionality to be limited. It will be possible to place user accounts under lock down. Kiosk Mode can also be configured to run an app on login, this opens up a whole new range of possibilities as the machine can be used in retail stores for demos or as standalone kiosks. This feature probably wouldn’t be of any use to the average user, it does have a lot to offer to enterprises and businesses of all sizes. A preview build of Windows 8 is expected to be released at Microsoft’s BUILD conference, which will be held towards the end of June.

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One of the biggest gripes people have with Microsoft’s Windows 8 is the fact they completely replaced their traditional Start button experience found in previous versions of Windows with a UI that was specifically designed with tablet and touch-screen computers in mind. Getting to the desktop requires an additional unnecessary step, although according to a recently published rumor, it may look like Microsoft is considering cutting the extra step it takes to reach the desktop in Windows 8.

According to WinBeta, who cites a Russian-langauge website as its source, there’s some code in Windows 8.1 that disables its Metro Start Screen and sends the user “to the desktop automatically.” We know a number of you would absolutely make full use of this option as we also have a tendency to jump right into Windows 8′s desktop mode when we first turn on our computers. (more…)

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