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If Microsoft can’t use the Metro name, no one else can. Not in its company-owned Windows Store, at least. An update to the Windows 8 app criteria guide explicitly tells developers that any submitted Windows Store app with Metro in the title will “fail certification” — effectively, it’s banned. There’s a certain irony to the aggressive stance on naming when Microsoft itself still mentions Metro prominently across many of its pages, but the restriction isn’t a laughing matter for developers already trying to support an OS that doesn’t ship for another two months. One of the most popular apps in the pre-release Windows Store, MetroTwit, likely faces imminent exile without a name change; there’s also worries that mass transit apps might get the boot for entirely innocuous uses of the word. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for comment on its legal rights in the area. In the meantime, it’s safe to say that “metro” is only to be spoken in hushed tones anywhere near Microsoft’s official content portals.

Update: Word from WPCentral is that the language restricting developers from using the Metro name wasn’t a new addition to the Windows 8 app criteria guide. Turns out, it was an older error that has since been removed. Rejoice, developers! It appears that the word is not off limits. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for confirmation and will update when we hear back.

Filed under: Software

Microsoft bans use of Metro name in Windows Store apps (Update: May not be banned after all) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week the folks at Microsoft have sent out the Release to Manufacturing version of their newest operating system Windows 8 to developers around the world. This version of Windows is the final version of the software before it’s released formally to the public, and developers working on applications that will be compatible with the operating system have access to the download this afternoon. The final release of the software to the public will take place on October 26th.

This release contains only a few bits on the surface that differ from the Windows 8 Release Preview that appeared earlier this year. This version has “tattoos” for users’ Start Screen for decoration, for one. Another upgrade is a set of tip screens that appear when you first start your Windows 8 software up for the first time. Developer subscribers of TechNet and the Microsoft Developer Network are able to download Windows 8 RTM now – have at it!

You’ll find that the Windows Store has a new collection of Modern-UI and touch-friendly apps with prices attached to them for the first time. This collection has apps for free as well as for prices between $1.49 and $999.99. All apps downloaded from the Windows Store are able to be downloaded here and, once Windows 8 is released formally, will be available for re-download and install on whichever machines you, the user, signs in on.

The default set of Microsoft apps in this Windows 8 RTM software build include Messaging, Video, Music, and People. The People app connects you with Facebook, Twitter, and several other social networks. Also included is Microsoft’s version of Mail which we assume will be called Outlook again once the final release is revealed.

If you run Windows 7 now, you’ll he able to run Windows 8 RTM. Current owners of Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP will be able to purchase licenses for the final release version of Windows 8 for just $39.99. Meanwhile buyers of any new Windows 7 PC after Windows 8 is released will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for just $14.99 – but be sure your machine qualified before you jump in, just to be safe!

Have a peek at our timeline of Windows 8 news below and stay tuned to our Windows 8 portal to keep up to date with the next-generation OS!

Windows 8 RTM software build download available now is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

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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Microsoft was quick to champion its new Windows RT partners, but it’ll have to count one out. Toshiba has opted not to join the ARM crowd at first and will limit itself to Intel-based Windows 8 systems, at least in the early days. The abstinence isn’t coming from any misgivings about the platform — there are unnamed “delayed components” that would make it “impossible” to put out a Windows RT system on time, Toshiba’s Eric Paulsen says. There’s no mention of when the company might dip its toe in the pool later on, and we’re not getting any reassuring signs that it’s anytime soon given that the firm is only “monitoring market conditions” rather than committing to a plan. Although Toshiba isn’t hurting for tablets given an abundance of Excite devices, the absence narrows an ecosystem that Microsoft was no doubt hoping would grow wider.

Filed under: Tablet PCs

Toshiba backs out of Windows RT devices on launch, pins it on part delays originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba has announced this week that it will be pulling out of the Windows RT market before it begins this coming season, letting it be known that they’ll be working with Windows 8 software instead. The difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT is Windows RT’s limitation to what was formerly called “Metro” apps. Toshiba had noted previously that they’d be using Texas Instruments processors in their future Windows RT tablets, but at the moment they’ve sited a delay in getting components for devices in time for their planned release date as the reason why they’ve pulled out.

The statement makes it clear that though they would not be specifying the exact components they were unable to get, they’ll be moving forward with Windows 8 devices exclusively. It appears now that if Toshiba does indeed make a Windows 8-era tablet, they’ll be waiting for some time. In the meantime, they’ve re-dedicated themselves to Windows 8 for desktop and notebook machines.

“Toshiba has decided not to introduce Windows RT models due to delayed components that would make a timely launch impossible. For the time being, Toshiba will focus on bringing Windows 8 products to market. We will continue to look into the possibility of Windows RT products in the future while monitoring market conditions.” – Eric Paulsen for Toshiba

Check out the timeline below of recent Windows RT news to see who will be part of the tablet party as it begins quite soon. Microsoft will be bringing their own Surface tablets to the greater environment as well, so it’ll be a right joyous bunch of tablet action!

[via Toshiba]

Windows RT tablet market: Toshiba’s out is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.