Microsoft Windows 8.1 OS Release Update and Windows Phone 8 Update

The new release update for Windows 8 is to be named Windows 8.1 and will launch as a public preview on the 26th June (which coincides with Microsoft's Build developer conference), Microsoft has today announced. 

It also follows from Microsoft Tami Reller presentation at a Conference in Boston today, where she stated how Microsoft will continually update Windows in order to create and innovate for “a richer experience”.

This new release update will also be available for Windows 8 ARM-based Windows RT.

Furthermore, a new update coming in the summer on the Windows Phone 8 OS update which contains improvements for Wi-Fi connectivity, messaging, support for CalDAV and CardDAV in order to run Google contact and calendar syncing services. Furthermore, a reintroduction support for FM radio, capability to select, download and pin tunes in Xbox Music and improve the accuracy of song information with metadata.

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Interesting Productive Shortcuts on Microsoft Windows 8

The new Microsoft Windows 8 is designed to work seamlessly with hardware that is enabled for touch or gesture interactivity. Nevertheless, many users will still be using the Windows 8 with a mouse and keyboard. With this mind, we have collected the best keyboard shortcuts that will improve the users experience:

• Windows logo key + start typing: Search your PC


• Ctrl+plus (+) or Ctrl+minus (-): Zoom in or out of many items.


• Ctrl+scroll wheel: Zoom in or out of many items.


• Windows logo key + C: Open the charms


• Windows logo key + F: Open the Search charm


• Windows logo key +H: Open the Share charm


• Windows logo key +I: Open the Settings charm


• Windows logo key + K: Open the Devices charm


• Windows logo key + O: Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)


• Windows logo key + Z: Open commands for the app


• Windows logo key + PgUp: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right.


• Windows logo key + PgDn: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left.


• Windows logo key + Shift+period (.): Snap an app to the left


• Windows logo key + period (.): Snap an app to the right

Windows 8 and Phone 8, Official Launch Dates Announced

Microsoft has been quietly preparing Windows 8, however some details have emerged recently, such as Windows 8 date is October 26. Furthermore, a new standard design visual named Metro style has been implemented and thus revamping most of its consumer and cloud solutions user interfaces, such as skydrive and outlook in preparation for the big launch event.

With regards to the new Windows Phone 8, today there was an interesting development with the presentation by Samsung of the first Windows Phone 8. Furthermore, Nokia soon will within the next week or so, showcase its new devices in the US and  HTC Windows Phone 8 is scheduled to also showcase sometime in mid-September.

Following our sources, we can now provide some detailed dates:

October 25, Microsoft's big launch event for Windows 8 and the Surface RT, with the available products after midnight.

October 29 Windows Phone 8 Official launch, and devices available within a week.

Feedback Microsoft Windows 8 For Free Software

As Windows 8 is almost already for a big release, Microsoft announced that is inviting volunteers on a feedback program unfortunately at present only for users that live in the United States. The lucky users, provided they meet the program requirements will receive “free software and Xbox games such as Microsoft Office 2012, Kinect Disneyland, and Forza Motorsport 4.”

Following the announcement, the Microsoft communications manager Brandon LeBlanc stated that the program is not a channel to submit bug reports as it currently is processed on beta products rather to help Microsoft “build better software by getting a broader understanding of your perceptions and experiences with our products.”

This is not new or original, as the Windows Feedback Program is in operation for many years now. However, the main difference here is that this invitation is solely targeted at Windows 7 and 8 users. This approach by Microsoft may well have to do with the Windows 8 new features and User Interface, as these will require fine tuning in a large scale to ensure this new edition of Windows is less of a culture shock on the general and traditional users due to its innovative look, feel and cross platform compatibility hardware. Let's hope the program comes to the United Kingdom too.

Windows Phone 7 “The World Doesn’t Need Another Platform” says Android

PC Magazine posted earlier an interesting interview with Android chief Andy Rubin.  From the interview it was mentioned the Android rivals. It was well noted a particular emphasis with regards to Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone 7.  It was stated by Andy Rubin  “the world doesn’t need another platform.”

Furthermore, it was stated that the Windows Phone 7 looks “interesting” but no value is apparent, particularly when the Android system is already out there. “Android is free and open; I think the only reason you create another platform is for political reasons”.

Previously, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has made clear his opinion on Android being free: it’s not free, you have to pay patent fees for it, due to Microsoft.

Rubin expands his thoughts on Android versus Windows Phone 7:

I encourage everybody to use it, but I’m also not under the impression that everybody will use it, which is a good thing, because competition is good for the consumer and if somebody has an an idea for a feature or a piece of functionality in their platform and Android doesn’t do it, great. I think it’s good to have the benefit of choice, but in the end I don’t think the world needs another platform.

It was argued that the key strength of Android lies in Google’s ability to create mashups of many services, following their cloud computing vast experience.