• Windows 8 Release Preview Now Available to Download

    // Gradly // blog, Download, Metro, Microsoft, News, Software No Responses

    Windows 8 Release Preview

    Windows 8 Release Preview

    Microsoft has released yet the final preview iteration of their Windows 8 operating system, Release Preview copy of Windows 8 available as a public download, The Windows 8 Release Preview marks the final phase of development before releasing to manufacturing (RTM). Microsoft promises that we’re not finished just yet and there is more to come.

    The Release Preview is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

    Find the links below or you can download it from here.

    English

    64-bit (x64) Download (3.27 GB) Sha 1 hash — 0xD76AD96773615E8C504F63564AF749469CFCCD
    32-bit (x86) Download (2.43 GB) Sha 1 hash — 0x8BED436F0959E7120A44BF7C29FF0AA962BDEFC9
    Product Key: TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

  • Microsoft Announces Windows RT for ARM Processors

    // Gradly // blog, Microsoft, News, Software No Responses

    Windows RT for tablets

    Windows RT for tablets

    Microsoft revealed its full suite of editions that will be available for “Windows 8” when it is released to market, that includes Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise. and Windows RT that will run on ARM-based machines, primarily aimed at tablets. According to the verge:

    Windows RT will not be sold separately, but only available pre-installed on new machines with ARM processors. That’s a major change in the way Microsoft has traditionally sold Windows, and it underscores a more integrated approach to ARM-powered devices like tablets. Windows RT will also include the Office suite, but no other desktop apps can be installed on ARM machines. Windows RT will also lack the traditional Windows Media Player and most of the enterprise features found in Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise.

    Yet to see if Microsoft’s plan is to build Windows RT into something that’s more closely like Windows 8 or something else entirely.

    Below chart breaks down key features by each edition:

    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

  • Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    // Gradly // blog, Metro, Microsoft, News, Rants & Raves, Reviews, Software No Responses

    The new Office 15 is being designed for the Desktop, and isn’t a Metro app. But a first look at it reveals that it’s getting a Metro-like makeover, according to Paul Thurrott from Supersite for Windows. That might not be good news for Office users.

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Office 15 is now only available as a Technical Preview to a select group of beta testers, but Thurrot got his hands on it, and gives it a brief review. He installed it on a tablet running the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. He ran into some trouble upgrading from the existing Office 2010 Professional.

    Office 15 clearly is being designed with tablets in mind, the ribbon is present but minimized by default, helping create that clean, Metro-style minimalist look. There is a new tab and the whole experience has got a Metro-style minimalist look.

    Check out some screenshots below:

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

    Microsoft Office 15 Gets Metro-like Makeover

  • Microsoft Celebrates Xbox 10th Anniversary with Interactive Timeline

    // Gradly // blog, Consoles, Games, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox One No Responses

    Microsoft Celebrates Xbox 10th Anniversary with Interactive Timeline

    Microsoft Celebrates Xbox 10th Anniversary with Interactive Timeline

    As the Xbox turned ten today, Microsoft is celebrating the anniversary with the launch of an interactive timeline showing the platform history. The platform first debuted on March 14, 2002.

    The timeline is available on Xbox.com and takes you on your own personal journey from your first Xbox experience through the hardware, software and entertainment launches over the last 10 years.

    It commemorates the original console launch through to the controller-free revolution with Kinect, and the host of live TV, music, movie and social media partners on Xbox Live who are helping us change the way people enjoy entertainment in their living rooms.

    As seen from the screenshot above, some interesting figures showing that total console sales surpassed 108,000,000. You can access the interactive timeline by visiting this link