Tami Reller, corporate vice president of Windows, told partners attending Microsoft's worldwide partner conference in Toronto this morning that Windows 8 is on track to be released to manufacturing the first week of August, and to be generally available by late October 2012. This also means that Windows Server 2012 will be released to manufacturing by the first week of August.
It's known for a while that Microsoft is offering some upgrade promotions for its new OS, but the company has now said that it will be selling Windows 8 Pro upgrades online for $39.99. In stores, the price will be quite a bit higher: $69.99. The offer is eligible to anyone currently running any version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7; it will last until January 31st, 2013. That's the same time frame offered for the current $14.99 upgrade deal, but it applies to any current Windows users, not just those who purchase a new PC in the lead-up to Windows 8's launch.
Microsoft has shared with select partners some specifics about what those upgrading to Windows 8 can expect when moving from Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Users won’t be able to upgrade or keep their Windows settings, files or applications if doing a cross-language installation. (However, users will be able to keep personal files/data during a cross-language install by using Windows 8 Setup). Microsoft is also not allowing users interested in doing a cross-architecture — i.e., 32-bit to 64-bit — install to do so.
Despite having manufactured its own tablet, Microsoft apparently will not be making self-branded Windows Phones. Greg Sullivan, senior marketing manager for Windows Phone, was asked by Information Week if the company had plans to develop its own cellphones. No, we do not, we have a strong ecosystem of partners that we are very satisfied with, Sullivan said.
Microsoft is dumping its Office Starter edition as Windows 8 and the next edition of the suite, dubbed Office 2013, near completion and release later this year and early next. The company blamed a bad user experience in Windows 8 for the move. Office Starter 2010, which Microsoft created in 2009, was the company's replacement for Microsoft Works, an entry-level application suite that had been offered to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for bundling with new PCs.
It might not be the most exciting Microsoft-related news this week, but Skype for Windows Phone has been updated to version 1.2. Overall, it's a fairly minor update: the two marquee features are the ability to edit a number in the dial pad before you're connected and now every contact with at least one phone number will show in your contacts list. Of course, updates mean bug fixes, and Skype 1.2 is no different.
Microsoft is lifting the curtain to provide a preview of some of the software and hardware changes for its Windows Phone 8 operating system yesterday. NFC, dual- and quad-core support are all set, and Microsoft has shifted over to the NT kernel for Windows Phone 8 to make it even easier for developers to code for its mobile and desktop ecosystems. There's a new Wallet hub, deeper integration of Skype, and an updated Start Screen interface with support for small tiles.
Microsoft - a company that traditionally has relied exclusively on its PC partners to provide hardware powered by its Windows operating system - is trying out a new business model with next Windows release. The company is going to offer two Microsoft-branded tablets of its own, both of which are branded as Microsoft Surface. Microsoft isn't actually manufacturing these new tablets itself - just as it doesn't actually make the Xbox or the now defunct Zune media player. But it will be putting the Microsoft name on these devices.
Now at version 1.5, My Xbox Live enables iPhone users who have XBox 360s to control their console using their iPad or iPhone in a whole new way. Previously the My Xbox Live app only allowed users to track and compare user profiles and achievements, connect with Xbox Live friends, and manipulate your 3D avatar. Now, Microsoft has included the capability to access a variety of entertainment content located on your XBox 360 using the My Xbox Live app as a remote.
Xbox SmartGlass was one of the lone new technologies unveiled by Microsoft at this year's E3, but its potential as a second screen -- using your own smartphone or tablet running Windows 8, Android, or iOS -- is fascinating. Xbox SmartGlass was demonstrated in more detail in a breakout session this evening, showing off video, gaming, and remote control possibilities as well as running through future concepts.