Tag Archives: technet

Following outcry, Microsoft gives developers early access to finished Windows 8.1 builds

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Windows 8.1

When Microsoft delivered Windows 8.1 to manufacturers, some developers were more annoyed than overjoyed -- unlike in years past, they weren't getting advance copies to help optimize their apps. The company has heard their complaints, however, and it's now offering the Release To Manufacturing builds of Windows 8.1, 8.1 Professional and Windows Server 2012 R2 to both MSDN and TechNet members. The enterprise edition of Windows 8.1 will be available later in September, Microsoft says. Regular users will still have to wait until the mid-October launch to get their turn, but the early developer release should lead to a healthier stock of Windows 8.1-ready apps in the weeks ahead.

Update: In case you'd forgotten, 8.1 also arrives with a "fully built-in Skype app." The Skype blog details new features like the ability to answer calls from the lock screen, a window that automatically adjusts when you open up links and click to call from Internet Explorer.

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Via: Blogging Windows

Source: MSDN Blogs, Skype Blog

Microsoft to wind down TechNet subscriptions after August 31st

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Microsoft to wind down TechNet subscription service from August 31st

Many IT managers and early adopters cherish their TechNet subscriptions -- for a modest annual fee, they get advance access to a treasure trove of Microsoft apps. Unfortunately, that too-good-to-be-true deal is coming to an end, as Microsoft plans to phase out TechNet subscriptions in the months ahead. The company will stop taking new customers and renewals after August 31st, while Microsoft Certified Trainers will lose their perks after March 31st. Outside of volume licensing, TechNet downloads will stop entirely after September 30th, 2014. MSDN subscriptions will remain, but their steeper prices will likely rule them out for most enthusiasts. If you're not a professional, you'll just have to buy software as it reaches the public -- you know, like the rest of us.

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Via: ZDNet

Source: TechNet

Windows 8 RTM now available to developers, IT departments with TechNet subscriptions

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Windows 8 RTM rolls out to developers, IT departments with TechNet subscriptions

At this point, we're expecting very few surprises when it comes to Windows 8: Microsoft just shipped the final code to OEMs, and the company already published a list of staggered dates when developers, volume licensees and Joe Schmo consumers would be able to download the software. We already knew, then, that on August 15th developers with MSDN subscriptions would be able to get the RTM build, as would IT pros subscribed to TechNet. Now that that day has come, though, it's worth repeating that those of you plugged into either the developer or TechNet program can start exploring the final software now -- a good ten weeks before the rest of the world. Don't have access? Luckily for you, Microsoft granted us early access to the RTM, and we've got a breakdown of the new features waiting for you right here.

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Windows 8 RTM now available to developers, IT departments with TechNet subscriptions 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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