Tag: windowsblue

Windows 8.1 to feature internet tethering, native Miracast wireless display support

Despite our novel-length preview of Windows 8.1’s new features, Microsoft continues to trickle out details about the updated OS as we get closer to Build 2013 later this month. This is turning out to be a hefty improvement over the love-or-hate Win8 that launched last fall, and the company appears to have plenty more tricks up its sleeve before all is said and done. This morning, Microsoft announced that 8.1 will offer native support for Miracast wireless displays, as well as internet sharing capability, NFC tap-to-pair printing, WiFi Direct print, improved IT controls and other enhancements to the platform’s security and management. All told, the new features are a little more behind-the-scenes than, say, the new Start button, but it’s a clear indication that we’ll likely have quite a few more surprises coming our way between now and the update’s official release. The source link has the laundry list of various improvements, so head there if you’re looking for more info. Filed under: Desktops , Microsoft Comments Via: The Verge Source: Windows Team Blog

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Windows 8.1 to feature internet tethering, native Miracast wireless display support

Microsoft drops the Blue codename, confirms Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade available later this year

One of the worst kept secrets rattling around Microsoft’s campus is Windows Blue , the forthcoming update to Windows 8 that addresses users’ bugbears about the OS. Now, Microsoft is officially rechristening the platform, and with a more staid name: Windows 8.1. Tami Reller, the CMO and CFO of Microsoft’s Windows Division made the big reveal during JP Morgan’s Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. The upgrade will be free and available from the home screen when it launches, while a preview version will be opened up to the public on June 26th at the beginning of Build 2013 . Unfortunately, Reller wouldn’t get any more specific about a formal release date, saying simply that it will be delivered “later in the calendar year.” The only clarification she would offer is, “we know when the holidays are.” As anticipated, the Windows 8.1 update will come to both the full version of the OS as well as the ARM-friendly RT. While we haven’t officially seen any sub-10-inch slates announced yet, it’s been rumored that 8.1 would enable smaller devices. Reller’s comments only backed up those expectations, when she suggested that Windows 8 is great for everything from “the smallest tablets ” to desktops. Filed under: Software , Microsoft Comments

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Microsoft drops the Blue codename, confirms Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade available later this year

Microsoft may bring back start button and boot to desktop for Windows 8.1

It’s hardly a secret that the computer-buying public hasn’t fallen head over heels for the Windows 8 start screen. In fact, a whole cottage industry has sprung up around returning Windows to its version-7 glory. The latest rumors indicate that Microsoft may be moving to squash these apps, by enabling 8.1 to boot directly to the desktop and reinstating the start button. Code recently dug up in a DLL, buried within the bowels of a leaked version of Windows Blue strongly suggests that this relatively minor revision of the desktop and tablet OS could offer users a way to skip the live tiles and go right to the familiar UI of Windows past. An entry for “CanSuppressStartScreen” was found by quite a few different forum users in the TwinUI.dll file. Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm this ourselves. While there’s no hard evidence for a return of the start button just yet, the reliable Mary Jo Foley has heard from at least one source that Redmond is considering bringing the little logo orb back. Of course, nothing is certain yet. There’s no guarantee that either feature will actually make it into the final version of Windows 8.1 , but we’re sure at least a few of you have your fingers crossed. Filed under: Desktops , Tablets , Software , Microsoft Comments Source: ZDNet , WinBeta

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Microsoft may bring back start button and boot to desktop for Windows 8.1

Leaked Windows Blue build 9364 reveals multiple Live Tile sizes, same-width side-by-side apps

Want to get a first-hand look at Microsoft’s updated OS ? You might be able to download the unreleased Windows Blue operating system on your own machine. Leaked build 9364 hit file sharing sites earlier today — according to Neowin , the 32-bit edition is available for download as a 2.63GB ISO, and likely hit the web from a Microsoft partner in France. Notable adjustments include larger and smaller Live Tiles, enabling a bit more Start screen customization, along with an updated side-by-side app view, which boosts multitasking efficiency by displaying two applications with matching width. Other additions include a Play option under the Devices panel, a screenshot button on the Share sidebar, and Internet Explorer 11, which comes packaged with the new OS. Windows Blue build 9364 appears to be an unauthorized leak, but even if you have any reservations about installing it on your own machine, you’ll surely be able to check out plenty of eye candy from other users over the hours and days to come. In the meantime, hit up the source links for a few more screenshots. [Thanks, Jim] Filed under: Software , Microsoft Comments Source: Winforum , Neowin

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Leaked Windows Blue build 9364 reveals multiple Live Tile sizes, same-width side-by-side apps