Windows Azure Pack

 Microsoft announced Windows Azure Pack during TechEd 2013 NA conference in June, replacing "Windows Azure Services for Windows Server" technology , which was made available in January 2013.
According to the company's Windows Azure Pack Overview:

The Windows Azure Pack delivers Windows Azure technologies for you to run inside your datacenter, enabling you to offer rich, self-service, multi-tenant services that are consistent with Windows Azure.

 The Windows Azure Pack is a collection of Windows Azure technologies available to Microsoft customers at no additional cost. Once installed in your datacenter, the Windows Azure Pack integrates with System Center and Windows Server to help provide the following capabilities: 

• Management portal for tenants
• Management portal for administrators
• Service management API
• Virtual Machines
• Service Bus
• Automation and extensibility 



Additional Information:

Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

Windows Azure Pack (#WAPack) and Related Blogs, Videos and TechNet Articles

Windows Azure Pack - Installing & Configuring Series.

Cmdlet Reference Download for Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

Technical Documentation for Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server Download Center

Windows azure Pack: Cloud app convenience meets in-house hosting

Microsoft finds a new way to deliver a private cloud in a box

Windows Azure Pack High Availability

Enabling On-demand Infrastructure Services In Your Datacenter with Windows Azure Pack

Enabling Modern Apps with the Windows Azure Pack

IaaS Usage and Service Reporting using System Center 2012 R2 and Windows Azure Pack

WAP: Service Bus 1.1 (preview) for Windows Server - Your private Service Bus Installation using Hyper-V

Configuring SPF and Windows Azure Pack for IaaS usage and metering

Windows Azure Pack (#WAPack) and Related Blogs, Videos and TechNet Articles

Windows Azure Pack blog posts on Building Clouds & TechNet

Windows 8 powered hardware 2.0

Over the past few weeks, hardware companies uncovered plans for making next generation of Windows-based products. We'll take a look at them in this part 2 of the Series covering Windows 8 powered hardware. (Part 1: http://blog.vttechnology.com/2013/06/windows-8-powered-hardware-news-and.html )

Microsoft is set to announce a new Surface on September 23.

Intel is launching “Bay Trail” (Atom) processors at IDF in San Francisco (  http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-developer-forum-idf/san-francisco/2013/idf-2013-san-francisco.html  ). "Bay Trail” is Intel’s first 22nm system-on-a-chip for 2-in-1 devices and small tablets and will offer high performance with longer battery life ( http://neow.in/18VnAz8 ).  Some of these devices were announced at IFA ( http://blogs.windows.com/tags/IFA+2013/default.aspx )

Windows 8.1 tablets with 64-bit Atom chips not coming until Q1 http://www.infoworld.com/d/computer-hardware/windows-81-tablets-64-bit-atom-chips-not-coming-until-q1-226686 / InfoWorld

From smartwatches to shifty hybrids, intriguing hardware flooded IFA 2013. We name the most interesting gizmos. http://pcwrld.us/17KYHZU
Windows 8.1 Tablets and PCs Unveiled @ IFA http://bit.ly/1dUxOYS
A peek inside IFA’s technology spectacular: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2013/sep13/09-05IFA.aspx
The best laptops, desktops, and Windows tablets of IFA 2013 (pictures) http://cnet.co/1ejG3ew 
Microsoft to launch new Surfaces on September 23 http://zd.net/14FVcji
Windows at Intel Developer Forum 2013 http://bit.ly/13NsMqz 
Fall 2013 Windows Tablet Preview http://ow.ly/oO0kh  /Windows IT Pro
The cheap Windows 8 tablet has arrived | http://ti.me/188oZRT 

New Windows Phone 8.1 screenshot shows multi-select tiles, Siri-like "Cortana" voice assistant coming http://wp.me/p2q4Lw-69w
Microsoft to add Siri-like Cortana to Windows devices, shows off Windows Phone 8.1 http://bit.ly/14OUjVH

Microsoft's transition from the desktop to touch devices by Paul Thurrott: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/transitions

 

Panasonic

Panasonic launches its first 4K TV, teases arrival of 20-in. 4K tablet : http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9242099/Panasonic_launches_its_first_4K_TV_teases_arrival_of_20_in._4K_tablet
Panasonic launches the world’s first 20-inch, 4K tablet: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/panasonic-launches-the-world-s-first-20-inch-4k-tablet.aspx

 

Asus

Asus announces new Windows 8.1 Zenbook UX301 Ultrabook http://bit.ly/17Oruyw
ASUS announces new devices for the fall http://bit.ly/15Z54rY 
Asus announces the T100: Windows 8.1 device with 11 hours of battery life just for $349 http://bit.ly/15lA8T7
ASUS reveals Transformer Book T100 with Windows 8.1 for $349 we go hands-on - http://engt.co/15ll4ox
Asus Transformer Book Trio combines Windows 8, Android, laptop, tablet and desktop in one. So, a laplet-top? http://cnet.co/18tl9F2

Surface 2

Windows 8.1 tablets vs. Amazon's Kindle Fire HD: Enterprise face-off
Surface 2 by the Numbers http://bit.ly/1fv2SN8
Hands On With the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 http://bit.ly/16u5geU
Surface 2 vs Surface Pro 2- Comparison and Price http://www.nirmaltv.com/2013/09/24/surface-2-vs-surface-pro-2-comparison-price/ …
Microsoft introduces the Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and Surface accessories - http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/23/microsoft-introduces-the-surface-2-surface-pro-2-and-surface-accessories.aspx#.UkBhw0XkwmM.twitter …
Surface Pro 2 Details Emerge http://ow.ly/oyzLc
Surface 2 will support new Power Cover keyboard with built-in battery http://bit.ly/19mAyYO
Microsoft's Haswell-based Surface Pro 2: The leaks begin http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-haswell-based-surface-pro-2-the-leaks-begin-7000020232/
Surface 2 may debut in white and black with a 1080p screen and Tegra 4 processor http://bit.ly/14yTGVH
Surface 2 rumors: What next for Surface RT http://cnet.co/1dVxNCZ
Surface RT 2: Tegra 4, 1080P screen, and more http://bit.ly/19AJlXm
Microsoft announcing new Surface on September 23, but is it DOA? http://bit.ly/1aYtDcr
Don't dismiss the Surface RT as a Windows weakling! How to unlock its hidden superpowers. http://pcwrld.us/18RuzcB

Nokia

Nokia sales exec confirms plans to unify the Windows Phone and Lumia branding http://bit.ly/1cYSVp5
Report: Nokia will release the 6-inch Lumia 1520, a new smartphone that could dwarf the vast majority of handsets http://cnet.co/18J4M7z
Nokia Lumia 1520 rumored to launch September 26 http://bit.ly/1aDacXt
Nokia announces new lightweight and portable chargers for your Windows Phones http://bit.ly/16kpk7u
Lumia 1020 + Wireless Charging Cover http://bit.ly/1g0SYjP
Nokia's upcoming Windows RT tablet http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/12/4722584/nokias-windows-rt-tablet-pictured-new-hardware-dell-lenovo  The Verge

 

Lenovo

Windows 8 Hardware 2.0 from Lenovo http://zd.net/1altCQf
Lenovo’s new Yoga 2 Pro has the same flexible hinge, 3200×1800 display http://ars.to/1alQ2RC 
Lenovo takes the wraps off new Flex line of devices at IFA 2013: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/lenovo-takes-the-wraps-off-new-flex-line-of-devices-at-ifa-2013.aspx

Sony

Sony Expands Vaio Line of Notebooks Running Windows 8: Available in 13-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch models. http://bit.ly/1dTAciu
Sony offers a magnetic solution to the Windows 8 hybrid problem http://bit.ly/15E5ff9

Dell

Dell XPS 12 review: the laptop / tablet hybrid with the spinning screen gets the battery life it deserves http://vrge.co/1856GDl
Dell beefs up its workstation portfolio with new laptops and towers. http://spr.ly/6015w9z9
Dell shows 8-inch Venue tablet sporting Windows 8.1 http://cnet.co/13NChG4
Dell introduces Inspiron 11 laptop for $349 http://zd.net/1aQtisZ

 

Toshiba

Toshiba Rolls Out New Tablet, Notebooks at IFA: The Windows 8-based systems include a convertible device  http://bit.ly/13jLwO0
Meet the Encore – a new 8” tablet from Toshiba: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/meet-the-encore-a-new-8-tablet-from-toshiba.aspx

HP

New all-in-one PCs from HP announced at IFA: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/new-all-in-one-pcs-from-hp-announced-at-ifa.aspx

Windows 8.1 RTM / Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM available via MSDN and TechNet subscriptions now.

According to The Official Microsoft Blog:

Starting Sept. 9, Microsoft is extending availability of the current Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows Server 2012 R2 release to manufacturing (RTM) builds to the developer and IT professional communities via MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. The Windows 8.1 RTM Enterprise edition will be available through MSDN and TechNet for businesses later this month.

Download links: 

Windows Server 2012: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx


Windows Server 2012 R2 Developer Preview: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dn205302.aspx

Additional Resources:

Microsoft reveals pricing and packaging for Windows 8.1 http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-reveals-pricing-and-packaging-for-windows-81?utm_source=msanywhere&utm_medium=twitter

Windows 8.1 brings back full retail versions as Windows SKUs change again http://ars.to/1aIt8R5 

Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM released on TechNet and MSDN http://bit.ly/16ieGew

What's changed in the Windows 8.1 RTM release? http://zd.net/14IhWzj

Windows 8.1 RTM: What's new, what's next? http://zd.net/14H5i3B

Windows 8.1 review: The great compromise http://www.pcworld.com/article/2048508/windows-8-1-review-the-great-compromise.html#tk.twt_pcworld

Windows 8.1 is out for both MSDN and Technet Subscribers, here are the best ways to try it out. http://www.nextofwindows.com/4-best-ways-to-try-out-windows-8/ …

Windows Server 2012 R2 and 8.1 RTM on MSDN/TechNet  by Tim Barrett http://www.nogeekleftbehind.com/2013/09/09/windows-server-2012-r2-and-8-1-rtm-on-msdntechnet/

Live Migrate VM from Windows 2012 to Windows 2012 R2 RTM | vNiklas Virtualization blog http://bit.ly/17TC3uq

Upgrade Windows 8.1 preview to 8.1 RTM with some quirks http://bit.ly/1ayMUlg  | vNiklas Virtualization Blog

Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Experience http://wp.me/p30DHH-6F  / Adam Fowler - I.T. from Australia

How To Install Windows 8.1 Without Microsoft Account http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-8-1-without-microsoft-account/  / Into Windows 

How To Upgrade Windows 8.1 Preview To RTM ( Final ) http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-upgrade-windows-8-1-preview-to-rtm-final/  / Into Windows

Download Windows 8.1 RTM, Visual Studio 2013 RC and Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM Today: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/stevengu/archive/2013/09/09/download-windows-8-1-rtm-visual-studio-2013-rc-and-windows-server-2012-r2-rtm-today.aspx

Microsoft reverses course; releases Windows 8.1 RTM to developers: http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-reverses-course-releases-windows-8-1-rtm-to-developers-7000020402/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+zdnet%2Fmicrosoft+%28ZDNet+All+About+Microsoft%29

Windows Server 2012 RTM now available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. http://spr.ly/6013w9MT

Windows 8.1 now available on MSDN and TechNet following developer complaints http://vrge.co/185pCSj

Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 Now Available on MSDN, TechNet: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-windows-server-2012-r2-now-available-msdn-TechNet

System Requirements and Installation Information for Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn303418.aspx

 Windows Server 2012 R2 and 8.1 RTM on MSDN/TechNet via Microsoft MVP Tim Barrett  http://www.nogeekleftbehind.com/2013/09/09/windows-server-2012-r2-and-8-1-rtm-on-msdntechnet/ …

Windows Server 2012 R2 available to MSDN subscribers: http://ow.ly/oJj4C

Windows 8.1 Enterprise: 3 features admins should know http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/windows-81-enterprise-3-features-admins-should-know-226517 …

Microsoft "Blue" Product Availability http://ow.ly/oK2IW

RTM builds of Windows Embedded 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 for Embedded Systems - http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/10/into-embedded-download-the-rtm-builds-of-windows-embedded-8-1-windows-server-2012-r2-for-embedded-systems.aspx#.Ui_In67zrqc.twitter …

Windows 8.1 says, “Forget all that Design Stuff from Windows 8.0” : http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jerrynixon/archive/2013/09/09/windows-8-1-says-forget-all-that-design-stuff-from-windows-8-0.aspx …

Windows 8.1: How and when can volume licensees get the RTM bits? http://zd.net/14OfR54

 Microsoft's reluctant upgrade has a split-screen personality:  http://reg.cx/27Tn  The Register

Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 RT and Windows Server 2012 R2 officially RTM'd

Microsoft officially confirmed on August 27 that Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT have been RTM'd.

Microsoft also confirmed that it would not be made available early to any customers, including MSDN and TechNet subscribers. The software will become downloadable globally on October 18th

Windows 8.1 will be free for existing Windows 8 users, but it's unknown what it will cost for those looking to upgrade from previous versions of Windows.

Microsoft also released to manufacturing Windows Server 2012 R2 today, August 27.  No MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be getting the gold bits until October 18.

Microsoft plans to continue to update the RTM bits right up until the time of launch. Brad Anderson said:  “Because this release was built and delivered at a much faster pace than past products, and because we want to ensure that you get the very highest quality product, we made the decision to complete the final validation phases prior to distributing the release.”

So, what is available for download today?

You can download a preview copy of Windows Server 2012 R2 here:  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/dn205286

Preview copy of Windows 8.1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/preview?ocid=blprev_pr_wom

Additional Information:

Readying Windows 8.1 for release: http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/08/27/readying-windows-8-1-for-release.aspx

Today is the RTM for Windows Server 2012 R2! http://blogs.technet.com/b/in_the_cloud/archive/2013/08/27/today-is-the-rtm-for-windows-server-2012-r2.aspx

UPDATED FAB4 Links for IT Pros: http://blogs.technet.com/b/bobh/archive/2013/08/27/updated-fab4-links-for-it-pros.aspx …

Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 RTM; no early access to final bits http://zd.net/145zghr

Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 to manufacturers ahead of October 18 launch - http://engt.co/181bG7L

Windows 8.1 officially finished, nobody to get it until launch day http://ars.to/12HugC2 

Windows 8.1 is officially finished, but everyone has to wait until October 18th
http://vrge.co/17h0upv

Microsoft: Windows Server 2012 R2 goes gold http://zd.net/145DbuG

Windows 8.1 RTMs -- but developers won't get it until October http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/windows-81-rtms-developers-wont-get-it-until-october-225693

Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 RTM, but expect a large bug-fixing patch on release day http://bit.ly/15eqcNh

When RTM is No Longer RTM http://ow.ly/ojDhk

Now all Windows developers have been thrown under the bus http://zd.net/19WZFWL

Why is Microsoft keeping the final release of Windows 8.1 secret? http://zd.net/19Z0DSk


 

Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter Solution Accelerator

Convert VMware-based virtual machines and disks to Hyper-V-based virtual machines and disks with a Microsoft-supported, stand-alone solution (MVMC).

MVMC made to ease the migration from vSphere/vCenter-based irtual machines (including vCenter Server 4.1, 5.0, ESX Server 4.1 and ESXi Server 4.1, 5.0) to Hyper-V 2008 R2/Hyper-V 3, adding virtual  NICs to the converted virtual machine on Hyper-V and uninstalling VMware tools.

"MVMC provides the following features:

• Converts and deploys virtual machines from VMware hosts to Hyper-V hosts including Hyper-V on Windows Server® 2012. 
• Converts VMware virtual disks to Hyper-V based virtual hard disks (VHDs).
• Supports conversion of virtual machines from VMware vSphere 4.1 and 5.0 hosts to Hyper-V.
• Offers fully scriptable command-line interfaces for performing virtual machine and disk conversions that integrates well with data center automation workflows and Windows PowerShell scripts.
• Has a wizard-driven GUI, making it simple to perform virtual machine conversion.
• Uninstalls VMware tools prior to conversion to provide a clean way to migrate VMware-based virtual machines to Hyper-V.
• Supports Windows Server guest operating system conversion, including Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 SP2.
• Enables conversion of Windows® client versions including Windows 7.
• Installs integration services on the converted virtual machine if the guest operating system is Windows Server 2003 SP2."

Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter Solution Accelerator http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=34591&WT.mc_id=soc-n-[TR]-loc-[Services]-[farukc

Additional Resources:

Microsoft Solution Accelerators: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/solutionaccelerators/default.aspx

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview

Microsoft made available Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview on July 30, with support ending Jan. 10, 2023.

Windows 8 customers will have two years to move to Windows 8.1 after the General Availability of the Windows 8.1 update to continue to remain supported under Windows 8 lifecycle

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview builds on the Window 8.1 Preview, adding premium features that were not available in the Windows 8.1 Preview such as Windows To Go Creator, Start Screen Control, DirectAccess, BranchCache, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, AppLocker and Windows Enterprise Side-Loading.

Here is the download link to the Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/hh771457.aspx?ocid=wc-blog-wfyb

Additional Information:

Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM released on TechNet and MSDN http://bit.ly/16ieGew

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview Now Available: http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/business/archive/2013/07/30/windows-8-1-enterprise-preview-now-available.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

New enterprise preview lets companies kick the tires on Windows 8.1(The Official Microsoft Blog): http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/07/30/new-enterprise-preview-lets-companies-kick-the-tires-on-windows-8-1.aspx

Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview with Start Screen Control, AppLocker, Side-Loading, more http://tnw.to/b0a3s 

Microsoft delivers to testers Windows 8.1 Enterprise preview: http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-delivers-to-testers-windows-8-1-enterprise-preview-7000018743/

Windows 8.1 Preview for Enterprises Goes Live: http://www.cmswire.com/cms/customer-experience/windows-81-preview-for-enterprises-goes-live-021915.php?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=dlvr.it&utm_campaign=SocialMedia

Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows RT 8.1 Preview.

Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 8.1 Preview at BUILD 2013 conference in San-Fransisco today. This is the first major update to both Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Windows 8.1-a free update to Windows 8-is coming later this year.
Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows RT 8.1 Preview are prerelease versions of Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows RT 8.1 Preview include enhancements in personalization, search, apps, the Windows Store, and cloud connectivity, and have the security and reliability features.
Windows 8.1 Preview works great on the same hardware that powers Windows 8.
The final version should be RTM in August so that it can be widely available for the 2013 holiday season, roughly a year after the debut of Windows 8.     

Windows 8.1 Preview: FAQ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview-faq

 

You can download Preview here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/preview?ocid=blprev_pr_wom

Additional information:

Everything you need to know about the Windows 8.1 Preview (FAQ) http://zd.net/12YB3Ti

Windows 8.1 Pricing Revealed http://bit.ly/1506PHz

Windows 8.1 feature comparison chart, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enterprise/products-and-technologies/windows-8-1/compare/default.aspx …

 Windows at Build 2013: http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/06/26/windows-at-build-2013.aspx?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

50 Best New Features In Windows 8.1 [Must Read]

Want to know what’s new in Windows 8.1? Microsoft releases a 52 page guide http://betanews.com/2013/06/29/want-to-know-whats-new-in-windows-8-1-microsoft-releases-a-52-page-guide/?awesm=betane.ws_gnz&utm_content=twitter-publisher-main&utm_medium=betane.ws-twitter&utm_source=t.co&utm_campaign=

The ultimate guide to what’s new in the Windows 8.1 update for Windows 8 and RT: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81?utm_content=buffer6fbb8&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

Screenshot tour of new Windows 8.1 features: http://winsource.com/2013/06/26/screenshot-tour-of-new-windows-8-1-features/?utm_content=buffer375c1&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

Rapid Release Cycle Is The New Norm, Says Steve Ballmer:  http://www.windows81.com/2013/06/rapid-release-cycle-is-the-new-norm-says-steve-ballmer/#ixzz2XMwzPyI6

Windows 8.1 and Internet Explorer 11 will support WebGL, SPDY, but no WebRTC: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/159779-windows-8-1-and-internet-explorer-11-will-support-webgl-spdy-but-no-webrtc

At Build, Microsoft moving to post-PC era on its own terms: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57591165-75/at-build-microsoft-moving-to-post-pc-era-on-its-own-terms/?ttag=twic

With Windows 8.1, Microsoft Steps Back Toward Operating System Relevance: http://readwrite.com/2013/06/26/windows-81-preview-smoothes-out-rough-edges#awesm=~o9UtrwS6gHdp3f

Microsoft Build 2013 keynote: http://live.cnet.com/Event/Microsoft_Build_2013?Page=0

Microsoft Delivers the Windows 8.1 Preview, Promises Metro Office: http://windowsitpro.com/paul-thurrotts-wininfo/microsoft-delivers-windows-81-preview-promises-metro-office

Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 Preview Introduces A Smarter Virtual Keyboard For Touchscreens: http://techcrunch.com/2013/06/26/microsofts-windows-8-1-preview-introduces-a-smarter-virtual-keyboard-for-touchscreens/

Microsoft Launches Windows 8.1 Preview With Start Button, Deep SkyDrive Integration, Smarter Search Tool & More: http://techcrunch.com/2013/06/26/microsoft-launches-windows-8-1-preview-with-start-button-deep-skydrive-integration-smarter-search-tool-more/

Microsoft Doubles Down With Bing for Windows 8.1: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2421054,00.asp

Windows 8.1: Eight of the New Features Coming Later This Year: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/windows-81-released-software-developers-features-coming-microsofts/story?id=19495158#.UcucCyDD_IV

Windows 8.1: A complete list of changes and new features: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/159803-windows-8-1-a-complete-list-of-changes-and-new-features

Windows 9 release date, news and rumours http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-9-release-date-news-and-rumours-1029245?src=rss&attr=all

The Metro hater's guide to the Windows 8.1 Preview http://zd.net/13Vp4Gx

Microsoft's Windows 8.1: When will users get the final bits? http://clkon.us/13vULYl