Windows Blue "Public Preview" Coming This June

[nsane.forums]

Following this week's leak of Windows Blue, it's emerged that Microsoft will be launching a 'public preview' version of the OS at its BUILD developer conference in June.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few days, you'll probably already know that a build of Windows Blue - the next major update to Windows 8 - leaked onto the interwebs earlier this week, allowing the world to dissect its juicy innards to get some idea of what Microsoft has in store next for its love-it-or-hate-it OS.

Some of the features that have been exposed in the new build include a new File Manager app, improved multi-monitor support, more customisation options for the Start screen and a Windows Phone-style "slide-to-shut-down" feature. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out our hands-on video with Windows Blue.

If you've been holding off on installing the leaked build, we don't blame you - after all, its an interim build not intended for public consumption. But it looks like you won't have to wait too long to get your paws on the real deal. Citing "sources familiar with Microsoft's plans", The Verge reports that the company is working on finalising a 'public preview' build of Windows Blue that will launch at the BUILD conference in June.

Microsoft is also said to be working on various new first-party apps for Blue, in addition to some of those already revealed in the leaked build. Further, as we reported back in December, it's said that Blue will indeed introduce optimisations that will bring Windows 8 to smaller 7- and 8-inch tablets. The leak has already revealed that the minimum resolution that will support the side-by-side Snap View for apps has been lowered to 1024x768px.

Unlike with the Windows 8 development process, don't expect multiple previews of Blue to be released over a period of months - it's said that the BUILD release will be the one and only preview version of Blue before its full launch later this year.

View: Original Article

[Darknight]

I am very glad to say that

Microsoft announces Build 2013 for June 26th in San Francisco, mentions 'Blue'

Yipeee!!!

Microsoft has announced Build 2013, which takes place June 26th to June 28th in San Francisco, California. On top of that, the company makes reference to the infamous 'Blue', which is the first direct reference to the upcoming platform update we have seen or heard.

Build 2013 in San Francisco takes place June 26th to the 28th and registration opens April 2nd at 9AM Pacific Time. The cost? $2,095 to get full access, but the first 500 early birds get a discounted price of $1,595.

During Build, we will get our first official look at whats next for Windows, Windows Server, Windows Azure, Visual Studio, and more Microsoft products. Of course, the hot topic will be Windows Blue and we are curious to see what Microsoft has to say about it.

In the blog post, Microsoft makes mention to 'Blue'. The past two days has been intense in terms of Windows Blue details, given the leak that occurred on Sunday, but it seems that we have forgotten what Blue actually is. Rather than just an update to Windows, it is also a platform update for Windows Phone and Windows Server. Microsoft refers to this as simply 'Blue'.

"With a remarkable foundation of products in market and a clear view of how we will evolve the company, product leaders across Microsoft are working together on plans to advance our devices and services, a set of plans referred to internally as 'Blue'," Microsoft revealed in an official blog post.

Anyone excited for what Build 2013 has in store for us?

[Darknight]

Pete Pachal 22 hours ago

Ever since Windows 8 was released last fall, we've heard growing whispers about "Windows Blue," supposedly the next step in Microsoft's core software, but whether that step amounts to a set of Service Pack-like tweaks or a full-on new version was an open question (leaks aside).

Now we've got the first official word from Microsoft on what Windows Blue is, and when it'll officially appear. In a blog post, Microsoft's head of corporate communications, Frank Shaw, explains that "Blue" is an internal Microsoft term that refers to a set of plans for how Microsoft will evolve its devices and services. He also said that it's highly unlikely any product will actually have the word as part of its name.

Shaw also implied the public would get its first look at Blue in June, when Microsoft is holding its annual developers conference, BUILD. The dates are June 26-28, and this year Microsoft is moving the conference to San Francisco's Moscone Center — a move clearly intended to broaden its developer community beyond hard-core Windows users.

SEE ALSO: 7 Predictions for Microsoft in 2013

Since BUILD 2013 is coming less than a year after Microsoft's previous developer conference, it's unlikely Blue represents a totally new version of Windows (i.e. it's not Windows 9). However, it may imply that Microsoft recognized the need to heavily tweak Windows 8 in the light of disappointing sales.

Shaw shared a few numbers to emphasize Microsoft's successes over the past few months, pointing out that Windows Phone is actually shipping (though not necessarily selling) more units the iPhone in seven countries worldwide, although he didn't to say which ones. He also didn't mention any numbers for Windows 8.

As Shaw reiterates, Microsoft has changed a lot in the past few years, transitioning from a pure software company to a devices-and-services company. While some products may not have been met with success (such as Windows RT), every recent move the company's made — from selling Office as a subscription to re-coding Windows Phone for version 8 to creating the Surface tablet — has supported this new vision.

What do you think Microsoft should include as part of Windows Blue? Share your ideas in the comments.

[dcs18]

Anyone excited for what Build 2013 has in store for us?

Yes, of course - waiting for the x64-bit release. :yes:

[DKT27]

Threads merged.