Microsoft
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 RC released to MSDN subscribers
AshMan says…
Microsoft has just shipped a Release Candidate (RC) copy of its development software Visual Studio 2010.
No new features are in included in the RC release, but Microsoft has focused on speed improvements. A Microsoft spokesperson stated: “We heard from customers that performance in Beta 2 wasn’t everything they had hoped it would be. The RC released today delivers enhanced performance and is an added milestone to garner even more customer feedback before the final build is released. Specifically, customers will see performance improvements in loading solutions, typing, building and debugging.”
April 12 is the launch date of the final version of Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4. Major events are being held around the world for its release.
The RC is available now for MSDN subscribers today and will be available to the public on February 10.
Office 2010 Beta – Available soon!
AshMan says…
The web page for the Office 2010 Beta has gone live and is showing three different versions which will be available for test.

Office 2010 Beta Page
Home and Business is one of the versions available and probably will be the most popular of the downloads, and it includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote,Outlook, and Office Web Apps.
Professional is the next version available offering Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, Publisher and Office Web Apps.
The final version which is available of the three is Professional Plus which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook with Business Contact Manager, Access, Publisher, Infopath, Communicator, SharePoint Workspace, and Office Web Apps and it mentions that it is only available to Volume License Customers.
All three are expected to be offered in both 32 and 64 bit, and if you are a MSDN or TechNet subscriber you can already get access to the download from your normal download area. I am downloading my copy and will report back with a review shortly.
Microsoft ‘Courier’ device unveiled
AshMan says…
Whilst the rumor mill is working hard around the Apple tablet device, Microsoft has been working hard on one of their own.
At the moment it’s called the ‘Courier’ and is in the “late prototype” stage. The device itself features dual 7-inch screens which are multitouch, perfect for writing, flicking and drawing with a stylus and your fingers.

Microsoft 'Courier' Source: Gizmodo
Originally the device was top secret which was only known to a few engineers and executives.
They are currectly collaborating with another firm called Pioneer Studios, who have put together the video. This demo gives a look around the device and what it can do.
The heritage of Microsft revolves around very much with “digital ink” and this interface is unlike anything else. Ideas from both the Surface and Zune HD can be seen.
Windows 7 Student Prices
AshMan says…
Students in Australia, US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Korea and Mexico will all be able to purchase the upgrades to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional for a significantly reduced price.
Prices haven’t been confirmed for Australia yet, however in the US and UK the upgrades will be on sale for US$30 and £30 respectively. To be eligable for the discounted price you are required to have a valid student email address (an email address provided to you by your university)
You can find some more information at the Windows UK and Windows US sites.

Windows 7 Upgrade to be only US$30 for students with a valid email.
Windows 7 Family Pack Pre-Order…
AshMan says…
Microsoft has just announced The Windows 7 Family Pack.
This will allow you to install the operating system on three home PCs at a lower price. There are a number of online retailers offering the Family Pack and it is priced at approximately US$145. Originally this offer was going to be released on the 18th of October before the public release on the 22nd of October, so this is a bonus!

Windows 7 Family Pack Offer
Another change to the Family Pack is its availability; it will now be available to North America, Europe – the U.K, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden.
If you only need a single license however, you are still able to order one from online retailers including Amazon and of course, the Microsoft Store.


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