Windows 8 Milestone 2 Build Enters Final Stages, First Beta Scheduled for Summer this Year

Microsoft’s next major release of its Windows operating system is one step nearer to its first beta release, according to site WinRumors.

WinRumors claims that Microsoft’s Windows 8 second Milestone build has been finalized, with Milestone 3 the next to be worked on. After that stage it’s only a matter of time before we see a beta of Windows 8 in testing, with WinRumors speculating that could come as early as this Summer.

Microsoft compiled 6.2.7947.0.winmain_win8m2_escrow.110218-1608 on Friday after pushing out a number of Windows 8 builds recently. Things are moving along nicely behind closed doors, and versions of the OS will soon be allowed out to Microsoft’s trusted partners for testing. Some of the recent Windows 8 builds which were compiled in the last couple of weeks were:

6.2.7925.0.winmain_win8m2.110207-1736
6.2.7926.0.winmain_win8m2.110209-1755
6.2.7927.0.winmain_win8m2.110210-1740
6.2.7928.0.winmain_win8m2.110214-1825
6.2.7929.0.winmain_win8m2.110215-1802
6.2.7930.0.winmain_win8m2.110217-1825

With Microsoft working on an ARM-compatible version of Windows, it is possible that this could be the version first to testing, with the full desktop experience coming later. With recent leaks pointing toward a version of Windows 8 being ready for future tablets in early 2012, it’s clear that there is no time to waste for the Redmond outfit, especially if they hope to take on Apple and Google in the rapidly expanding tablet market.

Little is really known about Windows 8, though a more cloud-centric OS is expected especially considering the focus on tablets and other machines with no conventional disk drive. Microsoft is keeping its cards close to its chest thus far, though it’s clear the company sees Windows 8 as a pivotal software release, heaping more pressure on an already creaking development team. Still stung from the Vista debacle, MS will be hoping Windows 8 can build on the good faith the 7th installment of the OS managed to return.

Windows 7 SP1 Now Publicly Available for Download

As promised, Microsoft today has released Windows 7 SP1 (Service Pack 1) and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (Service Pack 1) to public as a free download.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 helps keep your PCs and servers on the latest support level. It also provides ongoing improvements to the Windows Operating System (OS), by including previous updates delivered over Windows Update as well as continuing incremental updates to the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 platforms based on customer and partner feedback. This enables organizations to deploy a single set of updates.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will help you:

• Keep your PCs supported and up-to-date
• Get ongoing updates to the Windows 7 platform
• Easily deploy cumulative updates at a single time
• Meet your users’ demands for greater business mobility
• Provide a comprehensive set of virtualization innovations
• Provide an easier Service Pack deployment model for better IT efficiency

The build number of final RTM version is 7601.17514.101119-1850, which means that it was compiled on 19th November 2010.

Like most of the Service Packs for Microsoft Windows, this one follows in the same direction,containing all the security and recommended updates that you would usually receive through Windows Update. Windows 7 SP1 also includes RemoteFX which will provide rich 3D experience for remote computing.

Installation notes:

Do not click download if you are updating just one computer: A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update. The best way to ensure you get Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature. You can use our step-by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you. If Windows Update is not offering you the option to install the service pack, see KB 2498452. If you are encountering a problem when installing the service pack from Windows update, see Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
Steps to take before installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center
If you choose to install Windows 7 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center Web site, there are steps that you can take to make sure that you have a good experience when you install the service pack. This article, KB 2505743, provides some suggestions to improve your experience when you install Windows 7 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center Web site.
In order to download and install Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 you must currently have a Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 already installed.
If you have previously installed a pre-release version of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 on your machine, you must uninstall that version before installing SP1.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 is available for installation in the same languages made available at original launch of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Download Windows 7 SP1
Download Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

How to Save Facebook Photos to Your iPhone Camera Roll Using the Official Facebook for iPhone App [Jailbreak Tweak

One of the features missing from the official Facebook for iPhone app is the ability to save to your Facebook photos to iPhone’s camera roll. But fortunately, there is now a new iPhone tweak available on Cydia which enables you to save any photo from the Facebook app right into camera roll.



Available by the name of FBPhotoSave, this tweak allows you to save photos by using simple gestures. All you have to do is to tap and hold the picture which you want to save until it prompts you to save it to the camera roll, as also illustrated by the screenshots below.
You will, of course, need to have a jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch to install it.

FBPhotoSave can be downloaded from Cydia under ModMyi repository for $0.99 .

First Windows Phone 7 Update is Rolling Out Now !

The official Windows Phone Blog has confirmed that the first Windows Phone 7 update is going to be rolled out starting from today. But unfortunately, don’t expect this update to add new functionality such as copy and paste to your WP7 device. In fact this is just a small update for Windows Phones to prepare them for the first proper update which is due for release in March.



This isn’t the update you’ve probably been reading about or perhaps waiting for, the one with copy and paste (but that’s coming soon).
… this update is a relatively small one.
What’s in this update?
This first update for Windows Phone is designed to improve the software update process itself. So while it might not sound exciting, it’s still important because it’s paving the way for all future goodie-filled updates to your phone, such as copy and paste or improved Marketplace search.
When will I get this update?
We’ll begin sending it out today. But to help ensure the process goes smoothly, it won’t be sent to everyone at once. So you might see an update message before your spouse, co-worker, or neighbor (or vice versa). This is a common industry practice. That said, we understand you’re eager to have the latest software on your phone, and our goal is to deliver it to you as quickly as possible.

In order to update your Windows Phone, you will need to connect it to your PC or Mac via USB cable, start Zune for Windows or the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac, depending on the kind of computer you have, and then simply follow the onscreen instructions to update your phone.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb Ported to Nexus One

he SDK version of Android 3.0 Honeycomb has been ported successfully to Google Nexus One. Dubbed as Honeycomb N1 alpha v0.1, this tablet-optimized version of Android will bring all the goodness from the latest and greatest version of Android to Nexus One. Both, the soon to be released Motorola Xoom tablet, and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1will be based on this version (3.0 Honeycomb) of Android.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can give Android 3.0 Honeycomb a go on your Nexus One. Beware though as not everything is said to be working.