Rumors according to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley are that Microsoft is already working on updates to Windows 8, code-named "Blue" due out sometime next year, possibly in the summer.

The wait is over for the official bits, at least if you are an MSDN or TechNet subscriber.  Windows 8 is available to MSDN subscribers via this link and TechNet here.  Servers were bogged down yesterday with people trying to download the bits and today should prove a better day on getting the software.  If you aren't an MSDN or Technet subscriber you can 90-day evaluation version here.  The code in these versions is the same that will be released to the general public on October 26th as an upgrade or with new Windows 8 PCs. 

Microsoft has made it known that attempts to bypass the Metro (or whatever new name they choose to give it) interface, will not work in Windows 8 RTM.  But there is a way to get around this behavior and have Windows 8 boot straight to the desktop.

As we know Microsoft has released Windows 8 to manufacturing the other day, but in the meantime one blogger has gotten his hands on the bits before the August 15th MSDN/Technet date and has documented a tutorial that will be included in Windows 8.

Microsoft has officially confirmed that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing (RTM) with the final build of 9200.  The company outlined when the OS will be available to various channels, the biggest being MSDN on August 15th.

• August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
• August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
• August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
• August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
• August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
• September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

This now gives developers a final locked RTM to test and evaluate software before the general availability date of October 26th.  This also means the Windows Store is open to accept paid applications.

On August 15th, developers can visit the Windows Dev Center to get the tools and resources needed as well as the final build of Visual Studio 2012.

Windows 8 Pro will be available from an upgrade price of $39.99 or with the purchase of a new PC.  If you were to buy an eligible Windows 7 PC today, you have the option of upgrading to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 after release.

Source:  Microsoft

Microsoft has today announced the beta of a new free e-mail service called Outlook.com.  The design of the interface takes design features from the Windows 8 Mail app and Outlook 2013.  This new interface is to be a fresh and clean functioning design that will also be touch-friendly and adhere to privacy concerns as well as be accessible from any device.

Tech-Stew Podcast #19: Bursting with Fruit Flavor Recorded on July 23rd, 2012

Summary: 

Windows 8 gets a general release date, Office 2013 Preview is ready for download, Yahoo gets hacked, AT&T announces Mobile Share, the Ouya Android console, Bionic eyes and more.

Microsoft Office 2013 (Office 15) was unveiled officially on Monday by CEO Steve Ballmer at a conference in San Francisco.  It was revealed it is only compatible with PCs, tablets or laptops which are running either Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Systems which run Vista, XP or older versions of Windows will not be able to run the software.  This implies that nearly half of all computers running Windows will need an upgrade to get Office 2013.  This is a move by Microsoft to probably entice users to get Windows 8.  Though most organizations are probably still working on getting to Windows 7 and Office 2010.