NEC unveiled the first full-fledged convertible notebook running Windows 8 RT, driven by ARM machine-architecture. The LaVie Y with its 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 pixel screen works as a tablet in your hands, or as a laptop. Its "lid" (the main component housing the touchscreen and central processing) spins almost 360° along the hinge of the base (with the keyboard, trackpad, and ports), letting you orient the device in a number of ways.

Under the hood is an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor clocked at 1.30 GHz, with GeForce graphics; 2 GB of RAM, 64 GB SSD, and connectivity that includes USB 2.0, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, 5-in-1 card reader, HDMI display output supporting 1080p video playback, and a 1.3 MP web-cam. Its battery can keep the device going for 8 hours before needing a recharge. Measuring 298 x 204 x 15.6 mm (when completely folded), the LaVie Y weighs 1.24 kg. It will be launched after October 26.

Skype announced Skype for Windows 8 today, bringing together popular Skype features and the new design of Windows 8.

The release focuses on delivering an experience that is simpler, faster and easier to use. Skype for Windows 8 includes top Skype features like IM, audio and video calls. It also takes advantage of some of the new features and functionality of Windows 8 that put people front and center; including integration in to the People Hub, ability to pin favorite contacts as a tile for easy access and the Skype Live Tile that shows messages and notifications right on the Start Screen.

Skype for Windows 8 will be available on October 26. You can find it on your new Windows 8 device and or download it from the Windows Store.

WD, a subsidiary of Western Digital, and a world leader in external storage and solutions for today's connected life, today introduced My Passport Enterprise, one of the industry's first portable hard drives designed specifically for use with Microsoft Corp.'s Windows To Go, which enables corporate customers to provision a fully featured Windows 8 workspace on a bootable USB drive.

My Passport Enterprise includes 500 GB of storage space, while still maintaining a sleek and compact design for maximum portability. The capacity and portability allows users to easily carry all their data and settings so they can quickly boot and run their personalized Windows 8 system on any compatible PC in the office, at home or on the go. Additionally, setup is fast and easy with the WD Compass utility included with My Passport Enterprise.

Officially announced one month ago, the Windows 8-running ENVY m4 14-inch laptop from HP can now be found on pre-order, priced at $829.99. The m4 is 1.1 inches thick and features an LED-backlit (1366 x 768) display, a 2.2 GHz Core i7-3632QM processor, Intel HD graphics, 8 GB of RAM, a 1 TB hard drive, and a DVD writer.

HP's notebook also has a media card reader, an HD webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, two USB 3.0 ports, stereo speakers and a subwoofer, Beats Audio, an HDMI output, and a 6-cell battery. The ENVY m4 is listed here.

Today LG Electronics has revealed some of its first products running Windows 8, the H160 tablet boasting a slide-out keyboard and the V325 all-in-one PC. The H160 is 15.9 mm thick, it weights 1.05 kg and features a 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen, WiFi, USB and HDMI ports, a microSD card slot, and a battery allowing for up to 10 hours of operation.

The V325 has a 23-inch (1920 x 1080) screen supporting 10-finger multi-touch, a Core i5 processor, a GeForce GT 640M graphics card, a TV tuner, and it comes bundled with a remote control. In addition to the H160 and V325 LG will also be releasing (this week), another all-in-one desktop, the ET83, and two ultrabooks, the Z355 and Z460, all pre-loaded with Windows 8 of course.

Next week ASUS will be rekindling the netbook flame with the release of the F201E trio. The F201E models feature a 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, a 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron 847 processor, 2/4 GB of RAM, a 320/500 GB hard drive, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, a 3-in-1 card reader, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, and a 5,200 mAh battery enabling up to 5 hours of operation.

The cheapest of the F201E lot, priced at €299, runs Ubuntu and has 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB HDD. The same specs, paired up with Windows 8, cost €359. Last but not least, there's a €329 model with 2 GB of RAM and a 320 GB hard drive.

Like pretty much all its rivals Gigabyte Technology is embracing Windows 8 and is preparing to release various PCs running Microsoft's latest operating system. One such PC is called U2142 and is actually a convertible ultrabook featuring a rotating 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) touchscreen. This upcoming 2-in-1 machine packs an Intel Core i3/i5 ULV processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, up to a 1 TB hard drive backed by a 256 GB solid state drive, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 3G, USB 3.0 connectivity, and an HDMI output.

The U2142 will start at about $999 and should become available next month.

The last among Fujitsu's big Windows 8 product family is the Esprimo all-in-one/desktop series, including three lines: the class-leading Esprimo FH, Esprimo DH desktops, and entry-level Esprimo EH. The Esprimo FH series includes the 23-inch FH98, and 21.5-inch FH56. Both models have similar hardware options, including Core i7-3630QM quad-core processors, 8 GB memory, 3 TB HDD, BDXL drives, IPS LED touchscreens with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolutions, and TV tuners.

The DH series are loaded with conventional desktop hardware, including Core i7-3770 quad-core processor, 8 GB memory, 4 TB HDD, BDXL drives, and a variety of screen size and connectivity options. The Esprimo EH series includes entry-level 20-inch all-in-ones driven by AMD E-1200 APUs, with 4 GB memory, 1 TB HDDs, 1600 x 900 pixels screens, 802.11 b/g/n, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, and multi-format card readers. The three lines are expected to be launched on October 26.

Fujitsu unveiled a fleet of notebooks beginning with its 13.3-inch Lifebook SH series, driven by Core i5-3210M or Core i3-3110M processors, 8 GB memory, 128 GB SSD or 500 GB HDD, and sized at 316 x 226 x 13.5 ~ 19.9 mm. Moving on, the Lifebook UH series includes 13.3-inch Ultrabooks, driven by Core i5-3427U processors, SSD or HDD storage options, and anodized aluminum unibodies.

Next up is the wide range of Lifebook AH series, which includes mainstream notebooks ranging from 15.6-inch and above (desktop replacements). These models have the luxury of room for quad-core Core i7-3632QM processors, 8 GB memory, 1 TB HDDs, BDXL writers, 1920 x 1080 pixels screens, and a plethora of connectivity options including USB 3.0, 802.11 b/g/n, gigabit Ethernet, TV tuners, etc. A typical model measures 374.4 x 249.7 x 12.6 ~ 20.8 mm. The Lifebook AH is slated for November 2.

Fujitsu unveiled the Stylistic QH77, a 11.6-inch convertible, which works as a large-sized tablet PC, and as a notebook, when docked. Its 11.6-inch screen packs 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. Under the hood is an Intel Core i5-3427U (dual-core, 1.80 GHz) processor, 4 GB of memory, and 64 GB SSD. Windows 8 64-bit and Office Home and Business 2010 come pre-installed.

Connectivity on the Stylistic QH77 includes USB 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, HDMI, D-Sub, and multi-format card-reader. The keyboard base adds physical connectors for additional USB 2.0 ports, the RJ45 jack for Ethernet, and D-Sub. As a tablet, the QH77 packs 4.8 hours battery life. The keyboard base, with its additional battery packs give it 10.7 hours to go on. With the base attached, it measures 302 x 203 x 26.1 mm weighing 1.7 kg. Detached from its base, it measures 302 x 195 x 12.7 mm, weighing 850 g. It is slated for October 26.

Fujitsu unveiled its FMV series Windows 8 PC family, which includes tablets, convertibles, notebooks, and all-in-one PCs, all of which are touch-enabled to take advantage of the new operating system. To begin with, Fujitsu unveiled the 10.1-inch QH55 tablet. Based on the x86 platform, the QH55 is driven by Intel Atom Z2760 (dual-core, 1.50 GHz) processor, 2 GB memory, 64 GB SSD, Windows 8 32-bit, with Office Home and Business 2010 pre-installed. Its 10.1-inch screen packs 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. Measuring 264.4 x 169.4 x 9.9 mm (width × depth × height), it weighs 574 g. Connectivity features include 8 MP back and 2 MP front-facing cameras, micro USB, micro SDXC, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, accelerometer, gyrometer, and stereo audio. It is slated for October 26.

Acer America today has delivered savvy new consumer desktops for customers in the U.S. The new Acer Aspire ME and XC Series feature Windows 8, a savvy new ergonomic design and all the essentials for personal productivity and digital entertainment. Available in two sizes, the Acer Aspire ME Series micro towers are made for those desiring a power-packed workhorse with ample room for upgrades, while the Aspire XC Series small form factor (SFF) desktops are built for those looking to save space.

Acer's latest desktops sport an aesthetically-pleasing black chassis that provides handy cable management. All buttons are located on the front or top of the system for easy access and making the system both left and right hand neutral. "We've retooled our latest Aspire desktops to deliver ample power and practical features in a stylish, understated chassis that will appeal to a wide range of users," said Irene Chan, senior business manager of consumer desktops for Acer America. "Combined with Windows 8, the new Acer desktops are ideal for use as a central entertainment hub for an entire household as well as a student requiring a robust system for homework and social media."

At the end of September 2012, Twonky released a new upgraded version of their Server module. TwonkyMedia V7 is now available for all who wishes to display their multimedia content on their mobile device or through their DMA device. Paired with the latest Twonky 7 modules, the users will now have access to a whole new multimedia experience.

A home NAS is often used to serve multi-media content, including photos, music, and video to other devices or over the internet. Using standard protocols such as DLNA, users can access their media stored on the home server from any room in the house. Twonky is a family of software and applications for your PC, Mac or mobile phone that finds all the digital media in your household and shares them with PCs, TVs, stereos and other devices connected to your network. With Twonky Server, you can make all of your stored digital files on your NAS free of use with your DLNA compliant home devices.

Microsoft Group Program Manager Rob Mauceri has today revealed that Internet Explorer 10 will be bringing its bells and whistles over to Windows 7 in mid-November. The catch is that the release planned for next month is (still) a preview as the Redmond company wants to "collect developer and customer feedback" before rolling out a final version.

Internet Explorer 10 integrates Adobe Flash Player and comes with improved JavaScript performance, better HTML5 support, the Enhanced Protected Mode, plus other tweaks and fixes. IE10 can be experienced in full on Windows 8 which arrives on October 26.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that its consumer line-up of Satellite laptops and Ultrabooks, Qosmio laptops as well as its All-in-One desktops featuring Windows 8 are available for pre-order starting today and will be widely available for purchase from select U.S. retailers and ToshibaDirect.com on October 26.

Toshiba's new laptops feature spacious touchpads with Windows 8 gesture support to allow users to perform gestures on the touchpad as they would on a touchscreen device. In addition, to help transition consumers to the innovative interface in Windows 8, Toshiba's new PCs come pre-installed with Toshiba Desktop Assist, a utility designed to give users easy access to their programs, control panel, as well as files and folders, similar to the Start Menu in previous versions of Windows.

Registration has launched for Microsoft Corp.'s WOWZAPP 2012, Worldwide Hackathon for Windows, which will take place Nov. 9-11 in more than 30 locations worldwide. Students and other types of developers across countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Chile and Greece will work in teams to develop apps that will be published and available for download in the Windows Store.

At the events, students will be provided with the resources they need to build their apps, such as Visual Studio 2012 Express for Windows 8 and a free Windows Store registration code, both available through DreamSpark. In addition, students will be able to test their apps, and developer experts and trainers will be available to answer questions and help participants submit their apps to the Windows Store.

Imation Corp., a global scalable storage and data security company, today announced that its IronKey Workspace has been certified as a go-to-market USB 3.0-based mobile workspaces for deployment of Windows To Go. Windows To Go is a feature of Windows 8 that lets enterprise users boot a full version of Windows 8 from an external USB drive on multiple host PCs.

The IronKey Workspace will be available later in Q4 2012. The IronKey Workspaces will offer a simple, affordable option for organizations seeking to quickly implement Windows To Go in their organizations, featuring high-speed USB 3.0 technology and using Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption to protect data. For more information on Imation's certified IronKey Workspaces for Windows To Go, visit this page.

Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, today announced details about its upcoming Windows 8 mobile PC and All-In-One product lines. Building on its leadership position in the PC and tablet market, Samsung is bringing premium computing power, elegant design and an intuitive user experience to its PCs along with seamless convergence across devices, thanks to Samsung AllShare Play. In addition, Samsung offers a range of unique applications across devices including Samsung Quick Starter, and exclusive S Pen apps such as S Note and S Memo.

"Samsung has seen extraordinary growth in the mobile PC category over the past few years, and we're now taking our success to the next level by connecting the PC to other devices in the home or office through our convergence technology, Samsung AllShare Play," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of consumer IT product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "The launch of Windows 8 provides an inflection point in the evolution of the PC. Samsung has always focused on pushing the boundaries of design to create truly remarkable products that consumers and businesses want. We're confident that we will continue to lead the future with our thoughtful, powerful approach to the computing experience."

Microsoft put price tags on some of its most important upcoming products, Surface with Windows 8 RT. The prices were revealed by Microsoft Store US, and covers three models based on storage capacity and Touch Cover (cover with keyboard and trackpad). The lineup starts at US $499 with Surface 32 GB without Touch Cover. For $599, you get the same model, with the Touch Cover. Leading the pack is Surface 64 GB with Touch Cover, priced at $699. The store is accepting pre-orders for all available color options of Surface and Touch Cover. Orders will delivered as early as by October 26.

Samsung is working on a fleet of devices that take advantage of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system. These include touch-capable Ultrabooks, tablet hybrids, and all-in-one desktops. Samsung's Windows 8 Ultrabook lineup begins with Series 5 Ultra Touch. Starting at $809.99, these 13-inch Ultrabooks are powered by Core i3 "Ivy Bridge" dual-core processors (upgradable to Core i5 for $50 extra), 4 GB of RAM, 1366 x 768 pixels touchscreen display, and 500 GB HDD accelerated with 24 GB cache-SSD. It tips the scales at 1.73 kg. Samsung's second Ultrabook in the new lineup is the premium Series 9 Ultra Touch, starting at $1,300 for 13-inch and $1,400 for 15-inch.

Moving on, Samsung has two lines of Windows 8-loaded notebooks, starting with Series 3, which is available in a variety of hardware and screen size options, priced in the range of $450 to $900; and Series 7 15-inch notebook, which starts at $1,100. Samsung's new all-in-one lineup begins with Ativ SmartPC 500T and 700T, powered by Intel Atom Z2760 and Core i5, respectively, with memory ranging between 2 GB to 4 GB, featuring 64 GB to 128 GB SSD storage. The 500T starts at $649.99, while the 700T starts at 1,199.99. Samsung's mid-range all-in-one offering is the Series 5, which starts at $800, featuring a 21.5-inch HD screen. Its premium all-in-one PC offering is the Series 7, which starts at $1,100 for 23.6-inch and $1,700 for 27-inch variants. These devices will be launched closer to that of Windows 8, slated for October 26.

Today we're starting to roll out the official release of the update to Xbox LIVE subscribers around the world. To ensure a stable release, this will be a gradual deployment across subscribers and regions over the course of the next week. Our initial deployment will reach approximately three million consoles worldwide, with additional users being updated over the course of a couple weeks. Don't panic if you don't see an immediate update, just keep checking back in.

AVADirect, a leading custom PC builder known for providing uniquely customizable configuration, has begun to accept pre-orders for the highly anticipated Microsoft Windows 8 operating system, listed in appropriate configurations.

Since 2009, Microsoft has been working hard on providing the next era of Microsoft operating systems, Windows 8. The newest operation system from Microsoft, scheduled to release October 26th, promises to increase performance, functionality, and productivity in many forms of added features and support. As part of AVADirect's mission to provide the latest and greatest hardware, AVADirect also aims to provide the latest and greatest of Microsoft operating systems while available. Currently, AVADirect prominently offers Windows 7 versions, and Linux pre-load options with limited support. End-users can take advantage of the pre-order immediately and be one of the first to receive a pre-installed Windows 8 desktop, workstation, or notebook.

In addition to the VivoBook X202 and TAICHI 21 seen last week, ASUS is gearing up to release another 11.6-inch notebook running Microsoft's Windows 8. Seen below is the Q200E, a 0.9-inch-thick machine with an aluminum casing that features an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 1.4 GHz Core i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, integrated graphics, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a webcam, one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI output.

The Q200E is backed by a one-year warranty and costs $549.99.Source: Liliputing

An analyst with Topeka Capital, who was touring Asia, meeting sources among supply chains, brings bad news to Microsoft investors. Analyst Brian White notes that the sentiment (among vendors and parts of the supply chain) about Windows 8 remains "overwhelmingly negative." Expectations from Microsoft's new client operating system plummet, as vendors don't see much activity following the October 26 launch.

"Although October is expected to be the sweet spot for the notebook ramp for Windows 8, and further follow through is likely in November, we were warned of idle facilities in December," notes White. "One of our contacts does not expect Windows 8 to be material until the second-half of 2013," he added. In related news, the industry is also reeling from a disappointing reception from Intel's 2011-12 pet project in the client computing space, Ultrabook. "...the enthusiasm around the Ultrabook ramp has also deteriorated as the cost structure remains too high under Intel's specifications," White notes.

PC giant Dell will continue to offer Windows 7 pre-installed on its Precision, Optiplex, and Latitude brands of notebooks and business desktops, post-Windows 8 launch, the company said. Dell's gaming PC subsidiary Alienware, too, will offer Windows 7 as an option. Microsoft has been generally laxed about OEMs offering older versions of Windows pre-installed, after the launch of a newer one. PC makers were allowed to pre-install PCs with Windows Vista for two years after the launch of Windows 7, however, Windows XP was allowed to be loaded for nearly a decade after its launch.

"We're still moving our business customers from [Windows] XP to Windows 7," said Alison Gardner, director at Dell. "The OS migration for a large company is no small feat. We make it easier but it takes some planning and work," he continued. "For Alienware customers, they know what they want and we give them that choice," Gardner continued. Analysts expect Windows 7 to maintain its popularity post Windows 8 launch, at least with computing devices that lack touch interface.