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Windows 10 testers can keep it for free, with a small catch
Microsoft made headlines last week when it seemingly announced that it would give away a free copy of the new OS to anyone who signed up to test it. Today however, the company has "clarified" that statement to explain that the offer isn't quite as cut and dry. Windows 7 and 8.1 users are still eligible for a free upgrade on July 29th. However, folks that have installed Windows 10 preview will need to stay signed up for future pre-release updates in order to keep their build's activation status current. But don't think you can be slick and just use your current Preview install while opting out of future updates. If you don't, the build license will eventually expire. So if you want to get a legit version of Windows 10 without paying for it (or one of the previous eligible versions), it looks like your best and only choice is to keep being Microsoft's guinea pig.
Court upholds EU antitrust decision against Microsoft, reduces fine slightly to $1.07 billion
Europe's second-highest court has finally denied Microsoft's 2008 appeal of its 899 million euro ($1.35 billion) EU antitrust fine, while reducing the award to 860 million euros ($1.07 billion). If you can't remember that far back, Redmond was hit with the penalty for delaying information about its operating system to rival companies, impeding their progress in competing with the software giant. It's not known if a further appeal is possible, but we suspect that the company won't give up if it's got any options -- it's not exactly pocket change we're talking about.
New Windows 8 leak hints at SMS support, feature licensing, geo-location
Considering its adoption of the Windows Phone metro style, its not surprising to hear that Windows 8's latest leaked build sports a metro-inspired virtual keyboard and traces of code that could bring SMS 3G enabled Windows 8 devices. An App store and feature licensing, however? That's interesting. Buried in the Windows 8 code, Microsoft enthusiasts have found strings that may hint at a Windows App store, and the ability to activate or deactivate certain OS features through that store. Will this be the end of "Home," "Pro," and "Ultimate" editions of Microsoft's flagship product? We wouldn't hold our breath. Still, Windows à la Carte doesn't sound half bad. Hit up the source link to see the code (and speculation) for yourself.
Windows tablet OS preview coming next week?
We've heard an awful lot about a Windows tablet OS this past year, with stirrings of a 2012 launch -- heck, even Steve Ballmer's fanned the flames of speculation -- and now the rumor mill's been set in motion with word of an impending preview expected next week. According to Bloomberg, three sources have confirmed Microsoft's plan to flaunt the much-anticipated UI, possibly at upcoming appearances at AllThingsD and Computex. The showcase is supposedly set to run the touchscreen-enabled software on a Tegra-equipped machine. We'd previously reported on stirrings of a June demo. Considering all the evidence that's stacked up over the past few months, we'd say 2012 is looking like a rather practical target.
