Kurt Shintaku's Blog

A lot of training on the upcoming R2 releases has been released… and it’s free so check it out!

• Free expert-led training: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2
  Join this live multi-day MVA Jumpstart online event with Microsoft Senior Technical Evangelist Rick Claus and Cory Hynes from HOL Systems to learn about the new capabilities and features coming in Windows Server 2012 R2. Sign up today.

• Free expert-led training: Introducing System Center 2012 R2
  Join this live MVA Jumpstart online event with Microsoft Senior Technical Evangelist Symon Perriman to learn how the next version of System Center will deliver an end-to-end cloud stack through advanced integration with Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Azure. You will discover the new capabilities in infrastructure provisioning and monitoring, automation and self-service, IT service management, and application monitoring. Sign up today.

"Fable 3" by Microsoft Studios appears to be a free 5.6GB download on Xbox Live right now per WPCentral’s post.  It lists as $19.99… but the key is selecting “Microsoft Points” and suddenly, it’s free.

These are the steps I followed:

1. Go to the URL below.
   http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Fable-III/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024d5308d6?noSplash=1
2. Click "Download to Xbox 360" button on "Fable 3". (Note: Don’t select "Fable 3 Demo" – be sure to select “Fable 3”).  It will be listed at $19.99.
3. Click "Use Microsoft Points" link on the "Confirm Purchase" dialog box. The price should now list as "FREE".
4. Click "Confirm".

No points were taken from my account.

(Source: WPCentral)

Major was good enough to summarize where one can view the E3 media briefing at Galen Center from the Xbox team.

• MAJOR NELSON: “How to watch the Xbox E3 2013 Media Briefing”
  http://majornelson.com/2013/05/31/how-to-watch-the-xbox-e3-2013-media-briefing/

Windows Phone Playback
It seems that folks are forgetting that there is also the video player on the Windows Phone that you can take advantage of:  If you have a Windows Phone 8 device, download this special app to watch the Xbox E3 2013 Media briefing tomorrow.  It works in both portrait & landscape!

• DOWNLOAD: Live Video Player (FREE)
  http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/live-video-player/0ae9f9fa-29b2-4318-845f-4e24ce52ca94

Wow.  It’s been a banner week for Microsoft in the financial press this week.  All this an Xbox One’s second announcement phase begins on Monday with the E3 press conference… and more later in the week!  (Stay tuned)

FORBES: Microsoft a Top 25 Dividend Giant With 2.64% Yield
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dividendchannel/2013/06/07/microsoft-a-top-25-dividend-giant-with-2-64-yield/

MOTLEY FOOL: Microsoft: The Tech Play of 2013?
http://beta.fool.com/nmaithya/2013/06/06/microsoft-the-tech-play-of/35752/?source=eogyholnk0000001

MIDEAST TIMES: Microsoft Corporation given new $39 price target at Oppenheimer
http://www.mideasttime.com/microsoft-corp-given-new-39-00-price-target-at-oppenheimer-msft/24596/

SEEKING ALPHA: Where Will Microsoft Shares go?
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1479731-where-will-microsoft-shares-go

INSIDER MONKEY: You May Not Want to Hear It, but the Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)-Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK) Deal IS Working
http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/you-may-not-want-to-hear-it-but-the-microsoft-corporation-msft-nokia-corporation-adr-nok-deal-is-working-161364/

MOTLEY FOOL: Tablet Roundup: One Stock to Buy, One to Avoid, and One to Watch
http://beta.fool.com/pon555587/2013/06/07/tablet-roundup-what-to-buy-and-what-to-sell/36367/

MOTLEY FOOL: Windows 8 Is Doing Just Fine
http://beta.fool.com/reubengbrewer/2013/06/07/windows-8-is-doing-just-fine/36487/

We finally supported Video Messaging on our own operating system with the release of Skype for Windows Desktop 6.5.  Yay.

Per the Skype announcement:

• Video Messaging
  We continue to improve video messaging while it’s in preview and encourage you to try it. Video messaging enables you to share life moments with contacts whether they’re off or online. With this release we improved the stability of video messaging and made video messaging easier to find with improved notifications.
• Simplified Way to Add Contacts
  We’ve made it more intuitive how to send and accept contact requests. Accepting a contact request will now appear right in your instant message view.

For more information or to download the update:

• INFO:  Skype for windows Desktop 6.5 with Easier Ways to Share and Add Contacts
  http://blogs.skype.com/2013/06/05/skype-for-windows-desktop-6-5-with-easier-ways-to-share-and-add-contacts/
• DOWNLOAD: Skype for Windows 6.5
  http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-windows/downloading/?intcmp=blogs-_-generic-click-_-skype-for-windows-desktop-6-5-with-easier-ways-to-share-and-add-contacts

Motley Fool brought a spotlight on some interesting statistics in the mobile market.

Source: Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

The question is, “Why?”  And where are the losses & gains coming from.  Take a look at the full article for a breakdown of this massive single year swing in marketshare.

• Motley Fool: “Microsoft is Crushing Blackberry”
  http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/06/07/microsoft-is-crushing-blackberry.aspx

For you “tl;dr” types, here’s a hint:

• You May Not Want to Hear It, but the Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)-Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK) Deal IS Working
  http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/you-may-not-want-to-hear-it-but-the-microsoft-corporation-msft-nokia-corporation-adr-nok-deal-is-working-161364/
• Canalys predicts Windows Phone and iPhone to be neck and neck in 2017
  http://wmpoweruser.com/canalys-predicts-windows-phone-and-iphone-to-be-neck-and-neck-in-2017/

Available only for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, "Halo: Spartan Assault" is a new top-down action shooter that brings a "Halo" video game to touch-based devices for the first time in franchise history. Developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games, "Halo: Spartan Assault" provides an accessible, pick-up-and-play experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Set between the events of "Halo 3" and "Halo 4," "Halo: Spartan Assault" is a new chapter of the award-winning "Halo" universe that explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and dives deeper into the backstory of Human-Covenant wars. Play through the eyes of either Commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity as they fight never-before-seen battles against Covenant forces.

With rich storytelling, intuitive controls, and best-in-class action, audio and graphics, "Halo: Spartan Assault" brings the epic scale and action of the "Halo" universe to mobile devices through unrivaled action and intensity.

UPDATE 6/24/13:

Gartner went public on their recommendations around Windows.

• Windows 8.1 Could Become What Windows 8 Should Have Been
  http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2521615

—————–

UPDATE 6/8/13:
Looks like Erwin Visser wrote another post that I failed to mention about the business features of Windows 8.1 that breaks down the features into the following categories:

• Networking features optimized for mobile productivity
• Security enhancements for device proliferation and mobility
• Improved management solutions to make BYOD a reality
• More control over business devices

Check the full article out here:

• WINDOWS FOR YOUR BUSINESS BLOG:
  Modern Business in Mind: Windows 8.1 at TechEd 2013
  http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/business/archive/2013/06/03/modern-business-in-mind-windows-8-1-at-teched-2013.aspx

——————

ORIGINAL POST:
After the announcement of Windows 8.1 a.k.a. “Blue” for Windows, a couple notable articles released focused on the Enterprise.  This one breaks down the features into these categories:

• B.Y.O.D (Bring Your Own Device) Enhancements
• Mobility Enhancements
• Modern UI experience
• Security Enhancements

Read the entire post here:

• SPRINGBOARD BLOG:
  ”What’s New For The Enterprise In Windows 8.1”
  http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/
  archive/2013/06/03/what-s-new-for-the-enterprise-in-windows-8-1.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
• TECHNET:
  ”What’s New in Windows 8.1”
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/dn140266.aspx?ocid=wc-bl-sprblog

A very comprehensive review of Windows 8.1’s announcement was made by Ed Bott & Paul Thurrott:

• ZDNET: Windows 8.1 unveiled: will it change your mind about Windows 8?
  Ed Bott Report
  http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8-1-unveiled-will-it-change-your-mind-about-windows-8-7000016112/
• WINSUPERSITE: Microsoft Makes Its Case for Windows 8.1 in Business – Windows 8.1 may just put Windows 8 over the top in business
  Paul Thurrott
  http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/microsoft-makes-its-case-windows-81-business

Also notably, a big name in the Enterprise space released an advisory report on their thoughts around Windows 8.1.  Yup.  It’s Gartner Group.

• GARTNER ADVISORY G00253274:  
  “Windows 8.1 Could Become What Windows 8.0 Should Have Been”
  http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=253274 (Requires Gartner access)

(Since I can’t specifically call out what it is that Gartner says, I will tell you that it’s very much worth reading and if you company is a Gartner customer, you will want to take a look at this brand new advisory dated May 30th, 2013, written by Gartner VP & Research Director, Michael Silver.)

In case you hadn’t heard, Major is hosting a community event at the Microsoft Store in Century City featuring Xbox One.  Here’s the announcement:

If you are in the Southern California area, we’ve got a special Xbox Community meet up scheduled for Monday, June 10th at the Microsoft Store in Century City. Join me and members of the Xbox team as we show off Xbox One to the public for the first time. Plus we’ll also have hands-on time with the new Xbox One controller.

I may have one or two other surprises there as well

Here are the details:
Where: The Microsoft Store, Westfield Century City in Los Angeles (Directions)
When: Monday, June 10th from 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Why: Come meet members of the Xbox team and see the Xbox One with your own eyes, plus take the Xbox One controller for a spin and see (and feel) for yourself the improvements we’ve made to one of the best controllers in gaming.

The event is free and open to the public but we expect a crowd, so I recommend getting there there early.

Since this is my backyard, I’ll be there and I hope you will too.  Here’s a few details that I’ll add for your benefit:

Parking:  The costs for parking are $1/hr up to 3 hours.  After that it get’s pricey and shifts into $1/15min.
Food:  If you want to arrive early and are interested in dinner or food, there’s several places for food outside of the food court that are 50 yards away from the store. (The food court, by the way, is really excellent.  Remember: Beverly Hills-types are the target market for the food court here in Century City)
– Pink Taco (Massive tequila bar.  Nice.)
– The Counter (BYOBurger.  Yum.)
– BJ’s Brewery (Brews, brews, brews.  Mary Jo Foley would be proud.)
There’s also Toscanova or the Gulfstream, which are more fine dining.
Discount:  If you’re an employee of the Walt Disney Company & you plan on going, please contact me and I’ll extend my store discount to you if you plan on picking up a game, accessory, or computer.

By now you’ve probably heard that the veil was taken off of some of the features of the “Blue” release of Windows 8, a.k.a. Windows 8.1.

We wrote a blog post that goes over most of what’s been announced:

• BLOGGING WINDOWS: “Continuing the Windows 8 vision with Windows 8.1”
  http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/30/continuing-the-windows-8-vision-with-windows-8-1.aspx

Now for you tl;dr types, here’s a video that goes over much of the same materials, featuring long time Microsoft FTE, Jensen Harris:

• WINDOWS VIDEOS: “First Look at Windows 8.1”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQb5caeSo00