Microsoft has unveiled the next move for Halo, and it’s anime short films. Microsoft will be collaborating with some of the most acclaimed anime writers in the world to work on Halo Legends to bring the Halo world to the anime form.
Permalink: “Halo Legends” – New anime short films coming soon!
Windows 7 has RTM’d if you didn’t know.
The final few minutes before RTM are a sign-off process where each and every team that contributed to Windows formally commits to having successfully executed the work necessary for the product to be in the release process. We gather one last time (for Windows 7) in the “Ship Room” and a representative from each team signs (literally) and signifies their team’s readiness for manufacturing. We thought we’d share this moment with you here today.
From the Engineering Windows 7 blog, check out the RTM signing off video below.
Permalink: Steven Sinofsky signs off RTM on video
Microsoft has announced today that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have RTM’d. The final build is still 7600 but the build string is 6.1.7600.16385.090713-1255, an increment on the previous build that was thought to be RTM. All the validation checks were completed in the second recompile of the RTM build therefore the single increment in build number.
Permalink: Windows 7 RTM is complete; shipping to manufacturers
Do you Bing? If you do, this Windows 7 theme is just for you! With a brand new wallpaper, a matching color scheme and custom startup and shutdown sounds, this theme is just waiting to be installed to your Windows 7 desktop. It’s not an official theme. The credit for the wallpaper and sound editing goes to me, but the sounds have been created by Microsoft themselves and Bing as well 
So, what are you waiting for?! Download it now!
Permalink: Download the Bing Windows 7 Theme
Expression Studio 3 has been released as a free 60 day trial version. This is the first of a series of screenshot galleries of Expression Studio 3. This first batch of screenshots focuses on the setup and installation experience:
Microsoft Expression Studio 3, the creativity suite that helps designers and and developers in designing rich internet and desktop applications and experiences, has been released as a 60 days free trial version on Microsoft Downloads website along with individual downloads of Expression Web 3, Expression Design 3 and Expression Encoder 3. Expression Blend 3 was already released as a trial some time ago (check out a detailed list of new features in Blend 3 and Web) Here’s a quick look at what’s new in each of these new releases:
Permalink: Expression Studio 3 available for download as a free trial
Microsoft has announced Windows 7 availability dates for MSDN and TechNet subscribers as well as Partners, ISV, IHV and OEMs.
Permalink: Windows 7 RTM availability dates announced for MSDN and TechNet subscribers as well as Partners
Office 2010 is the latest version of the Office productivity suite by Microsoft. It has become more richer, streamlined and feature packed than previous versions. New features such as Backstage provide quicker access to various features. Office 2010 is currently in Technical Preview. Here’s a FAQ to answer the most common queries that readers have about it. If there are any more questions you would like answered, leave them in the comments.
Permalink: Office 2010 FAQ – All you need to know about Office 2010
A lot of people have been asking me when Windows 7 will release and what RTM means. They also seem unsure of which version to get. So, I decided to make a FAQ for Windows 7 RTM. If you have any questions that aren’t a part of this FAQ, mention them in the comments and I’ll answer them and add them to the list.
Permalink: Windows 7 RTM FAQ – All you need to know about Windows 7
Microsoft will releasing a new system update for Xbox 360 this summer. Registrations are underway for participation in the Xbox Live Update Preview Program on Microsoft Connect. You’ll be required to fill a survey form to be considered for the program and selection will be done based on region and connection types. The preview program isn’t available in areas where Xbox live isn’t officially supported. Also keep in mind that if you update your console to the preview program, you won’t be able to remove it.
According to Fudzilla, the new update is expected to include the goodies announced at E3, such as Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm integration as well as Zune Video support. Netflix will also be getting an overhaul with updates such as Movie Parties, Queue Management, Enhanced Playback technology to address bandwidth issues, and more advanced friends info. Avatar Market place will also be available with the option of premium and branded items. Awarded items will also be available depending on game titles. Games on Demand was demoed at E3 as well, which will be digital distribution of Xbox 360 games along with their manuals. A lot of changes and bug fixes in the Xbox Dashboard will also be made:
Permalink: Xbox Live Update Preview Program starts; Lots of new features in the Xbox 360 Update this Summer
