Happy Windows 8 Release Preview day, folks! Microsoft has officially pulled the trigger on its latest version, which appears to be the last step prior to the actual release coming this fall. If that's not enough to excite you on this fine Thursday, how does a cheap unlocked iPhone 3GS sound? Or maybe some juicy rumors about another release from the folks in Redmond which might come in November? Go ahead, dive in and read the latest for this Thursday, May 31, 2012 -- after all, it's the last day of the month!
Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview Now Available
The folks up in Redmond must have an itchy trigger finger, because they've announced that the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download by one and all, a day earlier than expected. "It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability," the website reads. "It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows for new devices. And it's easy to try now -- whether you're installing it for the first time, or moving from Windows 8 Consumer Preview." Given that the Windows 8 Consumer Preview runs like a champ using Mac software like Parallels Desktop 7, we're expecting few hiccups to get Microsoft's latest version doing the same. Users can download an installer to move from the Consumer Preview to the Release Preview, or simply click the tiny link to directly download either 32-bit or 64-bit ISO disc images.
Foxconn Activists, Workers Claim Plant Conditions Unchanged
The hubbub may have died down, but according to a new report from Reuters, little has changed with working conditions at the Foxconn factories where Apple products are assembled in China. According to a report released today from labor watchdog Student & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM), rights violations "remain the norm" after several visits to Foxconn factories and interviews with 170 workers there. "The frontline management continue to impose humiliating disciplinary measures on workers," the report reveals. "The above findings demonstrate that Apple and Foxconn have not turned over a new leaf." That's likely to come as a shock to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who earlier this week defended his company's manufacturing in China, while confessing he'd like to see more of it come back to the USA. Without confirming or denying the SACOM report, Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said in a statement, "Our suppliers must live up to these requirements if they want to keep doing business with Apple."
PSA: Unlocked 8GB GSM iPhone 3GS on $249.99 (Ends at Midnight EST!)
It may be three years old this summer, but Apple's iPhone 3GS continues to keep going like an Energizer bunny or the little train that could. If you're in the market for an unlocked GSM model of this 2009 model, the website DailySteals.com is featuring the device new in box for only $249.99. Not bad if you're looking for a 3G-equipped smartphone to take overseas. The deal ends at midnight EST, so best not to procrastinate, should you want one.
The Daily: Microsoft Office for iPad on November 10
If there's one group that really wants Microsoft Office on the iPad, it's got to be the folks over at The Daily. After reporting that the elusive software was spotted running on an iPad some weeks ago, the tabletized news outlet is back today claiming that Microsoft plans to officially launch the app on November 10. The report goes even further, claiming that development finished up last month and the app is now in the hands of Microsoft's "usability team" for making sure the iPad app complies with the company's new Metro user interface. Considering this is the end of May and we have the whole summer and into the fall, it sure sounds like Redmond could push this beast out earlier than early November, but time will tell.
AT&T Tweaks Global Data Packages, Still Kind of a Rip-Off
While we'd still recommend overseas travelers grab themselves an unlocked GSM smartphone prior to international travel, AT&T announced today that the carrier is making data roaming while abroad a little less expensive than it used to be. Beginning June 1 (that's tomorrow!), three packages will be available ranging from 120MB for $30 per month to 300MB for $60 per month and even 800MB for $120 per month. (And yes, that's megabytes not gigabytes, folks.) Overage rates will run you an extra $30 for every 120MB. It's a little cheaper than before, but we certainly wouldn't be tripping over ourselves to indulge in Ma Bell's add-on packages -- especially when we can just grab an unlocked iPhone 3GS (like the one selling on DailySteals.com today, perhaps?) for cheap.
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