Back from vacation again! (2013)

After 3 weeks enjoying my vacation, partly in Denmark which is a beautiful country, it's time to take up some activities again. What did I miss last month? Well, their is some interesting news from Microsoft to mention. Let's have a look.
 
Windows 8.1 availability set for October 18
I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1. I am excited to share that starting at 12:00am on October 18th in New Zealand (that’s 4:00am October 17th in Redmond), Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers with Windows 8 or Windows RT devices through the Windows Store. Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18th by market. So mark your calendars!
 
Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2 and other updates are also coming October 18
I'm excited to announce that, on the same day, eligible customers will be able to download Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2, as well as the latest update to Windows Intune! We’ll make evaluation versions available through the TechNet Evaluation Center, and these products will be available for new purchases when they hit the price list on November 1st.
 
Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release
We’re very excited to announce another free ebook offering from Microsoft Press. Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release (ISBN 9780735682931), by Mitch Tulloch with the Windows Server Team, introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based advice on how the platform can meet the needs of your business. Get the high-level overview you need to begin preparing your deployment now. This book is based on the Preview release and will be updated to cover Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM. 

Steve Ballmer email to Microsoft employees on Nokia Devices & Services acquisition
We announced some exciting news today: We have entered into an agreement to purchase Nokia’s Devices & Services business, which includes their smartphone and mobile phone businesses, their award-winning design team, manufacturing and assembly facilities around the world, and teams devoted to operations, sales, marketing and support. For Microsoft, this is a bold step into the future and the next big phase of the transformation we announced on July 11.

It will be exciting weeks/months to come!