Windows RT, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 8.1 Enrollment

For Windows RT, users start enrollment from the Windows RT device. The users must complete the following tasks:

1. On the Windows RT device, users select Start, and type “System Configuration”, and click the dialog box to open the Company Apps.
2. The users enter their company credentials and are authenticated. This establishes a relationship between the user, the Windows RT device, and the Windows Intune service.
3. Windows Intune collects inventory and applies management settings. Users now have access to line-of-business apps and direct links to the app store through the company portal.

Company Portal on Windows RT 8.1

For Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, the user enrolls through the device.

1. On the Windows 8.1 device, the user selects Settings, clicks PC Settings, then clicks Network, and finally, clicks Workplace.
2. The user enters their user ID in the (ID) field.
3. The user clicks Turn on and provides their password.
4. The user agrees to the Allow apps and services from IT admin dialog box, and clicks Turn on.

Surface 2 RT 8.1 in ConfigMgr 2012 R2

 

After that the Company Portal can be started and device will be visible within a few minutes in the ConfigMgr console! It will take a few hours however before the client activity will be turned to active.

Source: How to Manage Mobile Devices by Using Configuration Manager and Windows Intune

Microsoft's Windows Blue is released later this year

Microsoft has confirmed that the successor to Windows 8 will roll out later this year. Windows 8.1 would be released in late June already as a preview during the Build conference in San Francisco!

The new version of Windows is codenamed Windows Blue, and is expected to essentially be an update (no Windows 9). Microsoft says it will let the company respond to the customer feedback since the launch of Windows 8 and RT. Among the feedback Microsoft have listened to is to (probably) bring back the Start button.

Microsoft announced that it has now sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licenses, and over 250 million Windows Store downloads. That means that after 6 months Windows 8 is now selling equal with Windows 7, which also hit the 100 million licenses mile marker in a 6 month period. And it did it on a lot of devices.

Microsoft says some 2,400 devices are now certified for Windows 8 and RT. Generally speaking this is pretty good news for Microsoft. The retail launch for Windows 8.1 is planned for August this year. The upgrade will be free for Windows 8 users. More news soon!

Source: multiple websites

Microsoft Surface: Windows RT vs Windows 8 Pro comparison

This week there's a lot of information about Microsoft Surface and Windows RT. But what's Surface and Windows RT actually?

Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface is an upcoming series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft itself. Microsoft Surface will be available in two versions, Surface and Surface Pro. The Surface model will run Windows RT and use an ARM CPU. The Surface Pro model will run the Windows 8 Pro and use an Intel CPU. More details in the comparison.

Windows RT
Windows RT will be a version of Windows 8 for ARM devices such as tablets. The RT acronym does not officially stand for anything, much like NT or XP in past Windows branding. It will officially only run software available through the Windows Store or included in Windows RT. Among the applications included with Windows RT will be Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote 2013 RT.

Windows 8 Pro succeeds Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate and is targeted towards enthusiasts and business users; it includes all the features of Windows 8 and many more.

Microsoft has officially confirmed that it will release its upcoming Surface tablet to coincide with Windows 8 US availability on October 26th. It starts at $499 for the 32GB version, but will not come with the touch-cover. Those who want one, would need to pay $100 more. The 64GB version will cost $699 (with touch-cover included). The touch-cover comes in 5 colors: blue, white, black, pink and red.

I'm very excited about the upcoming Microsoft Surface and Windows Phone 8 releases. Hope you like it also! More information about Surface can be found HERE.