Download Windows 8.1 Preview

Software maker Microsoft has just published the official download link for Windows 8.1 Preview, so users who wish to set up a dual-boot configuration are recommended to get these ISOs.

As you probably know, Windows 8.1 Preview is offered as a free update to Windows 8 users, to the main package is available via the Windows Store. And still, because it’s only a preview, the company is also offering the update as a stand-alone ISO, which should come in very handy in case you wish to deploy the operating system on a different partition and use it on a dual-boot configuration.

Of course, most users are recommended to get Windows 8.1 Preview via the Windows Store, as this is the safest, fastest, and easiest way to deploy the update on both desktops and tablets. Users are required to first download this small patch, reboot their devices, and only then proceed with the actual installation of Windows 8.1 Preview. ISO files are not yet available, Microsoft confirmed.

Windows 8.1 Preview is available via the Store and as a separate ISO
Image credits to Microsoft

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Full Specs of Huawei Ascend W2 Emerge

One of the Windows Phone 8-based devices that should arrive on the market before the end of this year is the Huawei Ascend W2, which has yet to be officially announced, but has already made an appearance at the GSMA 2013 Mobile Asia Expo.

The handset was spotted there en route to China Mobile’s network, and all of its hardware specifications were unveiled, showing a mid-range device rather than a new flagship. Packing a 4.3-inch WVGA touchscreen and a 1.4GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, the handset also sports an Adeno 305 GPU, as well as 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory, while being 9.9mm thick.

According to WMPoweruser, Huawei might have decided to lower the specs of the device a bit, so as to bring it in line with other Windows Phone 8 handsets from the company.

Huawei Ascend W2
Images credits to WinP.cn via WMPoweruser

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Imagination Technologies Next-Gen MIPS “Warrior” CPU

Today, Imagination Technologies (IMG.L) announced new processors in its MIPS portfolio, set to arrive later this year based on low-power RISC architecture and capable of delivering increased performance capabilities.

Built following the acquisition of CPU designer MIPS, the new chips should arrive on shelves with support for Gogole’s Android operating system, with the codename of “Warrior” attached. Released in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, the upcoming cores should offer best-in-class performance and efficiency, the company claims, adding that they are poised to change the CPU landscape.

Some of the features that these cores will offer include Hardware virtualization, multi-threading, Imagination's security framework for applications, MIPS SIMD architecture (MSA), and a consistent and comprehensive toolchain across the “Warrior” series. "The industry is longing for a choice in the CPU market, and we are making MIPS a clear and superior alternative,” Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination, said.

Imagination Technologies unveils MIPS "Warrior" CPU
Image credits to Imagination Technologies

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