Windows 7 SP1 beta announced

Microsoft has confirmed that Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 is due for release real soon now - and a public beta will be available starting next month.

The news, which according to PCWorld was announced at Microsoft's TechEd event, will come as a blessing to companies that were - quite sensibly - waiting for the first service pack to be released before adopting Windows 7 as an enterprise operating system, allowing others to perform the 'beta' testing of Microsoft's latest OS.

A post on the Windows Team Blog by Gavriella Schuster confirms that the public beta - which covers all versions of Windows 7 along with Windows Server 2008 R2 - will begin next month, but categorically states that there'll be no freebies this time around: in Schuster's words, "SP1 will not contain any new features that are specific to Windows 7 itself[, but] will simply be the combination of updates already available through Windows Update and additional hotfixes based on feedback by our customers and partners."

Although many are likely to be disappointed by the lack of shiny new features in Service Pack 1, it's good news again for the enterprise customers: with no feature creep, there's less for corporate IT departments to test before planning a full roll-out of the update.

The release will be good news for home users, too, offering those who purchase new Windows 7-based hardware the likelihood that it will be fairly up-to-date as soon as they get it out of the box - for a short while, anyway - while offering those who already use Windows 7 an easy way to get their system updated with the latest security patches and bug fixes.

bit-tech

Apple News

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Next-Generation iPod Touch to Be 'Slightly Thinner' Than Current Models?
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Apple envisions tech to photograph, record iPhone thieves 21 August 2010, 21.31 admin Apple News
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Military

Army building robotic tentacles to handle IEDs 18 August 2010, 12.25 admin Military news
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Star Trek-style force-field armour being developed by military scientists
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The Deadliest Army Weapon In Action 08 May 2010, 21.41 admin Military news
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Microsoft

Kinect isn't limited to two players 26 August 2010, 17.55 admin Microsoft News
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Microsoft's Wireless Mobile 4000 mice get a sassy new coat of paint 26 August 2010, 17.43 admin Microsoft News
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Microsoft releases a new Windows Live beta 18 August 2010, 12.46 admin Microsoft News
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ATI/AMD News

AMD finally ditches ATI brand 31 August 2010, 15.33 admin ATI/AMD
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AMD announces Eyefinity-ready DisplayPort-to-DVI adapters 31 August 2010, 15.30 admin ATI/AMD
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ATI Tray Tools 01 May 2010, 14.47 admin ATI/AMD
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Entertainment

Ridley Scott: 'I'm doing pretty good, if you think about it' 04 September 2010, 21.09 admin Entertainment
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Jason Momoa Parties with Topless Babes in New Conan Pictures! 01 September 2010, 15.27 admin Entertainment
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Spartacus Live Fan Chat with Spartacus Cast At Comic Con 01 September 2010, 09.49 admin Entertainment
Spartacus Live Fan Chat with Spartacus Cast At Comic Con
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Technology

Unannounced Sony Walkman NWZ-S754 unearthed at IFA 04 September 2010, 16.58 admin Technology
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Nike files patent for auto-lacing sneakers, Marty McFly doth protest
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Kia's 'Pop' electric car concept makes our inner urbanite swoon
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Games News

Duke Nukem Forever: A staggering history 04 September 2010, 16.46 admin Games News
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First Batman: Arkham City in-game screens are simply staggering 01 September 2010, 15.30 admin Games News
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Inevitable StarCraft II WoW mod is surprisingly pretty 01 September 2010, 15.15 admin Games News
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Hardware

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ASRock 890FX Deluxe: Comprehensive Motherboard Review 31 August 2010, 15.06 admin Hardware News
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HP readies dual-core Atom netbook, the HP Mini 5103 27 August 2010, 20.07 admin Hardware News
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Nvidia News

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 470 Super Overclock graphics card 04 September 2010, 21.19 admin Nvidia News
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LG opts for Nvidia's Tegra in its Optimus smartphones 21 August 2010, 21.25 admin Nvidia News
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Robotics

The state of household robots in Japan: looking pretty great 04 September 2010, 21.04 admin Robotics
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Willow Garage PR2 robot learns to sort socks for $10k prize (video)
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PALRO buddies with its first apps, busts new moves on video
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Software News

Fourth Firefox 4 beta adds hardware acceleration 20 August 2010, 11.26 admin Software News
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Chrome 6 Beta Boasts New Look, Better Sync 13 August 2010, 22.13 admin Software News
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Adobe CS5 now shipping 30 April 2010, 11.10 admin Software News
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Latest

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 470 Super Overclock graphics card 04 September 2010, 21.19 admin Nvidia News
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Unannounced Sony Walkman NWZ-S754 unearthed at IFA 04 September 2010, 16.58 admin Technology
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Apple's Ping a scammers haven? Security experts say watch out 04 September 2010, 16.53 admin Apple News
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