Microsoft’s new lab, “The Garage” was created in 2009 to help employees work on cool new projects in their spare time. A few really cool things have come out from it so far. Of course they are coming up with some really nice stuff – their motto is “Do epic shit!”. And they live up to that motto. Well done, Microsoft. You’re becoming cool again. You’re employees are awesome, and have some great ideas. Letting them have the resources to realize those ideas is great.

The project is successfully breaking Microsoft’s usual patterns. Every day, the Garage is filled with people who just want to fool around with stuff. It also puts on structured events that give employees the chance to work on side projects straight through until they’re ready to be presented.

Microsoft has come up with a solution to avoid using the Metro name – call it Windows 8 and Windows 8 user interface instead of Metro UI. Very clever… I like Metro better. Unless Metro Group makes typefaces or other design elements, I don’t see a problem.

Here’s the official guidance, my sources say: Anything currently/formerly known as a "Metro-Style application" (with or without a hyphen) will now be known officially as a "Windows 8 application." References to the "Metro user interface" will now be replaced by "Windows 8 user interface." And instead of saying "Metro design," the Softies and those adhering to their official guidelines will be using the words "Windows 8 design."

Lenovo announced their next Thinkpad Tablet, powered by Windows 8 Professional. Looks great, but pricing is still unannounced. I love Windows 8 on a tablet, but I’m not sure if/how much more I’d pay for one versus the competition.

ThinkPad Tablet 2 full specs:

• Processor: Intel Atom (unspecified)
• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Display: 10.1-inch IPS, 1366×768, optional digitizer/pen
• Ports: miniHDMI, audio, microSD slot, USB 2.0, docking connector
• Sound: stereo, dual-array microphone
• Wireless: Wi-Fi, 3G HSPA+, LTE (AT&T only), Lenovo Mobile Access (pay as you go)
• Connectivity: Optional Tablet 2 keyboard and dock
• Camera: Front 2MP, Rear 8MP
• Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.5 x .39 inches; 1.3 lbs.

I know a lot of people own an Xbox and use it for Netflix the majority of time. Yes, it’s a great gaming platform, but it does so much more. It’s a great HTPC (Home Theater PC) or media streamer. Now, the Netflix application on the Xbox is even better. It has a “Just for Kids” option to show only videos that are appropriate for kids 12 and under – or for us Phineas and Ferb fans (myself included! AGENT P!) that want to filter the kids programs.

My young niece and nephew know how to navigate and use the Xbox, but I’d like to throw this on there for them to minimize the chance that Human Centipede is shown accidentally.

Recently, an interview with a Microsoftie had suggested that a ‘new Xbox’ was incoming with the new Windows 8 interface. However, clarification has come in that says that the comment was referring to a new dashboard update coming this Fall (which is related to the recent beta dashboard). Way to squish our hopes and dreams…  

"The comments to The Verge were not understood in their intended context," says a Microsoft spokesperson. "When Brian mentioned a ‘new wave of products,’ he was referring to the full lineup of products coming later this year from Microsoft, including Windows 8, Office, Windows Phone and of course our fall Xbox update which will bring a host of new consumer experiences like Xbox Music, Videos, Games on Windows 8 and Xbox SmartGlass."

Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 will have the Do Not Track feature turned on by default. Of course, you can turn this off any time you’d like. This is good for your privacy out of the box and a great move by Microsoft.

DNT fits naturally into this process. Customers will receive prominent notice that their selection of Express Settings turns DNT “on.”  In addition, by using the Customize approach, users will be able to independently turn “on” and “off” a number of settings, including the setting for the DNT signal.  A “Learn More” link with detailed information about each recommended setting will help customers decide whether to select Express Settings or Customize. A Privacy Statement link is also available on the screen. Windows 7 customers using IE10 will receive prominent notice that DNT is turned on in their new browser, together with a link providing more information about the setting.

Windows 8 is really changing the Windows image. From the new UI to the new packaging (seen below – image courtesy of The Verge), it is really trying to change the public view and opinion. I’m not sure if it’s to make the Windows OS ‘cool’ for the hipsters that jump on Apple products like they were cake to a fat kid. Whatever the reason, it’s a huge change for Microsoft. Like the new packaging (which usually ends up in the trash bin, anyway)? Hate it?

Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT will all be available on new PCs and tablets from October 26th, and upgrade versions will be available in stores or as an electronic software download. We understand that the packaging will be largely similar to the existing Windows 7 version, but we’ll have to wait until Microsoft officially unveils it to see if the company has put its Windows 8 boxes on a diet — similar to its 37 percent weight lossfrom Vista to Windows 7.

Microsoft Windows 8 has the usual built in games – solitare, Minesweeper. But, they have been updated for the new OS. Minesweeper has updated graphics. And for those that are into Xbox achievements, they are now included. Using the new moniker Xbox Windows brand for the games, you can gain achievements in the best games available for any OS on any platform: Minesweeper and Solitare! Ok, that last part was a bit of a stretch.

The "Xbox Windows" branding seems to cover games from the Windows Store, which will also offer titles that were previously released on Xbox Live Arcade, like Ms. Splosion Manand Rocket Riot. "Xbox Windows" does not appear to replace the existing Games for Windows Live label, which Microsoft insisted as recently as April will stick around in Windows 8.