Metro Start screen are live tiles, which display the latest information about certain apps that you wish to be updated on. Among the apps in the new Windows 8 Release Preview that can tap into this feature are Mail, People, Calendar, Photos, Weather, News, and Sports.


via How to enable and disable Windows 8 Metro live tiles

The soon to be released Windows 8 keyboards from Microsoft Hardware will have specific shortcut keys to access common charms functions on them. The shortcut keys are located on the function key row and provide easy access to Search, Share, Device and Settings charms.


via New Windows 8 keyboards feature shortcut keys for charms

Microsoft will be pulling the plug on its Windows Live brand before the launch of its Windows 8 operating system. According to the company, Windows Live failed to realize the Microsoft's vision of having a set of tightly woven services and desktop applications. At present, services like its Hotmail webmail service, SkyDrive storage service and Messenger IM service aren't as closely meshed as they should be with Windows Live desktop software like Photo Gallery and Movie Maker, nor with the Windows Live ID account service, Microsoft said in a blog post.


via Microsoft to Rescind Windows Live Brand Before Launch of Windows 8