Windows Anytime Upgrade is an innovative service by Microsoft to help users upgrade to higher versions of Windows when they find the need to. It was, and still is, a great idea by offering an easy and cost-efficient method of upgrading at any time, removing some of the contemplation to initially purchasing any versions of Windows Vista, in doubt you might “grow out of it”. Previously available only through purchase online, now it also comes in a box.

Initially, the program was restrictive because users could only purchase the upgrade online through one channel, Microsoft, limiting both availability and choice. But now it appears that “Upgrade Packs” you can touch and feel can be bought from many IT retailers. It doesn’t seem like anyone took notice, but according to Amazon these have been available since May 1.

Apart from a pretty cool looking and informative packaging, it’s not clear what these packs actually contain. This might be the “DVD media” which users can order for a nominal shipping fee when ordering online, but in that case how is the digital license key delivered? In the online version, a key is stored in the “Digital Locker“. Maybe this version comes with a product key to type? Nevertheless, it’s guaranteed to work.

If you’re looking to upgrade your versions of Windows Vista, but don’t have a credit card or simply aren’t comfortable with buying software online without being able to hold on to the packaging, then consider buying one of these packs. The prices are extremely competitive, only 50c dearer than purchasing online – probably even cheaper than buying online and ordering the DVD. It also appears to be available just about anywhere. Except Australia, doh.

If there’s one computing server product every enthusiast and home-user should be excited about, that would not be Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems, instead it should be Windows Home Server – codename “Q”. Last month, WHS was released to manufacturing aiming for distribution “in the next couple of months” and retail availability “this fall”. The official availability date is now most likely Monday, August 27th 2007.

On the Microsoft Support Lifecycle website, a listing for Windows Home Server states the general availability date as 8/27/2007, and mainstream support retirement date as 10/9/2012. This however does not suggest OEM products such as those from HP will ship then – still expected to come “fall” (September).

In this case, general availability most likely refers to the DVD package for system builders and other OEM channels. If you’re one of those people who want to build your own Home Server, then you should consider bugging your local computer shop for a copy from August 27. Alternatively start your own OEM business.

For those who are looking for a more ‘buy-one-and-it-works’ package, hold on to your horses and DVDRip movies for just a little bit longer as complete systems are still on-track for a September release.

Update: Another knowledgeable individual has also confirmed August 27 as the availability date for Windows Home Server.

Update 2: Microsoft insists this is only the support availability date. However, why would you support a product that is not available at the time? Evidence also suggests OEMs in Australia and New Zealand have already begun shipping Windows Home Server discs.

Not long ago, Microsoft has hinted towards the availability of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 on MSDN if not before the public beta. I wanted to find out if this was the case and who better to ask than the MSDN Concierge – open 24 hours, talk about great service.

Surprisingly, Bob makes references to a “second half of 2007” release date – although not definite, as well the list of fixes included as confirmed by APCMag last week. What’s even more interesting is that Bob reconfirms the TechEd SEA session on SP1 I made note of yesterday, which is starting to sound like the great SP1 unveiling. Thanks Bob!

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 has made a very special appearance on the TechEd South East Asia (SEA) website, updated just less than 2 days ago. And most importantly of all, it is not a typo, unless this person mistyped an entire synopsis. The website’s agenda and schedule now showcases a 1-hour session dedicated specifically to Vista SP1. TechEd SEA 2007 is a localized Microsoft TechEd event for the Asia and Pacific region hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from September 10 to 13.

In theory, every TechEd is suppose to feature the same content for consistency. However with the imminent release of SP1, I would assume someone better say something so the people who need it most know what’s going to hit them. And my assumption now stands correct when the schedule, updated August 14, features a session by Microsoft Malaysia’s Jeff Low on Wednesday, 12 September from 8:30am to 9:45am dedicated to everything SP1.

The session synopsis writes,

Windows Vista SP1 will be an update to Windows Vista that will improve security and reliability for all users of the operating system. It will include all previously released updates, including security updates. Windows Vista SP1 will also contain new updates that improve the issues that affect customers the most, addressing key reliability, performance, application compatibility, and device compatibility issues. In this session we will talk about the areas improved upon in Service Pack 1 and discuss some representative examples of these improvements. We will also discuss best practices for testing and deploying Service Pack 1.

Pictures or it didn’t happen.

Some of you might remember that particular “SP1” typo on the TechEd Australia website not too long ago and subsequent withdraw. During the event, Microsoft actually banned everyone from even mentioning the “special word” – which appears to weld a special power instantly opening wormholes and porting employees directly into Sinofsky‘s office for punishment.

This time around, TechEd SEA seems to make no effort to hide the fact they will be the first Microsoft event to disclose let alone discuss SP1 in detail. That’s one way to draw a crowd. Speaking of which, places are still available so register today if you’re in the general region. However, at only RM$999 (US$284), even attending just to see SP1 is still a bargain compared to the $’000s TechEd charges elsewhere.

What more can you ask for?

Update: Due to a misunderstanding between Microsoft and Animal Logic, the PowerPoint presentation has now been removed.

The PowerPoint slides from last week’s Microsoft TechEd Australia 2007 conference keynote presentation has now been officially published on CommNet for public download and viewing. The PowerPoint file comes at a whopping 29.8MB with high-resolution images spanning over 107 slides.

This is the Full-Monty – everything from the actual presentation, including Frank Arrigo‘s LOLCat pictures and Michael Twigg of Animal Logic‘s high-resolution renders and concept arts. There’s only headings and pictures here, so most of this probably won’t make much sense for anyone who didn’t attend keynote to listen to what the presenters had to say, but there’s still quite a bit of eye-candy from Animal Logic to enjoy.