Microsoft announced new markets for Windows 8 apps as well as another benefit to MSDN and BizSpark subscribers.

While many of us have already been using Visual Studio 2012 for a while, it is interesting to see what is highlighted in the official launch. I've captured some of the highlights for you.

Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5 are done. Microsoft will officially launch them on September 12th, 2012.

All indications are that Microsoft Windows Metro, as a name, is going away. Will a new name be coming for this Modern Windows paradigm?

Rumors of Windows 8’s impending failure are greatly exaggerated. It is a safe bet to say that Windows 8 will not fail

Microsoft said there would be a major developer conference this fall. Now they've announced it: Microsoft Build 2012!