The new operating system from Microsoft, Windows 8, is ready and can be purchased from any retailer starting from October 26. OEM hardware manufacturers have Windows 8 already available since August 1, which means that we will soon see computers and devices with Windows 8 preinstalled.
Microsoft announced that it will provide users of earlier versions of Windows (Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP) with two upgrade options: a $40 version and a recently announced offer worth $15, available for PCs with Windows 7 pre-installed and bought between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
“Windows 8 is so far the most important bet made by Microsoft since the first version of Windows,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer.
The new version of Windows marks a radical change in the Microsoft strategy. Other than the completely new interface , the operating system will support, in addition to conventional x86 hardware platform, the ARM technology found in most smartphones and tablets on the market. Intel, Microsoft’s traditional partner, started promoting the x86 technology for mobile devices, the first gadgets based on the classical platform, found in most PCs, coming on the market this year.
Windows 8 comes with a new interface, “Metro Design Language”, for use with touchscreen displays. The old “Start” button is moved to the upper left corner. The new operating system comes with Internet Explorer 10, optimized for touchscreen, new methods of authentication, can access the home profile via Internet from any computer with Windows 8, native USB 3.0 support and the integrated antivirus Windows Defender.
“During the testing of Windows 8, over 16 million users have contributed in the development stages,” said Steven Sinofsky, head of Windows division at Microsoft. In mid June the Microsoft software giant unveiled the 10.6-inch “Surface” tablet which will be powered by the new operating system.
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