U.S. giant Microsoft, the largest software maker in the world, will launch on October 26 Windows 8 – the new generation of its operating system. On the success of Windows 8 on traditional computers but also on smartphones and tablets will largely depend the future of the company involved in a close battle for customers with rivals such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google, believe analysts quoted by the international press.
Release stake is enormous, given that this is the first time in history when the company launched a version of the operating system with a completely new interface that can be used on a traditional computer keyboard and mouse and touchscreen devices, notes the Wall Street Journal.
To promote Windows 8, Microsoft will launch a marketing campaign to distract attention from rivals like Google or Apple. The new Windows operating system can be preordered starting Friday in the U.S.: Windows 8 Pro version is available at a price of $69.99 for owners of Windows 7, Vista or XP who want to switch to the new version. The offers are available at this time for U.S. customers only.
The retail package has been changed significantly from previous versions, Microsoft opting for a thinner pack, lighter and more colorful. The company posted on Facebook photos with the new package of Windows.
Operating system in the U.S. can be preordered from Microsoft Store, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot and other retailers, Microsoft announced the on the Windows team blog.
Licensors of Windows 7, Vista or XP can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $69.99. At the same price, customers can opt for a version without media (DVD), receiving only the code required for product activation.
OEM versions intended for pre-installation on new PCs can be purchased at prices of $99.99 for Windows 8 and $133.99 for Windows 8 Professional. Independent retail upgrade packages are not yet available for preorder, price is unknown for now.
Also on Friday, customers can preorder Windows 8 PCs with preinstalled from manufacturing companies such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Samsung and Sony, says Microsoft. Also, consumers who have already purchased or will purchase a PC with Windows 7 preinstalled during June 02, 2012 – January 31, 2013 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.
Windows 8 will be used as of October 26, when the product will be officially launched. Customers that wait until October 26 will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro online on the site Windows.com at a price of $39.99, according to the offer announced by Microsoft for the United States.
All upgrades are limited to five licenses per customer and prices displayed are only estimates. With the release of Windows 8, the Microsoft Surface tablet with Windows 8 will hit the market. The company made, however, no official announcement regarding the tablet.
Shortly after the release of Windows 8 and Surface tablet smartphones with Windows 8 are expected. Nokia, HTC and Samsung have already announced several models.
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