Windows 8 is Windows reimagined, says Microsoft at launch

After months of speculation and deliberation, the proverbial wait is now over. Microsoft has raised the curtain on the newest version of Windows – Windows 8. As the software giant puts it in an official statement, Windows 8 is Windows reimagined.

With Windows 8, Microsoft promises to offer users a personalised experience with a new user interface (UI) focused on the user. Windows 8 enables users to create content on the same device, with either touch or a mouse and a keyboard.

Redesigned Windows 8 baffles consumers

A range of new apps is available with the opening of the Windows Store, and new hardware from Microsoft’s OEM partners.

Microsoft shares that the Windows Store makes discovering, buying, and installing new apps in Windows 8 smoother. Customers have been promised lots of interesting new third party apps in the Windows Store such as Evernote, LivingSocial, Cocktail Flow, Hulu, Wikipedia, and Urbanspoon. Many apps from the Windows Store are free to try before users make a purchase. Windows 8 allows you to try and then remove any app without leaving a trace.

Microsoft declared that over 1,000 Windows 8 certified devices will be in market beginning tomorrow. “There is a Windows device for everyone,” it added. At their press event, Microsoft showed examples, which included tablets running Windows RT with instant-on and extra-long battery life such as the Asus Vivo Tab RT; its own Microsoft Surface; compact, touch-enabled x86 tablets such as the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2; convertible PCs that switch between PC and tablet such as the Dell XPS 12; thin and light Ultrabooks such as the Asus UX31 Touch, the Sony VAIO Duo 11 and Acer Aspire S7-191; and large, powerful all-in-one PCs with high-definition screens such as the Dell XPS One 27-inch, the HP Envy 23 TouchSmart or Samsung Series 7.

In New York, at Pier 57 is an immersive and interactive 160-foot ‘mini’ Manhattan – called Microtropolis – where the neighbourhoods are represented through Windows 8 touch-enabled PCs and devices. New Yorkers can stop by and walk right into the experience through the avenues and streets. Hundreds of devices are scattered along the rooftops within the neighbourhoods. Microsoft partnered with local artists, chefs, designers and other notable New Yorkers to curate their respective neighbourhood experiences within the Windows 8 for all the devices within Microtropolis. This experience illustrates how Windows 8 can be personalised with all the things that are important to you.

In the same vein, Microsoft adds that customers who purchased a Windows 7 PC between June 2nd, 2012, and January 31st, 2013, can register for the Windows Upgrade Offer. They can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just USD 14.99. Those who already registered for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to redeem their upgrade. Microsoft’s OEM partners are bringing new Windows 8 PCs and devices to market that are available for purchase in stores and online starting tomorrow. Pre-orders for Windows 8 PCs and device have already started shipping.

“Our launch activity is truly global. We’ll be sharing photos and video from New York and many of the Windows 8 launch events from around the world (including Microsoft’s campus in Redmond) through our Windows Facebook page and our Windows YouTube channel. In 140 countries, people will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 (U.S.) online at Windows.com in 37 supported languages and 23 supported currencies starting 12:01 am October 26thmarket-by-market. You can also stop by your local retailer to pick up a Windows 8 upgrade, including special pricing on a Windows 8 Pro upgrade,” adds the company in its official statement.