Microsoft launches Windows 8, Surface tablet
Posted October 25, 2012 11:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK – Microsoft Corp. unveiled Windows 8 and Surface tablet on Thursday in an effort to regain interest in its operating system and compete in mobile computing with heavyweights Apple Inc. and Google Inc.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Max Long, president of Microsoft Canada Inc. said.
“Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.”
Windows 8 represents the largest change in Microsoft’s 37-year history.
Microsoft is offering several versions of the operating system. The basic Windows 8, the full Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise for large organizations will all run on traditional PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
“It’s a massive, radical change from what people have thought of as Windows in the past,” Mashable technology editor Peter Paschal said.
“It’s embracing touch, it’s embracing new ways of control.”
Windows 8 and the Surface tablet go on sale Friday worldwide, according to a company release.
The operating system will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages.
Through the end of January, users running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 can download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. Eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2012 in over 140 countries can download the operating system for an estimated $14.99.
Initial reviews of the Surface tablet, which starts at $519, have varied.
“There is such power here in this interface and it is very, very intuitive,” Paschal said.
“It’s very good for things like media consumption yet at the same it’s still a very good productivity device,” he said.
