Microsoft is trying to stay relevant in the post-PC era with Friday's official launch of its Windows 8 software and Surface RT tablet. With smart phone and tablet sales outpacing PCs', the software giant has released a new Windows operating system that guarantee users the best of both the tablet and traditional PC experience. Various device-makers like Dell, HP, Samsung, and Lenovo have readied Windows 8-running PCs and/or tablets. Microsoft's Surface RT has an introductory price of $499 and runs on Windows RT, a stripped down version of Windows 8.
What Else You Need To Know
- Windows 8 is available starting at $39.99 for users that have previous versions of Windows.
- Windows RT cannot run regular PC apps.
- The Surface RT features a 10.6-inch ClearType HD screen that comes with a resolution of 1366 x 768 an NVIDIA T30 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 720p front and rear-facing cameras, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), and microSD expansion.
- The Surface RT with 32 GB of storage, and without a keyboard cover has a $499 price-tag. The keyboard covers are priced at $119 and $129.
Other sources
That long-awaited operating system will be available in all of the major territories as a downloadable upgrade or to buy in store on that launch date, a mere 14 weeks away.- Dan Grabham, Tech Radar
The definite conclusion is that Windows 8 does not reveal its full potential when using it the traditional way, with a keyboard and mouse.- Mircea, Tablet News
- Tech Radar
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Analyst: Windows 8 experiencing 'little life' ahead of launch
With PC shipments down and consumer's attention on the mobile sector, Surface may represent a new direction for Microsoft to get the Windows 8 platform in everyone's hands.
- ZDNet
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Will 'normal' Windows users want a Start button for Windows 8?
As I've said before, while I think a Start Button-free Windows 8 and Windows RT are fine for touch tablets, I'm not sold on the new Microsoft interface on PCs, desktops and laptops.
- ZDNet
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Microsoft's Skype for Windows 8 to launch October 26
On the front end, the user interface in Skype for Winows 8 has been overhauled so it has a true Metro/tiled look and feel.
- Tech Radar
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For Bill Gates, Windows 8 signals where computing is headed
Bill Gates has weighed-in on the merits of Microsoft's new Windows 8 OS, renewing the company's claims that it will guarantee users the best of both the tablet and traditional PC experience.
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