MUMBAI: Microsoft has announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in India and around the world.
This will be available to Indian customers from 26 October.
Windows 8 is offering new user interface (UI), a wide range of applications with the "grand opening" of the Windows Store, available on a variety of Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be available in India from 14 OEM partners - Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, RP Infosystems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers on a variety of form factors - from tablets and hybrids to laptops and ultrabooks, on both touch and non-touch devices.
In India, over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 completely new SKUs (Stock-keeping unit) of Windows 8 PCs are available across 100 cities and more than 2500 retail stores.
Microsoft Corporation chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said, "With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. 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 personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs."
Windows 8 is natively cloud-connected and users just need to sign in once with their Microsoft account, to ensure that all the things including mails, calendars, contact, and pictures are synced across multiple devices.
In Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10 is touch-ready and delivers a full screen browsing experience.
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for business customers who have signed up for software assurance, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.
Launching at the same time is Windows RT, which is designed for ARM-based tablets. It will be available pre-installed on new devices.
In India a range of free and paid apps can be downloaded including Bharat Matrimony, BigFlix, BookMyShow, Bookyourtable, Burrp, Dhingana, Fastrack Tees, Flyte MP3, Gaana, Goibibo, Hindustan Times, ICICI Bank iMobile, ICICIDirect, JustEat, MakeMyTrip Explore, MapmyIndia, my airtel, NDTV Play, PVR Cinemas, Tarla Dalal, The Times of India, Yahoo Cricket, and Zovi.
Additionally, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. From 2 June 2012 until 31 January 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 1,999.
For Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012 and 31 January 2013, consumers can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 699 with the Windows Upgrade Offer.
A few days back, Microsoft had launched surface tablet. Microsoft‘s new launches gather significance as the company is positioning itself as a hardware and software player to take on competitors like Google and Apple.
