If you have been patiently awaiting the launch of Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8, well you now have a date to watch out for! Microsoft has announced that the OS would go on sale starting October 26, 2012 – a little over three months from now.
The official announcement of the date came at a Microsoft Internal event called Microsoft’s Global eXchange (MGX). This happens to be an annual internal meeting of executives from the company, the sales people and the product managers from each division. This event is of course closed to you, me and the general public. The official annoucement was made by Steven Sinofsky at this event.
The launch date is hardly surprising, though. The previous version of Windows – the much popular Windows 7 was launched back in 2009 on a similar date – October 22 and a few weeks back, we all did know that the launch was due in October itself. What we were not sure of was the date, which has been revealed now.
Microsoft has also revealed that the OS would reach the RTM phase (Release to Manufacturing) early next month. The RTM phase is nothing but the certification that the platform receives once it is ready to be sent to OEM’s like Dell, HP, Acer et all so that they can integrate the same to their products. Starting October 26, users who are currently running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 can opt for an upgrade to Windows 8 for a nominal price of $39.99. The best thing about this update is the fact that all of these upgraded users would get a license for Windows 8 Pro, the most advanced and feature packed version of Windows 8.
If you happen to own a PC running previous versions of Windows 8, we are sure that you might have found this offer enticing enough to opt for an upgrade!
