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Windows 8 expected to land in October

by Alistair Lowe on 20 March 2012, 10:02

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Windows 8

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We had been informed by Microsoft to expect Windows 8 sometime in 2012, however, sources at Bloomberg are reporting work on the new OS is expected to wrap-up this summer, towards a hopeful release in October.

It's expected that Windows 8 will be available on both new tablets and PCs at launch, including ARM-based offerings, though with currently only five ARM devices expected to be available from day one, as opposed to over 40 Intel machines.

October is the safest bet for Microsoft, allowing the firm the greatest wiggle room for further development and bug crushing, whilst ensuring that the company is still able to ship Windows 8 products in time for Christmas and the end of 2012; any later and we won't be seeing the new OS until 2013.

We eagerly look forward to seeing if Windows 8 brings with it any interesting new PC, Ultrabook or tablet designs, like those demonstrated at MWC earlier this year and, we share in everyone's hope that the new OS may help revitalise the PC market in general.

HEXUS Forums :: 19 Comments

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Posted by dfour - Tue 20 Mar 2012 10:08
I wonder if they will do a cheap sell like they did for win 7. Might be the only thing that might persuade me to purchase it.
Posted by cheesemp - Tue 20 Mar 2012 10:44
I don't think they had a choice. They are so far behind iOS/android and every month they get further behind….
Posted by Ferral - Tue 20 Mar 2012 10:53
Not bothering with Windows 8 unless they have a classic start menu option, not wanting the Metro UI at all. So unless they have an option for classic setup going to be sticking with Windows 7.
Posted by TheAnimus - Tue 20 Mar 2012 11:17
I really can't see why I'd upgrade my desktop to it, except for developing on it.

I do think however there is a VERY good chance I'll buy a tablet with it on, once there is a nice enough piece of hardware.

As it stands I've been running it on my x86 Acer tablet jobbie, and its much better than my iPad2 for browsing the web, but is massively lacking in tablet apps at the moment (well duh)
Posted by kingpotnoodle - Tue 20 Mar 2012 11:39
There is a strong chance I'd dump my laptop or Android tablet or both for a Windows 8 tablet, we'll have to see how it pans out and what the hardware is like.

Until I test the desktop version I can't say whether I'll upgrade, have to see, might skip a version as with Vista - I've been too short of time so far but when a full beta lands I'll probably install and test it. I like to have the latest things, and I'm sure I'll have to get used to Metro at some some point as I can't be a luddite and stick to 7 for 10 years like all the “Windows XP is still the best” eejits do. People are scared of change, and in my old age I may be getting a bit like it… must… resist!

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