Software giant Microsoft this evening officially launched the latest version of its Windows operating system as SA became the second country in the world to host a launch.
Windows 8, which follows three years after the unveiling of Windows 7, is Microsoft's endeavour to take the two-decades-old operating system into a new, connected era. The software, which will be available to South Africans from tomorrow, features a new user interface, and a wide range of apps with the opening of the Windows Store, available on a range of Windows 8-certified PCs and tablets.
The system features an entirely new look and feel to previous versions, and is designed to be used across an array of devices like desktops, laptops, tablets and phones. Windows 8 and more than 40 unique Windows 8 devices will be immediately available from major retail stores countrywide, with numerous launch offers on both Windows 8 and the devices.
The South African launch, in Johannesburg, followed one earlier this evening in New York. All other regional launches will take place from tomorrow. The software giant sees SA as a hub for Africa Microsoft is reportedly set to spend between $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion on marketing Windows 8.
Forbes.com recently said this would make it the biggest product launch in the industry's history, dwarfing the $200 million Microsoft spent to market Windows 95. Windows 7 sold 670 million licences.
"With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a re-imagined Windows to the world," says Microsoft SA MD Mteto Nyati. "Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create content, whether you want to work or play - Windows 8 delivers a personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs."
Mega testing
Speaking during the US launch, Steven Sinofsky, president of Windows and Windows Live division, said the software went through 1.24 billion hours of public testing in 190 countries.
More than 1 000 PCs have been certified for Windows 8, some of which cost under $300, said Sinofsky. Windows RT supports 420 million existing hardware devices (including printers, keyboards and mouse).
Windows Store is launching in 231 markets today, with more apps at launch than any store in history, said Sinofsky.
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers mobile productivity 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 a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices.
Windows 8 features a new "fast and fluid" Start screen that gives consumers one-click access to favourite apps and content they care most about. There is also an entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is touch-friendly and has built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive, which allows users to share images and documents quickly and easily.
In addition to the range of new devices available, eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June and 31 January can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of R130.
* Additional reporting by Kathryn McConnachie.
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