Microsoft Launches Surface Tablet and New Windows Operating System
By Rob Scott
October 26, 2012
October 26, 2012
- Microsoft officially unveiled its new Windows 8 operating system and Surface tablet to the public on Thursday.
- During the New York City event, the company demonstrated the tile-based touch system on a collection of desktops, laptops and tablets from OEM partners.
- “While Microsoft executives highlighted the differences between Windows 8 and Windows RT, a distinction in desperate need of clarification for consumers, the event unveiled no surprises or high-profile app announcements,” reports PCWorld. “‘More to come’ was an oft-repeated phrase.”
- Users of Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $40.
- The Surface tablet is available starting at $500 for the 32GB version. It will initially come with Windows RT, a stripped down version of Windows 8 that uses ARM processors and runs apps specifically designed for the new Windows UI. The company says versions of Surface that run on Windows 8 will be available at a later date.
- “While much ado was made over how easy it is to navigate apps on Windows 8 machines, either using a touchscreen or trackpad, there were no new app announcements,” notes the post. “The online Windows Store, which is now open, is notably bereft of big-name apps like YouTube and Twitter.”
- However, the store touts big numbers overall. When Apple’s App Store debuted in 2008 it had some 500 apps. Android Market (now Google Play) had about 2,300 apps a few months following its launch the same year. Earlier this week, the Windows Store opened with 7,873 apps available worldwide (88 percent of which are free).
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