Windows 8 is scheduled to launch on 26 October. The next generation of Microsoft software for computers, laptops and tablets will arrive in three months, paving the way for Windows Phone 8, Windows 8 tablets, and the Microsoft Surface.
Windows 8 boasts a new interface, consisting of large coloured squares that act as shortcuts to your apps. It's a front end that should be great for touchscreen PCs and tablets, but the jury's out on whether it'll work on regular computers -- click here for our guide to how to use the Windows 8 interface.
With a release date confirmed for Windows 8, Microsoft has cleared the way for tablets powered by Windows 8, and phones powered by the mobile spin-off, Windows Phone 8. These portable versions of Windows are also ready to roll in October.
There will be two types of Windows 8 slate: the full-fat version, and the streamlined tablet-specific Windows 8 RT for ARM devices. The flagship Windows 8 RT tablet is Microsoft's own Microsoft Surface, challenging the market-leading iPad before the end of the year.
As if that wasn't enough excitement for one month, October is also set to see the release of the new iPhone 5, along with Apple's OS X Mountain Lion software. With phones, tablets and computers going up against each other, it's the first time in years that Apple and Microsoft have squared off so directly against each other -- and I can't wait.
For more on Windows 8, here's how to manage your contacts and photos in Windows 8, how to change default programs in Windows 8, and how to develop apps for Windows 8. Plus, here's 50 Windows 8 tips you need to know.
Are you excited about Windows 8? Is October going to be the best month ever? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 11
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anonymous 19 July, 2012 11:13
Oh great vista all over again
Catherine McClarey 19 July, 2012 11:48
How backwards-compatible will it be with applications (esp. games) written for earlier versions of Windows? And will DOSBox run under Windows 8, for the REALLY old stuff?
I heard (via a business-oriented e-newsletter) that Microsoft was discontinuing support for the Vista Sidebar and Win Vista/7 gadgets - officially because gadgets were supposedly vulnerable to hackers, but unofficially because Microsoft would like software developers to concentrate on creating Windows 8 apps. However, there are certain gadgets I really like & use daily (for Avast, Weatherbug, and an analog clockface), and I would really rather not do without them on my Windows 7 PC.
I am in no rush to switch to Windows 8. Maybe I can do what I did the last time Windows went through a major change, and buy my next computer the month before the new version comes out (so it'll still have Windows 7)?
anonymous 19 July, 2012 12:46
Mountain Lion has a July release date, not October.
Mike0124 19 July, 2012 14:14
My reaction is - So What! there is little in Win 8 that attracts me and Metro repels me, garish and unneaded, Win 7 fulfills my needs, and as far as Surface is concerned, MS is far too late, I already have a great Android tablet. I have the feeling that MS is heading for a disaster due to the fact that they do not listen to their users.
Aron Brennan 19 July, 2012 14:36
I dont want to be negative but is this what the designers that paid so much at microsoft came up with after the amazing windows 7???
It looks really poor, who wants their desk top to look like their smart phone anyways?
Totally pointless unless you have a touch screen which is also a bit of a gimmick for desktop use.
Where are my gorgeous back grounds going to fit?
Even if i do get them on they will be covered up by obnoxious icons hogging the screen space.
I agree with the OP that this will be a vista all over again and i will certainly not be paying the money it costs to purchase this os.
I just hope they dont release a new directx with this as that will make me think twice about buying.
Aron Brennan 19 July, 2012 14:41
someone above posted that Mountain lion the new iPhone os will be released in july, i almost crapped myself laughing at your comment, there is no way in hell iPhone 5 will be out this month, if it does i will buy you 5 of them, and that is a promise!
Mark Anderson 19 July, 2012 14:59
Yeah, like the "great vista". It sold 400 million copies and is still used by more people than all versions of OS X combined.
Maybe you meant to put a comma in there? You're still wrong though.
Looking forward to Windows 8. Some of these comments remind me of the people who said W7 wouldn't sell because XP was good enough. Look how that one turned out.
anonymous 19 July, 2012 18:57
Its a bit of a long time to wait, considering they are about to release it to manufacturing. How long does it take to press the DVD's? Is there some reason why people who already own PC's have to wait for the the manufacturers of new ones to finish theirs?
William Kelsey 19 July, 2012 21:32
I'm not so fussed about the actual Windows 8, I'm certainly looking forward to having longer battery life that 8 supposedly offers, but I'm waiting more for new Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks to replace my decaying Vaio. Hopefully we wont have to wait 3 months!
P.s Aron CNET claim win7 -> win8 upgrade is £25, so really not much
anonymous 20 July, 2012 17:57
What I think I'll do is buy a copy of windows 7 AND a copy of windows 8, then install windows 8 and if I don't like it I'll revert back to windows 7.
anonymous 20 July, 2012 18:44
I have windows 8 and app: for windowa 7 on one pc.runing good for 3 mo. so far.