Microsoft confirms Windows 8 October launch

Microsoft has confirmed the first PC’s to run its new
Windows 8 operating system will go on sale in October.

The announcement came Monday morning at the company’s
worldwide partner conference in Toronto.

“It’s the most significant overhaul of the company’s
flagship product since Windows 95,” says Todd Bishop,
technology analyst with GeekWire.

“Windows marketing and finance chief Tami Reller said the
end-of-October timeframe will mark not just the first
Windows 8 PCs but also the ability to upgrade to Windows
8 on existing computers,” according to Bishop.

The company is walking a fine line in trying to keep
computer makers and other partners happy. Microsoft
ruffled plenty of feathers last month when it unveiled its
own Surface tablet computer that could compete with other
manufacturers.

But Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer tried to calm nerves
during his keynote address, insisting the importance of
third-party Windows PC makers “will not diminish.”

Microsoft will also try to keep people buying Windows PC’s
over the next few months, announcing any Windows 7 PC
purchased between now and October is eligible for a $14.99
upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. The company previously announced
a $39.99 upgrade for previous versions going back to
Windows XP.