Microsoft today announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Asia Pacific and around the world.
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Microsoft today announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Asia Pacific and around the world.
Beginning on Friday, October 26, consumers and businesses will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new UI available on more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets, and a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store.
Windows 8 will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages. Devices from more than ten manufacturers—including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba—will be available at retail locations throughout Asia Pacific.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Tracey Fellows, president of Microsoft Asia Pacific. “Whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play—Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience. You no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC.”
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with 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 the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
More than 30,000 developers have participated at Windows 8 developer events across the region, and some of the most popular apps in Asia Pacific are now available in the Windows Store:
• News: Channel NewsAsia (Singapore), ABS-CBN News (Philippines), ThaiRath (Thailand), The New Zealand Herald
• Games: Fruit Ninja (Australia), Stack the Stuff (Indonesia), Pororo (Korea), and Cosmic Bump (Korea)
• Movies: Golden Screens Cinema (Malaysia), SM Cinema (Philippines),GTH Cinema (Thailand)
• Sports: New Zealand cricket
• Banking: BPI (Philippines)
• Travel : Air Asia (Malaysia)
In Vietnam, approximately 15 local partners has developed products built on this latest wave of technologies that will be available at the time of Windows 8 launch on October 26 , including FPT Software, Lac Viet, TMA Solution and VietSoftware.
Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $39.99.
And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 with the Windows Upgrade Offer.
(Source: VIR)
