Australians will get access to the new Windows 8 Beta in February with Microsoft set to show several devices including smartphones, tablets and touch screen PCs running the new OS at the 2012 CES show in Las Vegas.A Microsoft source confirmed late last night that the new software will be available for downloading and testing. Developer versions will also be made available.
Insiders are tipping that a mid year launch of the new OS is on track and that several vendors including Samsung, Acer, Toshiba and Lenovo will launch new tablet versions of the software.
The new Windows 8 OS delivers a radical change in direction for Microsoft who are struggling to hold onto market share in tablet and smartphone markets. A Microsoft Australia executive said: “We have to give consumers a clear reason to upgrade to the new Windows 8 and the new Metro interface does that.”
A big benefit of the new OS will be the touch screen tiles that make searching and accessing applications a lot easier and allows Microsoft to catch up with where Apple has been for several years.
