Windows 8 launch set for 26 October
Mark the calendar, camp outside a store, order your systems and upgrades now!

We can get all touchy on 26 October 2012
In less than 14 weeks we all officially get to play with Windows 8, after the announcement was made at the annual Microsoft sales meeting by Windows President Steven Sinofsky.
Windows 8 will be available as a downloadable upgrade or to buy in-store – and Tesco direct is already offering a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for £14.99 when you buy any Windows 7 PC, until the end of January 2013.
Earlier in July, Microsoft revealed that it would be passing the final build on to manufacturers in August so they’re able to optimise their hardware in preparation for the October launch.
Microsoft will offer three versions, two for Intel-based PCs (Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro) and Windows 8 RT for ARM-based tablets like the Microsoft Surface. The key advance for Windows 8 is its ability to provide a traditional desktop interface as well as the Metro-style touch-friendly UI.
You might also like to read:
- Microsoft Surface tablet: everything you need to know
- Windows 8 is here and we look at 10 of the top new things to look out for…
- How to download and install Windows 8 on your PC
- My Xbox Live arrives on the Apple iPad
- New Intel Ivy Bridge processor arriving in April
