United kingdom Daily news: Microsoft will let you upgrade any version of Windows to new '8' operating system for $40

Selasa, 03 Juli 2012

Microsoft will let you upgrade any version of Windows to new '8' operating system for $40

Microsoft will let you upgrade any version of Windows to new '8' operating system for $40

By Eddie Wrenn

PUBLISHED: 08:51 EST, 3 July 2012 | UPDATED: 09:29 EST, 3 July 2012

Microsoft is putting a special price on its next version of Windows - offering upgrades to the operating system for just $40.

The offer, which translates to about Â£25 in the UK, will run until next January and applies to the previous versions of Windows - XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed the price in the UK yet, but the company is likely to price the upgrade at between Â£25 and Â£40.

Microsoft will also throw Media Centre, which allows you to browse picture, music and video files from a distance, in for free.

A new operating system: Windows 8 is a fundamental re-write to the Microsoft software - the biggest change in the tech giant's history

Microsoft will be anxious to get the latest Windows on to as many desktops as possible, following the rising popularity of Android and Apple tablets, and Google and Apple - as well as other companies - encroaching in on the Microsoft-heavy segment of the PC market.

Windows 8 will be quite an evolution. The core Windows concept has changed little in more than 20 years, but for the first time, Microsoft is dramatically overhauling the interface, making it touch-friendly.

The Start Menu - and the desktop - have both gone, to be replaced with the Metro interface, which uses 'Live Tiles' for updates and for programs, in a manner similar to Windows Phone 7, and the upcoming Microsoft Surface tablet.

Those upgrading from Windows 7 will be able to keep all their settings, programs and files, while the older operating systems have some caveats, such as the inability to carry programs over from Vista, and settings over from XP.

A first look at Acer's Aspire S7 with Windows 8, exhibited at the Computex exhibition in Taipei yesterday

A first look at Acer's Aspire S7 with Windows 8, exhibited recently at the Computex exhibition in Taipei

Microsoft announced the moves last night on the company blog.

A spokesman said: 'We believe that your upgrade experience in Windows 8 will be a breeze by offering a faster experience, a single upgrade path, and compatibility from prior versions of Windows.

'Weâ€™ve continued to listen to our customers and have expanded the ability to download to over 100 countries and 37 languages.

'We have simplified the Windows upgrade experience with the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which supports you during your upgrade with everything from selecting your language to pausing your download to built-in compatibility checks - itâ€™s seamless. And if youâ€™re an enthusiast you will have the flexibility to download and control how you upgrade.

'If you prefer to shop at a local store, a packaged DVD version of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be available for $69.99 during this promotion.

'This upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at retail runs through January 31st, 2013.

'We will of course have more to say and more details to provide closer to general availability.'

Windows 8 is expected to appear on machines from this Autumn.