Microsoft on Thursday launched Windows 8 for its customers in India and around the world. And since Friday, October 26, consumers and businesses worldwide can experience all that Windows 8 has to offer. A new user interface, a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, available on a variety of Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

Windows 8 comes with a new smooth and intuitive start screen and tiles that are brimming with content, and update in real time. Windows 8 is natively cloud-connected and users only need to sign in once with their Microsoft account to ensure that all the things they care about most including mails, calendars, contact, pictures etc. are seamlessly synced across multiple devices. Further, Windows 8 comes with a re imagined browser, Internet Explorer 10 that is touch-ready and delivers a full screen browsing experience.

Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be available in India from 14 OEM partners, they are; Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, RP Info systems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers on a variety of form factors, be it tablets and hybrids to laptops and ultra books on both touch and non-touch devices.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For business customers who have signed up for software assurance, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, Direct Access, and Branch Cache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including Bit Locker and App Locker. 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.

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a re imagined Windows to the world,” said Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. “Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play, Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. From 2nd June 2012 until 31st January 2013, 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 Rs. 1,999. And Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs. 699 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.