Windows 8 launch: Microsoft aims to make ground on Apple and Google

Software for PCs and tablet computers seen as attempt to compete in Apple- and Google-dominated market.

Microsoft launched Windows 8 on Thursday 25th 2012, the software is designed to work on PCs, tablets and smartphones.

   

Microsoft is set to unveil a radical overhaul of its flagship Windows computer software in a bid to regain ground on rivals Apple and Google.

The technology giant will launch Windows 8 at a press conference in New York on Thursday in what is being called the boldest move by Microsoft in three decades.

Windows 8 is a significant shift from previous versions of the software because it is based on touchscreens, rather than the traditional PC and mouse.

Some analysts see Windows 8 and the Surface tablet computer, announced in July, as a final roll of the dice by Microsoft in its attempt to survive the decline of the PC and compete in a world dominated by Apple iPhones, iPads and Google's Android software.

Microsoft's share of personal devices has shrunk dramatically in recent years, from 95% of the PC-only market to roughly one third of all personal device sales, including PCs, tablet computers and mobiles, according to analysts Forrester.

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 is built for PCs and tablet computers. It sees the traditional program icons replaced by tiles, which users swipe and touch to operate, though the old Windows desktop is still available via one of the tiles. The clean and crisp design has garnered positive reviews from early users, even though it is a radical shift from previous Windows versions, which hundreds of millions of PC owners use daily.

The software was officially unveiled on Thursday and was available to buy from the end of the week, when its much-hyped tablet computer, Surface, will also go on sale.

The launch occurs at an inopportune moment for Microsoft, coming just 48 hours after Apple stole the headlines with the launch of its new iPad mini and after its own Microsoft-built tablet, Surface, was slated in early reviews published overnight on Tuesday.

 The reviews praised the Windows 8 software on the Surface, but were quick to criticize the device for its apparently poor resolution, substandard camera and a lack of available apps.

However this is to clarify that Windows 8 is not for smartphones, and the Windows 7 desktop is still available in Windows 8