After several months of previews and testing, Microsoft is ready to release its much-awaited Windows 8 operating system on October 26.

Microsoft communications manager Brandon LeBlanc said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows division, announced the date at Microsoft's annual sales meeting.

"October 26th, 2012! That’s right! Just a few minutes ago, Steven Sinofsky announced at Microsoft’s annual sales meeting that customers will be able to get Windows 8 – whether in upgrade fashion or on a new PC – starting on October 26th," LeBlanc said on the Windows Team Blog.

He said this affirmed an announcement earlier this month at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference that Windows 8 would be available in October.

But now, he said "everyone has a specific date to mark on their calendars."

A separate article on PC World said Windows 8 may be available as upgrades, which will cost $40 through January 31 for users of Windows XP or later.

PC World added Microsoft still has not announced non-upgrade Windows 8 pricing for users who build their own PCs or want to run it on Apple's Mac hardware.

"There's been some chatter that Microsoft will sell a 'System Builder' or OEM version of the OS, but not a standalone full retail version," it added.

Windows 8 is a departure from earlier Windows versions, featuring a Metro interface optimized for touch screens and tablets.

It also works with an app store

Source:-
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story...ailable-oct-26