Windows 8 development actually started before Windows 7 had shipped in 2009. Microsoft then released Windows 8 Developer Preview (build 8102) the same day, which included SDKs and developer tools for developing applications for Windows 8’s new interface on September 13, 2011.
On 29 February 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250.
Windows 8 is not just a new release of Microsoft operation system; it is also a game changing catalyst. First of all, it attempts to compete with iOS platform by living up to the vision of being the one platform for all devices, in this manner; it has even beaten Mac OS X for having the capability of being a full desktop operating system apart from powering mobile devices.
It is a platform which was meant to be used for work and play at the same time. The signature ‘Start’ button of Windows operating system has been replaced with a new fast and fluid start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about.
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| Windows 8 interface | Windows 8 launching at Plaza Lowyat |
Windows 8 is fully cloud enabled with built-in support for SkyDrive – cloud storage which offers 7GB free storage. Most applications such as Internet Explorer 10 are built to work side-by-side with SkyDrive.
The Live Tiles features provide seamless connectivity to multiple social applications thus delivering updated information at a glance without the hassle of attending multiple applications simultaneously.
Windows Store offers similarity of AppStore for Apple’s platform. There are currently thousands of apps available for download.
It is currently attempting to lure iOS developers to also develop for Windows 8 platform by offering more money per download than the App Store with an 80% revenue for total sales over $25,000 USD, Windows 8 and the Windows Store also make it simple for millions of customers to find, try, and buy apps from practically anywhere in the world. The Windows Store makes it easy to distribute, update, and get paid for the apps that have been developed.
Development skills for Apple’s XCode and Objective-C can reduce the learning curve for adoption of Microsoft development platform which supports multiple programming languages such as C#,C++,Visual Basic, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Local momentum for Windows 8 adoption has been encouraging. In fact, some of the popular local apps that are immediately available for download include apps from The Star Online, MYDIN, AirAsia, DiGi, Sunway Lifestyle, Box, Stumble Upon and etc.
Windows Store is serious business. Its arrival means bad news for software piracy.
The biggest feature for Windows 8 is that it is optimised for touch. As of launch date, hardware partners in Malaysia have announced the availability of Windows 8 certified devices which are available at all major retail outlets. These include ultrabook, tablets and hybrid devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.
For my part, the coolest thing about Windows 8 is its open-platform concept in a sense that all applications are cloud enabled and is social media friendly – of course one can still do the work-offline thing for sure. It also departs from the conventional menu driven Windows look-and-feel.
It feels a little Apple though and it makes one feeling innocent about how Microsoft Windows used to work and that is why it is worth an upgrade – offering a total new experience of re-imagined Windows.
Windows 8 is available to Malaysian consumers through three paths:
| Purchase of a new Windows 8 Device | Ultrabook, tablets and hybrid devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. |
| Windows upgrade offer for consumers purchasing a new Windows 7 PC | The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just US $ 14.99 during the time of the promotion. This program is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period of 2 June 2012 to 31 January 2013 and redeemed before the program expiration at the end of February 2013. Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting 26 Oct 2012. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft. |
| Purchase of Windows 8 Pro Upgrade | Consumers whose devices do not qualify for Windows Upgrade Offer may opt to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro by purchasing a Windows 8 Upgrade retail packaged product at participating outlets. Windows 8 Pro is available at a special retail price of RM 229 for a limited time only until 31 Jan 2013. Thereafter, Windows 8 Pro will be available for an estimated retail price of RM 885. |
Participating Retailers
| Retailer | Region |
| All IT Hypermarket Sdn Bhd | Klang Valley |
| Aone Plus Supplies & Services Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Challenger Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd | Klang Valley |
| C-Zon Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| IT Hyperstore (M) Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Jayacom Information Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Pc3 Technology Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Pku Technology (KI) Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Sri Computers Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Thunder Match Technology Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Viewnet Computer System Sdn. Bhd. | Klang Valley |
| Discovery Info Center | Northern |
| SNS Network (M) Sdn. Bhd. | Northern |
| Super Multimedia Sdn. Bhd. | Northern |
| E IT Lifestyle Store | Southern |
| Meadown IT Distribution Sdn. Bhd. | Southern |
| NCS Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd. | Southern |
| Micron Tm Distribution Sdn. Bhd. | East Malaysia |
| P C Image | East Malaysia |
Experience Windows 8 Nationwide
As a follow up to the launch of Windows 8 today, Microsoft will also be conducting nationwide roadshows to promote Windows 8 and the new Windows 8 optimised devices. Members of the public will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the new operating System and Windows 8 devices during the following dates and at these location:-
| Date | Location |
| 29 Oct – 4 Nov | Kuala Lumpur – Lowyat |
| 2 – 4 Nov | Kuala Lumpur – Midvalley |
| 2 – 4 Nov | Penang – PISA |
| 2 – 4 Nov | Johor Bahru – Persada Johor |
| 9 – 11 Nov | Melaka – MITC |
| 16 – 18 Nov | Ipoh – Stadium Indera Mulia |
| 29 Nov – 1 Dec | Penang – PISA |
| 30 Nov – 2 Dec | Kuching – Borneo Convention |
| 30 Nov – 2 Dec | Kota Kinabalu – One Borneo |
| 7 – 9 Dec | Kuala Lumpur – KLCC |
