Microsoft Confirms October Windows 8 Release Date

Microsoft has confirmed rumours that Windows 8 will be released in October this year.

The company made the announcement at the firm’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto today, where it also confirmed Windows 8 would be released to manufacturers in the first week of August.

Steve Ballmer was on hand to shout about how wonderful the new OS is, but it was Tami Reller, chief financial officer and chief marketing officer of the Windows and Windows Live division, who showed off a number of Windows 8 devices created by Microsoft partners.

Spot of Yoga anyone?

They included a “Yoga” machine from Lenovo, which could fold into a tablet and out into a laptop-like device. Another Lenovo machine that had an anglepoise-esque display was ideal for creative types, according to Reller, who showed how artists could use it to get the right angles and easily access different paints through touchscreen functionality.

Microsoft’s own Surface tablet was also brought out, but little more detail was given on specs – something Microsoft has been particularly reticent on thus far. Recent reports have claimed Samsung is set to launch a tablet based on the Windows RT operating system.

Ballmer stressed the need for a diversity of devices, with a heavy reliance on partners, to meet the demands of all customers. Some had feared Microsoft’s move into tablet hardware would increase tension with partners.

The company also announced the acquisition of Perceptive Pixel Inc (PPI), which produces high-end multi-touch display products.

“PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration,” said Kurt DelBene, president of the Office Division at Microsoft.

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