Microsoft Sets 26 October As Windows 8 Release Date

It started with lots of speculation that ultimately proved correct when Microsoft revealed earlier in July that its new Windows operating system would come out in October. The US software giant has now committed to a specific date, announcing yesterday that Windows 8 will make its market debut on 26 October.

This emerged during the company's annual sales meeting, when the date was announced by Steven Sinofsky, head of the Windows division. The news was spread shortly afterwards through an official blog post penned by Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's communications manager. The new Windows OS will be available in 231 markets around the world, featuring 109 languages.

Chief executive Steve Ballmer has seized numerous opportunities to sing the praises of Windows 8, the gist of his comments being that this is one of Microsoft's biggest achievements and definitely the biggest in at least 17 years. The latter is in reference to the release of Windows 95, generally considered a landmark product in the OS space.

Ballmer could easily be forgiven his excitement in light of the changes introduced by Microsoft. This is arguably the most anticipated software release of the year and reflects the company's drive to keep up with changing technology trends. Windows 8 is designed with mobility and the cloud in mind. Besides traditional desktops and laptops, the new OS will be able to support touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as stylus-based applications. It will be at the core of another major product Microsoft is gearing up to launch - its Surface table computer.