Microsoft Windows 8 shown to developers

Microsoft handed out 5,000 Samsung tablets running a test version of Windows 8 at its annual developer conference on September 13, hoping to stoke excitement over its new operating system. The devices, powered by Intel's i5 chips, are the first chance for people outside Microsoft to play with Windows 8, the temporary code name for its next software system that includes features tailored for touchscreens and tablets. The company is betting the new system will stem the tide of consumers switching to Apple's iPad. ((Read the whole story on Reuters). Microsoft needs to lure a younger, tech-savvy audience and halt the march of Apple devices into Microsoft's business market, analysts said. "Kids today are seeing more Apple logos than Microsoft logos, and Microsoft needs to change that if they are going to continue being the force that they have been," said Michael Silver, an analyst at tech research firm Gartner, who was attending the developer conference. "If you look at where Apple is successful, it's from consumers who have more power to bring in what they use at home to the business," Silver said. "That's important for Microsoft to go after, to get this fixed." Windows unit chief Steven Sinofsky stressed the new operating system is the first to focus on applications — it will contain an online app store for the first time — reflecting the way people now use computers, tablets and smartphones. Microsoft itself has not set a schedule publicly for release of Windows 8, with Sinofsky saying on Tuesday the process would be "driven by quality, not by a date."

Microsoft handed out 5,000 Samsung tablets running a test version of Windows 8 at its annual developer conference on September 13, hoping to stoke excitement over its new operating system.

The devices, powered by Intel’s i5 chips, are the first chance for people outside Microsoft to play with Windows 8, the temporary code name for its next software system that includes features tailored for touchscreens and tablets. The company is betting the new system will stem the tide of consumers switching to Apple’s iPad. ((Read the whole story on Reuters).

Microsoft needs to lure a younger, tech-savvy audience and halt the march of Apple devices into Microsoft’s business market, analysts said.

“Kids today are seeing more Apple logos than Microsoft logos, and Microsoft needs to change that if they are going to continue being the force that they have been,” said Michael Silver, an analyst at tech research firm Gartner, who was attending the developer conference.

“If you look at where Apple is successful, it’s from consumers who have more power to bring in what they use at home to the business,” Silver said. “That’s important for Microsoft to go after, to get this fixed.”

Windows unit chief Steven Sinofsky stressed the new operating system is the first to focus on applications — it will contain an online app store for the first time — reflecting the way people now use computers, tablets and smartphones.

Microsoft itself has not set a schedule publicly for release of Windows 8, with Sinofsky saying on Tuesday the process would be “driven by quality, not by a date.”