Tech News Post

Whilst the release date for the new Windows 8 operating system has not been announced yet, the most recent prerelease version is the Consumer Preview which was released at the end of February.

Throughout last year, Microsoft has been drip feeding some of the new features within Windows 8. These features include a new metro-style user interface that is designed for touch screen, mouse, keyboard, and pen input. They also will be adding support for ARM microprocessors in addition to the x86 microprocessors from Intel, AMD and VIA.

Microsoft are also planning to launch an updated Windows logo to reflect the new Metro design language, transforming the flag shaped logo into four window panes.

Commenting on the launch of the new Windows 8 operating system, Ajay Bhalla, Professor of Global Innovation Management at Cass Business school says: Without much pre-event buzz, Microsoft is attempting to signal that Windows 8 is a game changer for the firm and its ecosystem-developers, re-sellers, enterprises and consumers.

The task is not easy for several reasons.

Firstly, reversing years of decline as a result of the dwindling usage of PC's, and the in-roads made by Apple and Google is going to be tough. The firm has not been particularly successful with its attempt to shift enterprise users from XP. The user's who did shift to an earlier version, Vista or Windows 7 failed to see the productivity gains and many continue to rely on XP. This time the attempt is to introduce an inter-operateable version of Windows which runs seamlessly on multiple devices - be that the tablet or a game console. It is a bumper task and it is likely Microsoft will struggle to respond to the technical glitches which emerge post launch. Today consumers have plethora of choices and many hardcore Windows users are in the process of shifting to alternative platforms.

Secondly, Microsoft has failed to replicate the closed system which Apple pioneered and Microsoft regarded a liability. The firm is now working on reversing the long-held presumption by forming strategic partnerships with firms such as Nokia.

Third, Microsoft has been extremely successful in creating new revenue streams from its new venture divisions such as gaming. That requires resources and executive attention and is likely to form the core of Microsoft's vision, as opposed to another Windows version, as it moves towards building mobility at its heart.