Australia Gets Windows 8

Photo: At the Microsoft Windows 8 launch. Getting a demo of Xbox Smart Glass from AJ

Video: Sampling the Toshiba U920T-H.264 1080

Microsoft has finally served up the much-talked about Windows 8 OS in Australia as people crowded around the stage in Harvey Norman’s Alexandria store at midnight.

Photo: At the Microsoft Windows 8 launch. Getting a demo of Xbox Smart Glass from AJ

Video: Sampling the Toshiba U920T-H.264 1080

Microsoft has finally served up the much-talked about Windows 8 OS in Australia as people crowded around the stage in Harvey Norman’s Alexandria store at midnight.

The new OS is available for upgrade from an existing Windows OS and will cost AU$39.99 online or an easily-discounted $69.99 for a boxed copy. However, it is important to note that a full version of Windows 8 is not yet available and only upgrades can be purchased at this time.

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” says Pip Marlow, managing director, Microsoft Australia. “Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

Microsoft also announced that Windows 8 would be available in 37 languages and 140 worldwide markets.

The new OS is a complete redesign of earlier versions and analysts say that this is the biggest change to Microsoft's user interface since Windows 95 came out 17 years ago. The redesign, built on the base of Windows 7, dispenses with the start button and features square tiles for apps.