4 million Windows 8 upgrades since launch: Steve Ballmer

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The Windows 8 operating system was launched last week, with Microsoft offering Windows 7 users a discount to uprade to the new OS.  A report by Reuters states that Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, says that 4 million upgrades to Windows 8 have been sold since Friday. As per the report, the author Bill Rigby states, “Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said on Tuesday the company has sold 4 million upgrades to Windows 8, signaling a strong start for its new operating system which launched on Friday. Ballmer, speaking at a meeting for software developers at Microsoft's headquarters near Seattle, said hundreds of millions of Windows systems would be sold over the next year, and the company was seeing strong interest from business users. Ballmer already said on Monday that Windows 8 was outselling the previous version, Windows 7, at the same stage after launch three years ago.” On October 26, Windows 8 hit the shelves worldwide. The new OS includes a new user interface (UI), and a range of applications. In collaboration with hardware partners, Microsoft made more than a 1,000 certified PCs and tablets, including Microsoft Surface, available for the launch of Windows 8 — making it the best line-up of PCs ever across the Windows 8 and Windows RT ecosystem. “We have reimagined Windows and the result is a stunning lineup of new PCs,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Windows 8 brings together the best of the PC and the tablet. It works perfect for work and play and it is alive with your world. Every one of our customers will find a PC that they will absolutely love.” 4 million upgrades already At retail stores, Windows 8 will be available in two primary versions — Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, as well as Windows 8 Enterprise for large organisations. Launched at the same time was a new member of the Windows family, Windows RT, which is designed for ARM-based tablets and is pre-installed on new devices. In addition to Microsoft Office 2013, Windows RT is designed exclusively for apps in the new Windows Store. Windows 8 features the new Start screen that gives people quick access to the apps and content they use the most. It also features an entirely new Internet Explorer 10 designed for touch and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive. In addition to the range of new Windows-based devices available, customers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Till the end of January, customers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 are qualified to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 1,999 And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013, in more than 140 markets can download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of Rs 800 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available here.