Windows 8 launch centre

The launch of Microsoft's Windows 8 is arguably the biggest tech event of the year. It represents a huge change in direction for the world's most popular computer operating system, a change that some of Microsoft's loyal fans may find disconcerting. Never fear ? CNET is here to guide you through every step of upgrading, with a comprehensive look at what's news and which updated touchscreen models make the most of the new Windows 8 experience.

• Microsoft makes an aggressive, forward-thinking and bold statement for the future of PCs with Windows 8, and the vast security and speed improvements more than justify the US$40 upgrade price.

• The "lite" version of Windows 8, known as Windows RT, remains the biggest unknown for many coming to the new OS. Here's our guide to what Windows RT is, how it's different from Windows 8 and WinRT, and what it all means.

• The ARM-powered version of Microsoft's own tablet, the Surface RT, will likely make waves, especially amongst Microsoft's partners.

• Microsoft today announced Australian pricing for the upcoming Surface tablet with Windows RT, and is now taking pre-orders.

• If you're planning on upgrading your PC to Windows 8, but you're not forking out for a new touchscreen computer, it's time to learn the keyboard shortcuts.

• The Acer Aspire S7 is one of the sharpest-looking laptops of 2012. It runs well, but it may be priced beyond the reach of regular laptop shoppers.

• We'll be interested to see whether Samsung's Windows 8 Ativ line, announced at IFA this year, makes it to the land down under.

• Samsung has updated its Series 5 Ultra from earlier in the year, adding a touchscreen in readiness for the launch of Windows 8.

• Lenovo offers up a Windows 8 tablet that runs the full version of the new operating system, with an IPS display and an Atom processor.

• Formerly known as the XPS Duo 12, the XPS 12 is unique amongst its hybrid laptop peers as it uses a flip-screen mechanism.

• Taking cues from Asus' Transformer series, Samsung offers its take on the hybrid laptop/tablet.

• HP's top-of-the-line Spectre is getting a touchscreen update and Thunderbolt for Windows 8.

• Part laptop, part tablet, HP's Envy x2 is a Windows 8-based hybrid laptop running an Intel Atom processor.

• Android users looking for a cloud storage and file-syncing solution now have a new option in SkyDrive. But is Microsoft's offering on par with the tried-and-true Google Drive?

• Expect to pay just under US$100 per copy for the consumer version if you're a smaller OEM or putting together a home-brew PC, according to the latest scuttlebutt.

• The Chinese PC giant touted "convertibles" during a New York event. No, not cars, but laptops that can be switched into tablets.

• The tech giant is making a major departure from its earlier operating systems, and now must teach people how to use its new OS. Leaked training videos show just how Microsoft intends to do that.

• The software giant sets its sights on Spotify, making its new streaming music service the default way to hear tunes in Windows 8. The service will extend to mobile phones and its video-game console.

• Xbox 360 owners will be able to control the console through their smartphones and tablets via the new SmartGlass app.

Source: http://www.cnet.com.au/windows-8-launch-centre-339342119.htm?feed=rss

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