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Twitter reaction to the launch of Windows 8

Anildash?size=bigger

I've said this before, but Windows 8 having built-in apps for news, sports, weather & finance will have HUGE impact on media companies.

From @anildash on Twitter:

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Windows 8 is 'computing for the next billion people'

Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft's head of Windows has announced that Windows 7 has been installed 670 million times.

He says that Windows 8 is "computing for the next billion people", and sees it as a shift from the old age of desktops to the age of touchscreens, smartphones, and social networking.

"Windows 8 is simply the best release of Windows ever," he said.

Windows 8: 'Incredibly important, not quite incredible'

People arrive at the launch event for Microsoft Windows 8 operating system in New York
People arrive at the launch event for Microsoft Windows 8 operating system in New York Credit: Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Technology website Gizmodo has summed up Windows 8 as "incredibly innovative, incredibly important, not quite incredible."

In a review of the new operating system, Kyle Wagner said: "If you want, you'll be able to operate more or less as you have in Windows 7, with some minor changes, mostly for the better.

"That's what desktop mode is for. But the writing is on the wall. Nearly all of the features in need of upgrades that have been left largely untouched are associated with the non-Metro desktop and its structure."

Microsoft prepares to debut Windows 8 in Tokyo

Microsoft officially launches its new operating system Windows 8 today alongside its first tablet, called Surface.

Once the world's biggest technology company, Microsoft is looking to claw back market share lost to Apple, Amazon and Google.

People try out Microsoft's Windows 8
People try out Microsoft's Windows 8 Credit: REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Today's launch being announced from New York but is worldwide, with a major launch in Tokyo, Japan.

People attend an event promoting the debut of Microsoft's Windows 8
People attend an event promoting the debut of Microsoft's Windows 8 Credit: REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told Reuters Television: "We've reimagined Windows and we've reimagined the whole PC industry,"

"In addition to notebooks and desktops, we introduce the PC as tablet.

"Work. Play. Tablet. PC. Boom! One product."

 Women wearing cosplay outfits distribute paper bags promoting Windows 8
Women wearing cosplay outfits distribute paper bags promoting Windows 8 Credit: REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Microsoft has fallen behind in the last few years as Apple has taken the lead with the iPad. In 2010, Apple overtook Microsoft's revenues for the first time.

Analysts say it is crucial that Microsoft does well with this launch. Without success, it will leave it trailing behind its rivals.

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