Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system has already been singled out as a major attraction, even before the opening of the annual Computex Taipei, one of the world's largest tech trade shows.
Many Taiwanese PC makers, including Acer, ASUS and Micro Star International, have announced that they will use the June 5-9 computer show to launch new hardware -- including tablets and ultrabooks -- that will be able to run the touch-enabled Windows 8.
South Korea's Samsung and various Chinese brands are also expected to synchronize their launches after Microsoft released a preview version of the new OS June 1 and announced a privilege package for upgrades.
The Taipei Computer Association, which organizes Computex, said Monday that in the Microsoft vs. Apple market, convertible tablet-notebook computers will be the "reinforced battle power of Windows 8."
According to Microsoft, Windows 8, which is designed for tablets, notebooks, hand-held devices and cross-platform systems developed by connected TV manufacturers, boasts a flexible control system that allows users to freely run the computer with either the touch control interface, a keyboard or mouse.
After the Windows 8 Consumer Preview was first introduced to the market in February, it had more than 1 million downloads within the first 24 hours of release, Microsoft said. It noted that as of Monday, Windows 8 had become the Microsoft OS that has undergone the greatest amount of testing.
Corporate sources said that although the OS has received positive responses so far, it still has to be tested by the market after the official launch to determine its popularity. Predicting that it will be put on the market in October, Digitimes senior analyst Joanne Chien said that many people are paying close attention to the new product, including pricing, launch date and promotional packages.
She predicted that it will be priced similar to windows 7. |
