Microsoft says Windows 8 will go on sale October 26. The upgrade to its operating system is designed to work better with touch screens and on tablet computers.
Microsoft announced the date in a blog post and at its annual sales meeting Wednesday. The software company had said earlier that Windows 8 would go on sale in October.
Microsoft is releasing the software as a downloadable upgrade that day for PC owners, and letting PC makers start selling computers with Windows 8 the same day.
As an upgrade for users of Windows XP, Vista or 7, Windows will cost US$40. That's much less than Microsoft has charged for previous operating system upgrades. People who bought a Windows 7 computer on June 2 or later can upgrade for US$15.
Microsoft told 3 News that New Zealand pricing is not yet available, except for a $19.99 for people who purchase a Windows 7 computer between June 2 and January 31 next year.
3 News / AP