Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows 8 Release Preview

Yesterday, we reported that the Windows 8 Release Preview was due in the first week of June and possibly even from the first. However, Microsoft has surprised everyone and actually released it today.

Microsoft claims that the Release Preview, available in 14 languages, delivers a “fast and fluid experience, along with a new user interface that responds equally well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse”. It also sports new apps from Microsoft and partners, such as Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, plus Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with Zune pass. There’s also lots of improvements to the Mail, Photos and People apps. Microsoft have also made “tens of thousands of refinements across the product, such as increased personalization options for the Start screen, improved multimonitor support, refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store, and new Family Safety features.”

Now, no operating system launch from Microsoft would be complete without a promotion of course. This time, it’s called the Windows Upgrade Offer and is available in 131 markets. From June 2, people who buy a qualifying Windows 7-based PC through Jan 31, 2013 will be able to purchase Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just $14.99. The Release Preview is available at: http://preview.windows.com