The invitation to journalists around the world was sent out yesterday. In Australia Microsoft is taking over the Hordern Pavilion at Fox Studio’s Entertainment Quarter, hoping no doubt that the ghosts of a thousand rock concerts past will add a buzz to the event.
There will be three versions of Windows 8 – the “normal” version for PCs and the high end Surface tables, and the RT version for the low end Surface machines. And, of course Windows 8 Phone. Too much of a good thing?
Windows 8 will see the biggest changes to Microsoft’s ubiquitous operating system since the mid 90s, when Windows 95 introduced things like the Start button. The Windows 8 interface will change completely to a more tiled look, strong on primary colours, that will no doubt confuse many in the short term.
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But official and unofficial reviews based on official and official pre-releases generally give the new look positive reviews. Gartner says it is a gigantic gamble, but one Microsoft has to make to stay in touch with a world that is increasingly mobile and online.
Meanwhile, an Israeli website (TechIT.co.il) posted four videos of leaked Windows 8 ads. They were most likely real, as Microsoft complained and asked them to be taken down, which they were. But the site still shows some good screen shots, and is interesting even if your Hebrew isn’t up to scratch.
