Windows 8 Release

[MummyChunk]

From ENG



Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows 8 Release Preview
May 31, 2012
Windows Upgrade Offer introduced, which gives consumers a path to
Windows 8 upon general availability.


REDMOND, Wash. - May 31, 2012 - Microsoft Corp. today announced
the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview, the next milestone
of the highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system. Available for
download today in 14 languages at http://preview.windows.com, the
Windows 8 Release Preview 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. Since the February release of Windows 8
Consumer Preview, which was downloaded more than 1 million times in
the first 24 hours, Windows 8 has become the most tested Microsoft
operating system of all time, and with today's release, it enters its
final phase of development before it releases to manufacturing.

"We're thrilled to be at this milestone with the Windows 8
Release Preview," said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows
and Windows Live Division at Microsoft.

New Apps Provide an Even Richer Experience

Windows 8 Release Preview delivers new apps from Microsoft and
partners. Highlights include Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, as
well as Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with your Zune pass.
The Windows 8 Release Preview also features notable improvements to
the Mail, Photos and People apps that initially debuted with the
Windows 8 Consumer Preview. In addition, Microsoft has worked closely
with its partners to deliver apps from around the world through the
Windows Store.

Beyond the new apps from Microsoft and partners, customers testing
the Windows 8 Release Preview will also experience 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. The new Internet
Explorer 10 redefines browsing, particularly for touch-enabled
devices. The Web is as fast and fluid as any app, and with new
capabilities in the Windows 8 Release Preview such as "flip
ahead," it is just as intuitive. A touch-friendly and
power-optimized Adobe Flash Player is now integrated into Internet
Explorer 10, and it is also the first browser to feature Do Not Track
"on" by default, giving customers more choice and control
over their privacy.

The Path to Windows 8

Beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows
Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the U.S. and Canada. Consumers
who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs through Jan. 31, 2013, can
purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of
$14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion. More information about
the Windows Upgrade Offer will be available June 1. In addition to the
Windows Upgrade Offer designed for consumers buying new Windows
7-based PCs, Microsoft will also announce other offers in the coming
months that will help consumers with existing Windows 7-based PCs
upgrade to Windows 8 when it is generally available.

In the next month, Microsoft will further detail the value Windows
8 brings to businesses at TechEd North America. More information about
Windows 8 and how to download the Windows 8 Release Preview is
available at http://preview.windows.com.