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Microsoft Reportedly Planning to Launch Windows 8 PCs and Tablets this October

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Windows 8 tablets, laptops and desktops should be arriving in stores in plenty of time before Christmas 2012, with its tile-based Metro theme and multi-touch support in tow.

Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is aiming to have Windows 8-toting devices of all shapes and sizes ready to launch this October. The finishing touches on the new operating system will be put in place over the summer before giving manufacturers the go ahead to begin manufacturing their products.

Several manufacturers have already made their intentions clear when it comes to Windows 8, with Lenovo and Acer each confirming that they plan to release tablet computers running the software. The first run of Windows 8 products will run on chipsets from both Intel and ARM, which means support for a range of devices. ARM’s chips will take precedence on tablet PCs, and are already in place with a number of touchscreen tablets such as Apple’s iPad.

Analysts believe that Microsoft has to hit the October-September timeframe for Windows 8 devices, and if it fails to stick to its schedule we may not see any in 2012 at all. If Windows 8 tablets aren’t a viable option come this year’s festive season, the likes of Apple will have a much larger slice of the market at a crucial time of the year.

Windows 8 is currently available to download as a Consumer Preview for everyone, allowing the software to be installed on desktops, laptops and tablet devices for those who want an early look at the much-changed OS. We’ve given it a spin on a touchscreen all-in-one PC and it looks great, and it didn’t take too long to get used to, either.

Bloomberg expects Microsoft to host an event in April to present the software to hardware partners, laying out a release schedule and selling strategies for those interested in bringing Windows 8 products to the market.

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Source: Bloomberg