Windows 8 launch date confirmed for SA

Good news for SA regarding the launch date of Microsoft’s next big operating system

July 31, 2012
Windows 8 logo

Microsoft Windows 8 will be in South Africa when it becomes “generally available” on 26 October 2012, the business group lead for Windows at Microsoft SA, Colin Erasmus, recently told journalists at a Windows 8 demonstration in Sandton, South Africa.

Windows Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Tami Reller, said that Windows 8 is on track to “Release to Manufacturing” (RTM) in the first week of August 2012.

“For enterprise customers with Software Assurance benefits, they will have full access to Windows 8 bits as early as August,” Reller said.

“RTM is when we’ll be turning on the commerce platform so that developers can start earning money for their apps.”

The software giant announced earlier this month (July 2012) that users of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 would be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. This upgrade is to be available in 131 markets, while Windows 8 will be available across 231 markets in 109 languages.

Another upgrade option of $14.99 is available to those who buy new PCs bundled with Windows 7 between 2 June 2012 and 31 January 2013.

Erasmus wasn’t able to confirm any details regarding the retail availability of Windows 8 in South Africa, but said that South Africans would be able to buy the upgrade in US Dollars with their credit cards from the Microsoft Store.

South Africa is part of the top tier of launch countries, Erasmus added.

“We’re going to get a lot of love this time round,” he said.

Windows 8 in SA launch uncertainty

Tech giants worry ahead of Windows 8 launch

Windows 8 will arrive on time

Microsoft Office brought to tablet PCs

Tags: Colin Erasmus, Headline, Microsoft, Tami Reller, Windows 8

Join the conversation

Connect with MyBB

twitterfacebookandroidappleblackberrynewsletterfeed

Poll

Are you going to buy an e-tag?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

More News

MTN Big Data Sale to be extended

MTN big data sale

MTN is set to extend its big data sale – which provides massive discounts on mobile data – for another three months

New Zealand a test-bed for global tech firms

The Project Loon team prepares for launch at sunrise in New Zealand.

When Google chose New Zealand to unveil secret plans for a balloon-driven Wi-Fi network, it cemented the country’s reputation as a test bed for global tech companies

Huawei Ascend P6 price, launch window for SA

Huawei Ascend P6

Huawei has unveiled its new Android smartphone, the Ascend P6, and has confirmed that it will be making its way to South Africa

Price promise: matching any offer on any network

Nashua Mobile

Nashua Mobile in hot water for promising to match any cellular offer on any network

bool(true)