Global software major Microsoft late Thursdayunveiled its Windows 8 version of the operation system in India as part of itsworldwide launch.
"Retail and enterprise users worldwide will be able toexperience from Friday all that Windows has to offer with a new user interface,a host of applications from its store," Microsoft India chairman BhaskarPramanik said in a statement late Thursday.
The bundled version will be available on form factorsranging from tablets to laptops and ultra notebooks from 14 OEM (originalequipment manufacturer) partners, including Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, HewlettPackard, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith Computers.
Over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 new SKUs(stock keeping unit) of Windows 8 PCs are available across 100 cities and over2,500 retail stores.
Unlike its earlier versions, including Windows 7, Windows 8boasts of an intuitive start screen and tiles with rich content and update inreal time.
"As Windows anytime upgrade (WAU), the latest versionis cloud connected. Users will have to sign once with their MS (Microsoft)account to ensure they will be able to access mails, calendars, contact,pictures among other apps (applications," Pramanik said.
The new OS (operating system) will have two versions atretail - Windows 8 & Windows Pro, while Windows 8 enterprise offers mobileproductivity with features like To Go, Direct Access.
"Users can upgrade their personal computers (desktops)that have Windows XP, Vista or Window 7 at an affordable price of Rs.1,999 tillJan 2013," Pramanik added.