Microsoft Australia launches Windows 8 (+39 photos)

Shows off the OS and Surface RT
The Microsoft Australia Windows 8 launch took place at the Hordern Pavilion.

The Microsoft Australia Windows 8 launch took place at the Hordern Pavilion.

  • The Microsoft Australia Windows 8 launch took place at the Hordern Pavilion.
  • A blue carpet welcomed guests...
  • Windows 8 sign upon entrance.
  • Keeping the coffee in context.
  • Registration.
  • Media mingling.
  • The launch commences.
  • A hired dancer demonstrates Windows 8's touch capability.
  • A hired dancer demonstrates Windows 8's touch capability.
  • Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow, takes the audience through Windows 8's capabilities.
  • Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow, takes the audience through Windows 8's capabilities.
  • Microsoft Australia Windows product manager, Deeps De Silva, takes the audience through his favourite features of the operating system.
  • The Windows Surface - only three were at the launch event.
  • The Windows Surface - only three were at the launch event.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Sailor Jessica Watson.
  • Sailor Jessica Watson's display.
  • Jewellery designer, Jenny Manik Mercian.
  • Jewellery designer, Jenny Manik Mercian's display.
  • Sweet art owner, Anthea Leonard
  • Sweet art owner, Anthea Leonard
  • V8 supercar driver, Rick Kelly.
  • V8 supercar driver, Rick Kelly.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
  • Windows 8 applications on vendor devices.
View all images

Microsoft Australia launched the Windows 8 operating system in Sydney's Hordern Pavilion earlier today.

While Microsoft Australia managing director, Pip Marlow, and Microsoft Australia Windows product manager, Deeps De Silva, maintained an emphasis on 'intuitive', focus shifted to pricing and availability during a Q&A session.

Somewhat surprisingly, Microsoft said Windows 8 could not be bought as a fresh OS from major retailers, rather only available as an upgrade from previous versions.

SEE ALSO: Windows 8 is only available as an upgrade.

Microsoft also used the event to show off its Surface RT device, of which it only had three on display.

The Surface RT will be available locally for:

  • 32GB - $559
  • 32GB with Touch Cover - $679
  • 64GB with Touch Cover - $789

The Touch Cover, which is available in black, white, red, blue, and magenta, can be purchased separately for $139.99.

Customers who prefer a physical keyboard can purchase the Type Cover for $149.99.

Follow Nermin Bajric on Twitter: @nermin_au

More about: Microsoft
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Comments

Rob

1

'Somewhat surprisingly, Microsoft said Windows 8 could not be bought as a fresh OS, rather only available as an upgrade from previous versions'.

So, how do you purchase a brand new pc then I wonder???

Sam Bo

2

My Wholesaler has stock, and its slightly more cost that Windows 7, odd considering the US website has the product for around $60US for customers who are not upgrading.

Nermin Bajric

3

Hi Sam Bo,

Check this out: http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/440185/updated_windows_8_only_available_an_upgrade/

Nermin.

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