Windows 8 downloaded 4 m times in 4 days

Microsoft, on Wednesday, said Windows 8 has been “the fastest” in terms of downloads, stating that the operating system has been downloaded 4 million times.

Briefing reporters at its launch, Microsoft India Chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said, “The footfall across the country (for Windows 8) has been spectacular.

This has really shown that the consumers had been eager to experience Windows 8.”

He said Windows 8 has been designed to enable users to work seamlessly across various form factors. “Windows 8 offers ‘no compromise’ experience.

It is good for touch and traditional mouse and keyboard devices. You have a choice to use it the way you want depending on the form factor. It helps you manage your data better due to cloud connectivity,” he said.

In India, 250 devices from 14 OEMs, including 23 of them made for the new OS, are available at over 2,500 retail stores across the country.

Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HCL, HP, Lenovo, RP Infosystems, Sai Info System, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Wipro and Zenith have released devices with Windows 8.

As for apps, Pramanik said a number of them are getting released in the Windows stores, offering the widest choice on entertainment, productivity and utility.

The Windows 8 pre-launch App Fest held in Bangalore produced 700 apps, 300 of which are in the process of getting released in the stores soon, he added.

A variety of devices from AIO (All-In-One) to convertibles (which could work both as a tablet and a full-fledged PC when docked with keyboard and mouse) and Ultrabooks had been displayed at the event. 

Windows 8 upgrades are available for the consumers holding Windows 7 licensed system between June 2012 to January 2013 for Rs 699 and those predating the period (including Windows XP systems) for Rs 1,999.

While Windows 8 Pro edition is available at the retail stores, Home edition with features more adaptable for lay users, will not be available until January, while Windows RT for ARM based devices come pre-installed.

As for Windows enterprise edition, organisations signed up for software assurance with Microsoft get an upgrade with several mobile productivity features like Windows To Go and Bit Locker and App Locker, which, Microsoft claims, provide end-to-end security.

“In terms of apps, we have ensured that the ones that you see on the stores are relevant to the country you live in. We see apps like map me India, BookMyShow etc feature among the top apps in India, while those like Skype, which is deeply integrated with the OS, are available in the global apps category,” said Microsoft India Director (Windows Business Group) Amrish Goyal.