Blogs: Windows 8 launch

There's bad news for Microsoft's attempt to gain market share in the intensely competitive tablet market: IDC warns that the $500 price tag for Windows 8 and RT tablets is too high for them to succeed.

When it comes pre-loaded junk and crapware, Windows 8 appears to be no different than its predecessors -- expect that the Windows 8 PC you buy will be loaded with it. When will Microsoft recognize that this is no way to please its customers?

The early results for Windows 8 adoptions likely won't please Microsoft: Net Applications reports that only 0.45% of Windows computers in October used Windows 8. That compares to a much higher adoption rate of 2.33% for Windows 7 during its October launch three years ago.

It's official: The apps once called Metro apps are now formally called "Windows 8 Store apps" by Microsoft. Along with being one of the worst branding moves of all time, the new name is misleading.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer claims that Microsoft has sold 4 million upgrades to Windows 8 in the first three of its launch -- more than the 3 million upgrades of Mountain Lion sold in the first four days of its launch. That sounds impressive -- but is it really good news for Microsoft?

If Microsoft was hoping for a big-bang Windows 8 launch, it's disappointed: a poll from the Associated Press finds that people are greeting the operating system --- and the Surface tablet --- with a big yawn.

Windows 8 is the most controversial version of the operating system Microsoft has released. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Here are eight ways Microsoft could improve Windows 8.

Windows 8 could be the biggest gamble that Microsoft has ever taken. But even though many people have said that gamble looks like a bad one, there's certainly a chance that it will pay off. Here are five reasons that Windows 8 could be a big hit.

Join on-the-spot Computerworld reporters today at 11 a.m. for the inside blow-by-blow as Microsoft launches its new Windows 8 operating system -- along with a slew of exciting new devices, including tablets, Ultrabooks, hybrid tablet/laptop combos and all-in-ones.