New offers, apps and range of hardware options offers choice and opportunity for customers as Windows 8 becomes globally available
Hong Kong, October 26, 2012 – Microsoft today announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Hong Kong and around the world. Starting today, consumers and businesses worldwide will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new user interface, and a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
Windows 8 will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages at www.microsoft.com/hk/windows8, and for purchase at retail locations around the world including Hong Kong. In partnership with its major hardware manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Sony, Microsoft is introducing 24 featured PC device models in Hong Kong, including tablet, convertible, touch notebook/ultrabook and all-in-one, preinstalled with Windows 8 on and around the launch day. With a choice of prices, customers can choose the PC or device that fits their personality, style and needs. These device models are available at more than 300 retail stores, including major retailers such as Broadway, Fortress and Suning, and in many computer malls and other outlets.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Joelle Woo, Marketing and Operations Director of Microsoft Hong Kong. “Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.”
Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker. Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices.
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Upgrading PCs to Windows 8 with special offers
In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, 2013, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download and upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of HK$319 or to purchase Windows 8 Pro Upgrade with media in box set through designated retailers for an estimated retail price of HK$549. And in addition, consumers who purchase eligible Windows 7 PCs between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of HK$119 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.
Through Device Day promotion offers, every purchase of a Windows 8 device of selected models and selected channels during the promotional period can enjoy a 50% discount on either the Xbox 360 4GB console (estimate retail price of HK$1,699) or Office 2010 Home & Business Product Key Pack (estimate retail price of HK$1,799), and every purchase of a Windows 8 PC – either built by selected brands or assembled by a System Builder will earn a Windows 8 online training token (estimate retail price of HK$399). The offer with Hong Kong Broadband Network is launched at the same time. New Customers and Existing Customers to join or renew designated “Access 1000M” Broadband Package can enjoy a Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Box Set.
Windows 8 comes to life with local applications
Immersive apps are the focal point of the Windows 8 experience. Microsoft Hong Kong is working closely with local partners, who are leveraging Windows 8 to develop different kinds of applications—apps that are clean, beautiful, and intuitive. Windows 8 apps are connected and alive, keeping users up-to-date on the latest news, weather, social media updates and more, without effort.
“We have been in close cooperation with Microsoft for years. 「行動筍盤」is a Windows 8 app developed by Centaline Property,” says Mr. Terence Tong, Executive Director of Centaline Property Agency Limited. “Windows 8 provides an excellent user experience for 「行動筍盤」, making browsing and searching for information simpler and much easier. Users can be kept updated on daily property news without opening the app, and can then use the unique Search Charm of Windows 8 to find their desired property. After launching the app, users can search property information by setting different criteria including name, district, layout and price, and can also share information instantly with built-in connections between apps.”
As part of the Towngas 150th Anniversary commemoration, we partnered with Microsoft to develop a Windows 8 App. This brand new app enables Towngas customers to get live updates of the latest recommended daily recipes using its dynamic Live Tile. Users can also download over 1,000 different recipes and easily share them with their friends via on social networks using the Share Charm. The app also makes meter reading reporting and e-billing much easier. With Windows 8, we can bring a more immediate, caring and richer experience to our customers, and this resonates well with our anniversary theme of ‘Warming Everyday Life’,” says Susanna Shen Shuk Ching, Head – Corporate Information Technology of Towngas.
“The new multi-touch capability of Windows 8 empowers Ocean Park to create more interesting and interactive content. In cooperation with Microsoft, the Ocean Park Halloween Bash this year provides some new Windows 8 multi-touch devices on site which enable visitors to browse and get the latest information, such as a park map, restaurant guide and show schedules, through the first Ocean Park App on Windows 8 using simple and intuitive pan and zoom gestures. Also, this Windows 8 App has a ‘plan your trip’ feature, helping customers to enjoy the most rewarding experience at the park,” says Ms. Vivian Lee, Marketing Director of Ocean Park.
Experiencing Windows 8 with Windows 8 Device Day
In Hong Kong, starting from 26 October, there will be a series of roadshows and experience zones with a Windows 8 Device Day theme, which will feature and demonstrate Windows 8 and Windows 8 devices throughout the territory in locations including Cityplaza, Hong Kong MTR station and more than 300 retail stores.
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