Microsoft launches Win 8 to ride new computing wave
Microsoft on Thursday officially launched Windows 8, a major overhaul of its flagship operating system, as part of the software giant's attempts to stay competitive in an increasingly mobile computing landscape . In addition to desktop and laptop personal computer (PC), Windows 8 also runs on tablet computer, a new computing device category created by Apple's iPad.The Windows 8 has a redesigned Start screen replacing the icons with square tiles for various applications, which are optimized for touch control by fingers, a radical change to the familiar look and feel of the previous versions of Windows.The new interface also allows users to switch to the traditional desktop mode and control using keyboard and mouse. "With Windows 8, we've brought together the best of both worlds, the PC and the tablet," Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive officer, said at the launch event held in New York City.The latest operating system will be available worldwide beg...