Microsoft’s Windows 8 goes on sale

Microsoft’s attempt at bridging the gap between personal computers and tablets hit the shops last night as Windows 8 went on sale.

The new software boasts a start screen which does not have a “start” button but does, according to Microsoft, have a series of “tiles” each of which is “connected to a person, app, website, playlist or whatever else is important to you”.

It also claims the new software will be available on more than 1,000 PCs and tablets and that, for a fee starting at €29.99 members of the public will be able to upgrade their existing computers with the software through retail stores or online.

However, analysts believe companies and governments will hold off on upgrading to Windows 8 for at least another year.

About half of business users are estimated not to have upgraded to Windows 7 from Windows XP which came out in 2001.

PC World in Carrickmines in Dublin became the first retailer in the country to offer Windows 8 to consumers with a special opening of its store at midnight last night.

Microsoft Ireland managing director Paul Rellis said the Irish team had contributed significantly to the development and launch of Windows 8.

Meanwhile Microsoft simultaneously launched its “Surface” tablet last night, its first venture into making computer devices.

Already there are drawbacks to the new tablet as, according to Bloomberg, it won’t feature applications for Facebook’s social-networking service or Apple’s iTunes music store.