Microsoft launches Windows 8, execs still unsure about NZ Surface release

Microsoft launched its new version of its Windows operating system, Windows 8, in New Zealand this morning, the first place in the world to do so.

Retailer Harvey Norman took pre-orders and held midnight launch events at stores across the country.

New Zealanders will have a choice of 30 new Windows 8 devices today from 8 manufacturers, out of about 1000 devices worldwide.

Microsoft New Zealand's chief executive Paul Muckleston said he expected 70% of PCs sold over the next 12 months to be running Windows 8. In the last twelve months, 700,000 PCs were sold in New Zealand.

Customers who want a clean install of Windows 8, rather than an upgrade copy, can buy the System Builder version. Microsoft said pricing was not set for that version of Windows 8, but would probably be around $200.

Muckleston also said that more than 100 Kiwi apps were on Windows 8's store at launch.

"The thing I'm really delighted about is if you look at the apps that are in the Kiwi app store, they're really high-quality apps as well. They're not just 'Hello World' apps, there's actually a lot of substance there," he said.

Representatives form New Zealand developers NV Interactive and MarkerMetro were on-site at Microsoft's launch event to show off the companies' new apps.

NV Interactive had created an app for Chelsea Sugar and its recipe club, as well as two apps for American sports broadcaster ESPN.

MarkerMetro showed off apps from auction website TradeMe, and the Plunket Society.


Windows RT

New Zealand currently has no timeline for Windows RT devices - Samsung told us that it will be launching an RT device here, but couldn't tell us when.


When will we get the Microsoft Surface?

The Microsoft Surface may launch in New Zealand next year, but only if there is sufficient demand and Microsoft's factories can keep up with it.

"I think a lot of it's just keeping track of demand initially in terms of getting all the factories up to speed," said Microsoft New Zealand chief executive Paul Muckeston.

"But I would hope that we have it in New Zealand sometime in the forseeable future. In the meantime, of course, you can import one from Australia or one from the US."