While we just talked about Windows RT, last week Microsoft also announced its "Windows Upgrade Offer" for Windows 8.
It's quite typical that nobody is buying a new PC with Windows 7 preinstalled, now after the cat is out of the bag that Windows 8 arrives soon; and therefore Microsoft initiated the Windows Upgrade Offer for consumers purchasing a qualifying new Windows 7 PC. between June 2, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013. The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just US$ 14.99 (U.S.)/in Europe 14.99 Euro (including VAT) during the time of the promotion.
The offer will be redeemable when Windows 8 is generally available and Microsoft said that the Windows Upgrade Offer is just the first of many consumer offers that will roll out in conjunction with the general availability of Windows 8 - later this year.
“We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,” said Tami Reller, chief marketing officer and chief financial officer of Windows at Microsoft. “The Windows Upgrade Offer gives people the flexibility to purchase the new Windows 7 PC they need today, with the knowledge they can easily get Windows 8 when it’s available.”
This program began on Saturday in 131 markets including the U.S. and Canada and is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period June 2, 2012 – Jan. 31, 2013, and redeemed before the program expiration at the end of February 2013. Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting the day it is made available generally. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft.
The registration for the Upgrade Offer is yet not available but coming in the near future. In the meantime, customers can register on Microsoft's Windows Upgrade Offer website to get notified as soon as the registration has openend.
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