Microsoft gives developers free Windows 8 tablets

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Microsoft handed out sleek new tablet computers with a test version of Windows 8 at its annual developer conference, to spark excitement over its upcoming operating system.

The tablets are the first chance for people outside Microsoft to play with Windows 8 that includes features tailored specifically for touch screens and tablets as well as traditional PCs. The company is betting the new system will stem the tide of consumers switching to Apple's iPad.

Microsoft, whose software still runs more than 90 percent of personal computers, needs the new system to appeal to developers in the hope they will create thousands of applications to attract users.

At the same time, it needs to lure a younger, tech-savvy audience and halt the march of Apple devices into Microsoft's business market, analysts said.

"If you look at where Apple is successful, it's from consumers who have more power to bring in what they use at home to the business," said Michael Silver, a Gartner analyst attending the developer conference. "That's important for Microsoft to go after, to get this fixed."

Tablet makers are expected to start selling products with Windows 8 in the middle of next year at the earliest.

Fast and slick

The new system boots up in seconds and features a home page filled with colorful tiles taking the user directly into applications such as Facebook, messaging or news feeds. It is less likely to appeal to business users, analysts said, given that many companies are still working their way toward switching to Windows 7, released in 2009.

Microsoft has sold almost 450 million Windows 7 licenses in two years since it was introduced, but the newest version still accounts for less than a third of global Windows users, many of whom are clinging to Windows XP.

Windows unit chief Steven Sinofsky stressed the new operating system is the first to focus on applications - it will contain an online app store for the first time - reflecting the way people now use computers, tablets and smartphones.

He said tablets running Windows 8 will be able to connect easily to printers, cameras and other devices. Windows 8 will also work on PCs with regular mouse and keyboard commands.

Sinofsky - who insisted the free tablet distributed at the conference was "not an iPad" - emphasized it was a development machine only, and will not appear in stores. It features about 30 different apps written over the summer by Microsoft interns.

Analysts said Microsoft wants to get Windows 8 devices in stores for the "back to school" season next year, starting around July, or the holiday shopping season at the latest. Microsoft itself has not set a schedule publicly for release of Windows 8.

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