Microsoft announces lowest cost OS upgrade ever to Windows 8 Pro

Windows 8 Metro

Microsoft took a page from Apple’s upgrade pricing announcing a “price too good to pass up” for Windows 8 Pro upgrades – a mere $39.99.

Anyone who buys a PC after June 1, 2012 can upgrade for $15. 

“We set out to make it as easy as possible for everyone to upgrade to Windows 8. Starting at general availability, if your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99 in 131 markets,” says the post on the Windows Blog dated today. “And if you want, you can add Windows Media Center for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after your upgrade.”

That puts to rest all the rumors about no upgrades from XP or Vista. Boom! You can upgrade from almost any existing operating system.

“When you use Windows.com to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant makes upgrading simple by walking you through the upgrade process step-by-step from purchase to download and then of course installation,” the Windows Blog adds.

Microsoft Triple Play

Nokia Windows 8 Phone

Microsoft is turning up the heat on Windows 8 by completing the perfect triple play in June, announcing the Windows 8 Surface RTtablet and Windows 8 Phone.

All of these devices will share the same look and feel, making it easier for people to seamlessly use their smartphones, tablets and desktops. Easier is better, especially when Windows 8 runs faster and better than Windows 7, Vista or XP.

Apple has not been able to use the same interface for the iPhone and iMac or MacBook Pro. Users have to memorize different commands and keystrokes as the move from mobile to desktop computing.

Windows 8 Phone has a fresh new interface that promises to make using a smart phone easier. Live Smart Tiles are easier to work with compared with static icons on my iPhone.

In many ways Android phones have already passed the iPhone for ease of use.