SCCyberworld

Friday, January 25, 2013

Strong Momentum As Microsoft Marks 88 Days Since Windows 8 Launch


New Malaysian apps being added every day, with now only 8 days left to upgrade at the special, low-cost introductory price.

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 January 22 2013 – Eighty-eight days since the global launch of Windows 8, businesses, consumers and developers continue to embrace the operating system’s unique promise of “no-compromise computing”. Adoption continues to build steadily in Malaysia and across Asia-Pacific, with the region now one of the fastest-growing markets in the world for Windows 8.

Danny Ong, Microsoft Malaysia’s Chief Marketing & Operating Officer said, “Traditionally, our Malaysian and Asia-Pacific customers are amongst the earliest adopters of new technologies. They are especially interested in the latest computing devices such as ultrabooks, tablet PCs and hybrids, as well as exploring new and exciting experiences like touch-based computing. I am pleased to say that the same is true for Windows 8, we are delighted with the momentum we’ve seen so far.”

Danny Ong, Chief Marketing & Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia.

“Malaysian customers are voting with their feet, buying brand-new devices from our retail and channel partners, and existing customers are also downloading Windows 8 upgrades in unprecedented numbers. Many of them are taking advantage of our once-only offer to upgrade from XP, Vista and Windows 7 to Windows 8 at a significant discount which ends on the 31st January 2013 – 8 days from today. This current pricing represents up to a 725% discount on the usual cost, which will kick in from February 1st.”

Globally, the numbers also show strong momentum for Windows 8 which passed 60 million licenses sold, as announced on January 8. In addition to this, the number of Windows 8 certified systems available since the end of October, has grown to a staggering 1,700 including some of the latest devices release this month at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Strong Developer and App Momentum

Part of the enthusiasm around the new operating system has been the strong growth in developers building for the new platform. Since the opening of the Windows Store the number of apps has quadrupled and globally Microsoft recently passed the 100 million app download mark – just two months after general availability.

Ong continued, “Our partners and our grass-roots developer community have responded very positively to Windows 8 as a platform with incredible scope and appeal to the existing audience of 1.3 billion users worldwide. This is driving the rapid growth of the ecosystem, which is both easy to develop for and highly customizable to different audiences”.

Today, the top eight featured Windows 8 apps in Malaysia are:
1. Air Asia (http://aka.ms/AirAsiaApp)
Book and check-in flights the easy way with the AirAsia Windows 8 app, which features comprehensive travel guides of popular destinations.

2. The Star Online (http://aka.ms/TheStarOnlineApp)
Official Windows 8 app by The Star Online featuring news, weather and more.

3. MalaysiaKini (http://aka.ms/MalaysiaKiniApp)

4. MyDigi (http://aka.ms/MyDigiApp)
The official application for subscribers of DiGi Telecommunications Malaysia that allows subscribers to monitor the usage information of their DiGi account from the convenience of their Windows 8 PC.

5. iProperty.com (http://aka.ms/iPropertyApp)
iProperty's Windows 8 app offers users a new way to search for new developments, properties for sale and apartments for rent easily in Malaysia and Singapore.

6. Resorts World Genting (http://aka.ms/GentingApp)
Resorts World Genting app gives users immediate access to the latest information on events, attractions, packages, recommended itineraries and other all year round activities at Resorts World Genting. Users can also check their Genting and WorldCard Points and plan their next trip to Resorts World Genting with just a few swipes.

7. MYDIN (http://aka.ms/MydinApp)
Provides news and updates, especially on promotional items, for more than 100 MYDIN outlets nationwide.

8. Sunway Lifestyle (http://aka.ms/SunwayLifestyleApp)
Featuring the latest news, promotions and events taking place at Sunway, including what's happening at Sunway Lagoon, Lost World of Tambun, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa and many more.

Purchase Windows 8 Today

Through the end of January, customers running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for RM122 (US$39.99) via electronic software download (ESD) at http://windows.microsoft.com/buy or purchase it from participating retailers at RM229 (US$69.99). After the 31st January 2013, the price will increase to RM885 (US$289.99).

No comments: