Microsoft
Thursday was the official launch day of Microsoft’s Window’s 8; however, Microsoft has been promoting both the new operating system and their first tablet, the Surface all week long.
Windows 8 is a dramatic overhaul of the traditional operating system in that it replaces the many of the features users have become accustomed to a new, touch-friendly start screen. Although Windows 8 is compatible with desktops, laptops and ultrabooks, the focus of the new operating system is mobile; specifically tablets.
Windows 8 is officially available as of 12:01am on Friday. You can find out more about it here.
Apple
In a first for Apple, the company held a second fall event (the first happened in early September where they announced the iPhone 5). This time around, they put the rumors to rest by introducing the iPad Mini; a 7-inch version of their popular iPad device. Developed to compete with Google's Nexus 7 tablet and Amazon's Kindle Fire, the iPad mini gives users all of the iPad's features (except retina display) only in a smaller profile.
The company also introduced a refreshed 4th generation iPad and thinner iMac’s with retina displays. You can see the entire lineup on the Apple website.
…and what about Google?
Google is set to hold its own press event on October 29th in New York City (the same day Microsoft is holding a Windows Phone 8 event in San Francisco). Although not confirmed, it is said the search giant is set to announce a new versions of its popular Nexus 7 tablet; including a larger 10-inch model and the Nexus phone which will be called Nexus 4.
Google is also expected to announce updates to its Android operating system which include features to compete with Apple’s iOS 6.
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