Microsoft has released a near-complete version of its new operating system Windows 8 for users which will be available for download in 14 languages.
The latest test version of Windows 8 comes with a new user interface that responds well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse as well as delivers new apps from Microsoft and partners.
The company said, Windows 8 Consumer Preview, released in February, was downloaded more than 1 million times in the first 24 hours and with the latest release, it enters its final phase of development before it releases to manufacturing.
The upgrades include Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, as well as Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with Zune pass.
The new software also features enhancements to the Mail, Photos and People apps that initially debuted with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview including personalisation options for the Start screen, multimonitor support.
Other notable improvements include new capabilities such as "flip ahead," browser and a touch-friendly Adobe Flash Player is now integrated into Internet Explorer 10, featuring Do Not Track "on" by default, giving customers more control over their privacy, the company noted.
From June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the US and Canada.
Consumers who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs before January 31, 2013, can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99.
