Live: Microsoft's launch of Windows 8

This year's October turned out to be yet another action-packed month for mobile. First, we got the iPad mini on the 23rd, and on the 29th we'll be officially introduced to Windows Phone 8, as well as Google's next Nexus device/s. But today is a bit different. Today, we'll be witnessing the launch of Windows 8.

Typically, we don't pay so much attention to desktop operating systems, but Windows 8 is a bold step by Microsoft - a bold step that's positioning the company much, much better than before when it comes to mobile products like tablets. In fact, with the recent success of the tablet market, it's only natural for Microsoft to try and alter its main product so that it's better-suited for touchscreen use, and that's exactly what it did.

With a brand new "Modern" UI and loads of other changes, Microsoft is hoping that Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT are going to be successful competitors against Apple's iOS and Google's Android - two mobile operating systems that are increasingly taking over the mobile sector.

Join us as we're following Microsoft's official launch of Windows 8! You'll find our liveblog below, which will keep you posted about the latest developments with up-to-the-minute updates.

Event starts at: 11:15 AM EDT | 10:15 AM CDT | 08:15 AM PDT | 05:15 PM CET | 03:15 PM GMT

11:15	That was all from us, guys and gals, thanks for being with us! Afnan signing off, or should I say... logging off?
11:14	Not much excitement in the room, but Steve did manage to excite us about Windows 8. What about you?
11:13	"Thank you for your time today, welcome to the world of Windows 8!"
11:12	"We've grown very fond of this new term: Windows Reimagined." That will be Microsoft's marketing massage for Win 8.
11:11	"Developers are working fast and furiously to stock the shelves." Developers, developers, developers, developers!
11:10	Ballmer is making a short summary about Windows Phone 8 finally. But we'll know more on Monday.
11:09	"Enterprise customers will also love the new Windows 8 devices." That's good, because we almost thought Win 8 was all about consumers.
11:08	Steve is especially proud of the Skype experience in Windows 8. It should be the ultimate Skype experience, EVAR!
11:06	"Internet Explorer 10 is here.... and as Steven and Mike and Julie said - it's perfect for touch." It is indeed - we tried it on the ATIV.
11:05	"Right out of the box you'll find gorgeous beautiful applications built on Bing."
11:03	"Our partners have come up with some incredible new designs. Are they PCs? YES! Are they tablets? YES!"
11:02
11:02	"These are the thinnest, the lightest and the fastest PCs ever created." No one dares to object.
11:01	"Windows 8 PCs are the best PCs ever. The line-up is both diverse and stunning."
11:00	"The experience is really magical." The wizards seem to be coming out of hiding these days.
10:59	"Just stop and look at these gorgeous, gorgeous machines!" Steve is doubling down on the adjectives tonight... literally.
10:58	"Starting tonight - at 0:01AM, you'll be able to buy a spectacular new Windows PC."
10:58
10:58	Oh, it's the man himself - Steve Ballmer on stage! "It really is an exciting, exciting day!"
10:57	Julie and Mike have finished with their demo, let's see what happens now!
10:56	As Mike gets to demo the Surface once again, a soft round of applause occurs.
10:56
10:56	Mike is really excited about a Windows RT-powered Dell tablet, but he handles the Samsung ATIV to Julie.
10:54	The largest app category in the store currently is Games. Not really a surprise.
10:51	Mike and Julie will now demo the Windows app store. How easy it is to access it and to discover new content.
10:50	Mike is demoing some cool Windows 8 PCs - from tablets, to notebooks to large iMac-like destops.
10:47
10:46	They are showing off a Lenovo tablet, one with an Intel Atom processor.
10:45
10:44	Julie is more of a "down to business" type, while Mike seems to be the enthusiastic geek in the duo.
10:44
10:43	Julie has a Live Tile with Steve Ballmer on her personal desktop... Hmm...
10:41
10:41
10:39	Mike Angiulo and Julie Larson Green are now on stage to demo some of Windows 8.
10:37	Windows RT is still Windows, though, so it will easily recognize all kind of devices and accessories like printers, for example.
10:36	Windows RT runs a suite of built-in apps (read: the essentials), but of course, there will be many other apps to install from the store.
10:35	"Windows RT brings with it the full richness of the Windows experience." Yes, and it will also NOT bring any legacy programs!
10:34
10:32	AMD is not out of the game, though, it will also be powering Windows 8 PCs.
10:31
10:31	Today we'll also see the introduction of new ultrabooks, powered by latest Intel technology.
10:30	According to Microsoft, the new touch interface of Win 8, the Modern UI, is the next best thing after sliced bread.
10:29	Windows 8 was design to work equally well with existing PCs and new touchscreen PCs.
10:28	Windows 8 upgrades are available today online and in-stores. Starting at $39.99 in the US.
10:27	They will talk about three things: the Win 8 upgrade options, the Windows application store, and RT.
10:26	"So it is today with great pride that we unveil that next-generation of Windows."
10:25	Nothing really interesting for now. He explains some of the things they have done in order to make Win 8 so great...
10:24
10:23

10:23	He's giving us an update on Microsoft's greatness... you know, the success of Windows 7, Skydrive...
10:22	He didn't even introduce himself... :( Why, Steven? Aren't we good enough for you?
10:21
10:21	And we're off! Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky is on stage to take care of the intro.
10:16	fsnas posted 1 min ago "hey Ray,, i'm so excited!!" So am I, fsnas! Let's hope they have a lot of new stuff to show us.
10:09	So, what do you think about Windows' new Metro/Modern look? Do you think it'll be a success?
10:06	Hey guys, this is Afnan for Point Maza, and it's an extreme pleasure for me to be doing this liveblog for you!