The box design of Microsoft’ next-gen Windows 8 operating system has appeared online.
As reported by The Verge, packaging for Windows 8 will display the Metro-style Windows 8 UI logo on the front with a white background, with a black background for Windows 8 Pro.
Windows 8 was released to manufacturers last week and will go on sale to the public, via stores and software download, on October 26th.
Consumers who buy a new Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012, and Jan. 31, 2013, will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $US14.99, while Windows XP, Vista and 7 users can upgrade to Windows Pro for $US39.99 through Jan. 31, 2013.
Channel partners who belong to the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) will gain access to the software on August 16.
Customers with Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through Microsoft's Volume License Service Center on August 16.
Microsoft last week canned the use of its ‘Metro’ moniker after a German retailer threatened to sue the software giant.
Germany-based company, Metro AG, has threatened legal action over the use of the name.
Microsoft is urging its partners and developers to replace mentions of ‘Metro’ with ‘Windows 8-style UI’ for Windows 8, and ‘New User Interface' for its product line.
The moniker appears to still be in wide use across Microsoft websites as well as partner and developer sites.
