Later this year, Microsoft plans to roll out commercial versions of Windows 8, the first time the company's operating system has been designed to work on desktop computers as well as tablet devices that people control with their fingers. Microsoft is counting on Windows 8 to help the company draw the attention of consumers and software designers away from Apple, Google Inc. and other companies that have grabbed market share in mobile phones, tablets and desktops.
Microsoft in September released an early version of Windows 8 to software developers, and at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Wednesday previewed new features of an updated version that consumers were allowed to start downloading immediately. They include an updated version of its Internet Explorer Web browser and a single-password sign-on to allow people to access their email, address books and documents across a range of Windows-powered computers and mobile phones. Microsoft is hoping this all in one access will help their operating system gain market share with in the mobile and tablet industry but only time will tell.