Microsoft to Sell Windows 8 Upgrade for $40

Microsoft MSFT has announced that it will offer Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users the opportunity to upgrade for $39.99. According to Computerworld, the upgrade includes Windows 8 Pro, the most advanced version of the upcoming operating system. Due for release before the end of the year, Windows 8 features two prominent changes, including Metro -- a tablet-friendly tile-based menu that shows all of a user's programs. Windows 8 will also be the first Windows operating system to remove the Start button. Consumers who purchase a new Windows 7 PC today can upgrade to Windows 8 for $14.99. Earlier this year, Apple AAPL announced that it would allow customers who purchased a qualifying Mac system to upgrade to Mountain Lion for free when it is released in July. Other Mac users will be charged $19.99 for the upgrade. Bloggers and tech reporters have been critical of both operating systems. Business Insider does not think that Apple should charge a dime for Mountain Lion, which reportedly lacks the level of changes that typically accompany an OS X upgrade. The Verge published a lengthy critique of Microsoft's highly anticipated operating system, answering the question, "What is wrong with Metro and Windows 8?" In March, a former Microsoft employee launched a Fix Windows 8 campaign to encourage Microsoft to improve the operating system before it is released. Microsoft has not announced the official shipping date of Windows 8, but there have been several reports that point to an October 2012 release, giving Best Buy BBY and Amazon AMZN plenty of time to stock up on Windows 8 PCs for the holiday shopping season. Currently, retailers are struggling to maintain stock of the next-gen MacBook Pro, which has reportedly beaten all sales expectations. Follow me @LouisBedigianBZ