Also here in New York at Pier 57 is an immersive and interactive 160-foot “mini” Manhattan – called Microtropolis – where the neighborhoods are represented through Windows 8 touch-enabled PCs and devices. New Yorkers can stop by and walk right into the experience through the avenues and streets. Hundreds of devices are scattered along the rooftops within the neighborhoods. We partnered with local artists, chefs, designers and other notable New Yorkers to curate their respective neighborhood experiences within the Windows 8 for all the devices within Microtropolis. This unique experience illustrates how Windows 8 can be personalized with all the things that are important to you. For more details on Microtropolis, see this post from Kristina Libby from earlier this week.
Our launch activity is truly global. We’ll be sharing photos and video from New York and many of the Windows 8 launch events from around the world (including Microsoft’s campus in Redmond) through our Windows Facebook page and our Windows YouTube channel.
In 140 countries, people will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 (U.S.) online at Windows.com in 37 supported languages and 23 supported currencies starting 12:01 am October 26thmarket-by-market. You can also stop by your local retailer to pick up a Windows 8 upgrade, including special pricing on a Windows 8 Pro upgrade.
If you purchased a Windows 7 PC between June 2nd, 2012, and January 31st, 2013, you can register for the Windows Upgrade Offer where you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $14.99 (U.S.). Those of you who have already registered for the Windows Upgrade Offer, you will be able to redeem your upgrade. Our OEM partners are also bringing new Windows 8 PCs and devices to market and are available for purchase in stores and online starting tomorrow. If you pre-ordered a Windows 8 PC or device, those pre-orders will start shipping if they haven’t already!
Also starting tomorrow, we are excited to have various retailers across the world announcing new Windows 8 offers for their customers. Below you will find a list of offers from retailers here in the U.S.:
Staples: 
  • Tablet Trade-in and Trade Up Offer - Consumers can trade in a working old tablet, buy a new Windows 8 tablet and receive up to a $250 Visa Giftcard. Available In-Store and Online 10/26/12 – 12/24/12. Customers mustregister their tablet here within 14 days of purchasing their new Windows 8 tablet at Staples. Customers will receive a prepaid label in the mail to ship back the old tablet.
  • Buy a new Windows 8 device and get Free PC Start-Up, Free Training and Free Support.
  • Buy a new Windows 8 device regularly $699 or more, and receive Free PC Start-Up, Free Training and Free Support and Free Data Transfer.
  • For more information the Windows 8 offers, click here.
Best Buy:
  • PC Home Makeover - includes Samsung Series 5 laptop, Samsung Series 5 Touch Screen All-In-One, Samsung Series 5 Touch Screen Ultrabook, 1 year Geek Squad Support, 1 year Kaspersky Antivirus and PC Data Transfer for $1,999. Available Online and in-store beginning 10/26, while supplies last.
  • Buy 2 Samsung Touch LTs and 1 Samsung AIO, save $600 ($2,599 down to $1,999).
  • For more information on the Windows 8 offers, click here.
Intel:
  • Trade In/Trade Up– Bring in a working laptop (any PC as long as it can power on) and get at least $100 towards a new Intel-Inspired Ultrabook.
The global list of retail offers can be found here.
We are very excited to bring Windows 8 to market and into your hands. For more on Windows 8, visit the brand newWindows.com!