Windows 8 preview draws approval from Street Microsoft showcases new operating system ahead of analyst meeting

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Wall Street signaled its approval on Wednesday of the new Windows 8 operating system being developed by Microsoft Corp. for an expected launch next year.

Microsoft previewed the new platform at a developer conference in Southern California on Tuesday. The operating system is designed to be lighter and faster than previous versions, optimized for use not just on PCs but on portable devices such as laptops and tablets.

Several analysts said Wednesday that Windows 8 may give the company a better shot at extending its flagship Windows franchise into tablets — a market that has so far been ruled by Apple Inc. and its popular iPad. Google  is also vying to be a major player in tablets with its Android platform, though so far devices using the OS have managed only modest sales relative to the iPad.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Holt said he believes Windows 8 “will be a product catalyst — helping Microsoft build a meaningful tablet and ultra-PC presence.” Read more...