Windows 8 now has an official launch date: October 26. Microsoft announced that Windows would go on sale some time in October at its Worldwide Partner Conference earlier this month. Now we know when Windows 8 PCs, tablets, and software will actually go on sale.

The software itself will be finalized next month, when Microsoft performs the final build.

With software available, a range of Windows 8 hardware should also materialize. Microsoft's own Surface tablet is expected to launch at around the same time. Intel has boasted that there are 20 Atom-powered Windows 8 tablet designs in the works, and more than 160 Ultrabooks coming too.