14 Oct 2009, SINGAPORE - Microsoft Windows, the world’s best-known operating system is about to get a whole new upgrade as Windows 7 arrives in Singapore on 22nd Oct 2009. To celebrate the monumental launch of Windows 7 and to reward its loyal customers, Singapore’s iconic consumer IT chain store Challenger will host a launch party with an unprecedented retail offer at Funan DigitaLife Mall.

For the first 177 customers who turn up at its flagship Funan store for the 12am 22nd Oct launch of Windows 7, Challenger will be offering Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Edition at just S$77 (usual RRP S$219).

After that, a limited number of customers can purchase the same Upgrade Edition for S$147 during the launch event. This promotion is open only to members of Challenger and new memberships can be registered onsite for just S$27 (usual S$30).

And before the clock strikes midnight, there will be a slew of exciting consumer promotions like product auctions and hourly specials within the Challenger store for all customers. More information on other Challenger special promotions for the midnight launch will be available from 16 Oct on Challenger’s website www.challenger.sg

Mr Loo Leong Thye, Chief Executive of Challenger Technologies Ltd, said: “Microsoft Windows has come a long way since the 1980s when we were using monochrome monitors and big clunky PCs. Windows 7 opens up new possibilities with today’s sleek PCs and netbooks. It will give a new lease of life to your computer, whether you are upgrading your existing computer or purchasing a new laptop. We believe it will strongly reinvigorate the consumer IT sector this holiday season and drive a whole new cycle of PC and peripheral purchases.”

Mr Ben Tan, Regional Director, Southeast-Asia and Korea, Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division which manages Windows and Office packaged products at retail, said: “We are thrilled that Challenger, who has long blazed the trail for IT customers with its innovative customer loyalty programs, is once again driving consumer excitement in a big way with this launch offer for Windows 7.”

Mr Haresh Khoobchandani, Senior Director, Business & Marketing Organisation, Microsoft Singapore said: “Windows 7 elevates the consumer experience by making the PC experience simpler while continuing to offer innovation such as multi-touch. We believe our consumers will gain greater value in terms of productivity, security and performance than any previous OS launches. Challenger provides the perfect retail platform to make these experiences real for Singapore customers from all walks of life.”

WINDOWS 7: YOUR PC, SIMPLIFIED

Windows 7 is designed to work better and faster, even on older computers. Packed with new features to make your computing experience simpler and more fun, Windows 7 features the following new innovations:

Aero Shake, Aero Snap and Aero Peek : Tired of moving multiple windows across the computer screen? The new Aero features allow you to move between windows by shaking, snapping, and doing instant live previews of all your open programs at high speed.

HomeGroup: Many homes in Singapore now have wireless networks, and with a few simple clicks, you can now effortlessly share and stream movies, music, and pictures documents between all the Windows 7 PCs and media extenders like the Xbox 360 console in your household.

Power Performance: Apart from a much faster boot-up and shutdown time, Windows 7 offers better power management for longer battery life compared to Windows Vista, and a much improved battery life compared to Windows XP. Lower power consumption means it requires less electricity, making it better for the environment and better for your pocket.

Windows 7 is available from 22 Oct 2009 in Home Premium (SRP S$359), Professional (SRP S$529) and Ultimate (S$549) Editions. Upgrade versions of Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate are available at S$219, S$359, and S$379 respectively. All prices include Goods and Services Tax (GST). See what people are saying in Singapore and find out more about Windows 7 at www.yourpcsimplified.com