Microsoft is preparing for its launch of Windows 8

SOFTWARE REDEVELOPER Microsoft is already sending out invitations for its launch of Windows 8.

The firm is asking members of the press to join it in New York on 25 October for the launch of the operating system, and perhaps the launch of its Surface tablet too.

According to a report at The Verge, the Redmond company might choose to launch the Surface tablets at midnight.

Why, we don't know. The whole 'midnight' thing has something to do with things turning into pumpkins, not lemons. But we can see how Microsoft might have got confused.

So far the firm has not coughed up any additional information about the launch, and only yesterday Steve Ballmer was being annoyingly vague about the cost of the tablets.

In July it revealed that Windows 8 would be released on 26 October, so if nothing else the invitations are proof that Microsoft is sticking to its own release schedule.

Expect to hear everything you ever wanted to know and more about Microsoft's Windows 8 and Surface tablets late next month. µ