Microsoft has announced that Windows 8 will be a digital download. It follows Apple's digital release of OS X Lion earlier this year from the Mac App Store.
Microsoft is due to launch the next version of Windows next year and it will be designed to run on PCs and tablets.
President of the company's Windows Division, Steven Sinofsky, says there will also be DVD distribution:
"In the past, if you wanted to buy an upgrade for Windows, it involved purchasing a boxed product from a retail outlet, taking it home, (sometimes being infuriated while trying to open the box,) and inserting a DVD," Sinofsky explained. "However, buying boxed software is quickly becoming the exception rather than the rule, with more and more software being purchased online as broadband penetration increases and large-size media downloads become more common.There's no price for Windows 8 yet and it will be interesting to see if Microsoft tries to match Apple's £20.99 for Lion.
"While we will continue to offer boxed DVDs, we are also making it easier than ever to purchase and install online. This includes starting the setup experience online as well, and having one continuous integrated experience from beginning to end."
You can read more at the official Windows 8 blog.
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