What will become of Windows 8?

This is the question that comes up when people think of Microsoft's new software.

According to TheRegister, a survey found that programmers have "significant doubt that Microsoft can actually accomplish this difficult task and gain the market share required to make it a relevant mobile platform" even though they are optimistic about Redmond's promise to "ensure that code written for Windows 8 will work across desktops, tablets and smartphones."

The survey gathered opinions from about 5,000 mobile software engineers.

The website wrote:

"The new operating system's 'shared development capabilities' and 'single development environment' for building apps for slabs and desktops were welcomed by programmers, who compared that to the fragmentation in Google's Android world.

But holding a strong market share is crucial for Microsoft and its rivals, according to the survey by market research biz IDC and Appcelerator, which develops cross-platform tools for desktop and mobile.

A recent poll showed that Apple's iOS system is still the top pick for developers.

TheRegister reported that IDC-Appcelerator stated in their report: "This indicates that Windows 8 will take time to catch up, given its low penetration in the installed base of devices. Thus, the first task for Microsoft will be to garner significant device sales so as to support a vibrant ecosystem like those Apple and Google have engendered."

All hope is not lost for Windows 8.

Microsoft plans to stay in the game with its new Windows 8 Nook app to "provide a more consistent content ecosystem for upcoming Windows 8 devices," according to BetaNews. This will help it stay on the level of its competitors, Amazon, Apple and Google, who all have great content systems to keep customers happy.

"As demand for digital content continues to increase, we are focused on bringing ground-breaking reading and learning content and technologies to more people in more formats than ever before, including the imminent launch of our exceptional NOOK reading application for Windows 8," said William Lynch, CEO of Barnes & Noble in a statement on Thursday.

One promising Windows 8 tablet seems to be the Acer Iconia W700 tablet PC.

According to Acer'd press release and PCMag, the W700 will have a full HD 1080p IPS 11.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, an Ivy Bridge 1.8Ghz 13 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 64Gb SSD with a 5-megapixel rear facing snapper and 1 megapixel front facing camera. It will have a large Gorilla Glass screen, aluminum sides and back panel, controls on the side edges.  

The W700 will launch Oct. 26, which is the same day that Microsoft will launch Windows 8.

The Intel Core i3 model and Core i5 version of the tablet will be $799.99 and $999.99.

"The Acer Iconia W700 brings the performance and productivity of a high-end PC to the tablet category," said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product marketing, Acer America, according to Acer. "Sporting a new style, innovative design and aluminum unibody construction, the new tablet PC is designed to reach new standards in ergonomics and user-friendliness, while providing the ideal platform for customers to take advantage of the many new features of Windows 8."

Other tablets are the Microsoft Surface Tablet and the HP ElitePad 900 (which is under some heat right now). Microsoft is under a great deal of pressure for the Windows 8 with the time of release date, poor pre-launch, and few apps.

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