Acer pins hopes on Windows 8 PCs

Acer plans to unveil Windows 8-based PCs and other consumer products in the fourth quarter this year, reports said.  Acer on Monday unveiled a few devices which run on a preview version of Windows 8.

The Taiwanese personal computer maker and other manufacturers are counting on Microsoft's new operating system Windows 8, which can power touch-screen devices, to help better compete against Apple Inc .

Microsoft on June 1 announced that the preview of Windows 8 would be available for download in 14 languages.

The Windows 8 Release Preview delivers a fast and fluid experience, along with a new user interface that responds equally well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse, the company claimed in a release.

Acer will initially launch Windows 8-based products in developed markets with focus on offer better features rather than compete on price, the reports said.