14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has decided to ask the HSN.com website to stop selling Windows 8 computers for the time being, as the company broke the embargo and began selling PCs featuring the new OS before the official debut of Windows 8.
Microsoft said in a statement that HSN started selling the product without its authorization, but the website will be allowed to start reselling the Windows 8 computers after the October 26 launch.
“Unfortunately, HSN made this offer without the support or authorization of Microsoft. Microsoft and major retailers are getting ready for general availability of Windows 8 devices on 10/26 and not prior to that date,” a Microsoft spokesperson told NeoWin.net.
“Once Microsoft learned of the HSN promotion, we contacted them and asked that they discontinue the on-air and online offer since it is not yet 10/26, the date that marks the official availability of Windows 8.”
HSN obviously accepted the request and removed all Windows 8 computers from its website, but it continues to advertise the operating system on both the online store and its YouTube channel.
Scott Ledterman, a VP at Acer's US operations, also commented on the matter, saying that his company has also contacted HSN to request the removal of its products from the Windows 8 listings. HSN was also selling Acer laptops with a preinstalled version of Windows 8.
“We are excited to support Windows 8 with great Acer and Gateway offerings starting on October 26, but this HSN offer came prematurely and we’ve requested its immediate removal,” Ledterman said in a statement sent to the aforementioned source.