Microsoft on Friday officially unveiled its first tablet Surface and the latest version of Windows operating system, Windows 8, in Sydney, after its global launch overnight, local media reported.

The new system went on sale online and at some retail stores at midnight on Friday in Australia, one of 140 markets in the world, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

”This is the most stunning array of form factors and devices ever in history,” Microsoft Australia’s Tina Flammer told AAP.

”With Windows 8, you don’t have to choose between the fun and the convenience of a tablet or power of a PC (personal computer),” she said.”Consumers want choice, people in enterprise want choice, and Windows 8 gives you that.

”Microsoft hopes to boost its PC market share with the launch of Windows 8 and keep pace with rivals Apple and Google.

The 10.6-inch Surface is only available for purchase online and those who want to try before they buy will have to go to one of six temporary experience zones across Australia.

Surface and other Windows-powered devices will be displayed at two Westfield shopping centers each in Sydney, Victoria and Queensland.

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 8 operating system in Hong Kong on Friday.

”Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play - Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs,” said Joelle Woo, director of the Marketing and Operations for Microsoft Hong Kong Limited.

During the press conference, she said that in partnership with hardware manufacturers such as Lenovo, HP and Samsung, Microsoft is introducing about 24 featured PC device models in Hong Kong, including convertible, touch notebook and tablet, preinstalled with Windows 8 on and around the launch day.

As immersive apps are the focal point of the Windows 8 experience, Microsoft and its Hong Kong partners developed different kinds of Windows 8 applications which will keep users up- to-date on the latest news, weather, social media updates and more.

Also on Friday, Windows 8 was launched and officially made available for consumers and enterprises in Singapore.

While the official launch in the Philippines of Microsoft’s latest operating system will be held on Tuesday, November 30.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, windows 8 and windows 8 Pro.