Windows 8 not ready but should sell anyway, says Intel boss

Windows 8 is less than a month away -- and it isn't ready. That's according to remarks reportedly made by the boss of Intel about Microsoft's new software.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini is quoted as saying Windows 8 still requires improvements to be made. He still believes though that punting the imperfect product before the crucial Christmas holiday shopping season is the right move, as the software can be perfected with updates after release.

The indiscreet Intel boss meant the remarks for the ears of employees only, speaking at a private company meeting in Taiwan this week -- but one of the attendees spilled the beans to Bloomberg, the cheeky scamp. Intel is Microsoft's biggest partner so this isn't the kind of remark Microsoft wants to hear, especially after the extensive previews and testing that's gone into Windows 8.

Windows 8 has a radically new interface, based on the colourful square live tiles pioneered by the Windows Phone software. It looks great on phones and tablets and touchscreens, but Microsoft is taking a big gamble on whether people will like it on their computers.

With such a big gamble on the interface, the last thing Microsoft needs is bugs marring the launch. Just look at the furore over Apple Maps on the iPhone 5 to see how an incomplete element can mar the reputation of an otherwise decent product.

There's a lot that's dependent on the size of the alleged problems with Windows 8. If all that's required is a selection of small tweaks then it's not too serious, but I still object in principal to being asked to fork out money for something that's broken.

The practice of releasing products to hit the release date, regardless of whether they're ready, is all too common these days. Needless to say, we'll be looking very closely at Windows 8 in a few weeks time. In the meantime, check out our handy guides on how to use the new operating system.

Windows 8 goes on sale on 26 October. It's followed by the Microsoft Surface tablet, and Windows Phone 8 for mobile phones including the new Nokia Lumia 920.

Do you think Windows 8 will be great? And should tech companies perfect their products before taking your money? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.