Google+ trends: Microsoft announces Windows 8 launch date, Android Jelly Bean

Speaking at the company’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Canada, Microsoft Windows Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer Tami Reller revealed that the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 8 -- the stage when the OS is ready to be handed over to manufacturers and installed on brand new computers before they go on sale -- would be available during the first week of August.

Consumers are expected to be able to download the new operating system and purchase Windows 8 devices in store by late October.

Google+ users are discussing Windows 8 and posting about Microsoft’s additional Worldwide Partner Conference announcements, including its acquisition of multitouch company Perceptive Pixel and its Android patent licensing deals.

Google has released the source code for the latest version of its mobile operating system, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

“This means that very shortly from now devices like the Galaxy Nexus, Motorola Xoom, and the Nexus S will be seeing the official Android 4.1 update,” explains one Google+’er.

Plussers are taking a trip back to the 1980s when Casio calculator watches and single game handheld electronic games were cool. The social network is filling with images of retro technology and old school music video clips.

The top 5 most talked about topics on Google+ on July 10 at 7:30 AM GMT are:

Microsoft

#The1980s

Syria

Israel

#JellyBean