EIGHT AT THE GATE: Microsoft launched Windows 8 in New York without some of the fanfare of the past at a subdued event on a pier jutting into the Hudson River.

THEATRICS LITE: No rock stars on hand, just a couple photo ops. One was of Surface GM Panos Panay dropping the tablet from shoulder height to the stage to show it wouldn't break. Windows President Steven Sinofsky was shown on a skateboard made of the magnesium-cased Surface tablet.

FASHIONLESS STATEMENTS: Sinofsky wore a V-neck sweater while CEO Steve Ballmer had on a suit but unbuttoned collar and no tie.