Microsoft's Windows 8 adverts revealed online - watch

Adverts for Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system have been revealed online, showcasing a range of features including picture passwords, side-by-side apps and SkyDrive integration.

Windows 8 will launch on October 26 on new desktops, laptops, touchscreen PCs and also tablet computers, including Microsoft's own Surface line of products. The software will also be sold separately for existing PC users wishing to upgrade.



Israeli technology website TechIT has posted four short Windows 8 adverts that focus on different parts of the operating system, but with a particular focus on the new touch-enabled features

'Meet Windows 8' is an overall advert that gives a broad view of the software, including highlighting a new feature that allows users to set faces on photographs as their password to unlock the device.

This works by setting a particular sequence of touch gestures as the password, such as tapping on each face in turn and then drawing a circle around the pair.



Also in the advert is an introduction to the 'Live Tiles' architecture borrowed from Windows Phone, and the functionality to run two apps simultaneously side-by-side.

Other videos showcase the apps available on Windows 8 devices and the Windows App Store, along with the integration of Microsoft's Skydrive cloud storage solution.

Microsoft has also highlighted the option to switch between the tablet Windows 8 architecture and the more familiar desktop view.



As Windows 8 is such a major move forward for Microsoft, these adverts are clearly aimed at educating people on how the latest version of the software works.

Microsoft is expected to launch an additional advertising campaign for its Surface products, the company's first major venture into hardware, which will also launch on October 26.