With the scheduled release of Microsoft's newest software - the Windows 8 OS - just round the corner on October 26, critics are of the opinion that the forthcoming version of the OS is so radically different from the earlier Windows versions that it might confuse, and even alienate, the customers.

According to critics, the Windows 8 OS marks an amalgamation of sorts by Microsoft of its software for the PC, tablet and handsets; underscoring the company's attempts to ensure its relevance in a scenario where the thirty-year dominance of the PCs has been severely hit by the popularity of mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets.

Those who have already tried out Windows 8 feel that the new software is totally different from the ever-so-popular Windows which users have become accustomed to over the years; and will virtually force the Windows users to learn new ways of getting things done.

Since Windows 8 marks the most comprehensive revision of Microsoft's Windows software, the first version of which - Windows 95 - was launched 17 years back, the question which is foremost in the minds of critics and industry-watchers is that whether the new OS will be able to satisfy the needs of the traditional PC users as well as the users of smartphones and tablets.

Noting that Windows 8 will make most users `feel lost,' Michael Mace - CEO of Silicon Valley software startup Cera Technology - said: "I am very worried that (with Windows 8) Microsoft may be about to shoot itself in the foot spectacularly."