WITH Apple’s "iPAD Mini” in the offing, the other players are not yet ready to surrender all their success to the MAC,  Microsoft has decided to fight back, this time, it is a different battle from the Apple Vs Samsung court battle. Microsoft has embarked on the releasing of its long awaited OS.What is the significance of Microsoft’s Windows 8 Release to the IT World? As of now, speculation is rife as to the actual content and look of the real thing.  So many Technology providers are fighting head over heels in order to outdo each other. Looking at the Mobile Phone or Tablet PC spectrum, so much is happening in very little time. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 was announced back in June and immediately made an impression. The operating system, which will launch later this year, comes with a host of improvements, including a better Start screen, near-field communication support and new mapping features that are designed to help folks not only find out where they’re going, but also locate points of interest.Microsoft expects Windows Phone 8 to perform even better on the market than its predecessor. Of course, that’s not all that difficult. Customers who found more to like in Apple’s iPhone and Android largely ignored Windows Phone 7. Windows Phone 8, therefore, has put Microsoft at a crossroads.Either the operating system will drive Microsoft to success or push it even farther down the mobile ladder. So far, it appears that Windows Phone 8 might just help Microsoft achieve success. The operating system is by no means perfect and it too early to tell how well Windows 8 devices will actually sell, but as of this writing, it appears to be a winner.Windows Phone 8 could be a success when it launches later this year; some of the factors attributed to this success could be attributed to a number of features notably; The home page has greatly improved, Microsoft delivered a new Start screen with Windows Phone 8 that allows for easy control of tiles and the ability to see more information in the opening pane. With the new addition, it should make it much easier for users to navigate and find information. The vendors are lining up for a bonanza as they all try to jump on the Windows Phone 8 bandwagon. At IFA in Berlin, Samsung announced its first Windows Phone 8 device. Nokia is expected to offer up its own handsets running the operating system next week. Others will follow soon. Vendors are lining up to get their hands on Windows Phone 8.The current Samsung case Vs Apple will help in this direction.  Apple’s victory over Samsung could be a boon for Windows Phone 8. The victory could make Samsung warm a bit more to Microsoft and Windows Phone and prompt other Android vendors to at least consider the Microsoft’s mobile OS to hedge their market bets. Believe it or not, Microsoft might prove to be the largest benefactor of Apple’s $1.05 billion victory over Samsung.  Likewise, the suit could mark the beginning or the end of Apple’s dominance! As they say, "the demise of a cow may become the joy of a dog”.  Though Nokia may still seem a small threat, it is definitely not out. And the company’s brand is still valued quite highly among consumers in emerging markets. Considering that Nokia and Microsoft are bedfellows with Windows Phone, it’s possible that the company’s handsets could help Windows Phone 8.Microsoft has made the smart decision, like Apple, to fully control the design of its operating system. By doing so, it curtails the varied experiences customers get in the Android ecosystem where multiple editions of operating system run concurrently on different phone models. It also allows Microsoft to maintain stronger security, since it controls the code.It’s a smart idea.  The designs look solid; when it comes to design, both Microsoft and its vendor partners appear to be spot-on. The operating system is well-built, easy to navigate and seems to anticipate user demands.Samsung’s Windows Phone 8-based device, the ATIV S, is downright beautiful. It’s nice to see Microsoft and its vendors partners actually go for strong design for once.  Thanks to Apple vs. Samsung wrangle! (To be continued).