Microsoft Corporation India will partner with 500 retail centres in eight cities across the country over the next six months to promote its new high-tech products and orient customers about the functions.

"Looking at the growing consumer market of technology we have outlined an ambitious retail strategy to partner with 500 retail centres across eight cities of the country," Neelam Dhawan, managing director of Microsoft India, said at a press conference here Thursday.

To be named Microsoft Retail Centre, the centres will be set up in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.

Products ranging from entertainment, education, gaming and communication will be featured at the centres, which will provide both orientation and selling opportunities.

"Urban consumers today are extremely technology conscious. They want the latest and best in software but the actual buying experience leaves a lot to be desired. The retail centres will address this particular need," said Ranjivjit Singh, Microsoft India group director, consumer business.

"It will bridge the gap between the consumer and the new products. He can come in, look at and play around with the products with experts helping through the process. They can walk away knowing how Microsoft can help them have more fun and lead a digital lifestyle," he added.

Dhawan declined to divulge the proposed investment in the new venture. He said the Indian personal computer market is growing at 27 percent per annum and by 2010 the country is set to be the sixth largest broadband user.

He showcased the latest version of the XP Media Centre 2005, which combines the functions of a television, radio, personal computer, music and DVD player. It also has the digital video recording capability that allows users to pause live TV.