Microsoft on Thursday delivered the Windows 8 Release Preview, the final pre-release milestone of its next OS. The Windows 8 Release Preview along with related releases such as the Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (RC) and Visual Studio 2012 RC, come about a week earlier than expected. Is this a sign that Microsoft is revving up to deliver these products earlier in the year than was assumed.
“Today, Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download in 14 languages,” Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky wrote in the Building Windows 8 blog post announcing the release. “This is our final pre-release, and includes Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10, new Windows 8 apps for connecting to Hotmail, SkyDrive, and Messenger (and many more), and hundreds of new and updated apps in the Windows Store.”
As I did with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, I’ve provided a ton of content for the Windows 8 Release Preview.
Microsoft hinted that the final version of Windows 8 could be coming a lot sooner than expected. “If the feedback and telemetry on Windows 8 and Windows RT match our expectations, then we will enter the final phases of the RTM process in about 2 months,” Mr. Sinofsky wrote, suggesting an early August RTM. “If we are successful in that, then we are tracking to our shared goal of having PCs with Windows 8 and Windows RT available for the holidays.”
Microsoft also revealed that the Windows 8 Upgrade Offer will begin June 2, 2012, in 131 markets, including the United States and Canada, and confirmed my earlier report that this offer will cost just $15. Those who purchase eligible computers during the offering time will receive a copy of Windows 8 Pro.
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