Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 RTM, OEMs getting bits as we speak

After learning that Microsoft is finally done coding Windows 8.1 during the weekend, the only left to do is for the company to officially announce that Windows once again reached its Release To Manufacturing (RTM) state. Well, the time is now and that is exactly what the software giant is doing today.

In a new article at Blogging Windows, the company confirms that after 10 months of releasing a game changer operating system, the software giant is releasing on August 27th, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 to OEMs.

The new update if the first of many to come in the new model of yearly releases, which delivers bug fixes and new features, something that was never done by the company. In this new version of the OS users will see significant changes such as the Start button, a streamlined Start screen with new tile sizes, ability to uninstall multiple apps with one click, boot to desktop option, new updated Windows 8 apps and a lot more.

Although, this is a good news for many tech enthusiasts, no one, not even TechNet and MSDN subscribers will get their hands on the build 9600 bits from Microsoft. Only OEMs are whitelisted to start deploying Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 in new devices. According to the company this is because RTM isn’t what it used to be, before it would take Microsoft about 3 years reach this software stage. Now it only takes a year and the company wants to ensure quality experience as much as possible.

With the forthcoming update we’re also expecting to see new range of Windows devices, that being new laptops, tablets, and new 7- and 8-inch form factor devices.

Reaching this milestone is about optimizing the overall experience for our customers.

Getting to RTM doesn’t mean the works if finished, sending the final bits to PC makers means that the real test begins and Microsoft will continue to push bug fixes to ensure Windows 8.1 is top notch for general availability on October 18th.

Source Micros oft