Windows 8 to be released late October, RTM coming the first week of August

Win8 release tease

Microsoft is on scheduled to release the final version of Windows 8 at the end of October to the general public, meanwhile Windows 8 RTM (or Release To Manufacture) will be released the first week of August.

The announcement was made by Microsoft at the Worldwide Partner Conference. At launch, the latest operating system from the software giant will be available across 231 markets around the world and in 109 languages.

The RTM release will be, as always has been, the last version before hitting the store shelves. Manufactures and businesses with Microsoft Software Assurance for Volume Licensing will be able to get their hands on the operating system as soon the company signs off the final code, however everyone else will have to wait until the official release date; then the OS can be obtained via download or by buying the physical DVD. As it was previously announced by the company, download will cost $39.99 for the Windows 8 Pro upgrade with the option to include Media Center at no extra cost for anyone running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, while the DVD installation media of the same upgrade will cost $69.99 — So this time will pay off early adoption –. Prices for the other versions of the OS are yet to be announced.

The big difference between the Release Preview and RTM probably will be that the company will include the new Metro style interface to the Windows desktop environment. Finally at the RTM point software developer will have to start charging for their apps in the Windows Store. If you’re already using Windows 8 RP, this is a really good time to download and play with any Metro style app.

Source Blogging Windows

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.