14 DAY TRIAL // A commercial Windows 8 version might not be released, Microsoft reveals in the license terms accompanying the Windows Developer Preview.
The terms apply to both Windows 8 Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) and the sample applications that ship with the operating system, the software giant reveals.
Of course, the company’s note is nothing but a worst case scenario, and certainly one which will not become reality.
“This software is a pre-release version. It may not work the way a final version of the software will. We may change it for the final, commercial version. We also may not release a commercial version,” Microsoft reveals in the Windows Developer Preview license terms.
The mentions referring to changes between Windows Developer Preview Build 8102 M3 and the RTM (release to manufacturing) Build of Windows 8 are a tad more realistic.
Early adopters have had the chance to play with an early development milestone of Windows 8 for over two weeks now. Although deemed a developer preview, Build 8102 M3 is available to all testers worldwide, and there are no restrictions to downloading, installing or testing it.
There’s one important thing to keep in mind when running the Windows 8 Developer Preview. Nothing is set in stone, not at this point in the development process.
This pre-Beta release could end up evolving considerably compared to what the final version of Windows 8.
Speaking of which, Microsoft has yet to announce the branding strategy for the next major iteration of Windows. Word is that Windows 8 is just a codename and that the platform will sport another moniker when it hits commercial availability.
When I recently had the chance to speak to folk working on Windows 8, I of course asked about the branding strategy for Windows 7’s successor, and was told that nothing could be shared with the public, and that any announcements would come quite late in the development process.
Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) is available for download here.