14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 is undoubtedly an essential product for Microsoft, especially as the company is getting through a major transformation process, while also searching for a new CEO.
As a result, Microsoft has adopted a completely new strategy, one that wouldn’t allow users and developers to get their hands on the stable build of Windows 8.1 before the official release date.
Back in June, Redmond officially announced that Windows 8.1 was set to reach RTM in August, explaining that OEMs should get the operating system in the early days of September.
The company has recently confirmed that 8.1 indeed reached RTM as planned, but as compared to previous Windows versions, no one is supposed to get the build before October 18 when it’s expected to make the first public appearance.
MSDN and TechNet subscribers are outraged with such news, especially because most are developers who need the RTM build in order to tweak their apps and get them up and running before 8.1 officially sees daylight.
In an attempt to prevent any leaks from reaching the web, Microsoft has submitted the RTM to OEMs, but also announced a shocking release date for subscribers. Developers will get the build on October 18, just like everyone else, which makes their paid subscription a waste of money.
And still, despite all these efforts, Windows 8.1 RTM leaks are all over the web. What’s more, users have rushed to download and install it, even though Microsoft recommends everyone to stay away from such builds.
Microsoft’s new plan is to continue work on RTM before it hits the market and continue providing OEMs with updates that would make the platform better.
At the same time, the Softies are working on a bigger update that’s expected to be delivered to RTM machines only 3 days before the public launch in order to fix any bugs and issues that might be found in the meantime.