14 DAY TRIAL // On February 29th, 2012, Microsoft made available for download the Consumer Preview flavor of Windows 8, its next-generation operating system.
Before the new OS flavor was even out, the company started the work on the next major platform release, namely Windows 8 Release Candidate.
Nothing has been officially confirmed on the availability of this platform release, but it should not be too long before the company makes a formal announcement on the matter.
Some of the latest reports on Windows 8 suggested that it would be ready by summer, and that Microsoft was planning its launch for October this year.
A recent article on WinUnleaked suggests that Microsoft began the work on Windows 8 RC in February with the build 8275 from the WinMAIN branch.
While no specific info on when the release will be pushed out has been offered, the news site claims to have knowledge regarding the changes that will appear in this version.
According to them, Microsoft is currently working on integrating the latest features into the main code, while applying near final touches to the OS’ user interface.
Additionally, the company is said to be focused on bringing a series of enhancements to the system’s performance levels.
Some of these changes include the addition of color set, along with the return of Windows to Go, UI and performance changes, and the return of “staged” build.
Apparently, Microsoft is also readying more Windows 8 SKUs, and the first builds to include them are already in the hands of testers.
Previous reports on Microsoft’s upcoming OS did mention possible changes in the number of versions that would become commercially available later this year, and it appears that we’ll be able to learn specifics on the matter in the not too distant future.
Windows 8 is expected to be released in a final flavor sometime in October this year, and will bring along support for both x86 and ARM architectures. It is the first flavor of Windows to pack optimizations for use on touch-enabled tablet PCs.