14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has decided to publish Windows 8.1 RTM on MSDN and TechNet a lot earlier than initially planned, citing the impressive amount of feedback it received lately as the main reason for this.
Subscribers were initially supposed to get the OS update on October 18, just like everyone else, but the company now admits that some developers need more time to get their apps ready for the new platform.
“We heard from you that our decision to not initially release Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM bits was a big challenge for our developer partners as they’re readying new Windows 8.1 apps and for IT professionals who are preparing for Windows 8.1 deployments,” the company said in a post.
“We’ve listened, we value your partnership, and we are adjusting based on your feedback.”
Now users applaud the company for deciding to actually make 8.1 RTM available earlier for subscribers, with many of them pointing out that Microsoft’s new strategy of listening to customer feedback is the right way to go.
Here are some of the comments posted following Microsoft’s official announcement:
“Thanks! Great decision, I'm glad Microsoft is listening to the community. Now if only the decision to cancel TechNet was reversed...”
“Thanks guys. Right choice. I am loving the new ‘we listen’ Microsoft.”
“Great that you took another look at your decision and support your MSDN subscribers!”
“Thank you for listening to your customers!”
“This is a sensible decision - thank you.”
“What can I say ... thanks for listening!!! This is truly great news for me and so many of us.”
“Good to see the backtracking, devs need the release bits to get apps ready.”
The funny thing is that many users have already downloaded Windows 8.1 RTM and activated it with a legitimate Windows 8 key, so Microsoft’s announcement isn’t quite surprising news.
End users, on the other hand, will only get the final bits of the OS update on October 18 and Microsoft strongly recommends everyone to wait until the official launch to deploy it.