14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is broadening the testing program for the next major iteration of Windows, according to various sources.
Reports indicate that Windows 8 bits are now available for download through Microsoft Connect, the Redmond company’s distribution and feedback hub for pre-release software.
It appears that the software giant has started offering an early development milestone of Windows 8 to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and that’s why the release is offered through Connect.
Of course, Windows 8 can only be downloaded on an invitation-basis only. An incomplete download link has already made its way in the wild, but it’s all but useless since it does not feature the invitation code designed to allow access to Windows 8.
Early adopters that have received invitations to test Windows 8 can download Build 7971.0.110324-1900, reports reveal.
Of course, the Redmond company has yet to confirm the broadening of the Windows 8 testing process, or any detail on the upcoming version of Windows for that matter.
Earlier this year, I heard from a trusted source that the software giant was planning to open up Windows 8 to more testers this spring, another piece of info that is unconfirmed by Microsoft.
According to information leaked previously, the Redmond company started coding on Windows 8 Milestone 3 at the end of February 2011.
M3 is planned as the last development stage before Windows 8 will graduate to Beta, a milestone planned for availability by the end of 2011.
With more and more people granted access to the early Windows 8 bits, chances of a leak of the operating system are increasing dramatically.
Microsoft has been able to control and effectively block all Windows 8 leaks so far. It appears that the company informed testers that they need to be prepared to suffer dire consequences if they leak Windows 8, a tactic which proved successful so far.