The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (MWPC) is ongoing in Toronto at the moment, and during the opening keynote, Tami Reller from the Windows team has revealed that Windows 8 will reach RTM (release to manufacturing) stage in the first week of August, and will be generally available to users in October.
According to a post on the Windows Server Blog, Windows Server 2012 will also reach RTM stage in the first week of August, with general availability in September.
According to Reller, Windows 8 devices are expected in ‘late October’ - we reckon this would also apply to the Microsoft Surface tablet for Windows RT. If so, the Surface tablet for Windows 8 Pro will be out in January 2013, as Microsoft has said during the Surface’s announcement that the Intel-based Surface will arrive around 90 days after its ARM-based sibling.
To entice customers to use Windows 8, the Redmond company has previously announced a S$17.99 Windows Upgrade Offer for new Windows 7 PCs, as well as a US$39.99 upgrade pricing for current Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users.
Source: WPC 2012 Livestream, Neowin, Windows Server Blog.
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