Right on schedule Microsoft has now unoficially changed the big Windows 8.1 update to the “release to manufacturing” (RTM) status.
Microsoft won’t officially announce that they have entered the RTM status but Windows SuperSite’s Paul Thurrott tweeted that the final build number will be “9600.16384.130821”, and internal Microsoft employees confirmed with ZDNet.com that Windows 8.1 did in fact hit the RTM status.
With this, companies such as Dell, Samsung, Asus, etc., can now begin installing and configuring Windows 8.1 for their PCs that will be shipped out this autumn.
Windows 8.1 can be thought of more as a service pack, as it used to be called, and contains many new features that millions complained about. Changes such as:
- Booting to the Desktop.
- A dedicated Start button.
- Major search improvements.
- Running up to four apps on a single display.
- A brand new redesigned Store.
- A better UI and more Setting options.
People looking to get ahead can download the Windows 8.1 preview from here to either start app development, or to get an early feel of the new Windows 8.1. TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network subscribers will soon be able to download and install the final copy of Windows 8.1 as they have always received early copies of any Windows OS.
For the rest of us, especially those with tablets running an Intel Atom we will have to stick it out until October which is when Microsoft said the update will be ready for all users.