14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8, the next version of Microsoft’s client, is expected to become available sometime in October, when the first tablet PCs to run under it hit shelves.
Microsoft hasn’t provided specific info on when the platform will arrive on the market as of yet, but we’ve already seen a great deal of rumors emerging on the matter.
Microsoft is expected to have the final flavor of Windows 8 commercially available in October for both Intel and ARM architectures.
Apparently, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans on the matter have confirmed the same, Bloomberg reports.
Basically, it means that we’ll be able to purchase both Intel and ARM tablet PCs running under Windows 8 before the end of this year.
These devices are expected to prove powerful competitors for Apple’s iPad, and Microsoft is keen on making sure that they will start selling this year.
Moreover, the first ARM tablets running under Windows 8 are expected to feature the same application processor as Apple’s iPad does.
These devices will provide users with an experience entirely based on the new Metro UI, and will deliver support only for applications built for it.
On Intel tablets, however, users will also be able to take advantage of legacy applications, since these devices will arrive on shelves with support for the desktop mode available on current Windows platforms now.
At the moment, people interested in taking Windows 8 for a spin can download and install the Consumer Preview flavor of the platform, which is the equivalent of a beta release.
Sometime in summer, Microsoft should have Windows 8 released to manufacturers, so that devices would be ready for the October launch window. The Redmond-based company has already promised new Windows 8 milestones for the next several months, but hasn’t offered specific info on the matter until now.