The news about OEM partners to have access to the final Windows 8.1 upgrade bits by late August was confirmed today at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner conference. Microsoft has already released a preview of the OS update. It highlights new features such as support for, a thoroughly revised search system, and of course, the return of the Start button.
Windows 8.1 RTM availability
Windows 8.1 RTM will be available for OEM partners in late August. This means OEMs will be able to get the RTM bits and begin preparing devices with Windows 8.1 just in time for the holidays! We’ll have more details to share in the coming months for consumers and other customers on how to get Windows 8.1.
As you know, Windows 8.1 is an update that refines the vision of Windows 8. Two weeks ago, Microsoft announced the Windows 8.1 Preview for people to try out– if you have not already, check it out and experience the new features and improvements first-hand.
The announcement about having access to the final Windows 8.1 upgrade bits by OEMs was made by the Chief Marketing and Financial Officer for Windows – Tami Reller, while she was on stage presenting the most extensive Windows 8.1 demo to date.
This hints that new Windows 8 devices coming out during the holiday season will have the 8.1 version of Windows installed on them and therefore would not require any update upon purchase.
