Microsoft has completed its development and testing of its newest operating system Windows 8 and has shipped them to manufacturers. The new operating system is set for a commercial release on October 26.
"The Windows 8 team is proud to share with you that a short while ago we started releasing Windows 8 to PC OEM and manufacturing partners," said President of the Windows and Windows Live Division Steven Sinofsy.
With Windows 8 shipped to manufacturers, devices can be sold with the new operating system already available on the Oct. 26 date. The manufacturers include Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and Toshiba, to name a few.
Starting on Aug. 16, customers with Software Assurance contracts and Partner Network members will get access to the Windows 8 Enterprise edition.
On Sept. 1, Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 from fellow Volume License Resellers.
"With improvements in fundamentals, enhanced storage and connectivity, newly architected subsystems, the 'fast and fluid' user experience, and the WinRT platform (to name a few), Windows 8 has literally thousands of new features. We did a record number of blogs posts (and videos) and did not even come close to covering the full breadth of Windows 8. There's much left to learn about and discover in the product," blogged Sinofsky.
According to PC World, Windows 8 will run on devices with x86 chips from Intel and AMD, as well as on devices that use ARM chips. The ARM version of the operating system is called Windows RT.
Microsoft has so far been in line on their time commitments, especially heading to a busy fall season with the release of the Surface tablet, Windows Phone 8, and Office 15. While no dates have been confirmed for the three before mentioned products, it is speculated to release in late October or early November.
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