Windows 8 ready: MSDN and TechNet downloads on August 15th
Microsoft has kept their promise and build the Windows 8 RTM release which will be the version of the operating system that Windows users later on can buy as a standalone application, as an upgrade for one of their existing version of Windows, or included in a new computer they buy. Hitting the RTM ensures that Windows 8 will be in stores in time as developers and partners can start to test and integrate the operating system in their products.
Microsoft has released a time line that details the dates when developers, IT professionals and partners get access to the RTM release. MSDN and TechNet subscribers are the first to get access to the operating system on August 15. The Windows 8 download will be made available a day later to customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows and Microsoft Partner Network members. Microsoft Action Pack Providers get access to Windows 8 on August 20, while Volume License customers without Software Assurance can purchase the operating system from September 1 on.
End users will have to wait until October 26 before the operating system will be available on various retail channels. Windows 8 upgrades will be available for $39.99 for all computer users who run computers with a valid Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 license. The retail price has not yet been announced by Microsoft, and customers who purchase an eligible Windows 7 PC right now can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.
Companies from today on can start to register for a Store account to submit their free or paid apps to the market when the RTM release begins to become available to developers. Microsoft notes that the verification process can take a couple of days and that it is recommended to start the registration process as soon as possible.
On a personal note: I'm currently thinking of becoming a TechNet subscriber, which would not only provide me with access to the Windows 8 RTM come August 15, but also with the final version of the operating system and other Microsoft products during the subscription period.
I'm very interested to see how the operating system will fare market share wise. Will it beat the successful Windows 7 in copies sold? What's your take here?
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Windows 8 Enterprise N.RTM x64 already available on torrent sites. No need for key.
Unless the RTM includes a way to disable Metro permanently and enable a reasonable facsimile of the Win95-7 desktop, my $39.99 will remain in the wallet.
I agree with your sentiments regarding the Metrocious UI when working from a desktop/laptop. But, there are so many documented and easy ways to make Windows 8 resemble and behave like the old “favorites”, the UI will be a non-issue. I think it is a bold if somewhat risky move on MS’s part, but Windows 8 scales so beautifully from my 7″ to my 23″ displays, I can see where this One Size will fit all… with very little tweaking.
I believe Windows 8 will be a major homerun for Microsoft. They shrewdly have kept the public actively involved in its development, often intentionally stirring controversy to keep the conversation going. Looking at all the tech sites, blogs, etc., that have invested so much ink on the subject, Microsoft got millions + millions of dollars of free advertising.
And, it’s a great OS with an upgrade path/price that is irresistible. Windows Phone 8 and Surface will contribute handsomely to those factors.
Hey, Martin:
“On a personal note: I’m currently thinking of becoming a TechNet subscriber…” Why don’t you just come right out and TELL us to kick in for the subscription? I find your and Ghacks insights really helpful and enlightening. I’d be willing to contribute to the cause… say, US$2.00. :-)
You know what’s happening?
Dev Preview: Overwhelming positive review.
Consumer Preview: Overwhelming negative response swept for the entire internet, with many people voicing their dissatisfaction.
Release Preview: Overwhelming no one cares with some advocate still trying to warn MS, but majority of past testers just ignore this release.
You can see where this is going.
Martin you were writing that “Windows 8 upgrades will be available for $39.99 for all computer users who run computers with a valid Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 license. ”
Does this mean that here in Europe (incl.The Netherlands) are paying euro 34,50, and can I ask that price from on main local dealer or is this price only for the American market?
The Euro price has not been revealed yet. I’d say it is more likely that we will once again see a one to one conversion. Would not surprise me if we’d pay €39.99 for the upgrade.
Windows 8 will fail big.
Even Windows 7 that came after the Vista fiasco, failed, when it is still trailing 11 years old XP, in user base
after 3 years, according to Net Applications’ (Microsoft’s pet statistic company) report for July 2012.
Windows 8 will be no more than a niche OS.
P.S
You can now register at https://windowsupgradeoffer dot com/en-US for a Windows 8
upgrade at $14.99
Registration for the Windows Upgrade Offer* will be available in the near future.
Please enter your name and email address below and we will notify you when you can return to this site for program registration and validation.
https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US/
Hello
Registration for the Windows Upgrade Offer* will be available in the near future.
Please enter your name and email address below and we will notify you when you can return to this site for program registration and validation.
Program Info
We’ve got you covered.
Buy a Windows 7 PC and get Windows 8 Pro for $ 14.99.
Refer to the information below for the offer details.
Eligibility Details
The offer is for customers (e.g. Home users, students, and enthusiasts) who purchase a qualified PC. A qualified PC is a new PC purchased during the promotional period with a valid Windows 7 OEM Certificate of Authenticity and product key for, and preinstalled with:
Windows 7 Home Basic;
Windows 7 Home Premium;
Windows 7 Professional; or
Windows 7 Ultimate.
The promotional price is limited to one upgrade offer per PC purchased, and a maximum limit of five upgrade offers per customer.
Get a TechNet subscription Martin. That way you can report to us how this isn’t going to pan out for companies who need a desktop PC for conducting business.
Windows 8 will sell like no version before it because of their fantastic pricing. They are going to make a killing. Best idea they ever had.
Normally I would agree, with the lower pricing. But Windows 8 is going to turn a lot of people off no matter what the price, so it will impact the sales.
I’m using it now, and its ok, but can be very annoying to use. Way too much clicking to get anything done, compared to Windows 7. Everything is hidden and on separate screens. I have to search for what I want every single time.
Are you a MSFT employee?
8 will come reloaded on lots of new units but will fall completely flat in Enterprise sales – one of their major revenue streams.
I have a copy of 8 running in Virtual Box and see no reason to move to it. I’ll check it again after Service Pack 1 but will probably go back to full time Linux before then.
PRE-loaded not reloaded.
Typed while watching Women’s Beach Volleyball — noticing how much more interesting it is when the weather’s warm heh heh