LEAKED: Final Build of Windows 8 Hits the File-sharing Sites
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that Windows 8 had hit the Release To Manufacture milestone. Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky revealed the exciting news on the official Building Windows 8 blog, proudly announcing, "This means our next milestone will be the availability of exciting new models of PCs loaded with Windows 8 and online availability of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012."
However, it seems Sinofsky forgot to take into account unofficial milestones -- while the next official milestone will be the release, Sinofsky never accounted for the inevitable leaking of the final RTM build that almost always seems to slide in between RTM and retail launch. For Windows 8, this milestone was reached rather quickly. The Verge reports that an Enterprise version of Windows 8 is now available widely across various file sharing sites.
Microsoft has said it's not discussing the leak, but it's worth mentioning that this version that's available, Windows 8 Enterprise N, doesn't come with Windows Media Player. Those not downloading this version will have to wait a bit longer for the OS. While general release is set for October 26, Microsoft is releasing the final version of Windows 8 via MSDN on August 15. This will allow select audiences, including developers, IT professionals access to the RTM.
A few others will also be getting early access to Windows 8. Microsoft said earlier this week that IT pros testing Windows 8 in organizations will also have access on August 15 (this time via TechNet subscriptions), while customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC) on August 16. August 16 will also see access to Windows 8 for Microsoft Partner Network members, while Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) will have to wait until August 20.
If you're not among any of those groups, we'll see you on October 26 for the general release. Also expected to launch that day are Microsoft's Windows 8 Surface tablets, which were announced back in June and put Microsoft in direct competition with its hardware partners.
News of this leak comes hot on the heels of rumors that Microsoft has been forced to change the name of its Metro UI because of a patent dispute. It's thought Redmond will announce the move to a new brand this week.
Follow @JaneMcEntegart on Twitter.
And yet I have not heard of the company before today.
Everyone knows what Microsoft is.
So I call BULL on the "Metro AG" thinking someone would be confusing a GUI codename with whatever Metro AG does.
Microsoft 90,000 employees.
Metro AG 280,000 employees.
They are one of the largest retailers in Europe. If you are M$ you sure do not want to piss 'em off.
Ah yes, and they are some 10 years older than M$ as well.
There are many things that I simply don't and won't ever like about Windows 8, so to me it's another version to skip. Microsoft seems to get ever other version right.
And yet I have not heard of the company before today.
Everyone knows what Microsoft is.
that's just because you're an ignorant. you're waving your flag here.
Most Europeans do not know who Walmart or Sears are either.
Still, just because you do not know who they are does not mean they do not have the right to defend a well marketed name they took when Bill Gates was just 9 years old !
Well, it doesn't help that no Metro app made a compelling case for its existence while I was testing the release preview, but still...my computer, Microsoft. Just because you own the operating system that's running it doesn't mean you get to tell me what I can and cannot do with it.
Dumbest thing I ever heard. Microsoft is quite wealthy and has seen its share of lawsuits. I don't really think they're "afraid to piss people off" so much as they would like to "avoid lawsuits and bad publicity." Who cares how long a company has been around? Leadership/Board Members/Markets change. What does that have to do with anything? But seriously, you sound like you know what you are talking about...
no of they could they would be called APPLE!!
2 Seeders