Microsoft announced today that the Windows 8.1 RTM build is available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, approximately one month ahead of the general public. Previously, the company had stated that developers would not be given access to the code prior to its general release.
That decision was met with open disdain and anger from developers who wanted to test their code against the final build of the forthcoming update to Windows 8.
Windows 8.1 contains a key mix of feature improvements, user-interface upgrades, and other goodies that make the core Windows 8 experience far more palatable, and if I may, enjoyable. The update will be provided for free to all Windows 8 users via the Windows Store, when it is available.
Also out today is the Visual Studio 2013 release candidate build, and the Windows Server 2012 RTM build. So, if you build code on the back of Microsoft’s platform, today is a good day for you.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft made a mistake in not releasing the Windows 8.1 code to developers when it did to its hardware manufacturers, but it’s good of the company to quickly fix the error. Microsoft of yore would have done no such thing. Better to not make the mistake, sure, but we do now know that Microsoft has its ears turned on.
In a blog post, Microsoft stated that it is both “listening,” and “gets it.” The company also promised changed schedules for delivering code at a quicker pace, so this should not happen again. What are you waiting for? Get testing.
Top Image Credit: BUILDWindows