Microsoft has narrowed the launch window for its next-generation Windows 8 operating system, confirming that end-users will get their hands on the software in October.
While not announcing a specific launch day, Microsoft's Tami Reller, chief marketing officer of the Windows division, told attendees at the Wordwide Partner Conference in Toronto to expect the operating system to reach Release To Manufacturing (RTM) status in August and be available at retail by the end of October.
The October launch date has been confirmed for both Windows 8 and Windows RT, the ARM-compatible tablet-specific build which Microsoft hopes will be tackling the worrying popularity of Google's Linux-based Android and Apple's iOS platform in the tablet market.