Developers flay Microsoft for withholding Windows 8.1 RTM

[steve2470]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241943/Developers_flay_Microsoft_for_withholding_Windows_8.1_RTM?source=rss_keyword_edpicks&google_editors_picks=true

Computerworld - Windows app developers today took Microsoft to task for the company's decision to withhold Windows 8.1 until mid-October.

Traditionally, Microsoft offers an RTM, or the "release to manufacturing" build of its programs, to developers several weeks before the code reaches the general public. The early availability lets developers complete their work and testing so that their apps are available when the OS launches.

Today, however, Microsoft confirmed that although Windows 8.1 has reached the RTM milestone and been passed to computer- and tablet-making OEMs, subscribers to MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) will not get the final code until the public does on Oct. 17.

Microsoft explained that Windows 8.1 was, in fact, not finished, and used that as the reason for keeping the update out of the hands of developers and IT professionals, another group which historically has gotten early access.

*end*

I'm running Win8.1 Preview, love the boot to desktop feature. I'm used to it now.

[1awake]

1. Same

Though I use Start8 to add the start button back in /boot to desktop etc. With those features added back in, I prefer win8 over win 7 by a large margin, which is a good thing, because the only other two real options is linux which I think isn't ready for main stream, and of course Apple, which I wouldn't use even if you paid me.

[hobbit709]

2. "Microsoft explained that Windows 8.1 was, in fact, not finished,"

TRANSLATION: It's buggier than hell.

I just downgraded a Lenovo laptop to 7. Even with the 8.1 upgrade I put in, it sucked. Boots just as fast and no compatibility problems with any of the software installed

[steve2470]

3. yep ! nt

[randome]

4. It's been passed to OEMs but it's not finished yet?

Guess I haven't paid much attention to the process. Is that how it normally works?
[hr][font color="blue"][center]There is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it.
Nothing.[/center][/font][hr]

[tridim]

5. I have no problems with 8.0 .

Boot to desktop would be nice as an option, but it's currently just two clicks away, and so snappy that it's a pleasure to use.

I do like seeing the Metro live-tile email status and weather on boot-up. Then I just click "desktop" and stay there all day.

Win 8 is my favorite desktop OS in computing history.

[steve2470]

6. pm bump nt