Microsoft readying Windows 8 for October roll out, say sources
Adding to murmurs reportedly emanating from Chinese manufacturer Lenovo, it looks as if Microsoft is readying Windows 8 for a global launch this October.
Bloomberg claims "people with knowledge of the schedule" say both the version designed for Intel chips and the ARM eiditon aimed at tablets will launch at the same time, enabling Microsoft to make up ground on Apple's iPad in the run up to Christmas.
Playing with plans
As such, it's believed Microsoft will bring together Windows 8 OEMs and partners at an event in April, where it will lay out its plans for the OS behind closed doors.
The news ties in with suggestions manufacturers are working on tablets scheduled to launch in October, with Lenovo, Nokia and Dell all rumoured to be looking to support the platform with devices available from day one.
Indeed, for both Microsoft and its manufacturers, launching before Christmas is believed to be imperative.
"If they miss the September-October time frame, theyre going to be stuck without being able to ship anything in 2012," said Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg told Bloomberg.
"The last thing Microsoft wants to have is a situation where there are no compelling Windows tablets at a time when the new iPad looks like its going to be a good seller for the holidays."
Other OEMs working on Windows 8 tablets include HP and Asus.
[source: Bloomberg]