Today, Microsoft has finally confirmed, via its Blogging Windows site, that both Windows 8.1 and the Windows RT 8.1 have reached the RTM (release to manufacturing) phase. While it should have already announced it few days ago, Microsoft has most likely decided to postpone the announcement in order for it not to be overshadowed by recent announcement of Steve Balmer's retirement within the next twelve months.

Unfortunately and as feared earlier, the RTM version, or the final build will only be shipping to OEMs while the rest, including business customers, consumers and MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be getting it on October 18th. This is definitely a big problem for Microsoft as MSDN and TechNet subscribers will certainly dislike the fact that they will be getting the final build on the same date as consumer, despite the fact that they are paying for subscription.

In case you missed it earlier, the new Windows 8.1 will bring back the Start button, have Internet Explorer 11 with Bing search, improved Windows Store experience, integrated cloud connectivity with SkyDrive and much more.



Source: Blogs.Windows.com.