The time frame fits into a familiar pattern previously seen with 7.
[h=1]
more
(Note the 7 RTM release was seen on August 6, 2009)
[h=1]
Late May claim for Windows 8 RC jibes with expected timetable[/h] [h=2]Dutch blog reports next major milestone due in two months[/h] By Gregg Keizer
March 26, 2012 02:37 PM ET
Computerworld - Microsoft will launch the "release candidate" of Windows 8 in late May or early June, according to a Saturday report by a Dutch blog.
That launch window for the Windows 8 Release Candidate, or RC -- a label for nearly-finished software issued one final time for bug review -- fits with earlier reports claiming the new operating system will go on sale this October.
On Saturday, the WinUnleaked.tk website asserted that, "We know the Release Candidate of Windows 8 will be shared with the public between the end of May [and] the beginning of June." It did not cite any sources for those dates, however.
A week ago, Bloomberg said that computer and tablet makers will have Windows 8-powered PCs and devices ready to sell in October 2012.
The late May-early June talk of Windows 8 RC availability fits the expectations of analyst Michael Cherry of Directions on Microsoft, who last week said Microsoft appeared to be using a schedule that will deliver a release candidate three months after the February 29, 2012, Consumer Preview, with the RTM, or "release to manufacturing," milestone three months after that.
If Cherry is right, that would put Windows 8 RC's debut at the end of May and RTM at the end of August.
more
(Note the 7 RTM release was seen on August 6, 2009)