The release to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 8.1 is ready. The last build number is 9600.16384.130821-1623. Microsoft had already announced that before the August month comes to an end, they would be rolling out the RTM Windows 8.1 and they have done it.
For those who are clueless on the meaning of Release to Manufacturing, we would like to enlighten you that RTM is nothing but a version of software that is in ready condition to be provided to the customer. The announcement on RTM Windows 8.1 was made through Tweet by SuperSite editor named Paul Thurrot.
Interesting thing is that Microsoft has not confirmed officially on the arrival of RTM Windows 8.1. However a report on ZDNet reveals that Windows 8.1 reached RTM status on 23rd of August. By the way consumers can lay their hands on the Windows from 18th October onwards. This is the time when the Windows 8.1 will be officially released.
Microsoft has already shared the preview edition of Windows 8.1. So, if you are eager to try the Windows 8.1, you can use the preview version of the software. Also, it is not clear whether the Windows 8.1 will be made available to groups like TechNet and MSDN before it is officially released on October 18. Previously, it has been seen that TechNet and MSDN members were able to get updates from Microsoft soon so that the build could be tested before it could be released officially to the public.
When the Windows 8 was released with all the hullabaloo, people had a lot of expectations from the operating system. Sadly, it got removed some of the frequently used feature like Start button and access to the desktop screen and many more. The popularity of Windows 8 is not that great and this is the reason why it has received many negative feedback. Based on the customer feedback, the developers have created the Windows 8.1 update which aims to fix all the issues of Windows 8.
Windows 8.1 is codenamed as Windows Blue and it brings number of modifications to the Windows 8 OS to make it more user-friendly. The Windows Blue will bring missing features like Start button, boot to desktop option, in-built Help tutorials, enhanced Windows Store and many more. The Windows 8.1 update will be available as a free download through Windows Store. We hope that the new update truly makes it much easier to use the Windows 8 OS.