Windows 8 Release Preview, which was expected to be released in June, was released on May 31.
Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft's top Windows executive, announced this version of the OS as the "final pre-release" build.
While Sinofsky did not reveal the shipping date for Windows 8, experts say that the final version will be shipped anytime in September or October. Sinofsky, however, talked about the general timeline for the development process.
"If the feedback and telemetry on Windows 8 and Windows RT match our expectations, then we will enter the final phases of the RTM process in about 2 months," he said. "If we are successful in that, then we are tracking to our shared goal of having PCs with Windows 8 and Windows RT available for the holidays."
The latest Windows 8 Preview Release version is available in 14 languages and introduces several improvements that its last version released three months ago. The upgrades include more ways to connect to other Microsoft services, display apps in a mosaic of tiles, run on desktop, laptop and tablet computers, offer more security controls and more touch-screen features.
Of all the great features, one of the most noteworthy is its refurbished login options, which can sync background settings, address book, IE10 history, bookmarks, passwords and other social networking site accounts, email, instant messaging and more. Another significant feature is Flash, for which Microsoft and Adobe worked together.
Hardware requirements for Windows 8:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster
- RAM: 1GB or 2GB
- Drive space: 16GB/20GB
- Video card: Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible device
To download Windows 8 Release Preview free click here.
