Microsoft is believed to be planning to scrap its retail full edition of Windows 8, and could only be offering simplified upgrade and System Builder options for home users.
The company has, in general, sold upgrade, full, and OEM System Builder copies of its Windows software at retailers. Now, Windows Weekly co-hosts Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley have both revealed that Microsoft is planning to remove the full edition option in favor of a System Builder option for home users building a PC.
Home users, in the past, wishing to install a full copy of Windows, could either purchase a costly boxed copy or a cheaper OEM edition. The OEM edition, which was theoretically targeted towards system builders, could be sold by retailers with a piece of hardware. Many, however, have offered this as a standalone purchase.
Moreover, full boxed copies come with 90 days of support via email and telephone after activation, whereas OEM copies lack such a support option.
Thurrott and Foley both contemplate that the full edition will no longer be available in stores, and will be replaced with an OEM System Builder option for those building a new PC. Such a change could mark a shift in Microsoft's licensing plans for Windows 8 and also simplifies the offering to consumers on the web and in retail stores.
The two new packages include the Windows Upgrade DVD, which is available for $39.99, and Windows 8 System Builder Kit (OEM). This is quite a deal as compared to Windows 7 Professional (OEM), which is available for $134.99, and Windows 7 Professional (Retail), available for $299.99.
So if the rumors are true, you could expect to see just the upgrade and System Builder options on the shelves in late October.
(Source: The Verge)
