The software maker is planning to launch the new OS by the holiday season

Jul 9, 2013 04:55 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft confirmed at the annual Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston that Windows 8.1 would reach RTM in August, while the public launch is scheduled to take place in the next couple of months.

Speaking about Microsoft’s announcements at WPC 2013, Brandon LeBlanc, the company’s communication manager, explained that the software maker is currently working with partners to make more devices ready for the holiday season.

Microsoft has already explained that it wants Windows 8.1 to spawn a new wave of devices, so expect lots of new tablets, hybrids, and most likely a new generation Surface.

“[Tami Reller] announced that Windows 8.1 RTM will be available for OEM partners in late August. This means OEMs will be able to get the RTM bits and begin preparing devices with Windows 8.1 just in time for the holidays! We’ll have more details to share in the coming months for consumers and other customers on how to get Windows 8.1,” LeBlanc noted.