Microsoft gives hint that the next Windows release could arrive in a few months

May 15, 2013 21:41 GMT  ·  By

Even though it was initially believed that Microsoft would launch Windows 8.1 in August, it might seem like the company is planning to launch the OS update in time for the holiday season.

According to Tami Reller, the Windows CFO who recently talked at the JP Morgan conference, Windows 8.1 could hit the market in a few months, just to make sure that users would be allowed to choose from a wide variety of products running the new software.

"We’ve said later this year. Obviously, we're very sensitive to the timing of holidays, and what that means for getting an update out, and making sure that there will be a lineup of hardware that comes preloaded with Windows 8.1," she said.

"But even for the hardware at holiday that has Windows 8, we designed it so that's not an issue at all for customers. They can buy any Windows 8 device with confidence and know that they can get Windows 8.1. So we understand when the holidays are. Let me just underscore that," Reller explained.

The good news, on the other hand, is that a preview version of 8.1 is set to go live next month at BUILD, so Windows 8 users will be allowed to get a taste of the new OS a lot sooner.