Microsoft is breaking an unofficial rule: it’s taking pre-orders for Windows 8 Pro before the release of a new operating system.
This is a first for the company, and a sign that it is continuing to
shift toward the customs of competitors Apple and Google, analysts said.
Together with the customary security updates, Microsoft has shipped four non-security updates exclusive to Windows 8, which goes on sale Oct. 26.
Never before has Microsoft updated a version of Windows between
release to manufacturing and when the OS and computers powered by it
were available for purchase. Normally, most of Microsoft’s main changes
for service packs — groups of formerly-released security patches,
non-security bug fixes and new features or developments — are issued
every year-and-a-half.
“During the final months of Windows 8 we challenged ourselves to
create the tools and processes to be able to deliver these “post-RTM”
updates sooner than a service pack,” Steven Sinofsky, president of the
Windows and Windows Live division at Microsoft, said in a blog post.
“By developing better test automation and test coverage tools we are
happy to say that Windows 8 will be totally up-to-date for all customers
starting at General Availability.”
Windows 8 Pro can be reserved for $69.99 at Amazon.com, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot and the Microsoft Store.
Those who wait until the Oct. 26 release date can upgrade online for $39.99 at Windows.com using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.
