Microsoft has announced that a release preview for their next generation OS, Windows 8, is now available for download. Release Preview is the last step before the company sends the final code (or when it is released tomanufacturing RTM) to the public, which means all the major functionality of the OS will be present for users to enjoy. Microsoft has also announced that they will be rolling out a Windows Upgrade Offer program that will be released in 131 markets which allows users who purchase eligible Windows 7 PCs that are preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity through January 31, 2013 to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 (U.S.) when the new OS is generally available. So if you bought a Windows 7 machine in the past few months, don’t worry – upgrading to Windows 8 won’t cost you an arm or a leg. You can grab the Windows 8 Release Preview here.
Source: Windows Team Blog