Sources speaking to both ZDNet and The Verge indicate that Microsoft's Windows 10 for PCs has reached its RTM (release to manufacturing) milestone. Build 10240 of Windows 10, released to both Fast Ring and Slow Ring Insiders yesterday, is said to be the build that will be shovelled onto new PCs ready for e-tailers and retailers after 29th July – the official Windows 10 launch and celebration day.
The date upon which PCs will be available for sale with Windows 10 pre-installed seems to be uncertain. The Verge states that "new PCs with the software won’t be available until some weeks later," following the launch date. However some PC makers, like HP, insist that they will have machines with Windows 10 pre-installed for the OS's launch day.
An interesting clue within the latest Windows 10 build, is that it is designated as 'TH1', this could stand for 'Threshold 1'. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley reached out to Microsoft to ask for confirmation that Build 10240 of Windows 10 is actually the RTM version. A Microsoft spokesperson answered as follows:
"This build is the latest Windows 10 build, and we'll continue to update Windows 10 code as we head toward launch and beyond. We are embracing a new way to deliver Windows."
It's almost 20 years to the day that Microsoft released Windows 95 to RTM. However Windows 10 might be the last such event. Microsoft COO, Kevin Turner, reminded attendees during his July 15 Worldwide Partner Conference keynote that Windows 10 will be the "last monolithic release we had built around a three-year upgrade cycle."
Windows RT 3 update arrives in September
Another bit of Windows news will be of interest to Microsoft Surface RT and Surface 2 owners. Microsoft's Gabe Aul has Tweeted that Windows RT 3 update will arrive in September. It isn't known exactly what the update will provide to end users but RT users will be offered "some of the functionality of Windows 10," we heard back in January.
