Microsoft plan on releasing Windows 8 in October according to people who have knowledge of the schedule. The operating system will support both ARM and Intel processor technology.

Bloomberg said that their sources didn't want to be named because the plans are confidential. The operating system will support five ARM devices in the initial launch and more than 40 Intel machines supported.

The timing is important for Microsoft as it will be released in time for system builders to target new systems for end of year computer sales. Microsoft will also be targeting the iPad oriented sector, allowing many companies to use Windows 8 on upcoming tablet computers. Whether they can make much of a dent on Apple dominance remains to be seen.

Bloomberg add “Microsoft will host an event for its industry partners in early April, the people said. The company will spell out its release strategy for Windows 8, giving more details on timing and marketing, they said.

There will be fewer ARM-based devices in the rollout because Microsoft has tightly controlled the number and set rigorous quality-control standards, said one of the people. The new version of Windows will be the first to use ARM processors, which are most commonly found in smartphones. Windows 7, the current version, only works with Intel’s technology. Three of the Windows 8 ARM devices will be tablets, the people said.”

Kitguru says: Windows 8 has had a mixed reception so far, with many people disliking the Metro interface.

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