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Microsoft is aiming to get the completed version of Windows 10 into the hands of manufacturing partners by June, according to reports on Monday.
Neowin sources say the software giant is targeting a June completion date for the hotly anticipated operating system that’ll offer a universal experience across desktop, laptop and mobile devices.
If Microsoft is able to achieve the target for the RTM (Release to Manufacturers) version of the software by early summer, it would allow it to capitalise on the lucrative back-to-school sales period.
The report claims: “Why is the company targeting June instead of its traditional August release? Well, the month of August did not make a lot of sense if you were trying to sell licenses and devices for the back to school market. Previously, when an OS hit RTM in August, hardware from OEMs would not be ready until October which is good for the holidays but misses the back to school shoppers.”
An RTM release wouldn’t mean the software would instantly be available for all Windows users to download, as the firm is likely to allow manufacturers the opportunity to fit it to forthcoming machines before rolling out the update.
The earlier launch could also be advantageous as it’d enable Microsoft to get a new version of its very successful Surface Pro hybrid device out of the gate with Windows 10 already built in.
Read more: Windows 10 Features: What's New?
Meanwhile, on Monday, it emerged Microsoft is opening out the preview versions of Office 2016 to all users using the Windows 10 Technical Preview.
Previously the firm had limited access to a private beta group, but now anyone can jump on board and download the early versions of Word, Powerpoint and Excel if they’re prepared to sign an NDA (nondisclosure agreement).