Knowing that Microsoft wants to spread Windows 8 to the public, they must release it during a good time.  Likely, Windows 8 RTM will be released in the fall right before school and winter shopping.  Partners such as Asus have already shown off demos of Windows 8 Tablets.  Until then, the release candidate is being tested and refined to optimize the user experience, especially the mouse and keyboard input.
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Example of the new Windows 8 Metro Start Screen
 
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Ever since the Build Conference in September, developers of all types have been downloading the Windows 8 Developer Preview.  Even normal users are downloading also.  As in the title, the download has hit 3 million downloads.  This is a very good sign for the Windows Team and Microsoft because it shows that a good amount of people have already started developing for the up-coming Windows App Store similar to Apple's App Store on Os X.  Now, Microsoft is working on the beta for a confirmed release in February.  So far, Windows 8 is doing well.

Please visit The Official Windows 8 Daily Youtube Pagehttp://www.youtube.com/user/Windows8Daily?feature=mhee

 
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Microsoft's Windows 8 Blog has officially announced that Windows 8 will include an app store like Apple.  There, users will be able to download Microsoft software and third party software from developers.