Microsoft has confirmed that completed Windows 7 code will be released to early adopters early this coming week, with the code made available to the masses in a week's time.
Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 will be posted to the Microsoft Developers Network and to TechNet subscribers for download on 30 April, and will be made generally available on 5 May worldwide.
This is expected to be the last code release before the final version is delivered, unless bugs are identified.
No manufacturing date has been revealed for the next generation of Microsoft operating systems, but January or February 2010 have been insisted on by the company.
However, reports suggest that Microsoft is working with manufacturers to have Windows 7 installed in OEM PCs by this summer, in time for the crucial back-to-school season in September.
The release dates were confirmed in the official Microsoft blog by Windows 7 manager, Brandon Le Blanc.
“At the peak of the feedback cycle, we were receiving a ‘Send Feedback’ report every 15 seconds for an entire week,” he said.
“Since then, the engineering team has been busy analysing the feedback, fixing bugs and working hard to improve the overall experience.
“Many of your suggestions helped us refine the new and improved taskbar, the behaviour of Aero Peek, Touch, Windows Media Player, and much more,” Le Blanc said.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: screenshot of Microsoft’s new operating systems, Windows 7
