According to a product roadmap leak, Dell is working on Windows 8 tablet called “Peju” which is slated for release Q1 2012. It is very surprising as we have been listening that Windows 8 release date is late 2012 or Q1 2013. A release of product in Q1 2012 means that Windows 8 would be ready by late 2011 which looks unrealistic. It does not coincide with release cycle of Windows as well.
Currently Windows 8 has reached Milestone 2 and Milestone 3 is expected to begin in early Mrach. Development on Windows 8 Beta will begin in April and we are expecting first Windows 8 leak in that time frame. Microsoft will likely release two Windows 8 beta and first Windows 8 beta will be unveiled at PDC 2011 in September/October 2011. After that Windows 8 RC and Windows 8 RTM builds will follow and public release will hit in Q4 2012.
What is this Windows 8 tablet? Mary Jo Foley at ZDnet has an interesting piece which suggests separate development of Windows 8 for tablets and desktop. Windows 8 for Tablets is likely being developed rapidly. It will support ARM based architectures and SoC as demoed by Microsoft on CES 2011. Microsoft might reveal Windows 8 for tablets earlier to catch up with the growing and competing market.
Let me add a scenario. Imagine Windows 8 is released in late 2012 for tablets and PC. At that time, iPad 4 and Tablets running a more developed Android version like 4.0 would be around. Windows 8 tablets would just make their debut. The competition of fresh OS against two street fighters is scary. Isn’t it?
Via: Android Central