Today we announced that Windows 8.1 has hit the RTM milestone. That means our hardware partners are now preparing their devices for the holiday buying season, beginning with the general availability of Windows 8.1 starting at 12:00 A.M. on October 18 in New Zealand (4:00 A.M. October 17 in Redmond). We expect many new devices, varying in size, price and form factors. Current Windows 8 customers will be able to update to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store for free and enjoy all the new features and benefits.
Getting your apps ready today
You can begin publishing apps built for Windows 8.1 starting on the day of General Availability. You can already get started building apps today with Visual Studio 2013 Preview and Windows 8.1 Preview. The Windows Dev Center is your main reference for building apps, and it’s also where you’ll find essential downloads to get started with your project.
- If you’re building a Windows Store app today, or you already have an app in the Store, and want to update your app to Windows 8.1, here’s what you need to know. You can use Visual Studio 2013 to retarget your app package for Windows 8.1, and you may also want to take advantage of some of the new features available in Windows 8.1 like flexible window layout views, new controls, and improved in-app search.
- If you already have an iOS app and you’re thinking about building for Windows 8.1, we recommend you visit our resources for iOS developers.
- If you’re just starting to learn about Windows Store apps, we have a great overview on the Windows Dev Center and more specific information in our Getting Started area.
As we approach the general availability of Windows 8.1 and of Visual Studio 2013, we’ll provide guidance on this blog and in the Windows Dev Center on how to make sure your app is ready for publishing to the Windows Store in 8.1.
The Windows opportunity
Windows 8.1 builds on the bold re-imagining of Windows that began with Windows 8. With 8.1, we’re launching an improved Windows Store that offers you better discoverability, merchandising, and monetization options. We’ll continue to support the building of a healthy app ecosystem around Windows with the Windows 8.1 launch and through global marketing campaigns that highlight the Windows experience across devices and apps while driving costumers to the Windows Store.
Now is the time to get your apps ready for the holiday season. Don’t wait until October 18 to begin working on your app, you don’t want to miss the opportunity!