Windows 8.1 release date for enterprises happened a few days ago, confirming that Microsoft will soon release the consumer version Windows 8.1 update very soon, according to PC Tablet.

Haverzine is now reporting that the company has seeded partners with an updated build of the upcoming OS, which is a sign that the release is closer to being finalized. The build according to the blog is allegedly dubbed Build 9477 and appears to be an RTM escrow build. The software release is also known as an internal release candidate.

The seeding indicates that Microsoft is close to wrapping up development, assuming that no significant bugs or unforeseen technical issues will need to be dealt with.

Features of Windows 8.1 leaked

PC Tablet said that the upcoming new features of Windows 8.1 have also been leaked. New features that preview build testers and explorers have found include extended capabilities of Windows with Windows Phone, Xbox One integration and proofs of Kinect 2.0 native support.

Other features expected once the Windows 8.1 release has come to include the return of the Start button.

PC Tablet also noted other known features of the pending Windows 8.1: New search integration with apps, revamped Windows store, customizable start screen, and more fluid Internet a Explorer 11 that is also responsive to touch devices.

New OS for consumers to be released end of August

Technet and MSDN subscribers should expect the free update to arrive at their desktops by the end of August and around late September for the general public. The update will be free for current Windows 8 users, but those who have Windows 7 interested in getting Windows 8.1 will have to pay for the upgrade.

According to PC Tablet, the OEM partners of Microsoft will start shipping Windows 8.1 devices by the end of September. The Redmond tech giant is also planning to push the long awaited Windows Phone 8 GDR2 by the end of the coming month. The blog said that the slow push of updates and development process is killing the interest of consumers in Microsoft products.

Not everyone, however, is looking forward to the Windows 8.1 release. Wayne Rash of TechWeek Europe said that Windows 8.1 maybe a poor strategic move for Microsoft. He said, however, that Windows 8.1 Enterprise will provide corporate users features they’d like to see in such type of platform.

One of the main concerns that the tech company is expected to address with the release of Windows 8.1 is security. In response to security concerns, it’s expected that Windows Defender antivirus, automatic scanning for malware, and security enhancement like Device Lockdown maybe included in the new consumer version of the Microsoft OS.