Windows 8's scheduled release on Oct. 26 may be too early, according to Intel's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Otellini.
Otellini made the comments at a company meeting in Taipei on Sept. 25.
An unidentified person spoke to Bloomberg after the event, revealing the comments.
Otellini said that Microsoft should release Windows 8 before it is fully complete; it allows the software giant to get the operating system to consumers. After release, it can iterate on the platform, though whether that will affect performance is uncertain.
"We are concerned at the level of bugs and fine tuning that appears necessary to get the beta systems we demoed for prime time," JMP Securities Alex Gauna added. Judging Windows 8 on its Release Preview may seem unfair, but judging the release to manufacturing (RTM) builds available to developers and IT organizations is probably more accurate.
"With over 16 million active preview participants, Windows 8 is the most tested, reviewed, and ready operating system in Microsoft's history," Microsoft spokesperson Mark Martin replied. Windows 8 is also seen by critics as Microsoft's biggest bet in Windows' history. Particularly, Modern UI brings a different experience compared to the traditional desktop environment.
Intel spokesperson Laura Anderson also described Windows 8 as representing a "tremendous opportunity" for the company.
"[W]e're looking forward to working with Microsoft as enabling a host of new experiences on a variety of devices," Anderson added. Anderson is probably referring to the tablet market Windows 8 targets. With Apple perhaps launching a miniature version of iPad in October a successful Windows 8 launch seems important. Oct. 26 is two weeks before Black Friday, the beginning of the holiday shopping season in the U.S.
"Our internal employee meetings are private and we don't disclose details on what may or may not have been said. We continue to see Windows 8 as a significant opportunity across the board and are excited at our prospects in new forms like Ultrabooks, tablets and convertibles," Intel's statement read after the original report from Bloomberg and The Verge broke.
Windows 8 launches Oct. 26. Microsoft is holding an event Sept. 25 to "celebrate" Windows 8, and perhaps launch Surface at midnight.
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