Accidental post reveals Windows 8 Release Preview to debut today

If one was wondering when Microsoft would actually release the final public test build of Windows 8, then this accidental leak may just be their answer. According to a report by Neowin, Microsoft had accidentally posted on their Windows Hardware and Driver Developer blog that the build will be available on the 31st of May, 2012.

It was initially expected to be released during the first half of June and this accidental leak may be pleasing to all those waiting for the Windows 8 Release Preview. As per the report, the author states, “It looks like we're going to get what everyone's been waiting to get their hands on earlier than expected. A badly timed blog post (now deleted) today on the Windows Hardware and Driver Developer Blog pinned the release date of the next preview of Windows for May 31st.”

The screen grab before it was pulled (Click to enlarge)

This information was taken from the blog that was accidentally published on May 30th. The author states that the post had been written by Chuck Chan, the Corporate Vice President of the Windows Development Team. The post was dated May 31st and had been deleted two minutes later after it had been published on the 30th of May. Though the blog remains empty for now, it features links allowing one to download the Consumer Preview. It is believed that by today it will be updated when Microsoft announces the Windows 8 Release Preview.

According to a related report by ZDNet, the author states, “Not only does the pulled post mention the Windows 8 Release Preview, but it also mentions a new Windows Driver Kit 8 and the Visual Studio 2012 Release Preview. Microsoft has been referring to the coming version of Visual Studio as “Visual Studio 11,” but I’ve noted previously that my sources have been saying for months that the final name of the product would be Visual Studio 2012.”

Let us know your thoughts on Microsoft accidentally leaking the document ahead of schedule and are you excited that the build will be finally available earlier that the projected June release date?