Microsoft appears to have hit a major milestone on Friday: Windows Phone 8 hit the RTM (Release to Manufacturing) stage according to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley’s sources. Pictures obtained by WMPowerUser of Microsoft staff signing a large RTM poster support the report. This means that Microsoft’s partners, including HTC, Nokia, and Samsung, now have the final version of Windows Phone 8 in their hands and can move forward with final preparations for their launches.
Microsoft was reportedly hoping to launch Windows Phone 8 in early October, ahead of Windows 8, but rumours have suggested that the launch will take place on October 29th. This gives partners about 6 weeks to complete their testing, pre-load devices, and get them out the door into the hands of customers.
There are no details as to when Windows Phone 7.8, the upgrade for Windows Phone 7.5 devices, will be made available.
Read more: ZDNet and WMPowerUser