Microsoft Calls Windows 8 Complete, But Concerns Remain, Say Analysts

Computerworld: As promised, Microsoft released Windows 8 to manufacturers on Wednesday. That means the code for the new operating system is complete, but analysts say the release  is really just the first step in a longer process of getting the OS to users. “At launch, the store needs at least 5,000 very-high-quality Metro apps,” said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. “Otherwise, Microsoft will have an extremely hard time, if not an impossible time, selling a Windows 8- or Windows RT-based tablet.” Analysts has expressed doubt that Microsoft will have the apps it needs when the OS debuts for consumers.

Developers can begin downloading Windows 8 on August 15.