Windows 8 Release Preview now available, Adobe Flash included, finished version expected August 2012

Microsoft has made the Release Preview of Windows 8 available to download. So what’s new?

The press release:

• Confirms that a “touch-friendly and power-optimized Adobe Flash Player” is integrated into Internet Explorer 10
• Announces new Family Safety features
• States that IE10 is “Do not track” by default
• Announces new apps and improvements to existing ones

All of which will come as a disappointment to those hoping for any sort of change of direction following a mixed-to-negative reception for the Consumer Preview.

Windows chief Steven Sinofsky says:

If the feedback and telemetry on Windows 8 and Windows RT match our expectations, then we will enter the final phases of the RTM process in about 2 months.

My guess that feedback along the lines of “Bring back the Start menu” will not count as an obstacle.

Related posts:

1. Windows 8 is done, available August 15th with final Visual Studio 2012
2. Microsoft announces launch dates for Windows 8: software will be done early August
3. Upgrade to Windows 7 in Europe: confusing as expected
4. New Windows 8, new Visual Studio 2012
5. The Adobe Flash and Windows Phone 7 mystery