Microsoft may be poised to deliver the near-final release candidate of Visual Studio 2013 sooner rather than later.



From All About Microsoft:

The availability of the RC is interesting in light of Microsoft's decision to withhold the Windows 8.1 RTM bits from MSDN/TechNet and volume licensees until Windows 8.1 launches on October 18. (Some handpicked developers who are building apps that Microsoft wants to showcase at launch are getting the RTM bits, according to Peter Bright at Ars Technica -- something Microsoft officials confirmed when I asked.)

The decision not to make the RTM bits available early has angered a number of Windows developers who said they need earlier access to the RTM bits in order to test and deliver their Windows Store/Metro-Style apps in a timely fashion.

  Visual Studio 2013 Release Candidate inches closer