Windows Blue to include improved search, faster boot and smaller disk footprint

Windows Blue logo

New update on Windows Blue: improved search and new optimized kernel.

As Microsoft keeps getting ready the public preview version of Blue, new information about the feature-pack update continues to surface. Once again thanks to data from Win8China, we now know a little more about what’s coming (at least) in the public preview of Windows Blue.

Like we previously reported the “Milestone Preview” will include a new major kernel update (version 6.3) and various enhancements. The new information suggests the NT kernel will be highly optimized, which will result on faster boot time, far more improved power management and it will allow Windows to have a smaller disk footprint.

Sources familiar to the development also told The Verge that the Bing team is working to introduce new features into the Charms, bringing better search to Windows Blue, as well as the ability to have search recommend apps to play content, e.g., movies, and new implantation, that way users don’t have to select the app to do a deep search within an app.

Even though the Windows 8 user-interface will not have significant changes, there will be new improvements on apps to support smaller devices (7-8″) with Windows Blue.

Thus far we know that the “Milestone Preview” will only have one preview release, which the company plans to release in the next few months, and it will include Internet Explorer 11. Also users will be able to test-drive and offer feedback before Microsoft decides the new major update ready for deployment. When Blue launches will come as a free update for current Windows 8 users, and the update will be incorporated into all Windows products after the release.

Source Win8China (2nd link) via The Verge

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.