Today Microsoft has confirmed that the upcoming update, Windows 8.1, will be available for free for current users running Windows 8 and Windows RT, including Surface. And also the company has officially confirmed that Windows 8.1 will be the official name of the update, in the past also known as “Windows Blue”.
The announcement was made by Tami Reller, Windows CFO, at the JP Morgan Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in Boston. Reller also noted that for users still planning to upgrade to Windows 8, prices will be kept same: $120 for the upgrade and $200 for the full version.
The announcement does not come as a surprise given all the information we’ve been discovering from recent leaks of the operating system.
I think it makes total sense, Microsoft decision to make Windows 8.1 a free update, considering the criticism the operating system has received lately. And now with the new changes, including the Start button and the boot-to-desktop option, it may just boost sales and convince people that Windows 8 is a great OS — which I think already is.
Among other things Tami Reller also emphasized that Microsoft has already surpassed the 70,000 Windows 8-style apps in the Windows Store.
The new version of Windows is expected to be released later this year as it was confirmed by Reller herself last week and it will be available for everyone to download from the Windows Store. It’s worth noting that this way to deliver OS updates is unusual for Microsoft, which makes me think if we are at the beginning of the end of the “Windows Update” tool and Microsoft thinking on making the Windows Store the one-stop-shop for updates and apps. More than likely the update tool will stay around for a while though, but it isn’t crazy to think that the software giant might someday retire it.
Microsoft is also expected to release the Windows 8.1 Public Preview in June 26th for developers during the BUILD Conference.
Source Blogging Windows
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. Email him at [email protected].