Microsoft has just confirmed that its upcoming Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out on 17th October to consumers, which ties in nicely with previous reports. The update, which will hit the various markets across the world periodically over the course of the 24 hours thereafter, brings a whole host of small changes from Windows 8 that collectively make for a better overall user experience.
Windows 8.1 RTM release date for OEM partners has been confirmed by Microsoft. More details can be found here.
Microsoft made the day for many Windows fans by making a preview build of Windows 8.1 available to download for everyone, free of charge. It's like Christmas came early, except Christmas this year is an unfinished affair, with things likely to change before Christmas-proper comes around.
You can now download Windows 8.1 Preview build officially from Microsoft. Download and installation instructions are all detailed after the jump.
Microsoft recently revealed all of the key details pertaining to the forthcoming Windows 8.1, but aside from a few screenshots, we haven't yet been dealt a proper, close-up insight of what the newly updated OS will look like when in action. Today, however, the Redmond dropped a short video clip offering the world its first significant look at Windows 8.1, and although the numbering suggests the update is actually minor, together, these rather small little tweaks make for a wholly rather significant change from the Windows 8 platform preceding it.
Having announced the complete set of changes for Windows 8.1 last week, Microsoft has taken another bold step and made the Windows 8.1 Preview page live for everyone to see. More details can be found right after the jump.
Three major additions to Windows 8.1 may be enough to make some of the Windows 8 holdouts make the switch to a new version of of the Microsoft operating system.
Via the official Windows blog, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 8.1 (formerly known as Windows Blue) will be a free update for those running the current Windows 8 operating system. Many had suspected that the Redmond company might try its hand at Apple's system of meager updates for a minimal fee, but, as per the blog post, the update will in fact be called Windows 8.1, and will be offered as "a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store."
Windows 8.1 Will Bring Back The Start Button, Is Microsoft Rolling Back A Regretful Decision? [Poll]
According to a new report, Microsoft is planning to bring the long lost Start Orb button back with Windows 8.1 later this year. Is it a good move? Is Microsoft trying to lure back users they lost over the past months?
Windows 8 has certainly divided opinion among PC users, with some users having been vocally critical of the tiled, so-called Metro interface that Microsoft decided to opt for. Traditionalists have been particularly unimpressed with the new Start menu, which, while adept for tablet use, can confuse the everyday, desktop Windows user. According to sources of TheVerge, Microsoft is testing current builds of Windows 8.1 inclusive of an option for users to boot into the much familiar desktop screen.
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