Windows 8.1, codenamed Blue available as a free download

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 07:25 Written by admin Thursday, 16 May 2013 07:25

It turns out that Microsoft will be serving Windows Blue much in the same manner as it once offered service packs for its flagship operating system, namely as a free upgrade. The Redmond company is not going to stick a price tag on Windows 8.1, as the next version of the OS will be released to the public later this year. However, Microsoft is expected to sell Windows 8.1, essentially Windows 8 with the Blue upgrade on top, as a standalone product. So far, Windows 8.1 is still in development. A public preview of the bits will be provided to testers on June 26th, so if you want to get a taste of Windows Blue in advance, you’ll definitely be able to do that.

Download Windows 8.1 public preview June 2013

Last Updated on Wednesday, 8 May 2013 01:31 Written by admin Wednesday, 8 May 2013 01:31

Get ready to download the first bits of Windows 8.1, codenamed Windows Blue, this June. Microsoft has confirmed officially that it will provide the first taste of Windows 8’s successor, or upgrade if you will, next month, at the company’s BUILD conference.

Here’s what Tami Reller, our Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer, had to say about Windows 8.1:

“Windows Blue is a codename for an update that will be available later this year, building on the bold vision set forward with Windows 8 to deliver the next generation of tablets and PCs. It will deliver the latest new innovations across an increasingly broad array of form factors of all sizes, display, battery life and performance, while creating new opportunities for our ecosystem. It will provide more options for businesses, and give consumers more options for work and play. The Windows Blue update is also an opportunity for us to respond to the customer feedback that we’ve been closely listening to since the launch of Windows 8 and Windows RT. From a company-wide perspective, Windows Blue is part of a broader effort to advance our devices and services for Microsoft.”
 
Reller is also insisting that Windows 8 IS selling:
 
“We recently surpassed the 100 million licenses sold mark for Windows 8. This number includes Windows licenses that ship on a new tablet or PC, as well as upgrades to Windows 8. This is up from the 60 million license number we provided in January. We’ve also seen the number of certified devices for Windows 8 and Window RT grow to 2,400 devices, and we’re seeing more and more touch devices in the mix.”

Windows 8.1, the official moniker of Windows Blue

Last Updated on Tuesday, 2 April 2013 12:47 Written by admin Tuesday, 2 April 2013 12:47

There’s no confirmation from Microsoft at this point in time, but sources close to the development of the next version of the company’s operating system claim that Windows Blue will be released to customers under the Windows 8.1 moniker. Now, as the versioning proves, Windows 8.1 is more of a refresh to Windows 8 than a fully-fledged release of the OS. The image below, courtesy of Winforum.eu, reveals a new build of Windows 8.1 / Windows Blue, namely 9375.

If you’re like me, and expect Microsoft to also release Windows RT 8.1, please raise your hands… now. OK, put them back down, don’t be silly. I’ve already said this, but it bears repeating, Windows 8.1 Build 9375 proves that the Redmond company has some big plans related to its upcoming BUILD conference. And if you’re thinking bits, bits, bits to download and test, then you’ve certainly guessed my mind. At this point in time, with the leaks pouring around the web, the only question is how much time is Microsoft still going to remain silent on Windows 8.1?