Windows 8.1 Release Date 2013 and Features

Microsoft is working on Windows 8.1 OS, with release date set in mid 2013, along with a plenty of new features upgraded over Windows 8 including IE11, before it finally goes for Microsoft Windows 9 launch.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 launching with Internet Explorer 11 is expected in the second half of this year and is aimed at fixing many problems within the recently launched windows 8. Inside sources claim there will be a name shift to Windows 8.1 and not windows 9.

Job adverts for Windows and Windows Phone and LinkedIn profiles for developers on the Windows Server team all refer to "Windows Blue" in relation to a future version of Windows, Windows Server and Windows Phone.

Windows 8.1 Release Date, Price and Features

Microsoft seems to be tight-lipped on the release dates of Windows 8.1 OS. But more evidences is starting to arise indicating they are ready for an upgrade to Windows 8.1. Microsoft Windows 8.1 is currently under testing, according to a source from Window Software Development team.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Rumors 2013

There are no official press release from Microsoft about their next version of Windows, but the rumors mill is running high about the upcoming Microsoft Windows Blue and next generation Windows 9 operating system softwares. Some of the information is reliable, because its from Microsoft Job advertisement, Windows Phone Team and some rare comments from Microsoft Windows Development team members on various blogs and social media. A Microsoft job posting says:

We’re looking for an excellent, experienced SDET to join the Core Experience team in Windows Sustained Engineering (WinSE). The Core Experience features are the centerpiece of the new Windows UI, representing most of what customers touch and see in the OS, including: the start screen; application lifecycle; windowing; and personalization. Windows 8.1 promises to build and improve upon these aspects of the OS, enhancing ease of use and the overall user experience on devices and PCs worldwide.

However, most recent have come from a Chinese website that claim to have got test build of 64bit Windows 8.1 with Internet Explorer 11. The internal version of Microsoft Windows 8 was 6.2. According to the win8china.com, the build was compiled on February 20 from Milestone 1 of Windows 6.3.9 source code branch. Here under is one of the Windows 8.1 leaked screenshots from this 2.41 GB build, released as 9347.0.x86fre.winmain_bluem1.130220-1504_en-us_DV5.iso

Windows 8.0 Release Date and Price 2013

Microsoft is thought to considering changing its 12 month release cadence; Microsoft is used to releasing major versions of windows every few years. This is likely to change with Microsoft opting for an OS X like system where new and exciting features will constantly be added throughout the year. The prices for these releases are likely to drop to around $25 just like that of OS X.

Microsoft has been missing tablet market share and Windows 8 does not live up to the challenge to bring Microsoft into the tablets market. However, Microsoft Windows 8.1 can be the answer, because it is expected to support tiny display shapes. Plus, Microsoft company is expected to sell it to partners for under Windows 8. It could expense them $40-$50 per tablet, and that is at least $20 cheaper than Windows 8. The drop in rate allows them to profitably create tablets within the $199-$349 price rabge.

The drop in sales for windows 8 is highly attributed to the many problems that this Operating software did come with. Microsoft will need to effectively attend to this problems to make sure Windows 8.1 stands out as a must have OS for 2013.

Windows 8.1 is expected to debut in November 2013, so it is only a matter of time before which we will find out how good the upgrade is at smoothing out any of Windows 8 rough edges.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 with IE11 Features

Windows 8.1 will be a union of windows 8, RT, Windows Phone 8 and will be free to install for all current users of windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. Some of the changes that will be evident with Windows 8.1 include:

1. Windows 8.1 boot to desktop settings
2. Windows 8.1 have modified desktop
3. Windows 8.1 takes scalability tiles from Windows Phone 8
4. Windows 8.1 comes with Metro UI widgets
5. Windows 8.1 features windows kernel version 6.3

Windows 8.1 Start Menu button

One of the many downfalls of windows 8 was it luck of a start button. This is likely to change with Windows 8.1. Microsoft Windows 8.1 will keep the start button and make it more users friendly. Windows 8.1 will be relatively cheap or even free this is in line with the fact that it is considered as an upgrade and not a new OS.

Microsoft is also rumored to introduce new customization features as well as improved GUI. The task bar will receive more changes to its interface to make it more attractive. Those who have no experience with windows 8 and would wish to go directly to Windows 8.1, will be able to get it at cheap costs.

If news is to be believed Windows 8.1 will be based on the existing user interface but will feature new improvements to make it better than Windows 8. Microsoft Windows 8.1 features an experienced excellent SDET core able to enhance ease of use.

The new Windows 8.1 is rumored to come with the ability of customizing the start screen with flexible tile sizes, it will also feature a broad range of color and background customization options. According to reliable sources a new version of windows SDK will be released with Windows 8.1 and Microsoft will stop accepting apps built essentially for windows 8 update.

This is aimed at pushing developers to develop apps aimed for Blue. This is in line with the fact that Microsoft wants Blue to be the OS that everyone installs, thus Windows 8.1 ISO will go beyond the windows platform to make sure it is able to spread across the company product range.

Windows 8.1 is also expected to have Internet Explorer 11 built it, and will include support for new 7 and 8 inch devices, as well as updates to its Windows Phone operating system. This is all in an effort to consolidate the company's line of Windows devices.

Some of the added features that are sure to be added with Windows 8.1 include Skydrive and internet explorer. Windows 8.1 is highly thought to come with a new feature by the name Excel MX which is a touch optimized version of the spreadsheet app which will enable it to run on Metro mode.