Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 as official name for 'Blue' update, free for Windows 8

[BrianBosworth]

Speaking at JP Morgan's Media & Telecom Conference today, Windows CFO Tami Reller revealed that Windows 8.1 will be the official name for Windows Blue. The confirmation is not surprising given its presence in recently leaked builds, and it follows Microsoft's previous promise that developers will be able to install a Public Preview version of Windows 8.1 in late June.

Microsoft will offer Windows 8.1 as a free update to existing Windows 8 users through the Windows Store. The software giant is expected to detail the full improvements to Windows 8.1 at its Build developer conference in June. Early builds of Windows 8.1 have shown that Microsoft is aiming to improve its Start Screen interface and bring changes to accomodate additional screen sizes.

Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 as official name for 'Blue' update, free for Windows 8 users | The Verge

[Master Razor]

Great. Even more crap.

[anon]

Great. Even more crap.

What's the problem? My only qualms with Windows 8 were the forced font smoothing, and my laptop's proprietary Fn key software not supporting the OS. Everything else was excellent (well, the Start screen and Metro UI are crap, but you can get rid of them easily). If those problems hadn't been there I definitely would have kept it installed.

[hellman]

What's the problem? My only qualms with Windows 8 were the forced font smoothing, and my laptop's proprietary Fn key software not supporting the OS. Everything else was excellent (well, the Start screen and Metro UI are crap, but you can get rid of them easily). If those problems hadn't been there I definitely would have kept it installed.

they messed up every option.. changed the order... i gave this to some of my friends ..they couldn't even find the shutdown button but performance wise and its ok.... well imo if u have a touch screen win 8 is the best deal otherwise i prefer to stick with 7

[anon]

I found the shutdown button in less than a minute. I can see why most people wouldn't, however, since it went from the same place as the last 18 years to pretty hidden somewhere in a menu.

The performance improvements are noticeable, perhaps even more so in my entry-level hardware.

[hellman]

The performance improvements are noticeable, perhaps even more so in my entry-level hardware.

well if u want better performance than now .. there's a lighter version of win 8 on web.. just like master razor's win 7 version.. although i have downloaded dat only to save some space in c drive

[anon]

Any chances it's Microsoft.Windows.8.x86-LiTE? That's the one I used.

[BrianBosworth]

What's the problem? My only qualms with Windows 8 were the forced font smoothing, and my laptop's proprietary Fn key software not supporting the OS.

Although it's too late, I found a possible solution to the font smoothing problem here
Instead of disabling it,there's a workaround that greatly enhances its "readability" via MacType
I started googling and found a few other alternatives as well. Gdipp seems to be the best choice that I've come across so far.

[Master Razor]

One thing I learned doing a lite OS is that there is no shortcut to performance. If the original windows edition is not working for you, neither will a lighter OS.
Nobody, except microsoft can decrapify windows. They are the only ones that actually know what to remove and from where without causing harm.

This being said, I no longer use any lite edition, mine included. I came to the conclusion that it is just not worth it.

[hellman]

I came to the conclusion that it is just not worth it.

Reason being? i still use yours

@anon - i used this --> Windows 8.1 Pro 6.3 build 9374 (x86) Lite (RUS-ENG) Incl Activator