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Windows 8.1 'Blue': everything you need to know

Microsoft shipped its Windows 8 operating system in October, but the company is planning to update it in a big way with codename Blue. Designed for new hardware, including 7- and 8-inch devices, Windows 8.1 (Blue) will be treated as a new version of Windows — an update to Windows 8. Check out all the news below as we follow Windows 8.1's progress from milestone to release.

  • Tom Warren

    Apr 20, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows 8.1 'Kiosk Mode' discovered in newly leaked build

    Windows 8 logo stock
    Windows 8 logo stock

    Another week, another leak. Following two leaks of Windows 8.1 builds, a third version has been made available on file sharing websites today. Build 9374 doesn't appear to include many major changes, but one new addition that Microsoft is working on is a Kiosk Mode feature. Available in the PC settings menu, Kiosk Mode appears to be a way to lock down a device to a single Windows 8-style application. Apps can be selected to launch at login, with the app lockdown in place for user accounts.

    It's a feature that's likely designed for business users, or an embedded-like terminal that simply runs one application. Use cases could involve retail units that customers can use apps on, or business devices that allow employees to run a line-of-business application. Previous leaks have revealed tweaks to the Windows 8.1 UI, and alterations to several multitasking aspects. This latest build also includes UI changes to the Snap View, a method to run apps side-by-side. Microsoft appears to be removing restrictions on how apps can snap. With the latest build, you can pull a slider to snap apps into any position between the normal Snap View and the new 50 / 50 view.

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  • Tom Warren

    Apr 17, 2013

    Tom Warren

    New Windows 8.1 leak includes 'Metro' file explorer and improved multitasking

    WIndows 8.1 multitasking
    WIndows 8.1 multitasking

    A new build of Windows 8.1 has surfaced on file sharing networks this week along with a host of screenshots providing a fresh look at Microsoft's plans for its Windows 8 upgrade. Build 9369, a more recent build than the previous leak, includes some tweaks and changes as work continues on Windows 8.1. Microsoft hasn't made any significant changes in this build, but the company appears to be improving the multitasking interface for multiple "Metro-style" applications.

    While the previous build revealed the ability to snap multiple apps, the latest leak includes a new UI element that allows you to pick which view an app opens into. This mode is only enabled when two or more apps are snapped side-by-side, and the new app splash screen simply hovers until an area is selected. Other improvements include a "Files" app with the SkyDrive logo. It's not immediately clear whether this is the result of Microsoft's continued SkyDrive integration, or a separate "Metro" file explorer. Either way, the app includes a touch-friendly interface to navigate local files and content stored on SkyDrive.

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  • Tom Warren

    Apr 16, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows 8.1 will include boot to desktop option to bypass 'Metro' interface

    Microsoft major event
    Microsoft major event

    Microsoft is planning to change the way its Start Screen operates with the release of Windows 8.1. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed to The Verge that the company is currently testing builds of Windows 8.1, known as codename Windows Blue, that include an option to boot directly to the traditional desktop. We're told that the option is disabled by default, allowing users to simply turn on the functionality should they want to avoid the "Metro" Start Screen at initial boot or login.

    We understand that the hot corner functionality, for access to the Charms and Start Screen, will remain intact if the boot to desktop option is enabled. References to a "CanSuppressStartScreen" option in early builds of the Windows 8.1 registry were recently discovered by members of the My Digital Life forum, but a UI to enable the feature doesn't appear to be present.

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  • Tom Warren

    Apr 8, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Blue state: Microsoft's tricky strategy to strike back against Apple and Google

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    As it has countless times in the last decade, Microsoft once again finds itself at a crossroads.

    Over the course of thirty-plus years, Microsoft rose to global dominance on the back of the desktop computer. But in the last decade, PC sales have been slowing as mobile devices become the next paradigm in personal computing. This presents some serious challenges for Microsoft; the problems are bigger than just finding ways to win with smartphones and tablets. The traditional method of selling boxed software or licenses to hardware manufacturers and big businesses is changing.

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  • Tom Warren

    Apr 2, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows 8.1 to be final name for Blue upgrade

    windows 8 765
    windows 8 765

    Microsoft is preparing to name its "Windows Blue" upgrade as Windows 8.1. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley first unveiled the name, but The Verge has confirmed with its own sources that Microsoft will name Windows 8.1 as the upgrade to Windows 8. The upgrade will include a number of improvements to the operating system that are not usually distributed in Service Packs. Windows 8.1 will mark a new approach to Windows upgrades and updates, bringing future version changes on a yearly basis.

    Microsoft will release its first Windows 8.1 public preview at its Build developer conference in late June. The software maker opened up registration for the conference today, and tickets are expected to sell out fast. Windows 8.1 will be part of the agenda, but Microsoft is also expected to detail further changes across its software and services at Build. Xbox, Windows Phone, and Windows Server are also slated to be part of Build 2013.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 27, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue to sync Start Screen settings and paired devices between PCs

    Samsung Windows tablets stock
    Samsung Windows tablets stock

    An initial leak of Windows Blue earlier this week has unearthed several changes that Microsoft is planning for its upgrade to Windows 8, but some of them go deeper than what has previously been discovered. Windows enthusiast Rafael Rivera has detailed some new Start Screen changes for Windows Blue, with the ability to sync pinned tiles layout and sizes alongside the color scheme sync already present in Windows 8. The syncing means that other PCs using the same Microsoft Account will pick up all the changes and additions to the Start Screen in Windows Blue.

    Other sync improvements include Internet Explorer synced tabs PC-to-PC and tracking protection configuration in the cloud. It's not clear exactly how synced tabs will work, but it's entirely possible that Microsoft will extend this sync to Windows Phone in future. One of the more interesting additions is device associations, allowing you to pair a Bluetooth device on one PC and have the same association move with you to another Windows Blue tablet or PC. File history, quick links, app secondary tiles, installed apps, tethering, and input personalization will also sync between PCs along with the Picture Password. Most of the sync settings aren't fully exposed in Windows Blue, but settings can be found in the registry.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 27, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue public preview planned for Build developer conference

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    Microsoft is gearing up to release its first public preview version of Windows Blue at its Build developer conference in late June. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed that the company started work on a "milestone preview" version of Windows Blue earlier this month. The code, a second milestone of the next version of Windows, will go on to form a public preview that will be made available to developers and enthusiasts during the company's Build conference.

    After holding Build at its campus in Redmond in October last year, Microsoft is moving to San Francisco for its latest Build developer conference in late June. The company acknowledged its Blue codename earlier this week, noting that it's unlikely the final product will be called Windows Blue. An early milestone build leaked to the internet recently, providing a first look at some of the features that Microsoft is planning for its Windows 8 upgrade.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 25, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue: a video preview of what's next for Windows 8

    Windows Blue hands-on
    Windows Blue hands-on

    Windows Blue made an early appearance on the internet over the weekend and we've had a chance to experience some of its new features. The upgrade to Windows 8 looks like it's going to bring a host of improvements, fixes, and some new built-in apps too, but the biggest changes are on the UI side. Microsoft now supports smaller Live Tiles and the company is changing the way you arrange them on the Start Screen. Moving ever closer to Windows Phone, you can pick between large, medium, and small Live Tiles for applications. The only exception is the desktop tile that includes an extra large option.

    Color options have also been updated slightly, with the ability to pick from a number of shades in the sidebar of the Start Screen. Aside from this, the UI is largely the same as Windows 8. New Snap Views allow you to snap apps side-by-side using 50 percent each, but on high resolutions you can also snap up to four applications alongside each other. The biggest changes are really in the settings part of the Start Screen. Users can now access new networking and apps sections that provide access to additional options not available in Windows 8. Networking lets you switch connections on and off, and there's a quick way to add VPN settings too. In the new Apps section you can view how much storage apps are taking up and also take control of when notifications are shown thanks to a new quiet mode.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 24, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue leaks online, includes smaller Live Tiles, new side-by-side Snap Views, and IE 11

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    An early build of Windows Blue, the next version of Windows, has leaked online on the same day that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer celebrates his 57th birthday. Build 9364, a partner version that was originally compiled on March 15th, has been made available on file sharing sites and includes some of the new changes that Microsoft is building into its significant Windows 8 update. Leaked screenshots posted at Winforum show that the company is bringing smaller tile arrangements and even a larger desktop one to its Start Screen, along with greater control over the color personalization options, and a whole lot more.

    Microsoft is building in additional Snap Views into Windows Blue, allowing users to place apps side-by-side in the Windows 8 view. The new 50 / 50 view is similar to the desktop mode snapping, but Microsoft also supports up to 4 snapped apps alongside each other. New alarm, sound recorder, movie moments, and calculator WIndows 8 -style apps will also take advantage of these new views, but we understand developers will be able to update their apps to support the additional Snap Views alongside other API changes and additions. The snapping improvements also apply to multi monitor support, where you can now run individual Windows 8-style apps across multiple monitors.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 21, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Microsoft looking to 'extend touch' in 'dramatic' ways for Windows Blue, leaked video reveals

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    Microsoft's TechFest event earlier this month is largely an internal only affair where Microsoft Research demonstrates a number of new technologies its working on. However, that hasn't stopped Stephen Chapman over at MSFTKitchen who has posted up a video of one of the private events. Microsoft's chief technical strategy officer, Eric Rudder, discusses the next version of Windows briefly at the start of the video. "We're really excited to work, now that the next version of Windows is coming, to make sure that we extend touch in even more dramatic fashion," says Rudder, hinting that Microsoft is considering touch improvements across Windows Blue.

    Rudder then proceeds to note the balance of being open about the company's plans and its continued investment in research, after an app demo gets delayed due to a technical issue. "If you look at a company like HP now that's kind of struggling and cut their R&D budget, I think they may have wished there's some stuff in the factory they could drop on and sort of renew themselves," says Rudder.

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  • Tom Warren

    Mar 6, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Microsoft may cut licensing costs to help Windows compete on smaller devices

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    Microsoft is reportedly cutting the price it offers Windows to its OEMs in an effort to push new form factors later this year.The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft has been offering price breaks on its Windows 8 and Office software to "help spur the development of small, touch-enabled laptop computers." The Verge has previously revealed that Windows Blue, the codename for the next version of Windows, is targeted at 7-inch and 8-inch devices. It appears that the software giant wants its OEMs to focus on these devices and it's making it budget friendly to do so.

    Windows Blue is designed to be a low-cost version of Windows that will be more of an update to Windows 8, rather than a whole new version of Windows. Microsoft is taking an approach that links Blue with some new hardware that will debut later this year, with a number of software and UI improvements in the works. Asus CEO, Jerry Shen, spoke to The Wall Street Journal and hinted that Microsoft's planned changes will "help give momentum to the notebook and netbook and Eee PC [Asus's netbook line] area." Shen believes this will help Asus "with a better selling price than before" in the third or fourth quarter this year.

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  • Tom Warren

    Feb 24, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Microsoft preparing Windows Blue public preview with significant search improvements

    Windows Blue stock
    Windows Blue stock

    Microsoft is working towards a public preview version of Windows Blue. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed that the software giant is aggressively targeting a summer launch date for Windows Blue, ensuring its development cycle is short. Microsoft recently passed Milestone 1 for Windows Blue, but the company is now readying a Milestone Preview which will form the basis for a public preview

    The public preview, first reported by win8china, will launch within the next few months, allowing existing Windows 8 users to test and provide feedback before Microsoft readies the final version of Windows Blue. We understand that Microsoft is aiming to only have one preview release for Blue. Features are still being prepared for Blue, but one of the biggest changes is an improvement to the search charm functionality.

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  • Tom Warren

    Feb 23, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Internet Explorer 11 spotted as part of Windows Blue

    internet explorer 9 advert
    internet explorer 9 advert

    Information on Windows Blue, the next major version of Windows, has started to leak out of Redmond recently. The first round of screenshots revealed a major NT kernel change, but Win8china has now published a screenshot from a recent Windows Blue milestone build that shows Internet Explorer 11 is being prepared for the update. Microsoft previously built Internet Explorer 10 into Windows 8, and it looks like the company is preparing to do the same with IE11 in Windows Blue.

    There's no details on features for IE11 or availability to Windows 7 users, but a browser upgrade in Windows Blue seems likely given it will be a feature heavy upgrade to Windows 8. Win8china speculates that a Windows Blue preview version will be released for public download in the coming months, with IE11 for testing. Given Windows Blue will likely debut later this year alongside new hardware form factors, it's reasonable to expect Microsoft to start testing publicly by the summer time.

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  • Tom Warren

    Feb 19, 2013

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue screenshots reveal major NT kernel change in the works

    windows 8 765
    windows 8 765

    Microsoft is busying preparing a host of Blue updates to its software and services and the first screenshots are starting to emerge. Winaero and Win8china have both posted screenshots of two builds that are known internally as Windows Blue. The Verge is unable to confirm the exact build numbers, but we understand that Microsoft bumped its NT kernel to 6.3 in the last few weeks.

    The screenshots do not show what type of features Windows Blue will include, but the NT kernel change is notable. Windows Vista adopted NT kernel 6.0, while Windows 7 jumped to 6.1, and Windows 8 to 6.2. A switch to 6.3 with Windows Blue suggests this is a major revision to Windows, but one that will be delivered much sooner than a traditional Windows cycle. Sources tell us there is no "Windows 9" project inside Microsoft at the moment, and that Blue is the next major update to Windows.

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  • Nathan Ingraham

    Feb 16, 2013

    Nathan Ingraham

    Microsoft confirms forthcoming Windows Blue upgrade for desktop and phone

    Windows 8 logo stock
    Windows 8 logo stock

    We already knew that that Windows Blue, Microsoft's forthcoming OS update that will put the Windows platform on a low-cost, yearly update schedule, was scheduled to launch sometime later this year. Now, we're seeing the first official mention of Windows Blue via a job posting on Microsoft's careers site. The job is for a software development engineer who will join the "Core Experience team" to work on "most of what customers touch and see in the OS." The first paragraph of the listing reads (relavent areas bolded for emphasis):

    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 Blue 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.That's the only mention of Blue in the posting, but it does give us a hint of what to expect the OS update to represent — it sounds like it'll focus on UI and how users interact with their computers rather than under-the-hood changes. We're expecting to see Windows Blue debut mid-2013, so we know soon how successful the new OS is at smoothing out any of Windows' rough edges.

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  • Nathan Ingraham

    Feb 13, 2013

    Nathan Ingraham

    Microsoft is 'set up to respond to demand' for Windows devices of any size

    Microsoft Surface RT stock
    Microsoft Surface RT stock

    Last fall's simultaneous launch of Windows 8, the Surface RT, and Windows Phone 8 represented Microsoft's vision for its future — a unified experience regardless of whether you were using a smartphone, tablet, or full-fledged PC. As if it weren't clear enough, comments from Microsoft CFO Peter Klein at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet conference made it even more obvious that a unified future is where Windows will go. As reported by Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet, Klein was asked about Microsoft's future plans to address the many different sizes that make up the phone and tablet market. "We've done a lot of the hard work in the developer platform," Klein said. "We are well set up to respond to demand as we see it" — specifically, Klein was talking about bringing a more diverse set of form factors to the market.

    While it isn't clear what specific sizes Klein had in mind, it wouldn't surprise us to see Microsoft releasing a version of its OS optimized for a smaller, 7- or 8-inch size tablet. Most Windows-based tablets are running at larger sizes, and the success of the Kindle Fire, Nexus 7, and iPad mini indicate there's definitely a market there that Microsoft hasn't yet entered in force. Given the plans to launch Windows Blue sometime in mid-2013, it's possible that we could see the new OS debut alongside a new form factor.

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  • Kimber Streams

    Feb 8, 2013

    Kimber Streams

    Windows Blue will reportedly put most Microsoft products on a yearly upgrade cycle

    New Microsoft Logo stock
    New Microsoft Logo stock

    We knew that Microsoft was preparing Windows Blue in an attempt to put its flagship desktop and mobile operating systems on a yearly upgrade cycle — but now ZDNet is reporting that it is part of a company-wide initiative to update a number of different Microsoft services. According to the report, Blue may update services like Skydrive, Hotmail, and others, as well as Windows Server. The slew of updates aren't expected to hit the same day, but will likely all launch in the summer or fall of this year.

    The new initiative could make Microsoft more competitive with rivals Apple and Google, both of whom follow a yearly upgrade schedule for their products. As it currently stands, Microsoft's upgrade schedule is erratic and slow in comparison, with various development teams releasing updates for their products every two to three years. According to ZDNet, the Windows Blue update will likely bring new versions of Internet Explorer, Bing, and other apps, as well as kernel and driver updates intended to improve battery life and performance. Other than that, there are few specifics on what features Blue will add, but ZDNet does specify that the update could be released through the Windows Store.

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  • Tom Warren

    Nov 28, 2012

    Tom Warren

    Windows Blue is Microsoft's future low-cost OS with yearly updates

    Windows 8 logo stock
    Windows 8 logo stock

    Microsoft is busy preparing its next-generation Windows client, shortly after shipping Windows 8 in October. The Verge has learned from several sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the company is planning to standardize on an approach, codenamed Blue, across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.

    Originally unveiled by ZDNet, the update on the Windows side, due in mid-2013, will include UI changes and alterations to the entire platform and pricing. We’re told that Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Blue the next OS that everyone installs. The approach is simple, Microsoft will price its next Windows release at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade. Once Windows Blue is released, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue. Windows 8 apps will continue to run on Blue despite the planned SDK changes.

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