Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 spring update

Microsoft confirmed to the press that the company is working on an update for Windows 8.1 that will be out this spring. The firm didn't reveal any new information but went public with some of the already-known features in the Windows 8.1 update that promise the improve usability and acceptance by mouse/keyboard users. Microsoft didn't reveal an official launch date but it's rumored to be April 8.

Officials discussed 8.1 update tweaks, such as inclusion of a title bar at the top of Modern/Windows Store apps, and the addition of power and search buttons on the Start Screen, according to a report by The Verge's Tom Warren, who attended the Microsoft event. Officials also acknowledged the smaller footprint (1 GB of RAM; 16 GB of storage) of the update, which will enable device makers to put Windows 8.1 with the update on smaller, cheaper tablets. Microsoft also is reportedly planning to offer PC makers a price cut on Windows 8.1 on machines costing $250 or less to entice OEMs to get cheaper Windows 8.1 devices to market.

AnandTech (also attending the event) noted that Microsoft execs also acknowledged Windows 8.1 Update 1 will include IE8 compatibility mode in IE11 -- previously reported as IE11 Enterprise Mode.

Source: ZD Net