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Windows Blue Is Officially Windows 8.1, Free For Existing Users
Several readers sent word that Microsoft has officially dubbed the upcoming revision to its flagship operating system "Windows 8.1," retiring the code-name "Windows Blue." They also said the update would be freely available to anybody with Windows 8. It will be available through the Windows Store. "Reller declined to provide an exact release date for Windows 8.1, but said that Microsoft is 'very sensitive to the timing of the holidays.' Ideally, Microsoft will be able to provide devices with Windows 8.1 pre-loaded in time for the holiday 2013 season, Reller said, but those who purchase a Windows 8 device later this year will be able to easily upgrade to 8.1."
The official launch name will be Windows Apology.
Microsoft is to software what Budweiser is to beer.
Duh, because 7 will be EOL soon, updates will stop, vendors will halt driver development etc. Windows isn't Linux, at least if a distro is at EOL, someone usually back-ports updates. You just can't compare Open Source to Closed Source. Also, in true Microsoft fashion, you won't be able to get previous updates either, they love to remove all references to self help. Not to mention the DRM and questionable privacy issues related to Law Enforcement and Governments.
I'm sorry, after 15 years of Microsoft, instead of another forced upgrade; they actually forced me to a better Open Source OS. I quickly found that I could customize the look in any way I see fit, I have the exact same functionality as I did in Windows. There is nothing I miss, except the Hand Cuffs. And after a Year of use so far, I can't understand why people still use Windows, or I do, but their reasons are invalid.