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The general dissatisfaction with Windows 8 has set Microsoft into action, reports indicate. In fact, the company announced a few months ago that they are working on perfecting a “Windows 8.1,” or “Windows 8.1 with Bing” because of the complaints about their newest operating system.
At the moment, it isn’t clear on if the new version of the OS will be only offered to manufacturers or also as a download to those who already have Windows. Several sources are saying that those who have Windows 7 will be offered the Windows 8.1 with Bing for free.
Obviously, there will be several different versions of Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 with Bing being the only one that has the potential to be offered free of charge. The free version of the program is expected to be paired with different Microsoft services that come with the initial install of the operating system, such as Bing and Outlook. In addition, there may be other partnerships Microsoft has not yet announced that would come packaged with the Windows upgrade.
Both Microsoft and customers alike have been upset and disappointed by the sales and popularity of Windows 8. Some blame the interface itself, saying that the block “touch screen” design was introduced too quickly to the mainstream computer market. Some speculate the loss is due to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, leaving at the end of last year without much notice.
In addition to Windows 8.1 with Bing coming with pre-installed programs, some speculation indicates that this may be a first attempt for Microsoft to monetize some of their more popular free programs. Currently this speculation is unconfirmed, but Windows 8.1 will come with a built-in Bing Smart Search that can look for files on OneDrive, the PC, and the web without doing three distinct searches. The feature is reportedly not removable.
Windows 8.1 is supposed to be a “middle-ground” between Windows 7 and Windows 8. Discussions of calling the new release “Windows 9” are still happening because of the complexity of the changes in the new OS. However, Microsoft is sticking with Windows 8.1 and planning on releasing Windows 9 in 2015 on schedule with current expected dates.
While this marks a huge change in the Windows market, time will tell if it will be as effective as it may need to be to get Microsoft back into the device and software game.
