It is official, folks! Mark your calendars for October 18. Microsoft has just announced that it will be official launching Windows 8.1 on a balmy Friday morning on October 18.
Users will be able to grab the new OS via Windows Store, as well as from retail outlets.
Windows 8.1 is the first of Microsoft’s new rhythmic release cycle, and Redmond’s efforts to release updates to the Windows platform on a yearly basis. And as announced earlier, the OS will be offered as a free upgrade to users who have already installed Windows 8.
Brandon LeBlanc of Microsoft announced the good news in a blog post:
“I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1. I am excited to share that starting at 12:00am on October 18th in New Zealand (that’s 4:00am October 17th in Redmond), Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers on Windows 8 through the Windows Store.
Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18th by market. So mark your calendars!”
The first upgrade to Redmond’s flagship platform, Windows 8.1 is set to address many of the user complaints Microsoft has received regarding Windows 8. Microsoft has on more than one occasion emphasized that this new OS is proof that it is listening to consumer feedback.
Boxed copies of Windows 8.1 are also expected to hit the store shelves soon after the official launch date. The only question that remains is whether Microsoft is planning as much fanfare as it prepared for the launch of Windows 8 late last year.
What about you guys? Are you game for Windows 8.1? Let everyone know in the comments!