A tweaked version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system which restores the “Start” button missed by users and updates other features will be available on October 18, the company said Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Windows 8.1 will be offered as a free download to those already using Windows 8, and comes in response to a lukewarm reception to the operating system introduced last year aimed at serving both mobile devices and PCs.<\/p>\n
A full retail version of Windows 8.1 will also be available on the same date.<\/p>\n
“I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1,” said a blog posting from Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc.<\/p>\n
LeBlanc said it would roll out worldwide starting in New Zealand just after midnight.<\/p>\n
“Windows 8.1 brings many improvements in areas like personalization, Internet Explorer 11, search which is powered by Bing, built-in apps including a few new ones, an improved Windows Store experience, and cloud connectivity with SkyDrive (and much more) that people will enjoy,” LeBlack said.<\/p>\n
A public preview of Windows 8.1 was made available June 26.<\/p>\n
At the time, Microsoft said it had sold more than 100 million licenses for Windows 8 but that the update was planned after listening to customers.<\/p>\n
Some analysts say Microsoft was forced to act because of slow adoption of Windows 8, which made some radical changes to the design of the desktop.<\/p>\n
With Windows 8, Microsoft was trying to create a system that could be used on mobile touch screen devices while also serving the users of traditional PCs.<\/p>\n
Microsoft launched Windows 8 last October, revamping its flagship system in an effort to make inroads in the fast-growing mobile segment. At the same time, it launched its Surface tablet computer.<\/p>\n
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