Windows 8.1 Will Be Made Available to PC Makers in Late August
Microsoft said Monday that its forthcoming update to Windows 8 will be ready for PC makers by late August in order to ensure that holiday PCs will have the new software.
Windows 8.1 is designed to address some key critiques of Windows 8, including adding back a start screen, improving the mail app and making the shift from modern apps and classic Windows software less jarring.
The news came at the start of the company’s annual partner conference, which is taking place this week in Houston.
Microsoft delivered a preview version of Windows 8.1 last month, and said the final version of the software will come as a free update later this year.