Microsoft to Name New Software Windows 8.1, and It’s Free

Microsoft announced Tuesday the updated version of its Windows 8 operating system — which had been code-named Windows Blue — will be called Windows 8.1, and it will be available for free to encourage as many people as possible to take up the new software.

Microsoft Confirms Windows Blue Update Coming; Says Windows 8 Passes 100 Million Licenses Sold

The new version of Windows will expand the operating system to more types of screen sizes, and will respond to some early criticisms of Windows 8.
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Android-on-Windows App BlueStacks Hits 10 Million Downloads

And a Jelly Bean-compatible release is said to be coming soon.
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Microsoft Says Paying Developers Is Not Its Main Strategy for Getting More Windows Apps

As part of a short-term promotion, the company is paying developers $100 for every new Windows 8 app they write.
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Back in a Flash: With Flip-Flop, Microsoft Now Supports Adobe in Windows 8, Windows RT Browser

Microsoft is now allowing sites using the Adobe Flash plugin to run by default in all versions of its browser.
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Microsoft’s Loan to Dell Further Complicates Relationship with PC Makers

What was once a straightforward arrangement has become increasingly complex as Microsoft belatedly aims to better compete against Apple and Google.
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Top Exec Says Windows 8 Off to “Solid Start” Despite Challenges

But things would have been better had more touchscreen models been on sale for the holidays, Windows business head Tami Reller tells AllThingsD.
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This Year You Don’t Have to Work at Microsoft to Get Steven Sinofsky’s Take on CES

The former Windows boss just published his trip report for CES, offering his observations on what was hot — and not — at the just-concluded trade show.
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Microsoft Expanding Surface Sales to Staples, Other Retailers

The Microsoft tablet will start showing up at third-party retailers in the U.S. and Australia as soon as mid month.
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Microsoft Puts Price Tag on Intel-Powered Surface Pro, With Models Starting at $899

This model can run both existing and new Windows Store apps, but is also bulkier and pricier than its Windows RT sibling.
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Selling 40 Million Windows 8 Copies Good for Microsoft, but It’s Not the Only Metric That Matters

Windows 8 sales are outpacing Windows 7 — but the key question is how long it will take before big-name developers become interested.
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Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Talks Turkey in Silicon Valley

The Women in Charge of Windows

Steve Ballmer’s Memo on the Windows Unit Shake-Up

Windows Head Steven Sinofsky to Leave Microsoft

Steven Sinofsky on How Windows 8 PCs Deliver Better Value Than Apple

Windows 8’s Big Day

Why Acer Is Holding Off on Windows RT for Now

Microsoft: We Have Lots of Windows 8 Apps, but We’d Rather Not Say How Many

Qualcomm CEO: ARM-Based Chips Make for Visibly Better Windows PCs

Microsoft’s Surface: Hiding in Plain Sight

Well, at Least Skype App Will Be Ready for Windows 8 Launch

Grinding It Out: See Steven Sinofsky Turn Surface Into a Skateboard

Microsoft Hopes $499 Starting Price for Surface Will Click With Consumers