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Last month, a major update to Windows 8 codenamed Windows Blue was leaked. According to ZDNet,
that update will actually be called 8.1 when it is eventually released.
The Verge reports that the update will be seen in its first public preview in June as
a part of the Build Developer Conference.
Although some speculated that Blue would be an entirely new OS (Windows 9, naturally),
it seems that Windows 8.1 is a reflection of Microsoft's new build scheduling. Instead
of unveiling entirely new OS systems every few years and supplementing with Service Packs,
8.1 could be the company's move towards annual OS updates that make smaller changes over
time.
Microsoft has yet to comment on the Windows 8.1 moniker, but has confirmed that Blue is
a part of the next wave of OS.
The leak confirmed new features like new touch gestures, more size options for tiles, and
an early version of Internet Explorer 11.
The company plans on discussing Blue, as well as Xbox and Windows Phone, at the Build Developer
Conference this summer in addition to releasing the build.
As soon as we have more info on Windows 8.1, we’ll let you know right here at IGN.