The release date for Windows 8.1 is nearly a year after the debut of
Windows 8, a dramatic overhaul of the operating system that has been powering
most personal computers for decades.
Microsoft Corp. unveiled its plans for Windows 8.1 three months ago, but
hadn't set a release date until Wednesday. At test version of Windows 8.1 that
may still include some bugs has been available since late June.
Windows 8 represented Microsoft's attempt to create an operating system
that works well on tablet computers, as well as on laptop and desktop machines.
But the overhaul confused and frustrated many people, resulting in
disappointing sales of devices running on Windows 8. One research firm,
International Data Corp., has even blamed Windows 8 for deepening the slump in
PC sales as more people rely on smartphones and tablets to connect to the
Internet.
Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., also absorbed a $900
million charge to its most recent quarterly earnings to account for its
expected losses from a company-produced tablet, called Surface, which relies on
a slimmed-down version of Windows 8.
Windows 8.1 is Microsoft's attempt to make the operating system easier
and more appealing to use. It will be available as a free update to owners of
Windows 8 machines.
The first laptops and PCs featuring Windows 8.1 already installed are
scheduled to go on sale Oct. 18.
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