14 DAY TRIAL // Even though the new Windows 8 got to see daylight in October 2012, Microsoft is already working on its first major update called Windows Blue and reportedly scheduled to see daylight this summer.
Now rumor has it that Microsoft is already preparing for the official Windows Blue release by offering important Windows 8 and Office discounts to manufacturers that will embrace the company’s latest operating system and bring on the market more touchscreen devices capable of running it.
The idea behind this new attempt is pretty simple. Microsoft wants PC makers to create new form factors, including smaller tablets and laptops that would run Windows 8.
Created with portability in mind, these new devices would thus boost Windows 8 sales and convince users to finally make the move to the new operating system, as the early update has been so far pretty disappointing.
Since Windows Blue will be an upgrade offered exclusively to Windows 8 adopters, it’s essential for Microsoft to have a larger user base for Windows 8, in order to make sure that Blue has a chance to succeed.
Windows Blue is also expected to be designed in such a way that it would be capable of running on a wide array of devices, including smaller or larger mobile phones and tablets.
In addition, Blue is believed to come with updates that go well beyond the desktop environment and reach some other important Microsoft products, such as Internet Explorer, Windows Phone, SkyDrive and Office.
Basically, Blue might mark the beginning of a new update cycle for Microsoft, as the company is reportedly looking into a more frequent update schedule similar to the one used by Apple for its Mac OS X platform.
The software giant is reportedly planning to launch a major Windows release every year, as 2014 is also expected to bring the final version of the brand new Windows 9.