Here are the latest details on the new Windows Blue OS

Mar 23, 2013 13:11 GMT  ·  By

As we're sure you know by now, Microsoft is currently working on a so-called Windows Blue, the first major upgrade for the current Windows 8 and scheduled to go live this summer.

According to some new rumors released this week, Windows Blue is very likely to pack major updates for some popular Windows 8 Metro apps, including Microsoft's own Fresh Paint.

A leaked video shows the new Fresh Paint app supposed to be installed on Blue in action, while also providing some new information on the upcoming Windows 8 upgrade.

It appears that the Blue project also includes a server version specifically focused on cloud services but, to be honest, we could all see this coming. Microsoft is betting big on cloud services these days, so Windows Blue does nothing more than to make this kind of technology a priority for the Redmond-based giant.

In addition to this server version, Windows Blue is also rumored to come with a tablet version that could be installed on devices of various sizes.

A new report has suggested that a Surface Mini tablet is currently in the works and could debut later this year with Windows Blue. What's more, Microsoft is planning to make it extremely affordable, so a $249 (€190) price tag is very likely.

Last but not least, Microsoft is reportedly giving the final touches to a major Windows 8 app update that's believed to bring a wide array of improvements to the existing Metro apps.

If these reports are true, all built-in Windows 8 Modern apps are very likely to get significant enhancements anytime soon, as Microsoft is expected to roll out the new versions before April's Patch Tuesday cycle. All updates will be delivered via the integrated Windows Store and will be aimed at both Windows 8 and Windows RT devices.

As usual, keep in mind that all of these are just rumors, as Microsoft doesn't want to comment on Windows 8's successor.