14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will debut the first public beta of Windows 8.1 next month at the BUILD developer conference, while the stable flavor should follow sometime later this year.
In addition to refreshing Windows 8, the new release is also expected to serve as a breath of fresh air for the PC industry, as sales are still low despite the launch of a new Microsoft operating system.
But PC makers don’t expect the industry to post a growth following the launch of Windows 8.1, a report published by Digitimes claims.
Basically, users already have several third-party apps to modify the Windows UI and add Start buttons, so this kind of improvements in Windows 8.1 might have a reduced impact.
Manufacturers reportedly expect Microsoft to cut the final price of the operating system even more, a decision that would basically allow them to bring more affordable devices to the market.