14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Update 1 is expected to be launched in April and according to a new round of rumors, the new product has recently reached RTM so it’s already ready to be shipped to users.
Windows leaker WZor claims that Windows 8.1 Update 1 RTM was signed off on February 26, which means that the public release could indeed take place in early April.
While there are absolutely no details if there’s anything new in this release, WZor claims that Windows 8.1 Update 1 RTM’s build string is 6.3.9600.17031.WINBLUE_GDR.140221-1952 and is now being delivered to partners, so expect a leaked version to reach the web anytime soon.
According to recent reports on the matter, Windows 8.1 Update 1 is expected to launch on MSDN either later this month or on April 2 in order to give developers the chance to download the MSU files and install them on their computers before the BUILD 2014 developer conference in San Francisco kicks off.
At the same time, Windows 8.1 Update 1 is very likely to be delivered to users on April 8, together with the other fixes released by Microsoft on Patch Tuesday next month.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 is expected to bring a plethora of changes, including settings to pin Metro apps to the taskbar, as well power options and a search box placed right on the Start screen to make it easier for touch users to control their devices.
No confirmed details whatsoever are available, but Microsoft confirmed recently that a spring update was coming this year for Windows 8.1.
“Over the next few months, we’ll continue to deliver innovation and progression with an update to Windows 8.1, coming this spring,” Microsoft recently announced.
Among the improvements confirmed by Microsoft, there’s enhanced desktop support, which means that those still using a traditional PC should enjoy the power of the modern operating system easier.
“We are making improvements to the user interface that will naturally bridge touch and desktop, especially for our mouse and keyboard users. We have a number of targeted UI improvements that keep our highly satisfying touch experience intact, but that make the UI more familiar and more convenient for users with mouse/keyboard,” the software giant also added.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 will be delivered as a free download to all Windows 8.1 users via Windows Update, so consumers can choose if they want to install it or not. More details are expected to be provided soon as we move closer to the launch date.