14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Update 1 is almost here, but Microsoft has done a terrific job keeping official details secret, even though we still got our hands on leaked copies of the new product.
And still, even though Microsoft has refused to provide too many details on what’s to come in Windows 8.1 Update 1, Twitter user BAV0 has come across some new documentation on the update that seems to suggest that full ISOs are also being prepared.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 was initially believed to be delivered to users via Windows Update exclusively, in an attempt clearly supposed to make downloading and installation easier and faster for everyone.
At the same time, such a shipping system could also help combat piracy, as Microsoft clearly wants to be in full control over what and when users are downloading.
It appears however that full ISOs with Windows 8.1 Update 1 are also on their way, with the new documentation showing that Microsoft is working on what it’s being called “Windows 8.1 Update full media release.”
Chances are that these ISOs are going to be released to MSDN subscribers in early April, most likely before the debut of the BUILD developer conference, thus giving devs a chance to try out the operating system and provide feedback to the company live during the event.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 ISOs would basically allow a clean install of the operating system without the need for Windows 8.1, which means that it can also be deployed on new computers and tablets before they are shipped to users. The ISOs are very likely to come in multiple languages and versions, just like it was the case of Windows and 8.1, so don’t be too surprised if they leak to the web in the coming weeks, before the public launch of the operating system.
What’s more, dedicated ISOs with Windows 8.1 Update 1 make sense as Microsoft is working to bring more affordable devices to the market, so providing a quick way to install the product on these units is a priority if it wants to increase the adoption of its modern platform.
Rumor has it that Microsoft is offering license price cuts to OEMs in order to build devices that would hit the market with a price below $250 (€180) and thus not only boost the market share of its new OS, but also speed up the retirement of Windows XP also supposed to take place in April.