Microsoft To Release Windows 8.1 Update 2 on August 12
Reports are beginning to leak out ahead of an official Microsoft announcement that the second update to Windows 8.1 is going to be released on August 12. Multiple sources include ZDnet and others are suggesting that this as a likely scenario.
The date of August 12 coincides with Patch Tuesday, a regular event in the Microsoft calendar.
New Update, Different Rules
Unlike the first update to Windows 8.1, Update 2 is not expected to be cumulative in nature. It is also not likely to be mandatory that it's included in Windows 8.1 installations by OEMs and other direct to market PC suppliers.
Minor UI Improvements Expected
Microsoft is not expected to make a big deal about this update because it is more of a tweak that the first one. A few smaller user interface improvements to make the Windows 8.1 system easier for users to get to grips with is likely to be the main take-away.
Update Plans Changed
It is believed that the second update was going to include more major UI modifications including the return of the Start menu in a similar guise to that of Windows 7. However, this plan was scuppered a couple of months back in favor of some modest improvements to the current version of Windows 8.1.
Windows 9 “Threshold”
Threshold, which is believed to be the next main iteration of Windows, most likely Windows 9, is now expected to benefit from an about face when it comes to the Start menu. It is hoped and believed that the Start menu will return possibly in a mini-menu form or other look to make the desktop easier to navigate for users who dislike the new full screen Start menu of Windows 8.x.
One possible release date for Windows 9 “Threshold” could be next spring, but that's still uncertain as Microsoft product release dates have a regular habit of being pushed back.. and back.. and back.
Further Windows 8.1 Updates in the Pipeline?
Reports have been mixed on the possibility of a 3rd update to Windows 8.1. It seems quite clear that major changes to the UI are being held back for the next version of Windows. This leaves open future possibilities for minor tweaks and bug fix releases most likely being cumulative this time around.
Beyond that though, if a spring release were to happen for Windows 9 “Threshold” then it's likely that Microsoft would want to steer clear of confusing the end customer with an update and a new release of Windows around the same time. For this reason, a 3rd update to Windows 8.1 could happen in the fall or closer to winter this year to leave the Windows release window fairly open earlier in 2015.
Microsoft staff continue to stay silent on the issue of Windows 9. Likely this is because they still want consumers to be focused on upgrading to Windows 8.1 and not holding off on their update waiting for a newer version instead.
The future of Windows is a little unclear presently because alternative operating systems are doing well on different hardware and consumers are getting used to not having to pay for OS upgrades. Just like with some Office-related software like OneNote, it remains to be seen how long Microsoft can charge a pretty penny for Windows software in various flavors and consumers will continue to play along.
Many companies and home computer owners have chosen not to upgrade to Windows 8.x, seemingly quite satisfied with their present version of Windows despite warnings from Microsoft of ongoing support ceasing on various older versions. Windows 9 will have to be pretty special to tempt existing users to upgrade.
