📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses recent rumors and reports about upcoming updates to Windows, referred to as "Windows Blue" and later identified as Windows 8.1. Key points include that Windows 8.1 will be a free update available through the Store, released in preview by late June 2013, and officially around August 2013, with potential GUI changes like an optional Start Orb and desktop boot options. Additional details mention the Start button, possibly enabled by default with toggle options, and the possibility of shared imagery between the desktop and Metro screens, reflecting anticipation of significant usability tweaks.
kemical

kemical

Essential Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2007
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36,163
Thread Author #1
Mary Jo Foley has an article running which almost confirms a few of the rumours:

Windows Blue named Windows 8.1.

Blue to be free.

Available through the Store and not Windows update.

Initial public preview release end of June 2013.

Release to manufacturing around August 2013.

Includes GUI optional changes to include Start Orb and boot to desktop.

You can read the full article here:

Microsoft confirms Blue to be free for existing Windows 8 users | ZDNet
 

kemical

kemical

Essential Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2007
Messages
36,163
Thread Author #2
Another article with rumoured details of the Start button is here:

Here's how the new Windows Blue Start Button may work | ZDNet

Apparently it will be turned on by default with the option to be able to turn it off. Another whisper is that the Desktop picture and Metro screen can use the same image.
 

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