There are a lot of hopes and expectations being pinned on Windows Blue 8.1. Not only are people clamoring for Microsoft to make the Windows 8 update more palatable to traditional PCs, but the upgrade also needs to revitalize the next round of Surface Mini devices that will reportedly fall within the 7- to 9-inch range.
Before Tuesday, many thought Microsoft would wait until June's Build developer conference to detail the Windows Blue 8.1 release date and price, but we're actually going to learn about those things by the end of May. The OS update will arrive in time for the holidays, but we'll have to wait a little longer before getting more information.
What's more, Microsoft's Windows CFO Tami Reller says that the company is actively listening to feedback as it works on Windows Blue 8.1. And while she didn't explicitly say the Start button is coming back, or that users will be able to boot to the desktop, she acknowledged that Microsoft has heard the complaints.
"We do have an opportunity with Blue to address some of the feedback that we're seeing from customers and from the market," Reller said to The Verge. "We have heard that, we definitely have heard that and taken that into account. We've really also tried to understand what people are really asking for when they're asking for that."
Going forward, Windows Blue 8.1 will also help Microsoft make a push with new mini tablets. Reller said current versions of Windows 8 can run on smaller screens, but Windows Blue 8.1 will obviously be geared specifically toward those types of devices.
"The product as you know it today can run on small screen form factors," Reller said. "We've made sure from the product to our pricing and offerings we are supporting 7- and 8-inch devices specifically." Still, "Blue does a nice job of optimizing for those small screen form factor sizes. Yes you'll see them before, but Blue also does more to support."
Considering Microsoft's plans to push 7- to 9-inch tablets, it's likely a new Surface Mini will debut alongside a selection of small tablets from Microsoft partners like Acer (whose new tablet might have leaked early).
