Windows 8.1 price confirmed a month before official release

TagsWindows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista, microsoft

Windows 8.1 screenshot. Credit:Microsoft / iTech Post

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Microsoft has confirmed the price of its upcoming Windows 8.1 operating system a month before the official release.

In the U.S., Windows 8.1 will be available to current Windows 8 customers as a free download from Oct. 18 onwards. Customers can download the latest operating system from Microsoft Store. However, customers using other versions of Windows operating system will have to buy Windows 8.1.   

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"Consumers who are not using a Windows 8 device will be able to buy Windows 8.1, either as a download from Windows.com or at your local store as a retail packaged DVD product. While pricing varies by market, in the U.S., Windows 8.1 will be available for $119.99 ERP (U.S.) and Windows 8.1 Pro will be available for $199.99 ERP (U.S.). The pricing and editions for Windows 8.1 are similar to what we have today for Windows 8," explains the company on its Windows Blog.

Microsoft released the Windows 8 as the successor to the Windows 7 operating system in Oct. 2012. The new operating system included major design changes, as well as a touch-optimized user interface (UI). However, Windows 8 also received criticism as the new interface was confusing and difficult to operate, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen.

Customers will hope that the upcoming Windows 8.1 reduces confusion and brings improvements to the operating system.

Microsoft also confirms that Windows 7 PC's can be upgraded to Windows 8.1, which will bring along all the files, but will require you to reinstall desktop apps including Microsoft Office.

Unfortunately, Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running on either Windows XP or Windows Vista. If customers using Windows XP or Windows Vista still want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 then they will have to buy the "retail DVD instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean install of Windows 8.1." Files, settings and programs on the old operating system will not transfer, hence consumers will need to back up their files and settings.

If you buy a device which runs on Windows 8.1 you will be able to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack for $99.99 ERP (U.S.), which will also unlock some new features. If you are using Windows 8.1 Pro, you can buy Windows Media Center for $9.99 (U.S.). 

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Nokia's 'Sirius' Windows RT tablet to launch as Lumia 2520

TagsNokia, Windows RT, Lumia 2520, Lumia 1520

Nokia Sirius Windows RT Tablet To Be Called Lumia 2520 Credit:evleaks

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Nokia is getting ready to launch two new devices next month: the Lumia 1520 phablet and its first Windows RT tablet, which will be officially named the Lumia 2520.

The company has been releasing new Lumia Windows Phone smartphones at a steady rate and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Nokia will be holding a press event in October where it is expected to launch two highly anticipated devices. We've reported on numerous leaks of Nokia's first phablet, the 6-inch Lumia 1520. It will be the first Windows Phone handset to sport a large full HD display and a powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The phablet is expected to make its way to both Verizon and AT&T just in time for the holidays.

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Nokia will also announce its first Windows RT tablet at the same event in October. The device has been going by the codename "Sirius", but now its official name has been leaked by the always-reliable @evleaks. The tipster claims that Nokia's Windows RT tablet will officially be called the Lumia 2520.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 is expected to feature a 10.1-inch in plane switching (IPS) HD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920. The tablet will run the upcoming Windows RT 8.1 OS and will be powered by a 2.15GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. It will reportedly include 32GB of internal storage, a microSD expansion slot that will support up to 64GB microSD cards, and 2GB of RAM.

Just like the latest Lumia smartphones, the Lumia 2520 will pack in a high-end 6.7-megapixel rear camera with Carl Zeiss optics. The tablet is rumored to be offered in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE models. It is expected to have a large battery that will provide around 10 hours of battery life and will be ultra slim and light, coming in at 0.35-inches thick and weighing 1.3 pounds.

We'll have to file this in the rumor category for now, but the source of the leak is very credible and has an excellent track record. We'll be sure to keep you updated as soon as new details emerge regarding the Nokia Lumia 2520.

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