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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iOS 7.0.1 starts rolling out just days after iOS 7 release

TagsiOS 7, iOS 7.0.1, Apple

iOS 7.0.1 Update Credit:Phone Arena

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Apple released the iOS 7 for its iDevices on Sept. 18 and now the company is rolling out an update to bring the current software to version iOS 7.0.1.

The company announced its seventh mobile operating system at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10 this year. The recently-launched iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C are the first Apple devices to come pre-loaded with the latest operating system and older iDevices have also started receiving a software update.

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"One of our loyal readers popped into an AT&T store and started playing around with an Apple iPhone 5c that was on display. After taking a photo of the mid-range Apple device, our tipster noted that there was a software update on the unit. Looking closely, he saw that it was iOS 7.0.1," reports Phone Arena.

iOS 7 includes a redesigned user interface and brings along many improvements to the operating system.

A recent report suggests that iOS 7.0.1 and iOS 7.0.2 have shown up in analytics reports and may arrive soon. The leaked screen shot of iOS 7.0.1 indicates that the update offers "bug fixes and improvements". Speculations suggest that the iOS 7.0.1 update repairs a bug with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and also fixes a problem pertaining to the iTunes App Store purchasing system. However, Apple has not yet confirmed any details of the software update.

A BGR report also suggests that Apple will debut iOS 7.1 at an announced event in October this year, where we hope to see the iPad 5, iPad mini 2, new iMacs and possible reveal some information on the Apple TV.

When Apple released iOS 6 in 2012, the operating system was surrounded with issues mostly related to the company's latest Apple Mapping service, which was creating havoc amongst users. The company also had to issue a formal apology to its customers. The release of iOS 7 seems smooth so far, with no major flaws in the latest operating system except for some minor lockscreen glitches. However, as the latest software has been released just a few days back, it may take a while before customers find issues and start reporting any problems with the firmware update.

If you have an iDevice, have you received the iOS 7.0.1 software update?

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