Windows Blue and possible annual updates to the operating system

Back in August, a couple of months before the final version of Windows 8 saw the light of day, there was already talk of an upcoming version of Microsoft's operating system. Around the codename 'Windows Blue' speculation began about a new Windows, although without knowing if it was a complete new version of the system or a big update to Windows 8 in the style of classic Service Packs. Now, new information provided to 'The Verge' by sources who supposedly know Microsoft's plans, seems to suggest that it will be neither one nor the other, but a bit of everything.

Apparently, Redmond is considering to completely modify the system of sales and updates of classic Windows systems. The idea is to standardize versions of Windows and Windows Phone starting with the update known as Blue in an attempt to provide consumers with more regular updates to their systems.

In the case of Windows 8, the update, new version or whatever it should be called, scheduled for mid-2013, would include significant changes to the user interface and modifications to a large part of the system. Therefore it will not be any minor update, to the point that this may entail an additional cost In any case, the price of this supposed Windows Blue would be very low, it may even eventually be free due to Microsoft's interest in encouraging users to upgrade.

It does not end there. That effort of those of Redmond because we update our systems is also transferred to the developers. With Blue the SDK would also be updated and, always according to the information obtained by 'The Verge', the Windows Store would stop accepting applications specifically developed for previous versions of Windows 8, forcing developers to build apps for the latest version. Of course, existing applications in the Store would continue to function normally.

Anyway, Blue seems to be the code name and everything indicates that Windows 8 would continue to be the name of the operating system. The big update would be the first advance of a whole new system of distribution of versions of the operating system planned by Microsoft. The goal would be to provide annual Windows updates to users in order to compete with rival platforms from Apple and Google.

Via | The Verge