What can we expect from Windows Blue?

March 19, 2013
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Ah Windows Blue, that elephant in the room. What the heck is it exactly, a whole new OS, a minor update that acts more like a service pack? We know that it is going to change the way that Microsoft does its OS updates one way or another – we just don’t officially know how.

Microsoft isn’t helping fill any gaps either, as they have pretty much kept their mouths sealed tight. Luckily, reading in between the lines tell us a few things.

There have been job leaks and even Linked In profiles that all point to the existence of Blue. We also have indicators like news from trusted Windows tech writers like Mary Jo Foley over at ZNET that Microsoft is preparing for Blue sometime later this year and will even update its core Windows 8 apps in time for the big rollout.

So we know it is coming this year, but what is it?

What is Windows Blue

Everything we know about Windows Blue is shrouded in mystery and revealed almost completely by the rumor mill.

All the recent evidence though points to Windows Blue as an update and that IS NOT Windows 9, nor is it a service pack. It is somewhere in the middle.

The idea is to bring mobile-like updates to both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, all around the same time. If they follow a similar model to Android and iOS, it also likely means that Microsoft will not charge for these upgrades.

If we had to guess, the future of Windows could be like this:

  • Windows 8 – Paid Upgrade
  • Windows 8.1, 8.2, 8.x – Free Upgrades to Existing WP8 and W8 owners
  • Windows 9 – Paid upgrade
  • Windows 9.1, 9.2, 9.x – Free Upgrades to Existing WP9 and W9 owners

Really, this path makes a lot of sense for tablets and home PCs, though it could create new challenges for enterprise organizations. Microsoft isn’t foolish though, the understand the importance of the enterprise and will likely work with these businesses to ensure that these yearly refreshes don’t get in the way too much – or that they may not even be required.

Okay, so Windows Blue is more like 8.1, but what does that mean it will bring to the table?

So far we are hearing things like app updates for major services, more customization options for the new Modern UI on both the phone and desktop/tablet, and a few other minor new features.

There will also be security updates, bug fixes and other performance tweaks. Additionally, Windows Blue could see a closer unification between Windows Phone and Windows 8, including ditching the Windows Phone Store in favor of having both platforms use “Windows Store” instead.

Summing it up…

Windows Blue is a change, that much is clear. That said, it isn’t going to be a whole new OS, at least not from the sounds of it.

Is it something to be excited about? All evidence seems to point to YES.

Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 are solid products but they have a few flaws, including Windows 8’s somewhat clunky transitions between desktop UI and modern UI.
In the past, Microsoft has had to wait several years to address big issues and feature changes for Windows, and this new model means they can get things done more effectively and give us the features we want sooner rather than later.

Will Windows Blue include features to make desktop life easier? Don’t expect start menu to return, but perhaps Microsoft could add a few features that making switching back and forth less of a hassle. We really don’t know much ‘solid’ information, but the future of Windows is starting to look pretty interesting either way you slice it.

What do you hope that Windows Blue brings to the table? Share your thoughts below.

Article Categories:
Microsoft

Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.

All Comments

  • I don’t like windows 8 and this looks like more of the same. Windows 7 is plain and simple, and has aero glass which i love.

    pctech March 20, 2013 12:23 am Reply
  • Why would you follow the progression of a OS like Windows yet complain if they bring out a new one?! Should you not be excited about new possible options and functionalities? Windows 7 is good. Windows 8 is made better. If Ms does not create a new way of doing things, people complain. If Windows does improve and change the experience, people also complain. But If you buy a device not supported by an OS (like touchscreen) surely you will also complain?! 🙂

    Pieter Pieters March 20, 2013 5:28 am Reply
  • Pieter; So true, no matter what, people are going to bitch and moan!!! Good, Bad, Indifferent… Change is good & helps us learn & grow, otherwise we are cattle in the field just chewing on the same ole grasses…
    PCTech; if you are indeed a pctech, I will not hire you (first of all I do computer work for a living myself), but all I can say is Windows 8 is the best Operating System Microsoft has developed yet (along with Server 2012)! It is unsurpassed in Speed, Reliability & Compatibility from all of the 5+ year (server 2012 10+ year) old equipment I am running it on myself. Start Button & boot to Desktop “VERY SIMPLE” fix with FREE after-market products (Classic Shell & Pokki, two I use myself).

    REWard March 20, 2013 4:19 pm Reply
  • the PC IS NOT A PHONE!! Why is Microsoft so desperate and stubborn of making the PC look like it’s phone? That just CAN’T happen, on Tablets yes but on PC, HELL NO!! make an OS for the PC that’s PC like and reimage the phone OS however you want!! They aren’t the same, why make it look alike? Why such act, if Win8 and WinBlue lose more of THE PC that I know which is Windows 98 to 7 I’m throwing away my PC for a mac and that’s CERTAIN!!

    Manuel Tokmakjian April 19, 2013 9:42 am Reply

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