MS could release a free version of Windows 8.1

Polymathic

Polymathic

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Reports have surfaced that Microsoft is currently playing with the idea of releasing on a Windows 8.1 bundled with Bing, and the brands well-known services and applications for free.

According to report by the technology blog The Verge, the version of the operating system is dubbed as “Windows.8.1 with Bing.” This project is aimed at giving consumers access to a version of Windows that will be budget-friendly enough for consumers.

Sources familiar to the matter disclosed that the company plans to offer the experimental version of the OS for users of Windows 7 either for free or a low cost. This is essentially a come-and-use-me ploy of the Redmond, Washington based company to lure in more users to upgrade to its software. The Bing-centric version of WIndows 8.1 might also be offered to computer manufacturers, in a move seen many to try and catch up with Chromebooks.

This can be considered a wise move for Microsoft. Aside from trying to fish for more users, it is also looking for a way to monetize its services on the cloud and applications. The low sticker price may also one way to tickle the consumers to spend to get a response better than the lukewarm reception of the market when Windows 8 was rolled out.

With all the executive shuffling happening at Microsoft, this can be a sign that Satya Nadella is preparing to transition to a new business model. The shift might not be that easy but it is needed in order to keep up with the times. Microsoft has to bring the price tag of its platform to zero as every technology giant is doing. For example, Google is not burdening people to use its Android system. Even Apple has started offering the OS X free of charge as of its last update.

Since the Windows 8.1 with Bing is still an experimental item, we are not sure if Microsoft will roll it out to everyone but for sure there will be a more affordable version coupled with some free applications that can get a good chunk of the lower end of the tech business. In case the company truly plans to shift to another way of doing business, then we can expect a big change that consumers will either like or not.

There have been earlier reports that hinted about this latest move of Microsoft. Two weeks ago Bloomberg reported that the company plans to slash the price of Windows license from $50 to $15. Reports say that this will apply for manufacturers that will install the OS on devices that are priced sub-$250. This will also help Microsoft get onto more tablets and have a share of the $80 billion market.

At the moment, there are not a lot of Windows options for the lower-end market. There is the $250-ASUS X102BA on promo from $400. There is also the Venue 8 Pro tablet from Dell selling for $250. Comparing it to Chrome and Android, consumers have a good number of choices to make most of their hard-earned dollars.

The update to version 8.1 is expected to be released in April.
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http://www.inferse.com/12971/micros...windows-8-1-bing-planning-big-business-shift/
 
Ag they can keep it... don't want that crap on my computer.
 
For free, Windows 8.1 ain't so bad after all. The software would have to be optimised better than it's current state for lower-end hardware though. This can also be seen as Microsoft's knee jerk reaction to SteamOS.
 
Bwhahaha... it's such a turd that they are gonna try and give it away for free now? :D

Sorry... still won't work.
 
Look guys lets give MS some credit where it's due, if Windows 8.1 gets a free version. It would essentially be the best free operating system available.

Gaming, office and the most apps and compatible hardware out of any free OS
 
Vegeta said:
Look guys lets give MS some credit where it's due, if Windows 8.1 gets a free version. It would essentially be the best free operating system available.

Gaming, office and the most apps and compatible hardware out of any free OS
Click to expand...

Let's wait and see how they hobble it first... my guess is that when we finally see it, it will be worse than the crapfest that is MS Starter edition.
 
Vegeta said:
Look guys lets give MS some credit where it's due, if Windows 8.1 gets a free version. It would essentially be the best free operating system available.
Click to expand...

IMO the best free OS around is Win 7 + a crack.
 
Garyvdh said:
Bwhahaha... it's such a turd that they are gonna try and give it away for free now? :D

Sorry... still won't work.
Click to expand...

:D

I struggled with Windows 8/8.1 Pro for almost a year, sang its praises to motivate me, but having Windows 7 Pro 64-bit back on my notebook, is just the best thing ever. :love:

Windows 7 - the best Windows desktop/notebook OS ever.
 
Vegeta said:
Look guys lets give MS some credit where it's due, if Windows 8.1 gets a free version. It would essentially be the best free operating system available.

Gaming, office and the most apps and compatible hardware out of any free OS
Click to expand...

Hardly. I still wouldn't use it even if it was free.
 
Garyvdh said:
Let's wait and see how they hobble it first... my guess is that when we finally see it, it will be worse than the crapfest that is MS Starter edition.
Click to expand...
Could just turn out to be an x86 version of Windows RT were all apps must be installed via the App Store. Which is more secure especially for non tech savvy people
 
])ragon_\/oid;12227436 said:
I have another solution... How about making Windows XP free of charge?
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Open source it! (that will never happen though)
 
Classic Shell doesn't quite take the hell of win8 away... it do work, but there are a few strange quirks here and there...


...prefer either XP or Win7 above Win8.


Win8 = Vista.
 
supersunbird said:
OK, upgrading my demand: I want a proper start menu without any mention of APPS...
Click to expand...

images.jpg
Windows 7
1. Click on Start
2. Click on All programs
3. Click on program folder
4. Click on program to open


Windows 8
1. Press Windows button.
2. Type the first few letters of the program you want.
3. Press enter
 
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