Microsoft is busy preparing its next-generation Windows client, shortly after shipping Windows 8 in October. The Verge has learned from several sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the company is planning to standardize on an approach, codenamed Blue, across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.

Originally unveiled by ZDNet, the update on the Windows side, due in mid-2013, will include UI changes and alterations to the entire platform and pricing. We’re told that Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Blue the next OS that everyone installs. The approach is simple, Microsoft will price its next Windows release at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade. Once Windows Blue is released, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue. Windows 8 apps will continue to run on Blue despite the planned SDK changes.

Yearly upgrades will be the norm for Windows soon

We understand that you will need a genuine copy of Windows to upgrade to Windows Blue. Built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease functioning if a copy is upgraded that is pirated. Sources tell us that Microsoft will likely keep the Windows 8 name for the foreseeable future, despite the Windows Blue update. A big part of Windows Blue is the push towards yearly updates for Microsoft’s OS. Microsoft will kick off an annual upgrade cycle for Windows that is designed to make it more competitive against rival platforms from Apple and Google.

We reached out to Microsoft for comment, however a company spokesperson refused to discuss Windows Blue.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/28/3...pdate-low-cost

Only Legend Windows

Blue? Beyonce, her power!

So Blue is an update to 8?

Yes. They're doing yearly updates with cheap prices to encourage users to upgrade. Basically what Apple is doing with OSX right now.

Beyonce her power >

Beyonce's name power >>>>>
And Rhenna's techniques!
GET SUM MONEY WIN!

I love my windows 8.

yass

MY FAVOURITE COLOUR!

Not sure what to think of this...

This is actually a good strategy, if they offer these yearly upgrades at a good price maybe people will be more interested to buy it instead of ilegally downloading it.

Honestly it makes sense to do this, which is why Apple did it ages ago. A consumer is far more likely to buy a 20 dollar upgrade every year than a 200 dollar one every 5.

I'm actually very happy about this. Microsoft's Windows versions are always amazing every other version (XP >> ME, 7 >> Vista, Blue >> 8). I actually really like 8, but it suffers from a severe case of split personality. I'm interested to see what UI changes they make in Blue.

It's very polarizing.

There's a big learning curve, but it's amazing with a touchscreen. The gestures are iconic tbh. You really can't make full use of it with a mouse or a touchpad. Everytime I go back to my basic laptops I always forget that I can't swipe my screen. They just need to make certain things a little more user friendly, and get rid of some of the stupid restrictions (like having to switch back to the desktop for specific apps) and make everything more integrated. Blue's yearly updates will be a step in the right direction.

So can I just wait for cheap Blue? I think I will wait on upgrading to Windows 8.

Don't do it sis! If you don't have a touchscreen ultrabook/tablet to use it on you will regret it. Just wait for the flawless Windows Blue Ivy

I think Windows 8 is a prerequisite for Blue and the proceeding updates. I'm not too sure, I gotta ask Shay-Shay.

I have Windows 8 on my laptop. Will I have to purchase Windows Blue?