The
tweaked version of Microsoft's operating system nicknamed Windows Blue
will be previewed on June 26 and will be a free update for users as
Windows 8.1.
The update comes amid a lukewarm reception for
Windows 8, an operating system released last year to help the software
giant transition from personal computers to tablets and other mobile
devices.
The move is part of a goal "of
delivering continual updates to create a richer experience for Windows
customers," a Microsoft blog post said.
Microsoft's
Brandon LeBlanc said a public preview of Windows 8.1 will be available
starting on June 26, timed with the Microsoft developer conference in
San Francisco.
Microsoft said recently it had
sold than 100 million licenses for Windows 8 but that the update was
planned after listening to customers.
Some
analysts say Microsoft was forced to act because of slow adoption of
Windows 8, which made some radical changes to the design of the desktop.
With
Windows 8, Microsoft was trying to create a system that could be used
on mobile touch screen devices while also serving the users of
traditional PCs.
Microsoft launched Windows 8
last October, revamping its flagship system in an effort to make inroads
in the fast-growing mobile segment. At the same time, it launched its
Surface tablet computer.