Less than a year after the ambitious Windows 8 hit the scene, the updated version 8.1 is officially headed for consumers on October 18 starting at $US119. If you have a Windows 8 device, you can download the update for free.
To upgrade an older device, a download or an old-school DVD installation disc will set you back $US120, $US200 for Windows 8.1 Pro. The new software will be a full version, rather than just an upgrade — good for folks building systems from scratch, but Windows 7 users will have to reinstall all desktop apps, and Microsoft says the new version isn’t designed for XP or Vista users (though such folks can backup all files and do a clean 8.1 install).
Microsoft is yet to confirm Australian pricing.
[Windows]