Microsoft starts taking pre-orders for Windows 8.1

Microsoft has started taking pre-orders for Windows 8.1 on its website ahead of the October 18th general availability.

Flavors of the operating system available for pre-order are Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro. Pricing for the core version is $119.99 while the Pro version costs $199.99.

Windows 8.1, termed as a refined blend of Windows 8 by Steve Ballmer, is the much-awaited update for the OS that adds many new features, usability enhancements in the Modern interface and brings back the Start button to the Windows 8 operating system, which was launched last year. It's also part of Microsoft's new "rapid release" product cycle which aims at releasing feature updates annually to products such as Windows and Windows Phone. 

Windows 8 users will get the 8.1 update via the Windows store starting October 17th for free, while retail versions will be available through brick and mortar stores worldwide starting October 18th.

Source: Microsoft Store via The Next Web | Image via Microsoft