Microsoft experimenting on a free version of Windows 8.1; Will you be getting it?

Microsoft is currently experimenting with a free version of Windows 8.1 that could boost the number of people using the operating system. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell The Verge and Engadget that the company is building "Windows 8.1 with Bing," a version that will bundle key Microsoft apps and services. While early versions of the software have leaked online, we understand that Windows 8.1 with Bing is an experimental project that aims to bring a low-cost version of Windows to consumers. ZDNet first reported some Windows 8.1 with Bing details earlier this week.

DESIGNED AS A FREE OR LOW-COST UPGRADE FOR WINDOWS 7 USERS. WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE WINDOWS 8

We’re told that Microsoft is aiming to position Windows 8.1 with Bing as a free or low-cost upgrade for Windows 7 users. Any upgrade offers will be focused on boosting the number of people using Windows 8.1. This Bing-powered version of Windows 8.1 may also be offered to PC makers as part of its recent price cut of $25. It’s not clear how committed Microsoft is to these plans, but the experiment is part of a number of initiatives designed to push and monetize Microsoft’s cloud services and apps. Microsoft is increasingly commited to making Bing as a plattform it can monetize in the future. 

Bing-powered apps are currently bundled into Windows 8.1, and a leaked version of "Windows 8.1 with Bing" does not appear to reveal any significant changes yet. Microsoft recently updated us with its Windows 8.1 Spring Update, and the company is expected to further detail the update at its Build developer conference in April. Additional details around the merging of Windows RT and Windows Phone are also expected to be shared at the Build conference.

By doing this, Microsoft hopes to migrate its users from its widely popular but now discontinued "Windows XP" and its second popular Windows 7 to its recent flagship "Windows 8" and now it's biggest update "Windows 8.1".

So will you be ready and willing to get the free Windows 8.1 FREE UPDATE? Tell us in the comments section down below.

For iTechnoBlog, this is Preet Patel, Sigining Out!