Windows Blue arriving in summer, to be called Windows 8.1

The next update to Windows, long rumoured to be called Windows Blue, is actually to be called Windows 8.1, according to reports.

A screenshot of a new evaluation build of the operating system, which shows it labelled as Windows 8.1 Pro recently appeared on winforum.eu and was tweeted by, Roman L, along with the words "Well, maybe that's not an April Fools' joke". Roman L is a source trusted by ZDNet, leading the site to believe these screenshots and thus the name is believable.

The images show a build number 9375 which is higher than the previous most recently leaked images (build 9364), indicating it is the most up to date version of the software yet seen.

According to further sources in contact with ZDnet, the overall branding will arrive in August and simply fall under the Windows 8 umbrella, suggesting the update may even be free, much like Service Packs on previous versions of Windows. Microsoft hasn't confirmed or denied this, though.

A number of previous Windows Blue leaks have suggested that the update will include the addition of an application menu accessible by a swipe up from the bottom of the screen as well resizeable Live Tiles.

Also previously seen is a new Snap View mode that allows two programs to simultaneously run alongside each other in the same screen. This will offer the choice of a side-by-side view or to run four apps at the same time.

Microsoft aren't commenting on the leaked screenshots or other leak rumours beyond confirming that Windows Blue is a codename being used to refer to the company's next wave of products.

Are you looking forward to the arrival of the next update to Windows or has Windows 8 put you off upgrading for some time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.