Windows 8.1 Release.

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8.1 update, previously called Windows Blue, will be released in October.

The software giant's one size fits all OS will receive an update to version 8.1 in October, a year after it was first unveiled. Sources have confirmed the Windows 8.1 released date with both ZDnet and The Verge.

Microsoft had previously confirmed that Windows 8.1 would reach the release to manufacturing (RTM) stage by the end of August, but gave no further details on when the new software would reach users.

Beyond this, it has only said device running Windows 8.1 would arrive 'just in time for the holidays' and that existing Windows 8 users would get a free update 'later this year' via the Windows Store.

"The new word, Microsoft is going to hold off on making available the final Windows 8.1 bits until mid-October 2013 or so. That will be both the general availability date, as well as the "launch" date when new hardware running those bits will be available." said ZDNet.

Although that means a bit of a gap between RTM and general release, it is at least a timely update. One year compared to the three year gap between Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Windows 8.1 brings a few changes to the OS including more customization, more Live Tile sizes, better multi-tasking and, in a way, the return of the Start Button (another way of getting to the Start Screen).

Windows 8.1 is a refinement of Windows 8, not a revolution. It tweaks a few things, adds a few requested features and options and introduces a redesigned Store and a couple of new apps.

It doesn’t change the fact that Windows 8 is still an operating system of two halves. It’s less jarring when you enable all the options on the new Navigation tab, but it’s essentially a spit and polish job.

The fact remains that Windows 8 is a fast, stable OS that can be used just like Windows 7 on a PC or laptop.