Larry Magid: Microsoft Releases Windows 8.1

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – On Thursday, Microsoft has released an update to its Windows operating system.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 is now available. The latest version is the first major update to Windows 8, which was released last year.

Those who purchased Windows 8 can get the update online for free. Other users can also download the update, but will have to pay. The standard version costs $119.99 and the Pro version is $199.99.

Windows 8.1 has added a few new features and changes. One of the most visible is the ability to customize the Start Screen backgrounds, even more so than before. Users can arrange their apps and use animated backgrounds and photos as their backgrounds.

Microsoft has also improved the ability to multitask and the Windows Store, where users can download apps.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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