Microsoft details August updates for Windows 8.1, but it’s not ‘Update 2’
Microsoft has announced a number of updates coming for its Windows 8.1 on Aug. 12, but they will not come in the form of an "Update 2."
The new features and tweaks aim to improve the functionality of the operating system (OS), but they're not major enough to constitute an Update 2. Instead, they will roll out starting on Aug. 12 more as a maintenance update rather than a hefty package like Update 1 was.
"In April, we released a bigger, more comprehensive package of improvements to Windows 8.1 called the Windows 8.1 Update. We did the same for Server too, with Windows Server 2012 R2 Update. As we said at the time, our goal is to continue to deliver improvements to Windows through regular updates in order to respond more quickly to customer and partner feedback. After all, we already have a regular monthly update process that includes security and non-security updates," Microsoft explained in a company blog post.
"With the above in mind, rather than waiting for months and bundling together a bunch of improvements into a larger update as we did for the Windows 8.1 Update, customers can expect that we'll use our already existing monthly update process to deliver more frequent improvements along with the security updates normally provided as part of 'Update Tuesday.' So despite rumors and speculation, we are not planning to deliver a Windows 8.1 'Update 2.'"
The last Windows 8.1 Update 1 was a large release, adding notable improvements to the boot preferences of the OS. It also brought new user interface (UI) elements to the table, making the platform easier to use. Because it was a large-scale update with many improvements, it was worthy of the "Update 1" title. The August improvements, however, are not as major as to warrant an "Update 2" claim.
The imminent August release will include trackpad improvements, enhanced SharePoint Online integration, as well as some Wi-Fi API updates for external developers. In other words, this minor update will bring some neat improvements, but does not compare to the sizeable Update 1. The new goodies will arrive via Windows Update, which means that you don't have to do anything special to get the treats.
"For current Windows 8.1 consumers who have elected automatic updates, the rollout will be gradual to ensure all customers receive the update in a timely manner. Those who wish to install the update ahead of automatic updates may do so beginning August 12th via Windows Update," Microsoft further notes.