Microsoft today confirmed previously reported rumors of a new version of its latest operating system by unveiling Windows 8.1 with Bing.The company says the main purpose of the new operating system is to allow its partners to sell lower-cost Windows devices. The new version will be announced next month at the Computex trade show in Taipei.
Windows 8.1 with Bing will be exactly like Windows 8.1 Update, with one important difference: Bing is set as the default search engine in Internet Explorer. Users can still change this option from IE's search engine settings, but OEMs won't be able to do so.
Also worth noting is that Windows 8.1 with Bing will not be sold commercially. This version will only be available on devices pre-installed with the operating system from companies that work with Microsoft. Some of these devices, especially tablets, will ship with Office installed (Microsoft hasn't specified which version yet, but we're assuming Office 2013), or a one-year subscription to Office 365.
