From the rumor mill: Blue to be a major platform update to Windows, Windows Phone, and more

Ron

When we first heard about Windows Blue, it was revealed via unnamed sources that Windows Blue would be an update pack for Windows 8. We then learned that the update would include UI changes to Windows 8, and even more tile sizes to further customize your setup. Now, according to a new report, Blue will be more than just an update to Windows, but in-fact an update to most of Microsoft’s platforms and services.

“Blue also is the way Microsoft is referring to the next substantial platform update for Windows Phone, the Windows Services (like SkyDrive, Hotmail, etc.), and Windows Server, according to my source. In other words, Blue is a wave of product refreshes which are not expected to arrive exactly all on the same day, but which are meant to be released more or less around the same time,” ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley stated.

Blue pretty much represents a change in how Microsoft builds, deploys, and markets its software and services. According to the report, Microsoft will work on delivering yearly platform updates for Windows, Windows Server, etc. Microsoft may even release the “Blue” update for Windows much faster than before and possibly via Windows Store. Feature wise, Windows Blue will see new versions of Internet Explorer and other integrated apps such as Mail and Calendar. The report also states that there will be improved battery life and overall performance improvements, with a focus on backward compatibility with Windows 8 and WP8.

Again, there is no official announcement from Microsoft regarding Blue, so keep this in the back of your mind. We will keep you posted on any late breaking news regarding Blue, Microsoft’s next update to its products and services.