Windows 8.1 update coming October 18

Microsoft says that Windows 8.1 -- the first major update to its radically altered operating system -- will arrive as a free update to existing users on October 18.

The new update is not another huge re-imagining of Windows in the way that Windows 8 was. Instead, it focuses on a handful of substantial improvements to its touch-friendly user interface, such as improved multitasking and a better Start screen.

More importantly, this update will mark a lot of firsts for Microsoft.

Windows 8.1 will be the first annual, incremental update to add new features to Windows, and it will be the first time new features will be added for free. Although the company has previously issued "Service Pack" updates for Windows, those mostly consisted of bug fixes and security updates.

Read CNN Article