Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 availability date is October 18

Today came the announcement: the go-live date of both Windows 8.1 (aka "Blue") and Windows Server 2012 R2 is October 18, which falls on a Friday this year. What's interesting is the delivery method for the operating system update: it will be available through the Windows Store as a free update to consumers. Enterprise edition update will follow later.

New features in Windows 8.1 include improved UI (with the resurrected Start button), Internet Explorer 11, updated Store experience, and more. For details about the general availability announcement, check the Windows blogs.