This year will be a very exciting year for upgrades in software. There are two Operating System (OS) platforms getting updated before the end of the year. Windows is releasing Windows 8.1 as significant update to Windows 8. Also, Apple is introducing iOS 7 for many of the devices currently in your hands. Sorry Android users, nothing new is pending that we know of. If you have not upgraded to Jelly Bean 4.2 you are missing out on better usability, better camera function and many more improvements.

First the new Windows 8.1 will be launched, yes, already. They made some changes that were being requested by users. This is a pretty fast response from Microsoft, but they are historically known for launching a new OS (Ex: XP, Vista, Windows 7 and now 8) and shortly after releasing service packs to fix or improve the OS. It just seems that this time they have decided to take more of an “Apple” or “Android” approach and call it “8.1” verses a “Service Pack”. This release is still in a Project or Beta phase and will be fully released once all bugs are worked out. If you have a windows 8 machine you can upgrade now and see how you like it before it is fully released. Keep in mind it is still in Beta testing and might have a couple things that are not finalized. NOTE: With it being a Beta release there is a chance a wipe and reload may be needed once the final version is out. Also some devices such as ones running the new Intel Atom 32bit Processors will not be able to get the update YET. I am personally hoping the next version of the Beta will be able to work with these processors and I can update my ElitePad with it. Check out this link for information on the update:  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview

iPhone users will be experiencing a drastic (but good, in my opinion) update also by the end of the year. Apple will be releasing iOS 7! This is the largest change to the iPhone iOS in a long time. Siri will be getting much wanted abilities like being able to turn on and off Wi-Fi and other phone settings. Also the User Interface (UI) will be much “softer” with new icons. The setting will be easier to get to by just swiping up from the bottom, instead of having to find the “Settings” icon. The search is improved and now is opened using a swipe from near the top of the screen down. There will be improvements to the multitasking, notifications, Safari, iTunes Radio and MORE! As of now only the Beta is available to Apple Developers ONLY, keep an eye out for the upgrade to be available on the iPhone’s 4, 4S and 5. iOS 7 will also be available on iPad 2 and later, iPad Mini and the iPod Touch 5 only. Check the link below for more information on iOS 7: http://www.apple.com/ios/ios7/features/