Windows is now free for devices with screens smaller than 9 inches

Windows is now free for devices with screens smaller than 9 inches. And when there's a Windows for "internet of things" connected devices, that'll be free too.

Microsoft officially announced Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, which is basically a bunch of tweaks for people who want to forgo its touch optimization use the OS primarily with a mouse and keyboard.

Across the board, the Windows 8.1 interface has been reworked so that people who don't have a touchscreen can use the operating system. Something everybody is going to love is the return of the taskbar as a central aspect of navigation in the modern Metro-style app display.