Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer appeared on stage at the Build 2013 conference to unveil the "refined" OS, which he claimed was a better blend of the new Modern UI and the traditional desktop.
Microsoft is placing particular emphasis on compact tablets with the release of Windows 8.1, with Ballmer claiming that "today's Windows devices don't look much like the PCs of five years ago."
"The small tablet form factor is very important," said Ballmer. "I wouldn’t call them PCs. This is innovation that had to be unlocked."
Each of the thousands of developers at Build will be given an Acer Iconia 8.1 tablet to help focus their minds on the compact form factor.
New features
Many of the new features of Windows 8.1 have been heavily trailed, including the return of the desktop Start button, the option to boot to desktop, new tile sizes, a revamp of the core apps, and the option to resize Modern app windows.
Microsoft also announced a smattering of new apps, including long-awaited Windows 8 debuts for Facebook and Flipboard, and a new Food & Drink app from Microsoft itself.
Ballmer also emphasised the huge transition that's taking place within the company, with a move to a "rapid release cycle" for not only Windows, but Windows Phone and Xbox.
The Windows 8.1 Public Preview is available for download now.
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