It was not too long ago when there was a brand new Windows 8.1 Update 1 build which leaked onto the Internet, where it was given the label “Windows 8.1 with Bing.” Taking into consideration how Bing SmartSearch happens to be part of Windows 8.1 already, this has led to many people thinking just what this mysterious SKU is all about when the real deal is introduced to the masses eventually. Unnamed sources today mentioned that Windows 8.1 with Bing happens to be an experiment for Microsoft, where the actual SKU sported minor differences from the other versions of Windows 8.1, and it could very well be one way for Microsoft to lay the bait of Bing-related incentives, so that either consumers or OEMs could enjoy free Windows down the road.
Right now, Microsoft has some pretty juicy carrots hanging for those who want to search the Internet with Bing. The free Bing Rewards program that kicked off a few years back would enable users to pick up the likes of gift cards for Amazon, Applebee’s and Microsoft services like Xbox Live and Skype. How about an even more recent announcement of enjoying 100GB of free OneDrive storage for a year? Of course, a price must be paid somewhere, and all of this could result in more ads appearing on your computer, who knows?
Filed in . Read more about Bing (Microsoft), Microsoft and Windows.