The newest iteration of Windows has begun rolling out , and is winning positive reviews. (Here's an in-depth review from Ars , and a more concise one from Wired — both give 8.1 a thumbs-up). Kelerei wrote with the above-linked TechDirt article on the release, noting that it is a staged rollout rather than global. Starting this morning, though, 8.1 is available to some customers. Kelerei writes: "The upgrade is optional (and free) for existing Windows 8 users, though if one looks at the changes , it's hard to imagine why those already on it wouldn't upgrade." Also at Slash BI