What's Windows Blue? We'll Find Out at Microsoft BUILD in June

Ever since Windows 8 was released last fall, we've heard growing whispers about "Windows Blue," supposedly the next step in Microsoft's core software, but whether that step amounts to a set of Service Pack-like tweaks or a full-on new version was an open question (leaks aside).

Now we've got the first official word from Microsoft on what Windows Blue is, and when it'll officially appear. In a blog post, Microsoft's head of corporate communications, Frank Shaw, explains that "Blue" is an internal Microsoft term that refers to a set of plans for how Microsoft will evolve its devices and services. He also said that it's highly unlikely any product will actually have the word as part of its name.