Microsoft are preparing a second update pack for Windows 8.1, which could be released soon.
The second update will not be called Windows 8.2, and instead will carry the name Windows 8.1 Update 2.
This is because, it is mainly a pack of bug fixes and performance enhancements.Microsoft had faced issues after launching the Windows 8.1 Update 1, when several users reported that it failed to install. The Redmond company, then had to roll out several fixes to rectify the issues.
The Update 1 had to be downloaded from the Windows Store, however that will not be the case for Update 2, according to Russian Forums. The community board reports that Windows 8.1, Update 2 will be distributed directly from Windows Update. And since it will be available from the Windows Update, it will be free of charge for users of the previous version. Users of Windows 8 however, may be charged for the Update 2.
Some reports claim that users who buy a Windows 8.1 Update 2 license, will be offered a free or discounted upgrade to the next major version, i.e, Windows 9 , which is expected to be released early next year.
Windows 8.1 Update 2 may be released in August or September this year, while an Update 3 could be in the works, to backport some features from Windows 9.
source, via