Windows 8.1 Update To Support 3D Printing

Microsoft unveiled the first update to their Windows 8 operating system - the Windows 8.1 "Blue." The update boasts of several new features and tweaks based on the original version of the OS.

Aside from the return of the Start button and deeper Bing integration, Microsoft also announced that Windows 8.1 will support 3D printing. 

Microsoft vice president Antoine Leblond revealed the new feature during their keynote talk at Build 2013, Mashable reports. By having the built-in 3D printing support, users will need to install less software to create 3D objects. Future applications supporting the 3D-printing capability of the operating system were also announced.

During the company's keynote, Leblond demonstrated the 3D-printing support using the famous Makerbot 3D printer that was hooked up to a PC running the updated Windows. The Microsoft VP demonstrated how printing 3D objects can be done by simply selecting the icon on the Windows 8 Charms menu.

Application builders and device manufactures are expected to take advantage of this 3D support. According to Xbit Laboratories, creating 3D objects will be as easy as making Microsoft office documents in the future and printing it will be an easy task as well. 

Two 3D printers, the Makerbot Replicator 2 and the 3D system Cube will be available in Microsoft Stores soon.

Shanen Boettcher, general manager of Microsoft Startup Business Group, was one of the company's top officials who pushed for the inclusion of 3D printing in the list of new features for the first Windows 8 update. 

In an interview with Venturebeat, Boettcher said that Microsoft sees the 3D-printing market as a huge opportunity for their company.

"We want to be there early. Our vendors tell us that more than 70 percent of 3D printing is done on the Windows platform already." 

Boettcher also added that 3D-printing companies are encouraged to submit their drivers to Microsoft before the official launch of Windows 8.1 later this year. 

"We've got the SDK out to developers now. Now the hardware makers have to do their part and get us the drivers," Boettcher added.

Companies like Autodesk, Makerbot, Netfabb, Tiertime, Dassault Systemes, Stratasys, and Formlabs have already worked with Microsoft and submitted their drivers for the updated Windows.