An year after launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is ready to launch an upgrade for Windows 8, called Windows 8.1 (aka Windows Blue). Here is a list of Hot New Features of Windows 8.1.
Broadband Tethering
Windows 8.1 will support Broadband Tethering, which will allows you to turn your device into a WiFi Hotspot (like Smartphones), so you can share your internet connection easily and let other peoples can connect to your device and share your internet connection. Till now if you want to use this feature you have to use software like Connectify, so you can create a Hotspot and share your Internet.
Boot to Desktop
Windows 8.1 will support direct boot to desktop instead of showing up start screen, this feature is very useful for Keyboard+Mouse users, as whenever there Start Screen shows up they just go to Desktop. It's a feature optimized for non-touch users.
Start Button
As shown on Leaked Screenshots of Windows 8.1 and screenshots and videos of Windows 8.1 hands-on it's clear that Windows 8.1 update will have Start Button. Point to be noticed it will only include Start Button not Start Menu, Start Button will be used to go to Start Screen, how ever if you still expect to use Start Menu then it's been outdated for Microsoft, and you better use a Third Party Application program for Start Menu (see this)
Enhanced Snap Views
In Windows 8 either you can snap a Windows 8 App to left, either to right, or you can use app in full screen mode, or share screen for that app with other snapped app. Windows 8.1 allows you to re-size Snapped Portion of an App, so if you want you can share app with 40-60 share, or with 50-50 share or with either 10-90 share, and yes you can even share screen with 3 apps, how ever it's not stated anywhere whether the Divider Pane is adjustable or not.
Better Internet Explorer
Windows 8.1 will have IE11, and it's been said by Microsoft it will be Faster, enhanced Pinned sites notification, Sync of Settings and much more. Hope IE11 will be able to fulfill everything it promised.
Biometrics Locking
Windows 8.1 will have a better Biometric Locking experience specially Finger Print Lock. You can use Biometric Identity Lock anywhere (Remote Access, UAC etc). Access to Windows Store App, function between them can be controlled with this.
Others
Except above features Windows 8.1 will support Wi-Fi Direct Printing, NFC Tap-to-Pair Printing, Miracast Wireless Display.
Launch date for Windows update is