Sunday, January 5, 2014

Windows 8.1 To Support 3D Printing Technology

3D printing has been a relatively a new feature, which is slowly gaining popularity across the world. Even though most of the latest technologies in the market quickly become popular, the pace of development of this technique has not been fast, and this is mainly attributed to the lack of support from the operating systems. However, this scenario is changing with Microsoft deciding to add 3D printing support in its latest version of operating system, Windows 8.1.
Windows 8.1 was released last October, and since then the software giant has been boasting about the various features of the operating system, and one of them being the support for 3D printing. According to Microsoft help line, this new feature is going to bring in drastic changes in the printing scenario. Even though 3D printing was only in cards and was only a hobby for few users, the new move by Microsoft is going to make 3D printing a serious business.
With the release of the new feature of the operating system, Microsoft hopes to attract developers to upgrade their latest operating system. Microsoft had released the predecessor of Windows 8 with high expectations. However, even after one year since its release, it has not done good sales. With Windows 8.1 and its added features, Microsoft is hoping to make a big comeback and the inclusion of futuristic features like support for 3D printing is a step towards it.
There is good news for 3D printing technology, and that is the unification of Makerbot and Stratsys. Both these companies are the leading manufacturers of 3D printers. With the decision to merge the companies, we will see many research and development activities going into this field.
If you are thinking that 3D printing is a herculean task, you are wrong. According to Microsoft help line, 3D printing is as simple as 2D printing. Antoine Leblond of Microsoft demonstrated this last day when he printed a vase using the operating system. MakerBot Replicator 2 was used as the hardware and Leblond said that Replicator 2 would be sold through Microsoft Stores.
Microsoft has taken a major step that could change the future of 3D printing technology. However, we are yet to see how its latest operating system, Windows 8.1, performs in the market. If it is a failure just like its predecessor, we may have to wait longer for the 3D printing technology to emerge from the hindrances it faces now.

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