Microsoft announced Wednesday that the upcoming Windows "Blue" 8.1 update will support 3D printing.
Microsoft, the world's most valuable and the largest software making company, has brought its innovative capabilities to reality once again. From the time computers were used for making documents, Microsoft has always brought new ways to enhance technology and ease of working to its devices. Major business offices rely on Microsoft-developed products and devices on a daily basis. In an announcement on Wednesday, Microsoft has proved yet again its creative skills by confirming the support of 3D printing on its forthcoming Windows Blue 8.1 update.
Microsoft has assured that the latest 3D printing will be as easy as "writing a document in Word and sending it to print."
3D printing is currently used in various fields from technology labs to space research. Recently, a team of Harvard researchers built the world's smallest Li-ion batteries, more powerful than larger batteries used in laptops and electric cars. The popularity of 3D printing has fascinated enthusiasts leading to new inventions. Scientists have used it to create the first 3D, high resolution digital map of human brain and also the idea of printing pizzas for the astronauts in space has been promoted.
At the Microsoft Build 2013 keynote, Vice President Antoine Leblond displayed the working of the 3D printing with a MakerBot 3D printer connected to a Windows 8 PC. MakerBot, world leader in desktop 3D printing technology, announced a partnership with Microsoft to offer 'MakerBot® Replicator® 2 Desktop 3D Printer' in leading retail outlets and online for purchase. Alongside MakerBot's printer, Windows 8.1 update will also support 3D Systems' Cube 3D printer, which is priced at $1,299 at Staples. Many other brands like Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, Formlabs, MakerBot, netfabb, Stratasys, Tiertime and Trimble have also shown an interest in joining Microsoft to bring a new bionetwork for Windows customers.
