Windows 8.1 Will Cost $119 for Non-Windows 8 Users

If you're running an older version of Windows, prepare to fork up a pretty penny if you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1. Via The Verge, the Windows Team Blog recently announced that those not upgrading from Windows 8 will have to pay $119.99 for the base version of the updated operating system, or $199.99 for Windows 8.1 Pro.

The prices are no different than what Microsoft is offering for Windows 8 today, but they are still something to keep in mind if you've been thinking about making the leap. Unlike Windows 8, though, Windows 8.1 will be "full version software," meaning that you can install the new operating system onto a fresh computer. Previously, installing Windows 8 required an older version of the OS to already be present on the machine.

There are some caveats when installing Windows 8.1 onto a computer running Windows XP or Vista. While users upgrading from Windows 7 will be able to carry over their files during the installation process, those using XP or Vista will have to manually bring over files if they want to use them with Windows 8.1. If you find yourself in this situation, the Windows Team advises that you purchase the retail DVD to perform a clean install instead of downloading the OS.

In these instances, desktop programs will have to be re installed onto Windows 8.1, including Microsoft Office.

If you purchase a computer that already has the base version of Windows 8.1 installed, you can get the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack for $99.99, which includes Windows Media Center along with the other enhancements that come with Windows 8.1 Pro. If your device already has Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows Media Center will be offered for $9.99.

Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will be available as a free update for Windows 8 and Windows RT users starting October 17th. Retail versions of Windows 8.1 will be sold starting October 18th.

Google Enters Healthcare Sector with Calico

Google's corporate reach extends beyond the technology industry, both through acquisitions of smaller start-ups and the establishment of new subsidiaries. Today,Google announced Calico--a new company focused on research and development in healthcare and biotechnology.

Arthur Levinson, currently the chairman of Apple and biotech corp Genentech, will take over Calico as CEO. Google chief Larry Page sees Levinson as a natural pick for leading Calico's development.

"Illness and aging affect all our families. With some longer term, moonshot thinking around healthcare and biotechnology, I believe we can improve millions of lives," said Page. "It’s impossible to imagine anyone better than Art--one of the leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and CEOs of our generation--to take this new venture forward.”

Levinson will retain his position as chairman of both Apple and Genetech. Earlier this year, Genentech won FDA approval for its latest cancer treatment drug, Kadcyla, which costs around $9,800 a month. The drug is expected to eventually replace Genentech's other cancer treatment, Herceptin, which had global sales of $6.3 billion in 2012.