8.1.1 or die (apparently):
http://www.theregister.co...t_is_already_obsolete/

It's telling that they're going to stop supporting XP (from 12 years ago) at the same time...
 
Always go for the odd numbered versions!

Ultimately in order for one to keep Windows current one needs to keep Windows current. It really is not a big deal just common sense. 

I wonder if that will make the 2 Win 8 full licences that I have obsolete? I mean if I don't update to 8.1.1 by a certain time then I can't update any further than 8.1. Guess I'll have to contact MS.

John
Ultimately in order for one to keep Windows current one needs to keep Windows current. It really is not a big deal just common sense. 

Worth repeating.  : )

mudgel
I wonder if that will make the 2 Win 8 full licences that I have obsolete? I mean if I don't update to 8.1.1 by a certain time then I can't update any further than 8.1. Guess I'll have to contact MS.

I don't read it that way (check the article again).
All it means is you have to update to 8.1.1 or whatever to receive further updates. I don't see them withdrawing the 8.1.1 patch.
This saves them time and money testing fixes for earlier OS's. I'm surprised they are not doing the same with Windows 7 to be honest (maybe they will later), it makes a lot of sense to me to have a baseline version every six months or so.

CakeAlexS

mudgel
I wonder if that will make the 2 Win 8 full licences that I have obsolete? I mean if I don't update to 8.1.1 by a certain time then I can't update any further than 8.1. Guess I'll have to contact MS.

I don't read it that way (check the article again).
All it means is you have to update to 8.1.1 or whatever to receive further updates. I don't see them withdrawing the 8.1.1 patch.
This saves them time and money testing fixes for earlier OS's. I'm surprised they are not doing the same with Windows 7 to be honest (maybe they will later), it makes a lot of sense to me to have a baseline version every six months or so.

Yeah, this. ^
 
And keep in mind that there's a new sheriff in town running the show, so this may be a reflexion of that.

This sounds like if you have a Windows 8 DVD and need to re-install you will not be able to update it.  Sounds like drive images will be the only way to re-install it then.  Not good.

@VintageVibe Again I dont think so. #6.

They are putting a stake in the ground and moving forward. It does come across as arrogant but I see their logic.