Windows 8.1 supports 3D printing

Better support for 3D printing may be one of the major features of Microsoft's upcoming flagship operating system Windows 8.1.

 

Microsoft vice president Antoine Leblond announced the new feature at the company's Build 2013 keynote, tech site Mashable reported.

 

"In Windows 8.1, developers will be able to build 3D printer support into their apps through the new API. For users, that means fewer pieces of software to install, and over time, more apps that will work with 3D printers," Mashable said.

 

The report said Leblond demonstrated the capability with a MakerBot 3D printer hooked up to a PC running Windows 8.

 

He said a user could just select the Devices icon from the Windows 8 Charms menu, then the printer.

 

Leblond showed printing an object from a generic 3D rendering app, Mashable said.

 

"He also pointed out two printers that were supported, the MakerBot Replicator 2, coming soon to Microsoft Stores, and the 3D systems Cube, which retails for less than $1,300 at Staples," it added. — TJD, GMA News