Check it out…
http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/26/windows-8-1-to-natively-support-3d-printing/
Pretty cool info! Nice to see it going more mainstream. I heard something about it on Formlabs’ Twitter, came here to see if they had announced anything because I saw them mentioned as a partner in this article:
Not sure where they got that info from, but it’d be great if it’s true. 
Given that a lot of parts need supports or proper orientation to print properly, I wonder if this would mean a 3D modeling package would send the part to the 3D printer’s print software? It’s a step forward, but along with it being really great, I can also see a lot of potential for headaches on the customer’s end.
More details here:
http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/06/26/3d-printing-with-windows.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/bg183398
I wonder if Form Labs is going to join as a Microsoft partner…
Lists the following at the bottom:
Developers and 3D manufacturing
Whether you’re a developer who wants to include 3D printing in your app, or a maker of a 3D manufacturing device, there are a few good ways that you can get started today:
- Get the SDK for Windows 8.1 Preview.
- Learn more on the Windows Dev Center.
- Check out the Windows 8.1 3D Printing Sample.
- Contact ask3dprint@microsoft.com to discuss your app or device.
Partners
Microsoft has teamed up with a lot of partners for the first wave of apps and devices, with more partners constantly joining. Come join us in making end-to-end 3D manufacturing extremely easy for our customers on Windows!
Holy Crap, They can’t even do an OS, that works well…Just expect 12,000 updates ( in the middle of a print) and then they will try to sell it to you!! LOL!
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/22/windows-8.1-3d-printing/
Microsoft explains 3D printing standards in Windows 8.1 (video)
Great, now MS can screw up 3D printing with their reverse-Midas touch… lol
No thanks!