Microsoft's Windows RT will soon be updated to Windows RT 8.1 as world's biggest software maker strengthens its ties with hardware giant Qualcomm for its upcoming operating system for tablets, convertibles and PCs.

At the ongoing Computex trade fair in Taipei, Qualcomm announced its new plans with Microsoft for the soon to be launched Windows RT 8.1 OS. Qualcomm, one of the biggest chipmakers for mobile devices, said that it will be working with Mircrosoft to offer its most advanced processor, Snapdragon 800, for Windows RT 8.1.

"Qualcomm Technologies and Microsoft will continue to work together on the next level of advanced mobile computing and Microsoft will offer a free software update to Windows RT 8.1. The free update will be available in the Windows Store later this year," Qualcomm announced in a press statement.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 is a quad-core processor supporting speeds of up to 2.2 GHz per core. The processor also features an integrated multicode 3G/4G LTE modem. Other capabilities include USB 3.0 and support for Windows RT 8.1 features and services.

"Our Snapdragon 800 processors offer the best combination of high performance, efficient power usage and LTE network support and will help enable greater flexibility and connectivity options to Microsoft and device manufacturers. Snapdragon 800 processors deliver significant performance improvements across the entire SoC along with support for new Windows RT 8.1 features and services," said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of product management, computing and consumer products at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

The tablets running Windows RT 8.1 and powered by the Snapdragon 800 are expected to be available in market by the end of this year.

With the launch of Windows RT 8.1, Microsoft will try to revive the declining popularity of the Windows RT that could go well with the users' expectations. However, the new ties with Qualcomm will give Microsoft one more chance to woo the OEMs such as ASUS.

"The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors support our commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class capabilities. Our customers will now have the opportunity to leverage the numerous advantages of these new processors, including integrated 4G/LTE connectivity and outstanding device performance," said Mike Anguilo, corporate vice president, Planning and PC Ecosystem, Microsoft Corp.

Although big tablet makers such as Apple and Samsung will not be interested in seeing Windows RT 8.1 run in their new tablets as they will not shift from their iOS and Android, yet, the combination of Windows RT 8.1 and Snapdragon 800 will be something that these companies will keep a close watch on.