Microsoft’s forthcoming update to Windows 8, nicknamed Windows Blue, is highly anticipated for a number of reasons. Perhaps most notable among all the announced changes will be the addition of a start button to the desktop screen. The most recent announcement about added features, unlike the start button, won’t affect most consumers, but it does have major implications for the tech world: Microsoft announced it would add native support for 3D printers to Windows 8.1 (Windows Blue).

Most of us don’t have 3D printers, and many of us haven’t even seen a real 3D printer. That fact is, however, 3D printing is big news right now, and for it to become a reality it’s going to take more steps like this. 3D printers have become much cheaper in recent years, and they’re at a point where they are affordable for small businesses and organizations that really have a use for them. A $2000 printer isn’t about to become a household object anytime soon, however one for under $500 just might.

This announcement is good news for those looking forward to the accessibility of 3D printing technology. 3D models and designs are already easy to find online, and this announcement will only enhance their accessibility. When 3D printers finally do become more accessible to consumers, we’ll be ready for them.

Windows 8.1 will support printers from Makerbot, Autodesk, Form Labs, 3D Systems, Fabbster, PP3D, and 3D Systems. All you’ll have to do is hit the print button while viewing any 3D design, just like you would with a normal document. For those few who do currently work with 3D printers, this announcement is really convenient. We’ll look forward to other advances is 3D printing to follow this.