Windows 8.1, previously codenamed "Windows Blue" is the much anticipated upgrade to Window 8, the Microsoft Windows operating system for PCs, desktops, and tablets like the Surface Pro. The new operating system is expected to bring a lot of little improvements, and one big one: the "Start" button that people have been waiting for is back. But there's a twist - the button doesn't bring up the old familiar "Start" menu that Windows devotees may want.
A Start Button?
On Thursday, Microsoft gave out a little preview of what the new Windows operating system will look like and some details about upgraded features. The one upgrade that a lot of people who still use a mouse and keyboard for their computing was the return of the old Start button. Microsoft has announced that instead, it has provided a Start "tip." Instead of launching the Start menu, the Start "tip" takes you back to the Start screen. You can always change the tiles on the Start screen for your most-used applications, but for some - who wanted the full menu with all of its application and settings options - this may not be enough.
More Customization
Still, there are some other new features that may give the old Windows fans a more valuable experience. When you boot up Windows 8 right now, it takes you straight to the new touch screen-optimized tile system. But in Windows 8.1, there will be an option for your computer to boot straight to the desktop mode, eliminating an extra step that desktop enthusiasts currently have to take.
Other new features are all about personalizing your Windows experience. There are more backgrounds, including live wallpapers, for the Start screen, and the background can be shared between your tiled Start screen and the more traditional desktop mode. Resizing is also a big new feature for Windows 8.1, allowing more tile sizes and app window sizes, and two apps can share the screen simultaneously, so you can optimize your screen space more efficiently.
Apps and Store
Apps will be upgraded and baked into the system more, along with an improved Windows Store in Windows 8.1. The Photos app will have more editing features that you can access from other apps like Mail, Camera, or SkyDrive, and the Music app has been completely redesigned. Additionally, you'll be able to use camera features straight from the lock screen, to display and take pictures without having to log in. The Windows Store will show more information on apps than currently, with app listings including details on things like free apps and new releases, along with a "related apps" section while your browsing.
More From the Cloud
Other improvements include Windows 8.1's connectivity to the cloud. In the new system, your files can be saved right to SkyDrive, and the SkyDrive app will incorporate both cloud-based files and offline files.
The search box is also getting an improvement, bringing up results from both your computer files and apps, along with web search results from Bing (though, unsurprisingly, you won't be able to change the search box's default Bing to something like Google).
While the release date hasn't been officially announced, we'll get a preview of the new operating system during the June 26-28 Microsoft Build Developer Conference, and the actual release should be happening later this year.
(Windows Blog via Cnet)
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
