In what is likely a strong contender for the worst kept secret ever, Microsoft has announced the first major revision of Windows 8. Gone is the internal “Blue” codename and avoided is the boring SP naming of old. Instead, it’s time to meet Windows 8.1.
Those hoping that Microsoft would see the error of 8 and bring back a more traditional Windows are going to be disappointed. This isn’t a recanting of the new user interface. Rather, it’s a refining of what worked in 8. Microsoft has added several features that were always a goal but weren’t ready by launch and has also listened to user feedback (wait, what?) and adjusted the actual user experience.
The key change to many will be the return of the Start menu, now a dynamic element on the lower left of the Start screen. Pervasive in desktop view, it can be called up on Start view via moving the mouse to the lower left (or swiping).
See the lower left? And there was much rejoicing.
There has also been another return to tradition with how Windows 8.1 handles multiple applications. The OS no longer limits you to two open windows on screen at the same time (although there are still some caveats) and will play nicer with multiple screen setups. Searching has seen an improvement as well, feeling more like the universal search of Mac OS. Microsoft has built even more of Bing’s search functionality in, which is a smart move. Searching feels more naturalistic, with a central place to search. If you search for media on your computer, you don’t have to launch an app to play it; you can do it via the search’s Quick Actions.
Other areas that have seen improvement include:
- The photos app, with more editing and sharing options.
- More personalization options with the Start screen, better visual continuity between the new look and the traditional desktop view, new tile sizes, and tweaks to the mobile-esque “lock screen” that make it feel more like something you’d find on a phone (like the ability to take a picture from the lock screen).
- Tighter integration with SkyDrive, allowing you to save directly, and the ability to carry your settings from device to device via your MS account. The latter was an early promise, and something I’m dying to test.
- An improved on-screen keyboard for touch-based devices, as well as predictive suggestions.
- Speaking of touch, a bunch of changes, including gesturing from corners, have been made.
One of the most important changes to this techhead is an improved Settings menu. The final version of Windows 8 clustered many of the traditional Control Panel tools in a “Misc” heading. Microsoft has brought the traditional CP to Windows 8.1, which should alleviate more than a little confusion.
Right now, Windows 8.1 is a fresh announcement, with no hands on floating around. We hope to have a test run on the OS for you to read soon. Windows 8.1 will be a free update to existing Windows 8 users, available “later this year.” When it does hit, Techcitement would like to issue a friendly reminder: Wait at least 48 hours before applying a major release like this, just in case there are unreported bugs.
Comments are closed.