Windows 8.1 is coming

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Category: Industry News
Published on Friday, 28 June 2013 00:30
Written by Christian Dunn
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What is Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 is the next service pack for Windows 8.

 The good things to come are:

  • Start Button
  • Single SkyDrive app (for Start Screen and Desktop)
  • More resize options for live tiles on the start screen
  • Customisation of the lock screen
  • Run more than two applications side by side on a screen
  • Improved visual search and web integration for search
  • New onscreen keyboard
  • Reading List, a read it later type application
  • new Calculator application

It seems underwhelming when you read that list but I definitely think these changes are going to make a great difference making the Metro side of Windows more mobile/android like and providing desktop users with some of the features they feel they have been missing.

I still don't like the fact there are some applications that don't seamlessly work between the desktop and the apps sections of windows. Internet Explorer 11 is a good example. Many users may not realise there are two separate versions of IE installed on Windows 8, one for the start menu and one for the desktop. Even Chrome has an option to allow it to switch between the two, why can't Windows 8? I still find a real separation in usability between the apps and the desktop when using Windows 8. It is also concerning that not all apps may work on the Windows 8.1 update. Hopefully this is resolved before release as I can see this frustrating users.

Technet and MSDN subscribers can try out the Windows 8.1 preview now and the full edition should be available for everyone in the 3rd quarter of 2013.


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