Windows 8.1 is loaded with new features. Microsoft revealed new features and improvements to Windows 8.1, previously called 'Windows Blue'. The first major upgrade to Windows 8 makes the user interface friendlier, adding new capabilities and including support for smaller-screen devices. Fox News reported updates and enhancements to Windows 8.1, which include: lock screen slide shows, additional start screen options, Bing-powered global search, built-in apps, wide-ranging Windows store, SkyDrive saving, Internet Explorer 11 and upgraded mouse/keyboard selections.
Screen Updates
The lock screen on the updated Windows 8.1 can be turned into a slideshow of photos taken straight from the device or SkyDrive. With Windows 8.1, users can also take photos straight from the Lock screen using the built-in camera. While Windows 8 allowed users to choose colors and backgrounds for the Start screen, Windows 8.1 adds extra personalization options. Windows 8.1 offers more tile sizes as well as colors, and makes personalizing the Start screen a more controlled process.
Aggregated Global Search
Microsoft's Windows 8.1 eliminates the need to select an app and then search via the Search charm. Windows 8.1 is powered by Bing, an aggregated search system pulling from the web, your files, SkyDrive and more.
New, Built-In Apps
Many of the new Windows 8.1 apps are utilities. Calculator includes standard and scientific views. Alarms has a timer, stopwatch and countdown functions. Reading List is a new Windows 8.1 app similar to Instapaper or Pocket, which allows users to save content to read later. Windows 8.1 users can save a link, email, app snippets, tweets and more. Health and Fitness app tracks calories and workout schedules by gathering information about diet and exercise. Another Windows 8.1 app will include the Food and Drink app, which highlights recipes and cooking. With a hands-free mode, users can bypass direct contact with the touchscreen and make a swiping gesture in front of the webcam to 'turn pages'.
The camera app already existed in the Windows 8, but the Windows 8.1 version gets an update. With a few new controls, including a real-time implementation of Microsoft's PhotoSynth technology, according to ZDNet. This Windows 8.1 technology allows users to create and stitch together panoramas, which is suitable for smaller devices. The Windows 8 Photos app is also scheduled for an update to photo editing features.
Aside from built-in apps, Windows 8.1 will include snap views, improving the ability to run multiple apps at once. Snap views on Windows 8.1 allows users to view more than two apps on your screen, resize the apps and build the interface to their liking. This Windows 8.1 features improves multitasking.
Comprehensive Windows Store
Windows 8.1 app updates will install automatically in the background. Microsoft promises to also give more detailed information on each app prior to downloading, as well as a search function in the upper right for easy access.
"The improved Windows Store is designed to show more info than before in Windows 8 with detailed lists of top free apps, new releases, and picks for you on the homepage. The app listing is more descriptive and informative and includes an area for related apps to help with app discovery," Microsoft's Head of Windows Program Management Antoine Leblond said according to Tech Radar.
Save Direct To SkyDrive
Windows 8.1 files can be saved directly to the SkyDrive app. This Microsoft app also gets a new update so that files can be saved offline as well. Windows 8.1 users can log into their device using Outlook.com. SkyDrive will then sync all the settings and apps.
Internet Explorer 11
Fox News reports that Windows 8.1 will use Internet Explorer 11, which offers better touch performance, speedier page loads and more. Windows 8.1 users can adjust the appearance of their Internet Explorer 11 and have as many tabs opens as they wish. According to ZDNet, Internet Explorer 11 moved the tabs to the bottom, just above the address bar. Windows 8.1 Internet Explorer 11 allows users to add items to the Favorites list from the Metro-style browser as well.
Mouse and Keyboard
Windows 8.1 features improved navigation using a mouse and keyboard for devices without touch. When users move the mouse to the bottom left, a Windows tip appears. Also, users can boot to alternate screens automatically.
"We've focused on a number of improvements to ensure easier navigation for people using a mouse and keyboard," Antoine Leblond, corporate vice president of Windows Program Management, said in a blog post. "We've improved the way you navigate to Start with the mouse by changing the Start 'tip' to be the familiar Windows logo," Leblond says according to ABC News.
Return Of The Start Button
Microsoft has brought back the start button in the updated Windows 8.1. Windows 8 had removed the Start button after building a new operating system, according to Mashable, but users wanted it back. The new start button for Windows 8.1 is a visual cue indicating how to return to the Start screen.
"We've learned a lot from customers in how they are using the product and have received a lot of feedback," Leblond said. "We've been watching, we've been listening. Windows 8.1 will continue to build on what you love bringing the latest advancements in hardware, apps, cloud services and the OS to enable a unique experience in everything you do."
Release Date
The final Windows 8.1 release date is late 2013, according to a Windows blog post. In a post on the official Windows blog on May 7, Tamy Reller, Microsoft's chief marketing office and chief financial officer, confirmed that the Windows 8.1 update will be available later this year, and certainly in time for the holiday season.
[Source: iDigitalTimes]
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