Windows 8.1 Debut | A old Windows in a new Style | Features and Review

Many of you might be thinking of Windows 8 as a big time flop after Windows Vista. Ever enterprises that switched to Windows 8 are going back after seeing that the new metro design is a big fuss and no use. Microsoft must keep up its top position in PC market in order to survive in the software world. One wrong step and thats good bye Microsoft.

Microsoft has released its Windows 8.1 Preview for use by developers and customers. It is supposed to be a free update to Windows 8 later this year. Microsoft has come up to meet customer grievances and allow some major software makeover. Some rumors state that it has already been distributed to OEMs. When Windows 8 was first launched, many of us lauded the new Metro design but some felt that such drastic redisigns may make the UI unfamiliar to naive users.

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/od

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

 

When Windows 8 was first launched, there were many who lauded the new UI, but at the same time there were those who felt that the change was too drastic and that there were some elements of the older Windows operating system that Microsoft should have kept around, the Start Button being one of them. Well the good news is that if you have been waiting for Windows 8.1, it could soon be rolled out because according to Win8China, word is that Microsoft has already issued the latest build of Windows 8.1 for final testing. This particular build is said to be the last build before the update is pushed out to the masses, so we expect that if this is the case, it will not be too long before Windows 8 users are notified that it is time to update their operating system. Windows 8.1 is expected to be a pretty important update since Microsoft believes it will “refine the vision of Windows 8”. The consumer preview has been available for download but for those who have not bothered, hopefully it will not be too long before the update begins its rollout!: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/08/windows-8-1-reportedly-being-issued-to-oems/

Boot to desktop, Start button, and easier navigation

Two of the biggest complaints of Windows 8 was having to deal with the modern-style Start screen when logging in, and the lack of a Start button. For users on a traditional PC without touchscreen capabilities, it made no sense and was confusing. Microsoft listened, returning a Start button, boot to desktop, and giving users the ability to make the new modern-style interface less in your face. This should be welcomed by users of computers with a mouse and keyboard who prefer to stay in the desktop environment. It's not set up by default, but it's simple enough to configure.

 
 On the desktop, right-click the taskbar and select Properties to open "command central" for tweaking Windows to get it just the way you want it. It provides options to bypass the Start screen and go straight to the desktop when you log in, sort programs so your desktop ones appear first on the list, and disables aspects of the modern UI so it isn't as invasive.

Another subtle but effective change in the navigation settings is the ability to sort all apps more easily, set desktop apps to be listed first, and keep your desktop background on the Start screen.

New lock screen features

The lock screen in Windows 8 was mediocre at best. It allowed you to get app notifications, and while that function is still there, more have been added. You can now accept Skype video, voice, and text calls, and access your device's camera, much like you can with iOS and Android. And another cool feature is the ability to create slide shows from images and photos stored on your local device or in the cloud on SkyDrive.

Full SkyDrive integration

In Windows 8.1 you no longer need to install a separate desktop version of SkyDrive. It's all integrated into the modern interface and the desktop. It's also integrated into the new search feature, which makes finding your files much easier. The modern-style SkyDrive app now lets you save files for offline access, and provides easier management of your stored files.

New built-in Bing apps and utilities

When it comes to built-in apps in Windows 8, Microsoft's own Bing apps were probably the best developed and most usable. Apps like News, Sports, Maps, Weather and others are still in 8.1 but have been improved over the past year. The two most impressive are Bing Health & Fitness and Bing Food & Drink. The Health & Fitness app provides a diet and exercise tracker, nutrition plans, prescription drug information, health news and a lot more. Bing Food & Drink offers recipes, meal plans, cooking tips from celebrity chefs, wine and cocktail guides, and the ability to create your shopping list.

Another notable new app is Reading List, which lets you collect articles from Internet Explorer 11 and save them for offline reading. To use it, open the modern version of IE, bring up the charms bar, and select Share charm. Other apps include Alarms, Calculator, and Sound Recorder, which weren't in the first iteration of Windows 8, believe it or not.

Snap for everyone

Even the previous restrictions of 1366x768 resolution for snap to work has been lifted as evident from Windows 8.1 Preview. Also, now you can stretch one app to 3/4th of the screen and the other to 1/4 of the screen. 

Summing up

This is a look at just a few of the new features in Windows 8.1 with tips that should help you get started more quickly. If you're using Windows 8 currently, and not too thrilled about it, the 8.1 update will provide easier navigation, new apps and other welcome features. The 8.1 update is for Windows RT too, which finally includes Outlook 2013. The update is free to all current Windows 8 users and is due to be released later this month.

Previewing Windows 8 | Windows 8 Microsoft | Windows 8 Features | Best Operating System ever |

Previewing Windows 8

What's next?

“We reimagined Windows,” says Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows andWindows Live Division at Microsoft. Steven recently unveiled the touch-first user interface of Windows 8, along with a whole host of other new features.

The company also highlighted a variety of new features in Windows 8, including the following:

Touch-First User Interface

•	Metro style. Windows 8 introduces a new Metro style interface built for touch, which shows information important to you, embodies simplicity and gives you control. The Metro style UI is equally at home with a mouse and keyboard as well.
•	Touch-first browsing, not just browsing on a touch device. Providing a fast and fluid touch-browsing experience, Internet Explorer 10 puts sites at the center on new Windows 8 devices.

More Ways to Engage With Powerful, Connected Apps

•	Powered by apps. Metro style apps built for Windows 8 are the focal point of your experience, filling your entire screen so there are no distractions.
•	Apps can work together. Apps communicate with each other in Windows 8. For example, you can easily select and email photos from different places, such as Facebook, Flickr or on your hard drive.
•	Your experience syncs across your devices. Live roams all the content from the cloud services you use most — photos, email, calendar and contacts — keeping them up-to-date on your devices. With SkyDrive, you can access your files, photos and documents from virtually anywhere with any browser or with Metro style apps in Windows 8.

Enhanced Fundamentals

•	The best of Windows 7, only better. Windows 8 is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7, delivering improvements in performance, security, privacy and system reliability. Windows 8 reduces the memory footprint needed — even on the lowest-end hardware — leaving more room for your apps.
•	Preserving power-user favorites and making them better. For those who push the limits of their PC, Windows 8 features an enhanced Task Manager and Windows Explorer and new, flexible options for multimonitor setups.

New Developer Opportunities

•	Windows Store. The Windows Store will allow developers to sell their apps anywhere Windows is sold worldwide, whether they’re creating new games or familiar productivity tools.
•	Build using more languages. Windows 8 lets you leverage your existing skills and code assets to create great experiences using the programming language you prefer.
•	Rich hardware integration leads to richer experiences — particularly for games. DirectX 11 gaming power underlies Windows 8, allowing the easy creation of full-screen games with smooth, flicker-free action.

New Generation of Hardware

•	One Windows — many shapes and sizes. Support for ARM-based chipsets, x86 (as well as x32 and x64) devices, touch and sensors means Windows 8 works beautifully across a spectrum of devices, from 10-inch tablets and laptops to all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens.
•	Always connected. With Windows 8, new ultrathin PCs and tablets turn on instantly, run all day on a single charge and stay connected to the Internet so your PC is ready when you are. Next-generation system on a chip (SoC) support will also enable greatly extended standby and low-power states.
•	Tap the full power of your PC. Windows 8 runs on PCs and is compatible with the devices and programs you use today on Windows 7, without compromise, to deliver the performance you expect of a PC.

Beyond seeing highlights of the work done on devices by partners including AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments, attendees at BUILD also received a Samsung prototype PC with Windows Developer Preview to aid them in creating and testing apps. Developers will also be able to download the Windows Developer Preview via the new Windows Dev Center later this week. Webcasts of sessions will be posted on the BUILD site as well.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it’s commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

Download the Windows 8 Developer Preview