Advice Request Exclusive first look at some of the new features in Windows 8.1

[Imran]

The Start screen in Windows 8.1 features a variety of tile sizes including a new large and new small tile, so you can organize your Start screen exactly the way you want it.

Windows 8.1 offers more colors and backgrounds for the Start screen – including ones with motion.
You can even choose your desktop background as your Start screen background, creating a greater sense of unity and familiarity.

In Windows 8.1 your files can be saved directly to SkyDrive, so you can always have your files with you. The new SkyDrive app gives you access to your files that are on your device or in the cloud, and files are accessible even when offline. Also, when you log on to your Windows 8.1 device with your Microsoft account (Outlook.com by default), your device magically becomes personalized with your settings and apps, making switching or setting up a new device really easy.

Windows 8.1 brings variable, continuous size of snap views.

You will have more ways to see multiple apps on the screen at the same time. You can resize apps to any size you want, share the screen between two apps, or have up to three apps on each screen.

Source(Windows Official Facebook page)

 

[Jack]

Any info if Windows 8.1 will include the traditional Start button? I find that Windows 8 is mainly designed for the touch screens, hopefully this update, will make Windows more desktop friendly!\

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EDIT: And it's back : Microsoft 'U-turn' sees Start button back on Windows 8 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22714048

 

[Petrovic]

Windows 8.1 Start button

 

[Tom172]

From that article it seems the new Start Button will still just take you to the Metro interface, which isn't exactly backtracking on what they're done with Windows 8.

 

[Nige_40]

Windows 8.1

Info about Windows 8.1

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/30/continuing-the-windows-8-vision-with-windows-8-1.aspx

and this: http://mashable.com/2013/05/30/windows-8-1-start-button/

I hope this guide help all the Windows 8 users

Regards

Nigel

 

[carl fish]

Will existing windows 8 users be able to upgrade to windows 8.1 for free, also is there any idea of when it will be released to the public?

 

[Nathan Wootton]

A preview download of Windows 8.1 will be released to the public in June, and a final version before the end of the year. Both will be free of charge to existing users.

 

[Littlebits]

From that article it seems the new Start Button will still just take you to the Metro interface, which isn't exactly backtracking on what they're done with Windows 8.

It will not make the user experience more friendly since it just runs in the metro environment. Another fail for Microsoft.

Most users don't need two work environments, it is just stupid to have to switch between metro and desktop to do simple tasks.

The only thing that I even use metro for is playing games, everything else I do from the desktop.

It is just too late for Microsoft to recover from the loss of sells for Windows 8 especially offering an incomplete start button. The small amount of users who have already adapted to Windows 8 metro design will not benefit from Windows 8.1. Most users who are already using a start menu replacement for Windows 8 or who have chosen to not upgrade will also not benefit either.

Maybe Microsoft can regain the sells with Windows 9 if they choose to listen to their users needs.

Thanks.

 

[Ink]

Ditto.

I play Radiant Defense and other puzzle games (ie. Blocked In), but not the Xbox games because they connect with your Microsoft account.

The only thing that I even use metro for is playing games, everything else I do from the desktop.

 

[jamescv7]

Will existing windows 8 users be able to upgrade to windows 8.1 for free, also is there any idea of when it will be released to the public?

It will be available on Windows Store once published from Build Conference this June perhaps.

 

[McLovin]

I still personally think it looks the same and should of been a service pack....

 

[Ink]

I believe it's a trend of current software releases, hence ditching the "Service Pack" title.

 

[jamescv7]

They can use Service Pack when most dealing security enhancement component so I think having 8.1 is ok since they provide additional features and changes.

 

[McLovin]

I just think it's turning into what Chrome and Firefox does. Releasing updates every month. IF they decide to keep doing this Windows 8.1 and so on I reckon by the end of the year it will be up to Windows 8.9.32.1.

Just my opinion.

 

[jamescv7]

Photos from Neowin Article

 

[McLovin]

Might have to fix the images, as I heard Neowin has picture hotlink protection.

 

[jamescv7]

Might have to fix the images, as I heard Neowin has picture hotlink protection.

Yes, Neowin images are not easily displayed when visited nor log in however those images appear on my browser even didn't browse on that site.

 

[Ink]

By the way, IE11 will be coming with Windows 8.1, as you may have read.

James and McLovin, you can view the images only after having visited the main URL of the Article, for now I recommend using an image file hosting site. I have replaced the image URLs to Imgur. Thanks.