The removal of the Windows 8 Start button last year turned out to be a hot-button issue for users of Microsoft's latest operating system. Following a range of feedback
from customers, Microsoft is now preparing to release Windows 8.1 on
October 18th with a Start button. The latest OS update also includes
optional changes to boot to desktop and disable hot corners, but the Start button is a permanent addition that users can not switch off.
Ad also highlights boot to desktop
Microsoft is choosing to highlight the button return in a new Windows 8.1 ad. After launching a "Windows Everywhere"
campaign back in June, the latest Windows 8.1 ad follows a similar
pattern. It highlights the ability to start up to the desktop (boot to
desktop) and "hit the start button to flip back and forth" between the
desktop and "Metro" Start Screen. Similarly, it also ends by featuring a
Windows tablet, PC, and Surface.
At Intel's developer forum recently, Microsoft's head of marketing, Tami Reller, revealed
that the company's August activations for Windows 8 were the highest so
far. Microsoft has been focusing on back to school promotions and it's
gearing up for new PCs and its own Surface 2 release ahead of the
holidays. After Surface and Windows tablets got off to a slow start last
holiday, Microsoft has partnered up with Best Buy
and some European retailers to create Windows Stores inside retail
locations. The company clearly hopes the retail presence and new ads
will help convince consumers to opt for a Windows tablet this fall.
Windows 8.1: Release date
Windows 8.1 will be officially launched at the Microsoft Build developer conference in San Francisco on June 26. But you won't be able to get hold of it immediately. The final version will be available as a free downloadable Windows 8 update 'late 2013', according to Microsoft. At that point also expect some new Windows Blue hardware in time for Christmas.Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 8.1 will be released on 17 October at midday in the UK. "It’s very exciting to be delivering Windows 8.1 to consumers just before Windows 8 celebrates its 1-year anniversary." it said.
It will be available as retail and on new device starting from 18 October.
For now you can give the Windows 8.1 Preview a trial run. See also: How to try out Windows 8.1 Preview in the UK.
What is Windows 8.1 (aka Windows Blue)?
Windows Blue is a new version of the Windows 8 operating system which Microsoft is working on. Instead of releasing service packs, Microsoft will issue new versions of the OS much like Apple does with OS X.The firm already does a similar thing with Windows Phone, for example, 7.5 'Mango' and 8 'Apollo'.
Tammi Reller, head of marketing and finance for the Windows, said: "It will deliver the latest new innovations across an increasingly broad array of form factors of all sizes, display, battery life and performance, while creating new opportunities for our ecosystem. It will provide more options for businesses, and give consumers more options for work and play."
Windows 8.1: What new features will it bring?
Microsoft has given a 'first look' at Windows 8.1, detailing some of the new features which will arrive with the update.Personalisation and apps
As leaked information suggested, users will be able to personalise the OS more. The Lock screen can now display a slideshow of photos (plus the camera can be used without needing to log in). There will also be more colours and backgrounds for the Start screen.
The updated Start screen will offer new larger and smaller tile sizes. "You can now select multiple apps all at once, resize them, uninstall them, or rearrange them." said Microsoft.
Newly installed apps won't be added to the Start screen automatically, instead it will be displayed in a 'new' section of the apps menu. Microsoft said users will also be able to view apps by name, date installed, most used or by category.
Microsoft said the pre-loaded apps in Windows 8 will be improved including Photos and Music. There will also be some new apps which are yet to be announced and Snap Views will let you resize apps to the any size and the ability to have three apps on-screen at once for better multi-tasking.
"Also in Windows 8.1, you can have multiple windows of the same app snapped together – such as two Internet Explorer windows." added Microsoft.
Windows Store
Microsoft will update the Windows Store in version 8.1. A redesign will aim to show more information and a search bar at the top. Listing are more descriptive and includes an related apps section to help you find new apps.
Search
The search section of the Charms bar will give 'global search results powered by Bing' in order to give you the best result. It will work for the web, apps, files, SkyDrive and actions you can take.
"Quick actions include things you would want to do like play a song or video. Results from local files, apps, and settings are easily accessed in the same convenient view by scrolling to the left." said the firm.
Other
Other updates will include PC settings which can be accessed without using the control panel and Internet Explorer 11 touting better performance. SkyDrive will also let you save files directly to the cloud and offline access.
In what is, in a way, the return of the Start menu, the Start 'tip' will now be the Windows logo and pop up when the mouse is moved to the bottom left hand corner of the screen. It will also be visible whenever you're in Desktop mode.
"There are also options to change what the corners do, and options to boot into alternate screens. For example, if you prefer to see the Apps view versus all the tiles, you can choose to have the Start screen go directly to Apps view." said Microsoft.
See also: Microsoft to bring back Start button in Windows 8.1.
A rumour is that users will be able to boot straight to the desktop rather than the Start Screen. This is not currently possible in Windows 8. We'll have to wait and see if this tips up.
