Windows 8.1 Preview: Refinements and Key Updates
The Windows 8.1 Preview, released in 2013, was Microsoft’s response to user feedback on Windows 8. It introduced several refinements and new features designed to improve usability and address some of the concerns that users had with the original Windows 8 release. Here’s a look at the key highlights of the Windows 8.1 Preview:
Start Button Returns
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 8.1 was the return of the Start button on the desktop, which had been removed in Windows 8. While it didn’t bring back the classic Start menu, it provided a familiar way for users to access the Start screen, making navigation more intuitive for users coming from older versions of Windows.
Customizable Start Screen
Windows 8.1 introduced greater customization options for the Start screen. Users could now:
- Resize live tiles into four different sizes (small, medium, wide, large), offering more flexibility in how apps were displayed.
- Change the background and colors of the Start screen, including the option to use the desktop wallpaper as the Start screen background for a more unified look.
- Group apps into named categories for better organization.
Enhanced Search
With Windows 8.1, Microsoft introduced Smart Search powered by Bing. This allowed users to search for files, settings, apps, and web results directly from the Start screen. It provided a more integrated and comprehensive search experience, displaying results in a visually rich layout with web, app, and local results combined.
Improved Multitasking
Windows 8.1 expanded its multitasking capabilities, particularly in Snap View. Users could now:
- Snap multiple apps side by side and adjust the screen space each app took up. The update allowed for up to four apps to be displayed at once on larger screens, compared to the previous limit of two.
- Apps could be resized to share screen space equally, or in custom proportions, making multitasking smoother and more flexible.
New Apps and App Updates
Windows 8.1 came with several new and updated apps, including:
- Mail: Improved with more advanced organization features and a cleaner interface.
- Calendar and People apps: Updated for better functionality and integration with other services.
- Skype: Integrated deeply into the OS, making it the default app for calls and messages.
- Reading List: A new app that allowed users to save content for later reading, whether from the web or other apps.
- Internet Explorer 11: IE11 was faster and more touch-friendly, with support for more modern web standards and improved performance on tablets.
SkyDrive Integration
SkyDrive (now OneDrive) was more deeply integrated into Windows 8.1, making it easier to save and sync files to the cloud. Users could automatically back up their settings, apps, and files, making access seamless across different devices. This integration allowed users to manage both local and cloud files directly from File Explorer.
Better Touch and Mouse/Keyboard Support
Windows 8.1 focused on improving the experience for both touchscreen and mouse/keyboard users. The update added several features, such as:
- Boot to desktop: Users could now choose to bypass the Start screen and boot directly to the desktop, which was a welcome change for users who primarily worked in desktop mode.
- New gestures for touch users and more traditional shortcuts for keyboard users, improving usability across a range of devices.
PC Settings Access
In Windows 8, many users found it frustrating to switch between the desktop Control Panel and the PC Settings app. Windows 8.1 brought more system settings directly into the PC Settings app, minimizing the need to jump between the two interfaces. This streamlined the process of changing system configurations, especially for touchscreen users.
Windows Store Improvements
The Windows Store received a redesign in Windows 8.1, making it easier to find and discover apps. App updates were now automatically installed, and the store interface was more user-friendly, with better recommendations and navigation.
Conclusion
The Windows 8.1 Preview was a significant improvement over Windows 8, addressing many of the criticisms and usability issues that users had raised. By reintroducing the Start button, improving multitasking, enhancing the Start screen, and adding deeper cloud integration, Windows 8.1 made the operating system more user-friendly and versatile for both desktop and tablet users. It offered a more cohesive experience for those using Windows on a variety of devices, with better support for both touchscreens and traditional keyboard/mouse setups.