During the special event Build 2013, Microsoft introduced a preliminary version of the first major update of Windows 8.1. Among the main innovations are support for ultra-high resolutions and 3D printers (drivers and API), as well as new official Facebook and Flipboard applications. So let's go.
Interface
Most of the changes in Windows 8.1 are already noticeable from the start screen. It is noteworthy, but at first glance it seemed that Windows 8.1 looks like Windows Phone. It is worth mentioning at once the flexible setting of the tiles: resizing, moving, and grouping. In order to see all installed applications, just swipe upwards. In addition, in Windows 8.1, it became possible to use a desktop background image as such for the start screen. Until that time, the visual adjustment of the start screen was limited to a set of color themes. The transition between the desktop interface and the Metro interface has become almost imperceptible. Users are given the opportunity, after booting the system, to go straight to the desktop, bypassing the start screen, or set All Apps mode as the home page for the start screen. It seems that the software giant has listened to users and has made many personalization options.
The lock screen has also changed. Now you can get quick access to the camera, receive calls via Skype or display a slide show of photos from your hard drive or the SkyDrive cloud service directly to the screen, turning your PC into an electronic photo frame.
Start Button Returns
Microsoft, at the request of the workers, returned the Start button to the usual left bottom corner. As expected, the Start button will be optional and can be disabled. The start button is back, but not its functionality. Now she is responsible for calling the start screen from the desktop and returning back. Thus, we have a button from the Charms Bar sidebar. True, not so bad. In tandem with the All Apps mode, the Start button is a kind of quick access toolbar. If you click on the "Start" button of the RMB, the command line will pop up, and the "Shutdown" or "Restart" options of the system will be offered.
Multiple applications on one screen, multi-monitor support and Miracast technology
One of the distinguishing features of Windows 8.1 is to work with multiple applications simultaneously. This means that three or even four applications can be running at the same time, and not just two, which can be placed side by side in the same proportions, and not in the 30/70 ratio, as was the case in Windows 8. Regarding 7 and 8-inch tablets, where users can run two applications in landscape mode 50/50.
In Windows 8.1, working with multiple displays has been significantly improved. You can run multiple applications and broadcast them on multiple screens. It is worth noting that the Metro interface and the start screen are no longer tied to just one monitor. For a wireless connection, it is worth looking for monitors that support Miracast technology.
In Windows 8, the settings were distributed over two different angles: the first part was in the Metro interface menu, and the second in the Control Panel. In Windows 8.1, Microsoft collected all the settings in one place.
Search
Search in Windows 8.1 has been completely redesigned. Thanks to deep integration with the Bing search engine, results from multiple sources are displayed on request, both on the PC and on the web. The new interface Bing Heroes for convenience displays information on search queries with pictures and video. When you hover the cursor over a web link, the search interface shows a thumbnail of the site.
Windows Store
The Windows Store has received an updated design with an informative list of available purchases and downloads. There are many categories and lists. Recommendations are also added: that is, next to the application that the user is looking for, a list of recommended analogues is displayed.
Applications
Most applications in Windows 8.1 have been improved, but not all are included in the preliminary version. For example, improvements in the mail application do not work yet, but Microsoft promises that everything will be fixed by the release of the final version of Windows 8.1.
The software giant promises convenient sorting of letters and a simpler interface. One function still works correctly - it allows you to open the attached photo or link next to the open letter.
Improved work with photos. The application for working with photos added many new tools that allow you to change the hue, saturation, contrast, brightness, shadows, remove red eye or crop pictures. There are also many effects and filters for every taste.
Thanks to the Photosynth feature, which is part of the Camera app, you can create spherical panoramas.
The new version of the Internet Explorer 11 browser loads pages faster, WebGL support and the ability to create individual tiles that can be put on the start screen for quick access to RSS. Microsoft has filled the gap and made the synchronization of tabs in devices running Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone.
Unfortunately, there are still two versions of IE 11: desktop and Metro, and here the tabs are not synchronized. The new version of the browser will be able to recognize phone numbers on sites. We should also note the Reading List function, which is a repository for interesting bookmarks in the form of familiar tiles, sorted by adding time.
The new version of the update also appeared Xbox Music and Video, which offer to quickly find and buy the desired content. The Xbox Music is worth noting the function Radio, which allows you to create playlists based on personal preferences.
New applications in Windows 8.1 enough with the head: "Alarm", "Calculator", "Voice Recorder", "Fitness and Health", "Food and Drinks" and so on.
It is worth noting that the application "Food and Drinks" is a kind of recipe book and offers a fairly convenient control mode - without touching the screen with your fingers. To do this, use the capabilities of the camera. It is interesting to see how this works in practice.
findings
At the moment it is difficult to say whether Windows 8.1 will win the hearts of those who dislike Windows 8. Most of the changes made the software giant's OS more convenient to use. In general, all these updates will make Windows 8.1 much better for tablet and ultrabook owners with touch screens. How this update will help the new Microsoft OS will show time.
Download Windows 8.1 can .
First impressions from colleagues with Theverge:
The article is based on materials .
Comments
Post a Comment