Microsoft has named Windows Blue as Windows 8.1 and will offer it to existing Windows 8 users for free, with the public beta to be released on 26 June.
Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system has polarised opinion, largely due to its two distinct user interfaces and lack of start button. The firm has moved relatively quickly to try to minimise the fallout from Windows 8 by talking of an update codenamed Windows Blue. Now Microsoft has said that it will be known asWindows 8.1 and will be offered as a free update to existing Windows 8 users.
Tami Reller, CMO and CFO of Microsoft's Windows division told delegates at JP Morgan's Technology, Media and Telecoms conference that Windows Blue will be now be known as Windows 8.1, and that the free update will be distributed to existing Windows 8 users through the Windows Store.
In a blog post, Microsoft spun Windows 8.1 as a continuation of the journey that the firm began with Windows 8, though what the destination will be is another question entirely. The firm said, "Windows 8.1 will help us to deliver the next generation of PCs and tablets with our OEM partners and to deliver the experiences customers - both consumers and businesses alike - need and will just expect moving forward."
Microsoft also announced that it will release a public beta of Windows 8.1 on 26 June and said it will be available for both Windows 8 and Windows RT. The firm said it will release Windows 8.1 before the end of the year, and for some Windows 8 users it can't come too soon.
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.
User Interface
- Smaller Live Tiles – At present Windows 8 does not support smaller-sized tiles, making it difficult to accommodate and emphasize certain tiles on the home screen. Windows Blue will enable the users to customize the size of each desired tile (choose from options of Large, Medium and Small), thus making the screen fully customizable.
- Color options have been updated with many new shades to choose
- Snapview – This will enable screen space-sharing between two applications, and in some higher resolution monitors; permitting up to 4 applications, thus enabling users to operate applications simultaneously
- Networking options will now be available for quick switching between networks and access to VPN settings.
Skydrive
Windows Blue will see a more intense integration of Skydrive within the system. Users will be able to access the skydrive option from the Charms Menu. It will show the storage usage, devices and files that are backed up. It also will provide automatic photo and video uploads, which can be customized based on the quality of the media.
New Applications
Windows Blue will present a host of new small but useful applications, such as alarm clock (to set recurring alarms); sound recorder; and a calculator (with options to convert temperature, weight, etc.)
An application to look out for will be Movie Moments, which will serve as a replacement to Windows Movie Maker.
Although the codename for this update is called Windows Blue, the official release version will still be deemed as Windows 8.1.
A preview version will be available from the Windows store in late June for the users who own Windows 8.
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