Windows 8.1 preview launched by Microsoft

Microsoft has launched the Windows 8.1 preview - an early glimpse at the unfinalised update designed to improve the Windows 8 operating system.

Although the software remains fundamentally unchanged, there are a number of amendments of varying significance which should help to quell some of the criticism which has been levelled at Windows 8 since its launch in October 2012.

The Start Button

Among the most anticipated of the changes is the return of the Start button, which in the public beta version of the code resides in its familiar position in the lower left corner of the screen. Instead of automatically bringing up a host of options as it did in Windows 7 and earlier versions, it now allows the user to type in what they're looking for, before displaying the closest matching results. However, right clicking on the button brings up a more familiar menu, which includes the control panel, and shut down and restart.

Search

The new search tool enables users to search within the file directories of the computer itself, but also to extend that search out to the wider internet, including files stored in the user's SkyDrive account.

It also dives into the user's apps, for instance displaying relevant songs from the XBox Music service and allowing them to be played straight from the search tool.

Boot to Desktop

Like the Start Button, this is another oft-requested feature which has found its way into the update. Many desktop and laptop users have stated their irritation at being forced to boot to the Modern UI, which is arguably less relevant on a non-touch enabled device. Windows 8.1 allows the machine to be configured to boot to desktop, bypassing the Modern UI completely.

Apps - Four on screen at once

The update allows users to see four apps on-screen at once, if they have a screen with sufficient resolution. Previously only two apps could be seen at the same time, and even then one of them was relegated to the side bar.

Dragging application windows across multiple display environments will now also resize them to fit the resolution of each screen, meaning a better use of display real estate.

Windows Store

Moving on from apps, the Store itself has had a facelift, with a heavier emphasis on ratings and recommendations rather than simple categories.

In a move which will interest device obsessives, Microsoft has removed the five device limit on the number of machines purchased apps can be installed upon, instead hinting at complex algorithms designed to detect and deter license-dodging shenanigans.

Apps will also no auto-update rather than wait for the user to notice that an update is available and then click on it.

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Windows 8.1 preview launched by Microsoft

Update includes return of the Start menu, better SkyDrive integration, and improved search

Improved camera app and personalisation

Although unlikely to be of great interest to business users, the camera app has been redeveloped, and now offers much greater functionality. It now enables colour editing and enhancement, red eye reduction, and brightness and contrast adjustment among other features.

There are also now more colours to choose between to customise the backgrounds of various screens, and the lock screen can now display a slideshow of the users photos.

Rationalised Settings

Whereas previously users were offered different settings menus depending on whether they accessed it from the Modern UI or from the desktop, now both have been consolidated to display almost exactly the same options in both cases.

This move appears to reflect a greater confidence in the Modern UI from Microsoft, as previously users had the impression that Modern 'gave up' when asked to do something remotely complicated, like display Bluetooth or WiFi adaptor settings for instance, and instead threw the user back out to the desktop.

Making all necessary settings available in the Modern interface gives tablet and other touch-based form factor users less need to delve into the desktop, which is often a fiddly experience without a mouse or the Surface Pro's digital pen.

Conclusions

This is merely a public beta trial which Microsoft will use to gather data and feedback on their changes, but it nevertheless offers a view of how Windows 8 will look post-upgrade. Whilst none of the changes are sweeping, they represent a raft of improvements which address a number of user concerns and prove that the Redmond giant is listening to its customers, and is able to react to criticism.

With its strong legacy foothold in enterprise IT, and the growing importance of both mobility and touch to business users, one way or another, Windows 8 will be coming to many enterprise users in the coming years.