adminMicrosoft has announced the global availability of Windows 8.1, a feature-rich update to its popular Windows 8 operating system, enabling customers to create experiences that keep pace with their lives – at work, at home or on the go. Consumers with a Windows 8 device in more than 230 markets and 37 languages can download the free update via the online Windows Store. Windows 8.1 will also be available on new devices and as boxed software at retail locations around the world.
Windows 8.1 evolves the Windows vision for highly personalised computing while showcasing Microsoft’s continued commitment to rapid and responsive development.
It marks a wave of new, innovative devices coming for consumers and businesses – from the convenience and mobility of tablets and 2-in-1s to the productive experience expected from laptops, all-in-ones and specialised industry devices.
Many of these new devices are touch-enabled and will deliver advancements in processing power, battery life and design, across a range of price points.
“With Windows 8, we introduced an era of highly mobile, touch-enabled, and always-connected computing,” said Eric Odipo, general manager Microsoft East and Southern Africa
“Windows 8.1 evolves this vision and brings together everything people do across all their devices whether at home, at work or on the go. Windows is delivering the most personal computing experience out there, making your device a unique extension of you and offering more ways to create an experience that is personal, expressive and keeps pace with your life.”
Windows 8.1 offers a host of increased customisation refinements and functional improvements,including the following:
- Highly personal. An improved and more customisable Start screen offers variable tile sizes, more background designs and colours so each Windows device looks unique and personal to the individual. In addition, customers can choose how to start their Windows experience – at the Start screen or directly in the familiar Windows desktop – while all their Windows devices stay in sync with their Microsoft account.
- More familiar and easy to navigate. As an iconic part of the Windows experience, Windows 8.1 brings back the Start button as a familiar point of navigation. An updated apps view lets users see all their apps at once for easy access and new clicks and cues, as well as a Help + Tips app that getsthem up to speed quickly.
- Enhanced Search. The new Bing Smart Search provides the easiest way to find what’s needed on the device or on the Web in one beautiful and easy consolidated view that’s built for touch. Simply swipe or type from the Start screen and Smart Search will find it – whether it’s a document on a PC, a photo album on SkyDrive, a favourite app, a song from Xbox Music, or a website.
- Wide range of apps and services from the Start. Windows 8.1 is the most complete out-of-the-box experience. It offers a range of apps and services from the Start screen, allowing customers to quickly and easily do the things they love on Windows.
These include things such as catching up with friends and family via Skype, emailing effortlessly in the Mail app, watching movies and TV shows on Xbox Video, finding new recipes with the Bing Food &Drink app, or listening to free streaming music via Xbox Music.
Windows 8.1 also comes with the new Internet Explorer 11, which is fast, fluid and perfect for touch. Internet Explorer 11 brings enhanced touch performance, speed boosts, and synchronised browsing history, favourites and settings across all Windows 8.1 devices. – Microsoft.
Online Reporter