[News] Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Update 1

[FlashD]

The Windows 8.1 Update delivers a collection of refinements designed to give people a more familiar and convenient experience across touch, keyboard and mouse inputs. It also brings improvements for business customers, really accelerates opportunity for developers, and enables device makers to offer lower cost devices.

Full article here.

At the Microsoft Build 2014 developer conference held in San Francisco, a formal release date was announced for Windows 8.1 Update 1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Update 1. The update will be available via Windows Update on Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday which falls on April 8th.

But what does this update bring?

• For non-touch enabled users: Users hating the new Modern UI interface will certainly like that the OS got the mouse and keyboard options back, along with the ability to pin the Store apps to the taskbar.
  
• Performance: Microsoft improved the overall performance and lowered the system requirements, so low-budget devices can also benefit from the OS.
  
• Seamless browsing on all devices: IE11 now adapts your sites to make them look like they were made just for your device.

Of course this is just a small list. Check the link above for more details. Windows 8 users cannot benefit from this update without first upgrading to Windows 8.1, which is free in the Windows Store.

As a sneak peek, Microsoft also showed a "new" feature coming at a later date on all Windows 8.1 and probably Windows Server 2012 R2 devices (below).

[GameGeeks]

Still think it's a bad idea for a PC OS. You still have the annoying interface from before 8.1 running in the background taking up resources.

[Ranshiin]

Proof that the decision to drop the tried-and-proven 'classic' taskbar/start menu layout was a bad idea for Ye Average Home PC Desktope User. Also a disappointment that it took them this long to put it back ... although in that light I -do- have to give Microsoft some credit for actually (eventually) listening to user feedback.


Unfortunately, I still don't see myself 'upgrading' to Windows 8 or 8.1 just because they gave in to the majority and put the start menu back. I think the damage has been done and they'll hopefully not make this mistake for Windows 9.

[GameGeeks]

@Ranshiin There's rumor that Windows 9 will be a cloud based OS. And given the current CEO used to run the cloud part of the company makes it a real possibility.

[FlashD]

Well, Microsoft is usually the one that tries to bring in innovations. Some things work, other don't or work at a later time (like the tablet). Touch is the short-term future though, there is no arguing about it. If nothing else, you will have a tablet-like keyboard. :P Windows 8.1 Update 1 doesn't bring the start menu back though. The provided image is only the introduction to an upcoming update, planned for some time this year.

[AllHopeInEclipse]

The start menu is totally useless in my opinion, and not a missed feature. I just hope they can do something about the resources of the tile screen.