Microsoft proves it listens to the public and brings back the Start Button. Image by freestockimages
Windows 8.1 Beta: New Features
Along with the addition of the Start button, there are new and more advanced features added to Windows 8.1. One of those is the search function, which is better than ever before. While it uses the Bing search engine for the Internet, it also allows users to search for apps, documents and items with a simple swipe of the screen.
The developers have also used the Kinect technology to make the screen hands-free. You can wave your arm in front of the screen to scroll up and down the screen. This is perfect for users who don’t want to put messy hands on the screen – but maybe not so great if you have kids around.
Finally, split-screen mode has come to your computer. The developers now allow more than one app on display at a time. If you have a small screen, such as a netbook or tablet, you’ll be able to have two apps running side-by-side at the same time. If you have a bigger screen, you’ll be able to run and view up to four apps at the same time.
The Start Button Returns: Microsoft Does Listen
While it is still in a testing phase, many Windows 8 users will be happy to hear that Microsoft is listening by returning the Start Button, and has also introduced many other features to adapt or build on current features of Windows 8. There is no release date for the Windows 8.1 for the public yet – but Windows 8 users, who are the ones affected by the missing Start Button, can currently download the upgrade.
If you’re a Windows 7 or 8 user, and you’d like to install 8.1, be aware that there is no uninstall button if you don’t like it! You can always restore your system to an earlier date, or reinstall your original operating system to get back to normal – or even install Windows 8.1 to a native boot virtual hard disk and test in dual-boot.
Whatever method you choose, enjoy that Start Button!
References:
Woollaston, V. Microsoft Opens New Windows: Tech Giant Launches Version 8.1 with Redesigned Xbox Music Service, Reinstated Start Button and Range of New Apps. (2013). Daily Mail. Accessed June 28, 2013.
Anderson, T. Windows 8.1 Review: Microsoft’s Fresh Start? (2013). The Guardian. Accessed June 28, 2013.
Microsoft. Download Windows 8.1 Preview. (2013). Accessed June 28, 2013.
Microsoft Technet. Windows 8.1 FAQ. (2013). Accessed June 28, 2013.
© Copyright 2013 Alexandria Ingham, All rights Reserved. Written For: Decoded Science
Julia:
Unfortunately for Microsoft that is, on a more than just superficial level, true. The technologically tough parts of operating systems are things like the kernel, the file subsystem, the networking, printer services, the availability of drivers etc..
But if you can’t do all of those things 110% right, you don’t even have to show up with an OS, any more! See Linux as an example that failed because it never scored more than 90% on some of those items, especially driver support.
What’s left as a differentiator is whether the system gets in your way or supports your workflow. Windows 7 is reasonably supportive, Windows 8 is in the way all the time. It doesn’t matter that it is technologically improved on the inside. As long as it feels like a lead weight on your mouse, it’s useless.
NO START MENU, NO SALE. METRO STILL THERE, NO SALE.
That’s what I told the Microsoft customer support person. I never got another call from him. What was he going to do? Get himself fired by telling the big honcho that the customers don’t want any of this crapola?
The problem isn’t that nobody at Microsoft knows what needs to be done. The problem is that management has dialed in a collision course with reality and won’t be replaced by shareholders until the company hits the wall.
What does the new start button do? Does it bring up a menu?