Is change a good thing? You be the judge.

Last August, Microsoft released their latest operating system, Windows 8.  It was met with highly mixed reviews.  Some complimented the sleek new Metro design and increase in speed compared to its predecessor Windows 7.  However, many were annoyed by its tablet-centric design, which included a tiled start screen, and lack of common features that existed in past OS versions, most noticeably the start button.  On Thursday, Microsoft released their attempt to respond to some of these concerns:  Windows 8.1.

With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has added a number of features that may ease the transition between 7 and 8 for newcomers.  The start button has made its return, although using it brings you to the still unfamiliar tiled application screen for actions.   You can also choose to boot directly to the desktop rather than going through the tile interface each time.  The level of customizability of the user environment has been increased, with more colors and size options for applications.  Microsoft has also increased the integration of SkyDrive.  In Windows 8, users had access to their cloud-based files only through online access, while they could add offline capabilities by installing a SkyDrive application.  With 8.1, the offline ability is integrated from the get-go.  Additionally, SkyDrive is built into the new “Smart Search” function, meaning users’ SkyDrive files show up just as normal files do upon a search.  The app store has also substantially increased its content, growing from around 10,000 apps at the launch of Windows 8 to more than 110,000 today. Finally, Microsoft answered one of the biggest complaints about Windows 8, which was the limitation in multitasking due to the restriction of app sizes to either the entire screen or 25 percent and 75 percent.  Now, you can display up to four apps side by side, or just do the traditional 50/50 split that many requested.  Additionally, you can alter sizes at will, without preset percentages.

How will these changes be received by the community?  While the improvements made may satisfy the early adopters of Windows 8, whether it will attract users of Windows 7 to upgrade is an entirely different story.  The bottom line is that the stigma of Windows 8 as being an OS built for mobile devices, not desktops, will most likely persist.  Microsoft may have to wait for their Metro system to be more readily accepted by an increasingly mobile-centric technology environment before they see a large movement to Windows 8.

Posted by: Chelsea H