Microsoft Windows 8.1 officially released

Microsoft has announced that the latest version of Windows, numbered at 8.1, is now globally available. Anyone using Windows 8 will get an automatic update to the newer version of the operating system through the Windows Store. Starting from October 18, new devices running on the OS will come with Windows 8.1 out of the box.

Windows 8.1 comes with a host of new features, most aimed at refining custimisation elements. One of these new features is the oft-missed Start button, which Microsoft had originally planned to completely do away with from Windows 8 onwards. However, a bunch of complaints has forced the company to reintroduce it. Despite the presence of the button, however, there is still no Start menu. Instead, clicking the button will bring up the tiled Start Screen that made its debut with Windows 8.

The new Start menu on the desktop

The Start Screen itself has seen a couple of changes, including the ability to have variable tile sizes along with more backgrounds and colours. Users now also have the ability to choose whether Windows boots up into the Start screen or the legacy mode desktop. Another new feature in the update is the new Bing Smart Search, which not only allows users to find content and apps on the device itself, but also on the web. A simple swipe from the Start Screen will bring up the new Smart Search bar, or you can simply start typing to search.

Windows 8.1 will also come bundled with a few apps, both new as well as updates of previous apps. This includes Skype, Mail, Xbox Video, Xbox Music and Bing Food & Drink. The operating system also comes with the new Internet Explorer 11, which the company claims brings enhanced performance increases and synchronised browsing history, favourites and settings across all devices running Windows 8.1. It also natively supports 3D printing, which essentially means that 3D printers are now plug-and-play.

The Start screen has gone through some improvements

As for multitasking, Windows 8.1 has an improved display for apps that are running simultaneously. It can show up to four apps side-by-side, allows for flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen, the ability for one app to launch another and improved support for multiple monitors, allowing users to view the desktop or apps from the Windows Store on any or all monitors.

The OS now has deeper integration with Microsoft’s cloud-storage service SkyDrive. Files are always accessible across devices and locations, and SkyDrive lets users create, edit, save and share files from whatever device they are using.

The redesigned Windows Store

All of this is topped off by a redesigned Windows Store. There are also new categories, such as New & Rising. The Store also uses Bing’s advanced recommendation and relevance system to recommend new apps to users. By default, all the apps in the Windows Store are updated automatically, as opposed to manually having to update each app.