Windows 8.1 paints over the problems with Windows 8
Mark Hachman
@markhachman May 30, 2013 9:32 AM
Phew. Maybe Windows Blue (or Windows 8.1, as Microsoft is
now officially calling it) won't be so blah after all. But Microsoft is betting
big that a fresh coat of paint will be enough to bring users back into the
fold.
On paper, at least, Microsoft's disclosure of some of the
new key features within Windows Blue take some definite strides forward, with
entirely new components, such as Internet Explorer 11, anchoring the new
release. Microsoft hasn't abandoned its original vision. Rather, it’s just
compromised it a bit by delivering features that users have been clamoring for.
Look, Microsoft is saying. Windows 8 is friendly.
What Microsoft still isn't overtly acknowledging,
however, is that there are two groups of users: those who have seen Windows 8,
have been baffled, and have walked away; and a second group, who understand how
Windows 8 works and what Microsoft is trying to do. Antoine Leblond,
Microsoft's corporate vice president who authored today's blog post introducing
the new features, is clearly addressing the latter group.
In many ways, the fundamental problem with Windows 8 is
that the modern interface of the Start screen works best on a tablet—this
despite the fact that the vast majority of users first experience it on a PC.
The array of apps and widgets is bold and beautiful—and daunting. Apps dominate
the entire screen, and even the ability to "snap" two apps to the
same screen doesn't eliminate the fact that a lot of screen space goes to
waste.
MICROSOFT
Windows 8.1 will allow users to Snap apps to various
sizes.
Windows 8.1 will allow users to snap apps to various
sizes, and allow up to three apps to share the same screen. But that doesn't
change the fact that a PC user who mistakenly works within the modern
environment is going to be as frustrated as he or she always was. Microsoft's
more experienced users already know to jump right into the PC-friendly Desktop
mode.
Microsoft confirmed earlier reports that the Start charm
will be moved to mimic the old Start button of Windows 7, and the Start page
will be rearranged. Leblond also referred to options to change what the corners
of the screen do, and the option to boot to "alternate screens"—which
a Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed was a boot-to-Desktop mode. Shared
backgrounds between the Start page and Desktop, plus the ability to use the
lock screen to display photos, are designed to ease new users into Windows 8.
These aren't functional improvements. These are sops to
those who were turned off by Windows 8. Look, Microsoft is saying. Windows 8 is
friendly.
Now, it's the power user's turn
Near the bottom of Leblond's post, Microsoft outlines the
features that its more experienced users will prefer: a better PC-wide search
experience, powered by Bing; access to the full range of PC settings without
needing to hunt down the Desktop control; improvements to SkyDrive, including
offline syncing; and the needed ability to sync a user's apps and settings
across new Windows devices to ensure continuity for existing customers.
Microsoft also said that its built-in apps, such as Music and Photos, will be
improved, including the ability to better edit and adjust photos within the app
itself. And there's also Internet Explorer 11, which will undoubtedly be a
selling point all its own.
Aside from the "improvements" to search (which look
like features adding unnecessary complexity to the process), most of the other
enhancements look like welcome additions. Future disclosures of what Windows
8.1 has in store will be rolling out over the next few weeks, Leblond wrote,
leading up to what many expect will be a preview release by the end of the
month.
Microsoft's strategy appears to be this: To continue
driving forward with its vision, and to hope that its vast advertising reach,
channel partners and retail programs provide a tow rope to haul the
recalcitrant into the future. Take, for example, Microsoft's new Surface ads,
which have begun emphasizing their integration with Office, and productivity.
Consider Leblond's own words:
"Windows 8.1 will advance the bold vision set
forward with Windows 8 to deliver the next generation of PCs, tablets, and a
range of industry devices, and the experiences customers—both consumers and
businesses alike—need and will just expect moving forward," Leblond wrote.
"It’s Windows 8 even better. Not only will Windows 8.1 respond to customer
feedback, but it will add new features and functionality that advance the touch
experience and mobile computing’s potential."
We all know the problems Microsoft faces: the rise of
Apple and Android tablets, the demise of the traditional PC, and the lack of
touchscreens that held back the early Windows 8 experience. But Leblond's
statements aren't those of a company back on its heels.
Microsoft is charging ahead. For its sake, it had better
hope that it doesn't leave its more traditional users behind.
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