Microsoft releases details about Windows 8.1

Microsoft has described in a blog post the main innovations of Windows 8.1. The update is available for free and includes a Start button which was removed in Windows 8.

Microsoft confirmed that the Start button returns in Windows 8.1 and now calls it the Start tip button which links from the desktop mode directly to the home screen. The start button is also available in the home screen and full screen applications.

The start screen in Windows 8.1 includes a number of innovations, including more and smaller live tiles. Moreover, the grouping and dragging of tiles has been simplified. Accidentally dragging tiles is now made more difficult since it requires a longer press-down. Within the All Apps view, frequently used apps are displayed at the top and can be searched by name.

Applications that use Snap View, that shows two applications side by side, can now open in multiple windows. This can be useful in multi-monitor configurations and on monitors with high resolutions. Also, the user can manually adjust the image division of Snap Views.

Windows 8.1 also includes improved search capabilities according to Microsoft via the so-called Search Charm. The search system uses more resources and make more links with relevant apps such as Wikipedia app. Also available is a new shortcut: if the user the Windows key together with the 'S' press is a search dialog visible.

Microsoft calls in Windows 8.1, the presence of an option to boot to an 'alternate screen' the PC. As an example, Microsoft's blog posting directly boot cited to Apps view. Also boot to the desktop comes back, however, where all the necessary rumors were about. Users of Windows 8.1, so their system to boot. Directly to the desktop without detours and tricks

The lockscreen also contains some innovations. Thus there Skype calls are accepted when the screen is locked, while permitting. Immediately activated a webcam The lock screen can be further adorned with pictures of the local hard drive or files on SkyDrive are put.

Windows 8.1 also includes extensive SkyDrive integration. This allows files are always saved in the cloud storage service by a storage facility to both the entire operating system. Continue if desired files without an Internet connection available, so promises the software giant. This must be marked accordingly. Directory or file level

Internet Explorer 11 IE10 will pay off in the update for Windows 8. According to Microsoft, IE11 can better handle touch input. Also, the browser is faster and IE11 can now always show the address in the 'modern view'. Furthermore, to synchronize between Windows 8.1 devices. Tabs A future update should also make it possible in Windows Phone.

The Windows Store will show more information in Microsoft Windows 8.1. For example, there are lists of free apps become available, while go., New apps clearly brought to the fore In selected applications are now suggestions for related apps, and would also be expanded.'s Search capabilities

In the Control Panel are more elements adapted to be set via a touchscreen while the virtual keyboard would be improved. Microsoft also promises a 'better experience' in new apps for Xbox Music and apps for news, weather and travel. The camera app in Windows 8.1 provides a link with Photosynth and can handle panoramic photos. New are the apps and Health & Fitness Food & Drink. An official release date for Windows 8.1 is not yet published by Microsoft, but the software giant will release a preview version during the Build conference on 26 June.