Windows 8.1seeks smoother transition from tablets to PCs

Thursday 17 October 2013

Windows 8.1seeks smoother transition from tablets to PCs

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Oct. 17, 2013 4:14 PM |

KEY TIMING

Microsoft's release of the Windows 8.1 upgrade comes as sales of traditional desktop and laptop computers continue to decline because consumers are spending money instead on the latest smartphones and tablets. * It also comes at a time of transition for Microsoft as the Redmond, Wash., company focuses on devices and services, not just software. Earlier this month, Microsoft struck a deal to acquire Nokia's phone business and patent rights for more than $7 billion. * Microsoft is also searching for a new CEO to replace Steve Ballmer, who announced last month that he plans to retire within the next year.

LOS ANGELES - Microsoft released its long-awaited Windows 8.1 upgrade as a free download Thursday. It addresses some of the gripes people have had with Windows 8, the dramatically different operating system that attempts to bridge the divide between tablets and PCs.

Windows 8.1 still features the dual worlds that Windows 8 — which attempted to bridge the divide between tablets and PCs — created when it came out last October.

On one hand, it features a touch-enabled tile interface resembling what's found in tablet computers. On the other, there's the old desktop mode where the keyboard and mouse still reign. The update adds some new finger- and gesture-friendly shortcuts for touch-based apps, while restoring some respect for the desktop mode that a billion users have become accustomed to.

The Window 8.1 update is free for current owners of Windows 8. Simply go to the Windows Store app to find it. Computers with Windows 8.1 already installed will go on sale Friday, which is also when people will be able to buy stand-alone copies of Windows 8.1.

The changes range from the cosmetic to improved functionality:

Restoring the desktop

* Start me up: The Start button is back in desktop mode, although not the way it was before Windows 8 came along. Now, one tap on Start flips you back to the new tile interface, where you can click or tap tiles to open programs. A long press brings up crucial settings such as the Control Panel.

* Boot to desktop: You can now start up the machine in desktop mode, bypassing the tiles for a short time.

Touch, gesture updates

* Onscreen keyboard swipes: The onscreen keyboard now includes the ability to type numbers or punctuation marks by swiping up or away from certain keys on the standard 'QWERTY' layout, eliminating the need to toggle between numeric and alphabetic layouts. You can also select from suggested words midstream using side swipes and taps on the virtual spacebar.

* Gesture-enabled apps: You can now wave in the air in front of the front-facing camera to get a response.