Windows 8.1 preview, features, release date and installation guide

New about the update to Windows 8 are arriving like hot cakes. What was earlier known as Windows Blue is now being referred to as Windows 8.1.

Preview Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 OS update

1. Customized lock screen: Leblond said that according to the feedback they collected, they found that many people were using their lockscreens to show pictures of their families. So, as an upgrade they have made it possible to set the lock screen as a slideshow which can show pictures from the local storage or even from SkyDrive. Further, your in built camera will be able to take pictures from the lock screen itself which means no need to login. You can also set your lock screen picture to be the same as of your desktop providing a greater unity.


2. Search:
   
   Unlike now, when you have to select an app and then go to Search charm to do the search, Windows 8.1 holds for you global search feature powered by Bing. It means now your search will not only limited to your hard drive but will aggregate the web as well. Search will now encompass all- the web, apps, files, SkyDrive, actions you can take. You will also have quick actions like playing a audio or video.


3. Apps and Windows Store: Windows 8.1 will contain some more built in apps than were in Windows 8 installation. Other than that, the previously existing apps will also be going through improvements like the photo app will not contain some basic tools for photo editing and will not be accessible with Microsoft services like the SkyDrive.


4. Customize tile size and placement: Leblond said that they found that many users were accidentally moving the Tiles on their start screen. To avoid this now you are required to left click and hold or use right clicks to move your Start Screen tiles.
   
   You also get 2 more tile sizes- new large and new small.
   
   Further, now you get better flexibility with regards to managing your app screen. You will will able to search for the apps as well as categorize them by name, date installed, most used, or by category.
   
   New apps won't directly start appearing in your Start Screen. Instead, they would be collected under the "new" categorization as mentioned above. You can choose whether to show them in the Start Screen or not.


5. Multi tasking with apps:
   
   I am sure most of us have faced this problem when we can have only 1 app on the screen. This was somewhat solved with a Windows 8 app called Toolbox which allowed multitasking, but with Windows 8.1, Microsoft has tackled this problem head on. With Windows 8.1 you can now open up to 4 apps on the screen. If you have multiple displays then you can have individual apps opened on each screen and the Start Screen open on one screen.


6. Cloud connectivity:
   
   Now your files can be saved directly on SkyDrive with the SkyDrive app. You can now access your files directly with SkyDrive whether they are on the machine or on the cloud.
   
   You just need to sign in with your Microsoft account and all your settings and apps become available on any new device thus making the setting up on any new device very easy.


7. PC Settings: PC Settings gets much more powerful with Windows 8.1. Many of the features of the Control Panel are not available in PC Settings like Windows update, changing Windows key, changing screen resolution, checking battery back up etc. You can even check your SkyDrive storage with PC Settings.


8. Internet Explorer 11: With a new OS you also get an updated browser. IE 11 is the only browser built for touch. IE 11 now has better touch performance, better speed and ability to view all open tabs with synced devices.