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| The update for Windows 8 restores some features to the operating system |
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Microsoft
has released the Windows 8.1 update for its flagship operating system.
The
download seeks to address some of the criticisms levelled at the original
version of Windows 8.
In
particular, the update restores the start button and allows a computer to boot
up with a traditional desktop interface.
The launch
comes at a critical time for Microsoft as it seeks a new boss, with PC sales
experiencing a long decline.
Windows 8
sought to bridge the gap between touchscreen devices, such as tablets and
smartphones, and more traditional form laptops and desktop machines. As such it
had an interface built of tiles that could be tapped or swiped to open
applications.
However,
many people found the tiled interface did not work well for some of the things
they were used to doing with a computer.
The changes
in 8.1 include:
- start button - tapping once on this brings up the tiled interface and a long press opens up system controls
- desktop mode - lets people avoid the tiled interface entirely
- keyboard shortcuts - removes the need to toggle between different on-screen keyboards when typing numbers and letters
- gesture control - some applications, such as those for cooking, can now be paged through without touching a screen
- tile sizing - the blocks on the touchscreen interface can be in one of four sizes
- web browsing - Windows 8 machines will now display separate web pages side by side
A host of other changes, including better support for multi-tasking and improved links to Microsoft's Xbox game console, are also in the update.
Shrinking
sales
 |
| Microsoft's touchscreen Surface tablet has not been a hit with consumers |
Global
shipments of PCs hit a five-year low in early October, according to figures
from market research firm Gartner. Sales of PCs had now fallen for six quarters
in a row, it added. The downward trend in sales statistics were confirmed by
IDC, which added that the decline would probably continue into 2014.
The
shrinking sales are important for Microsoft because traditionally the bulk of
its revenue comes from people and companies buying laptops and desktops and
office software to run on them.
It is not
clear that Microsoft is adjusting to the changes in the types of gadgets that
people use. In July, Microsoft was wrote off $900m (£559m) following poor sales
of its own-brand Surface touchscreen devices.
At the same
time, Microsoft has undergone a major reorganisation and has bought phone maker
Nokia. It is also launching a new version of its Xbox games console and has
begun searching for a new chief executive.
Servers
ready to dispense the update were turned on at 07:00 New York time (12:00 BST).
The update is free to those already running Windows 8. Charges will apply if
users upgrade to 8.1 from Windows 7. The update comes just over a year after
the launch of Windows 8.
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