Windows 8.1 (also known as Windows Blue) is an interesting update of Windows 8 for several reasons. First, it shows that Microsoft remains committed to Modern UI (another name for Metro) and adds a number of parameters in the menu "PC Settings" and new applications so that the user stays longer in the new environment. This new version is also interesting because it shows that Microsoft wants to satisfy those who do not like Metro and expect to live in the classic interface. It should make a start and the ability to boot to the desktop menu, features that were not present in the build we tested.
We're here today to talk about what's new in Windows 8.1. We used the latest version leaked on the Internet (Build 9374) still suffers from many bugs and unfinished features, which makes us say that the publisher has a lot of work. This build confirms the presence of a new kernel. The company should provide an official beta at its BUILD conference in June.
Customize Tiles
Search Metro
Browse Metro
Microsoft has now placed an arrow at the bottom of the Metro interface to move the tiles to the list of applications. It is also possible to rearrange the applications installed and frequency of use and a search bar that can be used to launch instantly applications.
Shortcuts in Charm Bar
The Charm bar contains shortcuts to access networks, set notifications of applications, screen brightness or turn off the machine. They were not, however, all operating in the latest Build.
Customize The Colors of Metro
The menu Personalize in Charm Metro bar allows you to change the colors and wallpaper of the new interface. There are so many choices now have the advantage of being easy to access.
Additions To The Lock Screen
The parameters governing the lock screen now turn on the camera sensor when the computer is locked, which is especially useful on a tablet. It is also possible to use the lock screen as a picture frame by scrolling through the pictures of the Pictures folder.
Manage The Resolution Of The Screen From Metro
Microsoft responds to one of the most virulent critics who complained of back and forth between Metro and unwanted desktop mode when needed to change the definition of the screen. Microsoft has now included in the PC Settings Modern UI a mode that allows you to change the definition of the screen, manage multiple screens at once and the orientation of the image and the time which must elapse before the panel goes into standby mode.
Devices
A Devices option in the PC Settings to determine the behavior of the system in certain situations (such as drives or memory card by default). It is also possible to add devices such as a printer.
Manage Network
Application Manager
Metro now has a panel to manage running applications in the new environment. It allows firstly to define software that can send notifications on the lock screen and set the range of hours that should not bother the user.
App Sizes
In the Apps menu in the PC Settings of Metro, there is a App Sizes tab that allows you to see at a glance the size that takes each application on the storage media. This feature is especially useful for mobile terminals that have a reduced disk space.
Default Applications
Kiosk Mode
SkyDrive Becomes A Function
A SkyDrive menu in settings now saves a file on the cloud by default. It is also possible to send photos and videos on the online service directly and use the solution as online storage backup tool for certain terminals (possibly mobile devices). SkyDrive can also be used to synchronize application settings between multiple devices.
Maintain Historical Files
In the menu update and restoration, a new option on the file history is under construction. It is quite possible that Microsoft provides a function similar to Time Machine in OS X that allows you to recover older versions of files.
Metro File Explorer
Metro includes a file explorer named Files. It lets you browse, search and view the contents of your hard drive. The interface is interesting, but confusing enough compared to the traditional browser and requires little time to adapt. This file explorer will be especially useful for files in the Document and photos or videos that appear in large block with a thumbnail preview.
Calculate
Calculate is the new calculator in Metro. It has a classic mode, a scientific mode and a mode to convert units.
Alarm
Alarm is the new alarm clock of Metro. It has a nice interface that allows you to set the time at which the alarm will ring by rotating concentric circles.
Sound Recorder
Sound Recorder is a new Metro application that allows you to record the sound captured by the microphone to your computer or tablet. The software is basic, but it should allow anyone to easily get to the microphone terminal.
Movie Moment
Movie Moment wants to be the replacement for Movie Maker. This is a Metro application that allows for the moment to add text to a video. The software is easy to use and it is expected that Microsoft adds more features over time.
Better Energy Management
Among the updates to the kernel, we noticed a new power saving option enabled by default called "Latency Sensitivity Hint Processor." It seems that this mode controls the processor performance based on the maximum time that can tolerate a user in an application. The idea is to reduce processor power consumption without degrading the experience. For now, this method provides a relatively minor gain autonomy, according to tests of ITworld.
