Will Windows 8.1 renew our faith in Microsoft?

When Windows 8 arrived (paired with the ‘Surface’ release) is was mundane to say the least. It led to confusion as we gathered our ambition to figure out how to navigate the platform. Just like any other new tech there were bugs to work out, fixes to be applied and a sharp learning curve that strayed our perception that this was going to be an easement on functionality. Microsoft plans to quell those issues with their preview of Windows 8.1 (codenamed ‘Blue’) coming June 26^th. However, skepticism is still lingering from their Surface/Windows 8 release. Will their confidence be applauded? Are these new features enough to entice a surge in consumer spending?

The confidence that Microsoft has garnered over the years is abundant. They know they are a major player in tech, but they also know their abundance is due to consumer gratification. They may have sold 100 million Windows 8 licenses but they know they won’t sell more if they don’t tweak their product to our liking. Their consistent consumer base is supported by updates and tweaks. They know this, and they will utilize all their strength to clean every corner.

These tweaks that are implemented in Windows 8.1 aren’t anything grand…but they supposedly help the platform to perform much, much better. Here are some of them:

-          Lockscreen: Now you can use Skype and your camera from the lockscreen

-          LiveTiles: The sizes only allow for Small and ‘Very’ large but you can interchange or add more tiles if needed.

-          Search: Digs deeper and incorporates your SkyDrive account with internet searches.

-          Start Button: It has returned! The start button is back and you can now find things more easily. You can also switch between the ‘LiveTiles’ and Desktop Mode.

-          Snap: a new program that lets you view Apps/Tabs/Windows side by side, instead of one at a time.

Microsoft has realized where it needed to improve Windows 8. They are trying to make good on those issues with Windows 8.1. If they are trying to revitalize the PC market then they are stepping in the correct direction. This update required a decent amount of effort but some were already researched beforethe original release of Windows 8. Microsoft may be a long standing household name but our faith in them is starting to ‘turtle.’ As we approach the preview date of June 26^th I think we may see them become the ‘Hare’ once more in the tech market.