Windows 8.1 Preview is the beta version of the first big update to Windows 8. This update includes important improvements, not just in terms of performance, but also in terms of design, usability and features.
With Windows 8.1 Preview, Microsoft is ushering in a new cycle of updates that, instead of the big, once-every-three-years updates of yesteryear, opts for smaller updates that are less spaced out in time.
User-requested improvements
First, it's only fair to point out that Windows 8.1 is still in beta, so it's safe to say that although changes have been made, there are a lot more to come.
Windows 8.1 Preview (from here on in, Windows 8.1) is completely free for those who already own Windows 8.
In terms of changes, and leaving the classic "bugfixes and performance improvements" to one side, Windows 8.1 will offer the following improvements:
Start Screen: The Start Screen includes two new tile sizes. The first is an extra large tile and the second is extra small.
App organization: Until now, it was a little messy searching for the app you wanted from the list of "All apps". In Windows 8.1, you'll be able to sort them by category, date installed, most used, and of course alphabetically.
Snap views: One of the most underexploited options in Windows 8 was the option to have apps share the screen - you could only snap to left or snap to right. Now the feature will offer much more freedom, with preset intelligent ratios, as well the option to manually set snap parameters.
Search improvements: The search was already powerful, but now it's even better. You don’t have to select a category any more: all of the files, apps, settings, and web suggestions will be laid out together. More importantly, you can play media files such as music directly from search.
Better syncing with Skydrive: you no longer have to open the app to sync content.
Redesigned Windows Store: This one was really necessary, as both the design and usability of the store left a lot to be desired.
New apps: Bing Food & Drink, Bing Health & Fitness, Recorder, Alarms and a UI Calculator.
As well as these new features, Windows 8.1 Preview brings us 2 new additions that are the talk of the town:
The return of the Start button: One of the biggest criticisms levelled at Windows 8 was the fact that the classic start button disappeared. In Windows 8.1, the start button is making a comeback, but not in the classic format. Now it's just a bridging point between the Modern UI interface and the Desktop. Whether this will silence the critics remains to be seen.
Boot to the Start screen being included in Windows 8.1.</strong> If you've got no interest in seeing tiles when you start your PC, now you're able to choose.
Last, but not least, this preview of Windows 8.1 also introduces a new Internet Explorer 11 beta, the next version of the Microsoft web browser. The main point of interest in this version is that it will offer support for WebGL.
A more attractive, more usable Windows 8
Since Windows 8 was launched, Microsoft have spent their time collecting together user opinions. They've used them to create an update that aims to improve the Windows 8 user experience. In this sense, the new version seems spot on.
Windows 8.1 Preview gives users more options, at both a personalization and feature level. More importantly, it lets the user decied if he or she wants a more tactile, Metro experience, or to keep to a more classic path.
Remember it's still a beta!
We haven't seen any major changes in terms of performance but this could be because this update is still in beta - we'll just have to wait and see.
The only thing that we need to warn you about - and it's really very important - is that if you install this beta over your current copy of Windows 8, all your apps will be deleted. It goes without saying that you should back up your system before attempting the update.
A step in the right direction
Windows 8.1 Preview is proof that Microsoft have embarked upon a new strategy based on listening more closely to user feedback and offering more regular updates. We think it's great.
Even so, we just can't shake the feeling that Windows 8.1 Preview is for many what Windows 8 should have been from day 1.
Download Windows 8.1 Preview 6.3.9431 32-bit in Softonic