Windows 8.1 Features and Microsoft's new offer

The Windows 8 OS,the latest product of Microsoft's Windows line of Operating Systems has been widely criticised for it's UI overhaul that is suited for touch screens.The Metro UI has a rather steep learning curve for many.Also,considering that XP is abandoned by Microsoft now,many wish to switch to the latest OS(or get it preinstalled in the laptop they just bought),they face some issues in coming to terms with the new OS.


Now I have heard of it having performance and compatibility issues.For most users,especially gamers,while the latter is true can't say that windows 8 performs poorer than windows 7.Actually,it is supposed to be better for gaming compared to 7.There is just a small range of compatibility issues that i hope will be completely worked out in future updates.

And so,waiting for an update,I found the Windows 8.1 update 1 rolling out.You need to have previous updates installed for this one to work.

What 8.1 offers:


Lowered Space Requirements: 8.1 offers more features and also takes up to 15% lesser storage space

Start Button:I need not say any thing else about this,but all this does is take you to the Metro UI Start Screen

Revamped Search:The new search option in the charms bar features 'Smart Search' powered by Bing.The search results now look more Windows Phone-ish.

Oh Snap!: Win 8 had the snap feature where you could open an app,click and hold the top corner of the screen,then drag it to either the left or right side of the screen.Meaning you could view an app on one corner while reading this blog on your browser.Win 8.1 gives you the chance to open many such apps and resize them to fit your screen as you see fit.

Improved Multi Monitor support and a lot more of neat reasons you might find interesting.

The Microsoft Ultimatum

        While the new update 1 features more Keyboard and Mouse friendliness,some may not feel the difference.Go to the Windows store and look for the update.It's designation is "Important".But this time,it's more like "Get it or Get lost"

A post in Microsoft's blog dated April 7 is a jaw-dropper.

Failure to install this (Windows 8.1) Update will prevent Windows Update from patching your system with any future updates starting with Updates released in May 2014 (get busy!)

Now you only have weeks (Till 13th May,2014)left before Microsoft forsakes your Windows 8,updates wise.But Microsoft will be supporting Windows 8 until January 12,2016.

Windows 8.1 is not bad once you get to know it actually.But this new 'offer'?

I'm speechless.