Windows 8.1 has improved, but is still far from perfect

When Windows 8 came out almost a year ago, many users complained about the awkwardness of the gesture features and the touch controls. Another feature that causes a great deal of trouble was the limited use its primary, tile-based interface had for users. Many basic tasks needed the user to return to the system’s traditional desktop mode, which resembled the older versions of Windows.  

Since then, users seem to have warmed up to many of these features, and the free Windows 8.1 update that was released on Thursday seems to have addressed many of the remaining issues. While the new update is still a work in progress, the changes show that Microsoft has been listening to its users.

While Windows 8 only let its users open 10 Web pages at the time in the Internet Explorer browser, the latest version comes without any limits. This should be a welcome change as the earlier edition would automatically close pages once users crossed the limit, without any prompts or choice about which one.

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While the browser in Windows 8 did not let users view more than one Web page at once, the new version allows for a new window to be opened using a right click to have a second  page visible. This limitation was also seen in the Mail app on the earlier OS version. Windows 8.1 users can now open two messages at once. The app’s layout will adjust to fit into the remaining space.

Multiple Tile Size is the newest USP of Windows 8.1.

Accessing computer setting via Windows 8 was a limited affair, with the OS sending users back to the desktop for many. These included changing the display screen’s resolution and controlling how quickly energy-saving measures kick in. Windows 8.1, on the other hand, will allow users to adjust that and more from the primary interface. Users still can’t check the percentage of battery life left without going to the desktop, though.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Windows 8.1 comes with universal search. This basically means that with one search command, users will be able to access files stored in the computer as well as Web content on the Internet. Users can also rearrange tiles and rename groups of apps more easily. With one swipe up from the home screen, the user can see all their apps and arrange by name, category, installation date or frequency of use. Users can also set the computer to always boot up in the desktop mode, allowing for minimal interaction with the tile-based interface. 

There are still issues with the new OS, though. While Windows 8.1 allows the user to adjust how much screen space each visible app takes, the slider only moves from left to right. Three or four apps, when opened, appear vertical. While 8.1 allows for four apps to been seen side by side, Windows 8 allowed for an unlimited number to be opened. 

The touch controls are still confusing. While the new OS comes with new gesture controls, like the ability to accept word suggestions while typing by swiping and tapping the spacebar. There may be the danger of putting in too many spaces, though. There is still no easy way to open apps without going to the full-page start screen. While the Start button has come back in Windows 8.1, the functionality has not been fully integrated. Be that as it may, the new update is a welcome change and is a free update for computers running Windows 8. Users can go to the online Windows Store to get it. Computers with Windows 8.1 already installed will also go on sale soon.

Associated Press