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Microsoft testing Windows 8.1 update that hides tile interface by default

frankxbe

frankxbe

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Microsoft is once again planning to alter the way its Start Screen works in Windows 8.1 Update 1. While the software giant originally released Windows 8.1 last year with an option to bypass the "Metro" interface at boot, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed to The Verge that the upcoming update for Windows 8.1 will enable this by default. Like many other changes in Update 1, we’re told the reason for the reversal is to improve the OS for keyboard and mouse users.

We understand the latest internal builds of Windows 8.1 Update 1 have the boot-to-desktop option enabled by default, a change that Wzor noted earlier today. The update is still in development, and Microsoft could alter this further before it ships, but it's currently being changed to appease desktop users.
By Tom Warren read more : http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/30/5...geek&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
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Good news for 8 haters and many of the rest of us
even though the option to load the desktop by default is already in 8.1.
Windows 8.1.1 perhaps?
 
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The Windows Store continues to grow with applications, but we understand that Microsoft has been paying close attention to telemetry data that shows the majority of Windows 8 users still use a keyboard and mouse and desktop applications. This same telemetry data was used to justify the removal of the Start button shortly before the Windows 8 release, and contributed to its eventual return in Windows 8.1.
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Pretty much sums up Microsoft. See the majority trend, force something new out that bucks that trend, then several years later begrudgingly backtrack.

For the most part, Apple does the OS upgrade right. Iterative, incremental updates that are cheap and not ridiculous departures from the previous versions. They focus on a few new features, a performance bump and maybe a gimmicky thing or two.

Microsoft has to roll out the Rolling Stones and make every step a leap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0AJM6HMYjM

.dew.
 
I've already given up on 8. 8.1 didn't add anything for me, really. Still 7 here, quick and does what I want it to do. And for who likes XP, look for POSReady (POS stands for Point of Sale!) 2009, it is a XP version mainly meant for Point of Sale systems, but it's just XP with a different jacket and less bloatware. It is supported to 2019, so for 5 more years XP, go for that.
 
Too late. I just bought a new Macbook and don't plan to buy a PC again. I spent some time with Windows 8.1, and tried to like it. But in the end it provided absolutely nothing new (to me). I don't get the silly tiles and don't understand why I need a touchscreen when a keyboard and mouse are far superior input methods. It took me (an IT pro who has used Windows since 98) about 20 minutes to halfway figure out how to even do anything with it. I have never had to even learn another OS gui; OSX, KDE, Gnome, Fluxbox, ICEWM etc. all required basically no special learning or knowledge to start launching programs, changing settings, etc.

My poor dad has had 8, then 8.1 and can't do anything with them. I feel bad for the manufacturers who are stuck with this and wonder when they are going to start selling PC's without operating systems or with Linux, etc. I guess some people love Win 8, but not me. The Launchpad in OSX looks kind of what MS was trying to do with Metro, but is a better implementation of it.
 
My 57 year old dad has no problem with Windows 8.1 however. Knows how to get around with it, and he loves the Solitaire app. Has those daily challenges that the other Windows versions' Solitaire game doesn't have.
 
I love 7, it does everything I need, won't update until forced to. My new laptop came with 8, gave it a try for a few days and replaced it. I have no use for tiles and desktop apps. 8 is for the Cell Phone/Tablet generation, not those that actually work on their computers.
 
botrytis said:
Apple does the OS right?
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Take it easy, you've misinterpreted what I said.

I commented on Apple not recreating the wheel every time they bring out a new OS -- small, yearly, incremental updates from version to version. "They do the OS upgrade right" is the exact quote and you've snipped off the upgrade part.

Microsoft waits years and dumps massive shifts. Its just not a smart way of doing things.

And, for the record I don't even own an Apple PC. Just my perspective from a decade of supporting both sides of the fence.

.dew.
 
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