Microsoft is at Mobile World Congress today, and it just announced the first major update to Windows 8.1.
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore, who is now in charge of mobile, tablets, and PCs, revealed that the update will come "this spring" and is largely focused on improving the experience for users who use mice and keyboards, rather than touchscreens. Leaks to date for the update, known as "Update 1," have already shown what Belfiore said,
Belfiore officially confirmed that the update will include improvements such as a title bar at the top of modern apps, and power/search buttons on the Windows 8.1 Start screen.
Microsoft said it will bring "easy" app launching and switching via the Windows 8.1 taskbar, along with a new mouse UI and right-click to close apps.
It's clear that everything that's been designed was created for users who use a mouse and keyboard, and Belfiore admitted Microsoft has heard a lot of complaints.
“We found that our customers didn’t know where to look in the UI. With the changes we’ve started, we’ll really bring a lot of improvements in the update coming this spring.”
The Windows 8.1 Spring Update will allow OEMs to reduce device specifications. Belfiore said PC makers will be able to use just 1GB of RAM and 16GB of disk storage for future Windows 8.1 builds, a change that will bring lower prices.
Microsoft did not name the update, but internally it is known as “Update 1” for Windows 8.1.
