Microsoft's Windows 8.1 Update 1, or as I prefer to call it, Windows 8.2 (clever, huh?), is presumed to release in a month from now, but The Verge is reporting that the final update build is already available for download via Windows Update.
Links to Windows 8.1 Update 1 have been found though Microsoft's own Windows Update, through the means of a few simple registry changes to trigger access to the update or through a direct download from Microsoft itself. Access to the latest build of Windows 8.1 come as a surprise as the update has not yet been fully detailed by the company.
What we do know about Windows 8.1 Update 1 is that it tries to alleviate some of the concern that mouse and keyboard users have with the touch-centric UI. The update is hoping to make mouse users more comfortable by adding options to minimize and close Windows 8 apps in a more traditional way rather than the current means which is to drag the app down and off screen. The desktop taskbar will also be accessible when on the “Metro” screen. Users will able to pin Windows 8 apps to the taskbar along with traditional Desktop applications, in a means to unify the UIs.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 is another part of Microsoft trying to appease users by trimming down and scaling back the OS' focus on touchscreens computers. Windows 8 launched with what many felt like two separate interfaces, one that felt more akin to a portable UI and the other – the one that was given second stage – being the traditional desktop that Windows users have become used to after so many years.
DirectX 12 to be Revealed at GDC, Microsoft Announces
When I installed Windows 8 on my desktop, initially I was a little disorientated. But after repeat use and the Windows 8.1 update, the experience can be customized to be much like Windows 7; with the option to boot straight to the desktop and avoid the “Metro” screen. Personally, I think that the OS is perfect for convertible tablets, but for desktop computers? Not so much, because not everyone wants to adapt to change. Regardless, Windows 8.1 Update 1 seems to be merging the two interfaces even more so to reduce user problems, and that's a good thing.
If you're looking to update to Update 1 right now, go to this link and install at your own risk.
