New operating system: Microsoft shows Windows 8.1 - STERN.DE

itemprop=”caption”> Windows 8.1 – the return of the Start button. A clear improvement over Windows 8, “said the technology blog Mashable. © Microsoft / Archive / DPA

M icrosoft has provided a first detailed look at its new operating system Windows 8.1. On the Build Windows developer conference boss Julie Larson-Green showed on Wednesday new features, applications, and design elements. “8.1 is an upgraded Windows 8,” the manager said in San Francisco.

Larson-Green showed how to make Skype calls directly from the lock screen from assume, without having to log in separately to Windows. The built-in e-mail program gets new sorting capabilities for social networks or newsletter. An overview page with small icons to facilitate the finding of apps. Microsoft’s search engine Bing is deeply integrated.

striking innovation but is the return on the Start button that Microsoft had previously announced. The user can also set it so that the computer at startup lands directly on the classic desktop, not on the tile surface, which is designed for operation with your finger. Both of these features were only possible in Windows 8 with third-party programs.

make Microsoft responds to the criticisms of users who continue to work primarily with the mouse. “People want to have the desktop simply,” CEO Steve Ballmer said during his appearance at the conference.

So far users can only download pre-release

“Windows 8.1 is a clear improvement over Windows 8,” the technology blog Mashable said after a first test. But Microsoft had to make further amendments in detail. Until now user can also download a pre-release version only. The final version will be released in August, according to earlier information.

In Microsoft had released its Windows 8 until the end of last year. Ballmer said he would always bring a faster rate new products to market in the future. “This is the new norm.”

“We’re moving fast, with not only Windows but also with Windows Phone,” Ballmer said. For mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, the Group is lagging far to rival Google with its Android operating system and Apple with its iOS behind. Microsoft also has the problem that the traditional PC sales to decline.

Windows Office package along with the Office of the money earner for the world’s biggest software company. Users of the current Windows 8 will receive a free update. In older versions of Windows, Microsoft had launched service packs, but mostly limited to improvements “under the hood”.