Windows 8.1: Office tablets, configurable start buttons, and more

In addition to Windows 8.1, including the new Startbutton, Microsoft provided new information at the Computex trade fair in Taiwan. On the one hand, Microsoft manager Antoine Leblond reported what plans the developers have with the start button. This should be freely configurable. The user should be able to decide whether, after clicking on the start button, the tile surface or the list of all installed apps appears. There, programs can be freely grouped and sorted.


Windows 8.1 start button: Internet video


On the other hand, an Internet video makes the round, which should come from an early development phase of Windows 8.1. You will find it in the following. The video shows the new start button, but with Windows 8 functions. The start button does not appear until the user moves with the mouse in the lower left corner. After a click, the tiled view appears as in Windows 8. The start button should be permanently displayed in Windows 8.1.


First look at Windows 8.1


In an official video, however, Microsoft explains the news to and from Windows 8.1. The Office RT package on tablets with Windows RT should contain Excel, Word and Powerpoint as well as Outlook so far. X86 tablets with a 7- or 8-inch display and full-fledged Windows 8.1 should receive an office in the Home & Students version free of charge. In Windows 8.1, Microsoft also extends hardware compatibility. In addition to CPUs with x86 and ARM architecture, Windows 8.1 will also support devices with Intel Bay Trail, Qualcomm 8974 and Nvidia Tegra 4. The official video comes here.


Other changes in Windows 8.1 versus the predecessor affect the control with a tablet. Thus, from the screen lock, with a wipe from top to bottom, similar to smart phones can directly call the camera. The virtual keyboard now receives word and correction suggestions from a dictionary that "learns" on the basis of user inputs. Advanced settings on the tablet as well as on the PC can now also be made via the touch menu without detours via the system control. Lastly, the Microsoft Cloud service Skydrive should be available as a location in all apps. You can find more about Windows 8.1 and its predecessor on our topic page on Windows 8. The Computex will be held in Taipei, Taiwan from June 4 to 8.