Microsoft to launch revision to latest Windows 8 with free update

Software giant Microsoft is set to launch a revision to its latest Windows with a free update called Windows 8.1 later this year, which would help simplify the OS functioning. However, it did not have any plans to bring back the start menu.

The latest version of Microsoft Windows has taken much flak from users due to its complex functioning, appearance and not the least the lack of a start menu, which was predominant in all the previous versions.

As reported by News.com.au, Windows 8 featured start-up screen displaying applications in a mosaic of interactive tiles departing from the static icons of earlier versions which presents problems to those familiar with the old setup.

The update Windows 8.1 would allow users to start the OS in a desktop design featuring an omnipresent Windows logo in the lower left corner. Users would be able to access their favourite applications, including Word and Excel, that appear in a horizontal task bar next to the Windows logo.

The report said, the crucial aspect of the tweak was the search bar on the right of the display screen, which would allow users to search for anything stored in the computer's hard drive or on web by typing a few keywords.

According to Jensen Harris, Microsoft's director of user experience for the operating system, the redesigned tool was meant to provide users with ''pure power and instant entertainment''. 

Among the additions are a built-in connection with Microsoft's online storage system, SkyDrive for back up of files, photos, etc, a lock-up screen displaying user's favourite photos, larger and smaller interactive tiles, photo editor, and a ''help and tips'' tile in the centre of start screen.

According to the report, Microsoft's stock was up 25 per cent since the release of Windows 8 last October, having licensed over 60 million copies so far, according to the report.

Meanwhile, according to technology commentator Mary Jo Foley, writing in ZDNet, though there were still doubters out there, from what she had heard the rumoured Start Button was going to be part of Windows Blue, a k a Windows 8.1.

She said citing one of her ''good sources'' that the Start Button, as also a new boot-straight-to-desktop option were included in the most recent internal "Milestone Preview" builds of Windows 8.1.

Though the Start button was back, that was just one of a very long list of changes, that would be found in Windows 8.1 which would be available as a preview in a few weeks and would be released before the end of the year.

Citing a source she said that the new Start Button supposedly would look just like the Start Button that was currently part of the Charms menu in Windows 8: An angled, stylised window and it would likelybe turned on by default. However, it could be turned off for those who liked the Start Button-free design that debuted with Windows 8.

The new button would sit on the task bar in Windows 8.1, much the same way that the "old" / current Start Button does with Windows 7.

When users are on the Start Screen or inside of a Metro-Style/Windows Store app, the new Start Button would not be visible, and would only become visible if / when a user moved the mouse to the bottom left corner.

''Instead of seeing the thumbnail of apps that Windows 8 users see when the mouse over the left corner, they'll supposedly see the new Start Button instead'' she said.