More Details about Windows 8 Update 1, Due April

A leaked set of documents reveals some additional changes planned for Windows 8 due next month. The changes are aimed at making the operating system easier to use with a mouse and keyboard, but without returning to the traditional Windows desktop interface.

The free Windows 8 update will be officially released in April through Microsoft's Windows Update system. It will be known as Windows 8.1 Update 1, a sign that the changes won't be as major as the previous update from version 8 to 8.1 (which was released October 2013).

The details became public as Microsoft briefly made the update available on its website. That was most likely a mistake, though it's also possible it was a deliberate "leak" in order to stir up a media frenzy and interest in the changes. (Source: pcauthority.com.au)

Windows 8 Taskbar Improved for Desktop Users

The biggest change in Windows 8.1 Update 1 is the taskbar. The taskbar is where the Start button is located; next to it are icons and shortcuts to programs that run on the system.

With the new changes, the taskbar can now display two different types of icons: those for Windows Store apps which run in the new-style user interface introduced in Windows 8 (also known as "Metro"), and those for desktop programs which run in the traditional Windows desktop interface. (Source: zdnet.com)

If the user clicks on an icon in the taskbar, Windows will automatically switch to the appropriate interface. That saves the need to manually switch interfaces first, then find and launch the software. The latter was one of the biggest complaints of Windows 8 to date.

Windows 8 to Boot into Desktop Mode, Depending on Hardware

Close study of the code in the updates suggests that there will also be a major change for anyone who buys a computer with Windows 8.1 (including this new update) already installed. If the computer is designed for use with a keyboard and mouse rather than touchscreen, it will ship with Windows configured to start up in the traditional desktop mode by default.

Another notable change comes in the new interface when running Windows Store apps. Moving the mouse to the top of the screen will now reveal a new display known as the title bar. This includes buttons to minimize or close the app, similar to those used in program windows in the traditional desktop interface.

What's Your Opinion?

If you use Windows 8, do you think these changes will make using the operating system any easier? If you don't yet use Windows 8, does the news that new desktop PCs will boot into the more familiar Windows interface make you more likely to purchase a new PC running Windows 8? Lastly, do you think these are productive tweaks, or is Microsoft simply losing the battle in trying to make one system for both traditional and touchscreen PCs?