Windows 8 Update Makes Using Keyboard, Mouse Easier

Microsoft has announced that it plans to release its first major update for Windows 8.1 this spring, and it's called "Update 1". The biggest improvement, according to the firm, is that Windows 8.1 will become easier to use with a mouse and keyboard.

Microsoft's first significant update to Windows 8 was Windows 8.1, which was released last fall. Windows 8.1 Update 1 expands upon that, and has been rumored for a spring 2014 release for some time. To date, however, Microsoft has said very little about what's included in the package.

Windows 8.1 Update 1: Easier for Mouse, Keyboard Users

Now, Microsoft Windows Phone executive Joe Belfiore is offering some insight. Specifically, he says Windows 8.1 Update 1 will make life a whole lot easier for the many laptop and desktop users who didn't appreciate Windows 8's emphasis on touch technology.

"We are making improvements to the user interface that will naturally bridge touch and desktop, especially for our mouse and keyboard users," noted Belfiore.

"We have a number of targeted UI (User Interface) improvements that keep our highly satisfying touch experience intact, but that make the UI more familiar and more convenient for users with mouse [and] keyboard."

Belifiore went to say that Windows 8.1 users will "like how much more smooth and convenient these changes make mouse and keyboard use." (Source: pcpro.co.uk)

Price Cut Expected to Increase Windows 8.1 Installations

Microsoft is also drastically cutting the price of its Windows 8.1 licenses for manufacturers that build devices retailing for under $250. It's expected the deal will increase the number of budget-priced Windows 8-based devices on the market and could ultimately cut the price of such items for consumers.

But, will it be enough to arouse more interest in Windows 8.1 or devices using that operating system?

Bloomberg news says the move will save manufacturers who build sub-$250 devices up to 70 per cent, reducing the cost of a Windows 8.1 license from $50 to just $15. For companies that produce low-cost tablet computers and budget notebooks, experts say that's a significant cost savings.

PCWorld's Jon Phillips says it could result in manufacturers producing more budget-priced tablets and laptop computers, which is in turn good for the consumer.

Microsoft Continues to Battle Google Chrome

Perhaps most importantly, these changes will encourage manufacturers to install Windows 8.1 instead of Google's low-cost Chrome operating system, which can be found on a proliferating number of $200 to $250 "Chromebooks". (Source: pcworld.com)

For Microsoft, the emergence of Chrome-based devices, like the $230 Samsung Chromebook 3, represents a major threat. Many consumers primarily interested in using their computer for simple tasks -- such as accessing the Internet and storage information in the "cloud" -- are now moving to low-priced notebooks, like the Chromebook 3.

It's believed that Microsoft's decision to slash the price of Windows 8.1 licenses could also help revive consumer interest in laptop computers. Currently, the PC industry is in a major slump, as more consumers ditch their notebooks and desktops in favor of high-power tablets, such as the recently unveiled 12.2-inch Samsung NotePRO.

That said, the move is also designed to get consumers using Windows 8, which continues to struggle when compared to its predecessor, Windows 7. Microsoft's newest operating system has sold just 200 million copies since it was released in October 2012, while Windows 7 sold 240 million licenses in just a year. (Source: pcworld.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Have you recently considered purchasing a budget-priced tablet or laptop computer? If the prices were relatively equal and the hardware counterparts the same, would it make any difference to you if a new tablet or laptop you purchase runs Chrome, or would you prefer Windows 8.1?

Lastly, what do you think Microsoft needs to do to address the problems with Windows 8's "modern" user interface? Do you think Microsoft on the right track with this recent announcement?