The launch and general availability of Windows 8.1 is now less than three weeks away. At the weekend we saw Microsoft’s first video advert for the new operating system. The new 30 second commercial is entitled “Windows 8.1 Everywhere,” - that must be what the folk at Redmond are hoping for. I’ve embedded the video below for you to take a look.
Microsoft’s brief new advert doesn’t have time to get into any of the under-the-hood improvements the firm has talked about, which arrive with Windows 8.1, but just concentrates on the modern user interface (MUI). The video starts by showing some new ways to open the computer lock-screen. Then immediately we see the new start button in place.
The personalisation options on the start screen are next in the spotlight as the video shows Windows tiles made much larger and smaller than was possible before. Users can really heavily emphasise their favourite tiles now for utility or simply for simply decoration. The smallest tiles might also help you cram all the programs you ever use onto the Start Screen without needing to horizontally scroll.
“You can do it all simpler and easier,” the voice over tells us. Then we see the new split screen multitasking abilities and options demonstrated allowing users of a Windows 8.1 “tablet, PC or Surface,” (is that Microsoft’s new order of priorities?) to work and play at the same time. Further emphasising the Windows over several devices idea, the advert ends with the strapline “One experience for everything in your life”.
Three apps at once
Remember all Windows 8 owners can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free from 17/18th October. The OS will also be sold as a download and retail box standalone product, not requiring a copy of Windows 8 already installed. US pricing for retail Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro is set at $119.99 and $199.99 respectively. In the UK the prices have been set at £75 and £125 respectively.
