Microsoft officially acknowledges that is working on Windows 8.1 Update 1 and says that it will arrive this spring. We’ve been seeing many leaks recently about the update, but today February 23, at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, the software giant talked in details of the new features coming to Windows 8.1 to improve usability with mouse and keyboard.
During the conference Microsoft talked about features, such as tweaks to improve app switching by showing running apps in the taskbar and the ability to pin modern apps to the taskbar. The addition of a new black title bar on Metro apps with the option to close and minimize. The addition of a new power options menu and search button on the Start screen — features we’ve already seen in leaks.
SEE ALSO: Windows 8.1 Update 1: the complete list of changes and new features
Microsoft also revealed new smaller footprint for the operating system, now Windows 8.1 will only require 1GB of RAM and a minimum of 16GB of storage for installation. Changes that will benefit PC makers to install Windows 8.1 on smaller and low-cost tablets. Recent report also suggested the company is also planning to cut Windows 8.1 licensing by 70 percent to install the software on device priced less than $250, which will allow manufacturers bring low-cost tablets to the market and compete in a better even field with Chromebooks and Android devices.
Finally the company also confirmed that Windows 8.1 Update 1 will include Internet Explorer 8 compatibility mode in Internet Explorer 11 (this was previously called IE11 Enterprise Mode).
The company did not say exactly when the spring update will roll out, but previous information still strong that the company is planning to target April 8 for the release of Windows 8.1 Update 1.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].