The announcement of the launch of Windows 8.1 came at its annual developers conference in San Francisco, with the update including the Start Button after it was removed last October, much to the displeasure of Windows users.
In the keynote speech, CEO Steve Ballmer said, “Let’s make it easier to start applications in the way we are used to. We will bring back the start button, and you can boot straight to the desktop if you want to. We have refined the blend of our desktop experience and our modern app experience.”
Microsoft had come under fire from its users for offering a series of tiles instead of the “Start Button” that was an integral part of all its prior releases. This resulted in several users expressing their displeasure at the prospect of having to learn how to use Windows 8 without a Start Button. In addition, the sales of Windows 8 faced stiff competition from both Apple as well as the tablet market.
Apart from the inclusion of the Start Menu, Windows 8.1 has a much-improved ‘search’ function and which bears a close resemblance to Apple’s Spotlight. Another new addition is the ability of users to access all their apps just by swiping up on their screen.
Speaking of apps, Ballmer said that within the month, the Windows App Store would cross the 100,000 mark, thanks to an interest shown by app developers in Windows 8.
The full version of this update will be offered to users later this year but the test version is currently available for download after the announcement was made.