Microsoft issues a more user-friendly Windows 8.1

Yesterday Microsoft released a preview of its updated version of companys flagship operation system Windows 8. The changes in the new version aim to answer the critics of  the base version initially released 8 months earlier.

At the conference in San Francisco which is supposed to last 3 days starting Wednesday, Microsofts CEO said he took recent critics in consideration. Ballmer admitted company has pushed too hard people to get familiar with radical changes of the “Modern” user interface in Windows 8. Having that in mind, Microsoft made changes to Windows so it would have more of the vision of previous version.

“Lets make it easier to start applications the way were used to,” Ballmer told the audience at the conference. “What we will show you today is a refined blend of our Desktop experience and our Modern experience.” he added, cited by Yahoo.

Windows 8.1 will allow people when in Desktop mode to be bale to use a button similar to the old Start Menu button. It wont take users to the old Start menu, but to the new “Modern” Windows 8 start screen. The update of the familiar button would make it easier for longtime Windows users to get accustomed to the changes as common complaint about Windows 8 was that it doesnt show some functions and replaces shortcut buttons with invisible click zones that have to be memorized.

One of the new Windows 8.1 options is a way to use multiple apps. People will could determine number of programs shown at the screen at once. The update will also offer more effective search results.

Microsoft had been looking to boost sales of personal computers as the segment is quickly losing grip, but some people have been disappointed by the radical changes in Windows 8. Research firm IDC said the operating system slowed down the market. While personal computer shipments lost 14% this year it has been a struggle for manufacturers to regain users.

One of the biggest issues for Microsoft has been that Windows 8 doesnt work well with smaller sized screens such as mini tablets of less than 10 inch. This is hurting firms tablet sales business, a segment in which Microsoft needs to grow fast.

The company made the preview of Windows 8.1 available for free as a download.

The software giant jumped by 2.02% adding to 28.60% year to date increase.