For Microsoft, the just released Windows 8.1 system is an important tool to regain face, it has improved many crashing designs in Windows 8, such as the recovery of the start button. Of course, the improvements in Windows 8.1 are more of a detail than a revolution, because in the end it's just an update, not a brand new operating system.
Although we have explained the new application and hidden features of Windows 8.1 for everyone, but after trying the Windows 8.1 preview one day, we still found a lot of imperfections. Here is a summary of Windows 8.1 missing. Update 12 features to see if you feel the same. In addition, there may be several months before Microsoft officially releases the Windows 8.1 update, and we pray that it will fix these parts.
1. Better User Tips
Although the "Start" button returns in Windows 8.1, it is not actually the start menu of the previous Windows system, just a shortcut to return to the Metro home screen. . In other words, you still need to use a lot of hidden secret gestures or touch a corner to implement Windows 8.1, but the problem is that these complex gestures are completely silent. We very much hope that Microsoft can use some subtle visual cues to tell us: here you can click, swipe from right to left to open the Charms menu!
2. Make the Windows desktop more friendly
Although Windows 8.1 is added The ease of use of the desktop effect, but seems reluctant. The start button of the return can directly shut down your computer, but you must right-click to bring up the option and bury it in a bunch of power management options. In the same way, you can bring you directly to all App interface functions, and also buried in the submenu. We very much hope that these options will be more visible, easier to find, or provide relevant options when the system is installed. However, considering that Microsoft is very fond of and intends to use the so-called "modernization" Metro UI, perhaps the traditional desktop is neglected better than the complete cancellation.
3. More cohesive personalization options
Speaking of this, the personalized part really should give users more choices, instead of just changing the color and color block of the start screen, Microsoft should consider Windows 8.1 provides a "one-stop DIY interface" function. If you can increase the options for screen saver and lock screen (such as some application notifications), or let users change photos, it is not only more meaningful, but also makes users happy.
4. Adding a reading list option for the desktop version of IE11 browser
If you find a great article when you use a browser to view a web page, save it as a reading list and read later. This is a great feature. Even better, Windows 8.1's IE11 browser not only supports this feature, but also allows you to share it easily. But unfortunately, this feature only appears in IE11 in the Metro start screen, but the traditional desktop version does not.
5. When setting other browsers as the default, you can run the touch screen version of IE11
In Windows 8.1, if you set a non-IE kernel browser such as Chrome or Firefox as the default browser If you don't, you won't be able to use the Metro style touchscreen version of IE11. This is an incredible limitation because I really like to use IE11 on touchscreen devices, but since Chrome is the default browser, I won't be able to use IE11.
6. A touch screen version of the file manager application
I understand, Microsoft, you want to focus on SkyDrive, and advertise Windows 8.1 as a cloud system to achieve "Windows is everywhere" idea. But in fact, people are not ready to accept the concept of cloud storage, after all, the security of the data can not be guaranteed. Therefore, a touch-screen version of local file management can help rescue all users with touch devices, including Windows RT users, because icons with smaller desktop versions are difficult to achieve good results. Therefore, in Windows 8.1, which is advertised as "More friendly gestures", it is very necessary to integrate a touch file manager.
7. DVD playback function
Although the Windows 8.1 preview version provides a media center component (including DVD playback function) for $10 (including RMB 61), there is still no sign that Microsoft will Restore DVD playback in the official version. You can't even install the Media Center package unless you're using a Windows 8 Pro version that costs $200 (approximately $1227) ($80 more than the regular version). Unfortunately, the chances of Microsoft re-branding DVD playback as a standard are prohibitive because the cost is too high. But in fact, this standard feature that has been integrated since Windows XP, why will it disappear with the upgrade of the system? Is it because the mainstream public really does not need this feature, or the Microsoft split function makes more money? Little tricks?
8. Better communication application support
Currently in the Windows 8.1 preview, there are no updates for emails and calendars, so we are not sure if there will be related apps in the app store. However, as the highest priority communication function, they still need some better feature enhancements. I personally prefer Microsoft to launch the POP mail and CalDAV calendar application under the Metro interface to solve the phenomenon that there is only one monotonous Hotmail application on the screen.
9. More Metro Tile Customization Options
Windows 8.1 Start Screen Interface New customizable elements, mainly in the new Metro tile sizes of oversized and ultra-small sizes, but once again asked Microsoft: Why not change it more thoroughly? You still can't rename the tile name, change your favorite icon or background color. This limitation makes the user quite vocal.
Another feature we would like to see is to sort the tiles. You can think of it as a Metro style folder, which can be categorized according to the type of application, which is not only easier to use, but also avoids the application. Too many programs and the need to constantly slide the screen to the right.
10. Touch screen fingerprint recognition function
Natural ID sensor allows screen to recognize fingerprints
This function sounds sci-fi, but I suggest that Microsoft add this feature as soon as possible. Natural ID technology can already add biometrics to the touch screen to support reading fingerprints on the touch screen. If touch-centric Windows 8.1 can join this feature, it will at least attract more security-conscious enterprise users to join the upgrade. Come from the army.
11. Metro apps can run on traditional desktops
A third-party plug-in called "ModernMix" allows Metro apps to run on traditional desktops, so why Windows 8.1 can't The function becomes the system's native support? This will undoubtedly make it easier for traditional Windows users to accept the Metro element, which is the best of both worlds. In fact, I have been confused about the style of the Windows 8 system: Why should we draw a line between the Metro interface and the traditional desktop, rather than organic integration? It is purely for a better experience differentiation? Microsoft has complicated things.
12. A simple clock tile application
The last feature seems ridiculous, but in fact it is a fundamental user experience problem. When you use a Windows 8 series computer, the first interface that appears after booting is basically the Metro home screen, but no native clock application can be placed on the screen conspicuously, so that you can easily understand the time, you must Swipe left from the right edge of the screen to open the Charms menu to see the time.
To give an example, Apple added the clock icon dynamic display function in the latest iOS 7 update, which means that you don't have to enter the clock application. Look at the icon on the desktop to know what time it is, just like watching The watch is as simple as the experience of small details. And for Microsoft, how much more difficult to add a clock tile to Windows 8.1? You can do this, Microsoft!