Windows 8.1 API will support POS devices

After the recent Windows 8.1 build 9374 leak, we have seen a lot of positive improvements, including the addition of some new features. In Windows 8.1, users will have more customization options for the start page, and the search Charm bar will appear more modestly. The newly added Kiosk mode can lock the device under a specific application.

Kiosk mode is actually an interesting point of view, perhaps implemented by the newly opened API in the Windows 8.1 system. Foreign media found that there are many APIs related to POS (point-of-service) devices in the new system, including the transfer from .NET to WinRT API, which can realize the control of various POS devices, such as Barcode scanners, receipt printers, card readers, etc., are all implemented under the Metro UI, which is a pretty good feature for business users and merchants.

Microsoft expects Windows 8.1 to provide users with a new point-of-sales experience in the touch interface, along with the Kiosk model. Other APIs found in Windows 8.1 include better VPN support, better support for Smartcard authentication, extended USB peripheral support and native scanner input, and of course enterprise users.

Foreign media reports also pointed out that Window 8.1 also integrates APIs for related geolocation services and namespaces for remote camera control. The Windows update for the code-named Blue is expected to be released later this year, when users can use the more mature Windows new system.