Windows 8.1: a first look at what Microsoft is changing

Make the Start Screen yours

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Most of the changes in Windows 8.1 are visible straight from the Start Screen. New sizes of Live Tiles that offer more information or reduce clutter on screen, additional motion backgrounds, and the ability to set any image as the Start Screen wallpaper make for an improved and refined interface. The transition between desktop mode and "Metro" is a lot less jarring now, and there are even options to boot to desktop or set a new All Apps view as the default home page for the Start Screen.

Microsoft appears to be listening to its Windows 8 critics here, making 8.1 a more customizable experience that suits all needs. Altering the new Start Screen takes some getting used to if you're used to the old method, as you have to hold down on Tiles to move and change their size or position. It feels less intuitive than before, but it also prevents accidental swipes and movements so there's a tradeoff involved. The lock screen has also been tweaked to include quick access to the camera, the ability to quickly accept Skype calls, and a slideshow feature that pulls pictures from SkyDrive or the local PC. These features are minor, but good additions for upcoming 7- and 8-inch devices.

The Start button returns

The controversial Start button returns to Windows 8, and if you want you can almost combine it with the All Apps view to create a Start Menu of sorts. The button is simply a visual element that takes you back to the Start Screen, but you can also right click on it and access power user commands and the shutdown or restart options. Its return should help ease one of the usability complaints around Windows 8, but it does very little to change the way you have to interact with the Charms or the recently used apps with a mouse and keyboard. Fortunately the hot corners can be disabled so if you want to totally avoid the "Metro" world then it's possible to do so without third-party software now.

Side by side, multi-monitor, Miracast

One of the biggest changes in Windows 8.1 is the ability to have greater control over snapped applications. In Windows 8 apps could run side-by-side, but it was rather limited with a roughly 30 / 70 percent split. Microsoft is altering this dramatically in Windows 8.1, allowing apps to snap in a new 50 / 50 mode. You can also change that percentage to better control how much of an app you see on screen. This means it’s possible to snap three, four, or more apps alongside each other. There’s a limit, but it’s based on the number of 500 pixel increments you can fit on a display. On 7- and 8-inch tablets, Windows 8.1 will support the 50 / 50 view in landscape mode, with the majority of improvements aimed at portrait mode and reading scenarios.

Multiple monitor support is greatly improved

Multiple monitor support for Windows 8-style applications has been greatly improved in Windows 8.1. In our testing you can snap multiple apps across multiple displays and even extend a machine wirelessly to a Miracast-compatible display. Microsoft is supporting Miracast natively and it has surfaced as part of the Devices Charm with the project option. Snapping apps on multiple monitors is a little confusing, and dragging apps between monitors doesn’t always have the desired effect. I found that the Start Screen would often jump to the active monitor, making it tricky to arrange apps. Still, the support is welcome and it certainly makes Metro a lot more appealing on desktop and laptop computers without a touchscreen.

Access PC settings from Metro

With Windows 8, you had to use the traditional Windows desktop Control Panel to adjust practically any important setting on the computer, and if you're a power user or find yourself troubleshooting computers often, that might still be the case. But for most tablet users, the new touch-based PC settings will probably be enough for most anything. It's still a bit of a mess of nested options as of the Windows 8.1 preview build, and you might be better off just searching for what you want, but if you're looking to change the screen resolution or how long the computer will sit idle before it goes to sleep, these new menus have you covered.

Search

Built-in Bing search

Search has been totally overhauled in Windows 8.1. Bing now powers the interface and underlying algorithms used to discover and fetch data from local PCs and the web. Microsoft has long been investing in desktop search, but it’s moved forward significantly in the 8.1 preview. You can simply type on the Start Screen and you’ll be able to instantly access web queries, recent searches, system settings, files, and other information. If you want to quickly launch an app then you can just type the first few letters and you’ll be presented with it. The search interface appears to favor apps over other content, but it also learns your search habits and adapts accordingly.

Bing Heroes

Bing Heroes surfaces images, video, and audio content in a stylish wayPerhaps the biggest change to search here is a new hero interface powered by Bing. If you search for an artist like Rihanna you’re presented with a full-screen interface that surfaces images, video, and audio content. It’s done so in a useful but stylish way and it will even retrieve data from applications. One particularly impressive part of this search interface is that it shows web links with a thumbnail preview of the site you’re about to click on. If you want to play audio from a particular artist then it jumps straight into Xbox Music, or it will find YouTube videos from the web that are relevant.
News is also presented, alongside key information from Wikipedia. The images can be expanded and viewed separately, and there’s even the option to filter them by color to find the exact image you need. Speaking of images, if you search for a location the new Search experience can even find pictures you may have taken there, surfacing them alongside web results. It’s clear Microsoft has put a lot of thought and effort into this interface, and it has paid off.

Apps

Mail and Office

Most of the Windows 8 apps are being improved, but one that’s not part of the preview is the Mail app. The company is demonstrating some of the improvements it’s working on, including drag-and-drop support, sweep (which can remove large quantities of older unwanted mail) and the ability to group social and newsletters in one place. The Mail app is clearly starting to take shape into something that’s more usable and powerful to use over on tablets and even desktops. In the preview release the improvements aren’t ready, but Microsoft tells us an updated app will ship with Windows 8.1 later this year. One thing that does work well now is Mail's ability to pop open an app, side-by-side with Mail, to quickly view a web link or attached photo.
Metro Office is coming soonI also saw a brief glimpse of Windows 8-style Office applications which Microsoft is currently working on. Described as an alpha build, Microsoft was only prepared to show off a copy of PowerPoint running a presentation, but the suite should launch for Windows 8.1 tablets later this year.

Spin for better photography

Microsoft has some pretty intriguing user experiences for snapping shots and editing photos in Windows 8.1. With Photosynth, part of the Camera app, you can take a whole 360 degree photosphere — an entire room floor to ceiling — just by moving the tablet around, as if each image is filling in the pieces of a virtual jigsaw puzzle. The Photosynth software stitches them all together, and the results are surprisingly good. Meanwhile, the Photos app lets you enhance or mute colors through a different circular procedure: you drop a pin on any spot, then rotate a radial dial (which reminds me of OneNote) to adjust the intensity.

Internet Explorer 11

Internet Explorer 11 largely looks the same as its IE10 counterpart. The tab interface has been moved to the bottom, and Microsoft is catching up to the competition with tab sync across Windows 8.1 devices and Windows Phone. WebGL is also supported in Internet Explorer 11, and website owners can create separate Live Tiles that can be pinned to the Start Screen to access RSS feeds.
Unfortunately there are still separate desktop and Metro versions of IE11, and the tabs don't appear to keep in sync between the two. It's an odd disconnect given Microsoft's focus on cloud syncing in 8.1. IE11 will also detect phone numbers on sites so you can call them using apps like Skype, and the app fully supports the new Reading List feature that will let you bookmark web pages for later reading.

Cooking and calculating

Right out of the box, there are a number of new apps in Windows 8.1. Metro-style versions of Alarms, Calculator, and Sound Recorder are all available and the company is also adding Bing Health & Fitness and Bing Food & Drink. Bing’s Food & Drink app is perhaps the most interesting addition. Designed as a recipe book, it includes a unique hands-free mode that lets you swipe between recipe notes to avoid touching a screen with messy fingers. It simply uses a webcam and it will be interesting to see whether this makes its way into additional Windows 8.1 apps.

Xbox Music redesigned

Microsoft is highlighting its redesigned Xbox Music client with 8.1, but the improvements are actually fairly minor. The initial layout is improved with more immediate access to your songs and albums, but the interface when you’re viewing songs is unchanged. Microsoft is offering non-subscribers access to a radio feature that lets you search for artists to get recommended songs. Microsoft also showed off a feature where you can invoke the Share charm from a website listing musical artists to quickly create a playlist of their songs, though it didn't seem to be available in the preview build. A web-based version of Xbox Music will also debut next week to provide access to the service from non-Microsoft devices.

A solid year-one update

As I said back in May, Microsoft has taken the right approach with Windows 8.1. It has recognized its operating system's weakest points and addressed the issues. No, it's not an update with many stand-out features, but it represents a real refinement of what was already a strong OS. All of Microsoft's tweaks have made big improvement in usability, especially for users waiting to switch from Windows 7 or Vista.

5 Ways of Web Design Can Benefit Your Company

Did you know that good web design can benefit your company? With the right design, your company can profit immensely.

1)Go From Desktop to Mobile

 

With the right design, your customers can easily go from a desktop screen to a mobile device. This can show your customers your flexibility. This is very helpful for a lot of businesses, as well.

If you are a local business with a brick and mortar location, having a design that allows for mobile browsing offers customers an easier way to visit your physical location. Along with this, make sure you have options such as navigation and maps in your design. It can help ensure that you get the most from your site.

2)Attract Customers

 

An attractive design will bring in more customers than a bad design. In fact, with a good design, you can bring in a significant number of new customers. Internet users decide whether or not they will be staying on a website within just a few seconds.

You need to make them decide to stay on your site in those seconds. If you have a poorly designed site, they will leave. In some cases, they may even leave before they know anything about your product or service.

3)Strengthen Your Brand

The more people who recognize your brand, the more likely you are to make money. More people are going to recognize your brand if you have a great website. Though some people may remember you if your design is horrible, it’s not going to be the way you want them to remember you. If you want to strengthen your brand today, you need to make sure to have a solid, well designed website.

4)Professional Appearance

Are you a new business trying to get contacts? If so, it’s crucial to have a professional web design. Your website is the way you present yourself on the Internet. Would you show up for a job interview in ripped jeans and a dirty t-shirt? If not, you probably don’t want to send potential leads, clients, or colleagues to a poorly designed website. Make sure your design is as polished as you are. One way to get the perfect look is to work with a design company such as B2 Interactive.

5) Convey the Message You Want

No matter what type of business you have, there is a specific message you are trying to portray. You can easily do this with your design. No matter what your text says, what your products are, or what your company name is, the design is going to say just as much or more about you.

Make sure it says what you want it to tell people. How does the design of your website convey information about your company? Through typography, colors, images, and style.

There are a lot of design options, and each of them can benefit your business in one way or another. It’s important to make the most of your website. The design of your site says a lot about your company. Make sure you’re saying the right things.

5 Web Design Tips for Your Business Site

As a business owner operating in the internet space, it is absolutely critical to understand that the look and feel of your website can make or break you. You have very little time to capture the visitor’s attention so you need to stand out with a professional presentation that quickly reels them in. Based on today’s hottest web design trends, these tips will help you create an engaging website that both looks and performs like a champ.

1. Indulge in Responsive Web Design

Image via Flickr by Chasing Daisy

Responsive web design adapts to the user’s device, treating them to a great experience whether they are viewing your website from a desktop, smartphone, or tablet. This approach eliminates the need to create a separate website for mobile viewers, while allowing you to keep your search rankings intact in the process. When adopting a responsive web design strategy, remember that testing is the key to making sure your site delivers a consistent experience across all devices.

2. Publish Stellar Content

Image via Flickr by Pop Culture Geek

Your web design is incomplete if it is not supported by great content. Not only do users love content, the search engines do as well, so the more solid material you dish out, the more traffic they’ll send your way. It is comforting to know that great content can take many forms. It could be an intriguing blog post, a captivating photo slideshow, or an engaging video clip — as long as it offers something valuable to your audience.

3. Embrace Big Photos

Image via Flickr by Esparta Palma

Take a look around, and you will see that businesses across multiple industries are dropping thumbnails in favor of full-sized photos. These large photos really work well when they are relevant to your content and complement the rest of your site. With just the right touches, full-sized photos will do their job of engaging your audience, while enhancing brand consistency and awareness. As stated in this webstarts.com article, engaging and targeting an audience is crucial to making a sale online.

4. Integrate Social Media

Image via Flickr by Jason Howie

If your business has a presence in the social media channel, then that presence should show in your website design. Icons, Badges and Like buttons provide a convenient way for users to interact with their favorite social networks right from your domain. In addition, these features help you expand your presence by enabling those users to easily share your content.

5. Aim For Simplicity

Image via Flickr by DoctorWho

With all the dynamic web technologies out there, it’s very tempting to try to hit one out the park by incorporating a flashy, complex design. Of course you want your website to look good, but in this game, simplicity always works best. Instead of trying to wow the visitor with a visual spectacle, focus on presenting factual information and specific calls to action that make it clear what they should do next. The simple approach will make it easier to boost engagement and increase the conversions you need to meet your goals.

A website is vital to having success as an online merchant. Armed with these web design tips, you can ensure that your web-based office delivers on a consistent basis.

Improve your business by SEO technique

To remain successful in today’s economy, businesses are constantly trying to keep a competitive edge. In order to do this, it is pertinent that they display their products and services on the Internet. Presenting them to consumers in a professional manner will include obtaining professional services from an experienced web designer. More so, to make sure a company’s website receives high rankings from an assortment of major search engines, it will be important to obtain seo for small businesses with SolidCactus.com. SEO services are crucial in making sure a website is readily viewed by consumers. There are many types of SEO services for businesses to take advantage of, meaning a professional expertise knowledge in this field will be of great benefit. Some businesses believe that obtaining SEO services will be expensive. This is a wrong belief to have. The services are very affordable, and better yet, the investments made into them will be well worth the money spent. One of the most effective SEO strategies carried out by a professional SEO services provider is keyword placement. By making sure a company’s website incorporates effective keywords into its content, a SEO professional can help a business reach the number one spot on search engines’ results pages.

Build your Ecommerce website at ease

In the early days of the Internet, you had to know a lot about computers and HTML to get anything put on the web. Although things use to be much more difficult in the past, an ecommerce website builder can now automate most of the dirty work behind the scenes. Nobody really needs to know how to code a website these days because there are so many different website building tools at everyone’s fingertips. Even if you want to build a website where you are going to be selling goods or services, you do not really need to worry about spending a lot of money on the production of the actual website. Instead of hiring someone else to get the job done at a high price, you can now create everything on your own with the help of a website builder. The entire process is completely streamlined, and you will even be able to accept all major credit cards on your website once everything has been set up correctly. Anyone who has thought about creating their own website to sell their own little gadgets or trinkets should definitely look into their idea again now that there are easier options available when it comes to building a website. Anyone should be able to figure out how to build a website now because all of the hard aspects of the process have been tossed to the side. There is nothing holding back anyone from creating their own ecommerce website now.

Register domain name private

In most cases, when you register a new domain name, you are forced to put your information on the Internet so anyone who wants to contact you can do so rather easily. Most people who own a website do not want their private information to be available on the web, which is why private domain registration at Register.com was created in the first place. When you use this private form of registering a domain, it becomes much easier for your to breathe easy when you host any kind of website that you desire. You do not need to worry about getting harassing letters in the mail when you offend someone online because they will not be able to find out where you live. The only time that Register.com will turn over the information of the person who owns a particular web domain is if they are ordered to do so by a court. Although they would like to keep an individual’s information private in all cases, things can really get out of hand for them if they do not listen to the demands of the police or government. As long as you are not doing anything illegal with your website, you should not have a problem with anyone finding out that you run a particular website in your free time. There are many different situations where registering a domain name privately makes sense, and you should definitely think about registering a new domain in this manner from this point onward.

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