MicrosoftWhat Microsoft still isn't overtly acknowledging, however, is that there are two groups of users: those who have seen Windows 8, have been baffled, and have walked away; and a second group, who understand how Windows 8 works and what Microsoft is trying to do. Antoine Leblond, Microsoft's corporate vice president who authored today's blog post introducing the new features, is clearly addressing the latter group.
In many ways, the fundamental problem with Windows 8 is that the modern interface of the Start screen works best on a tablet—this despite the fact that the vast majority of users first experience it on a PC. The array of apps and widgets is bold and beautiful—and daunting. Apps dominate the entire screen, and even the ability to "snap" two apps to the same screen doesn't eliminate the fact that a lot of screen space goes to waste.
Windows 8.1 will allow users to snap apps to various sizes, and allow up to three apps to share the same screen. But that doesn't change the fact that a PC user who mistakenly works within the modern environment is going to be as frustrated as he or she always was. Microsoft's more experienced users already know to jump right into the PC-friendly Desktop mode.
Microsoft confirmed earlier reports that the Start charm will be moved to mimic the old Start button of Windows 7, and the Start page will be rearranged. Leblond also referred to options to change what the corners of the screen do, and the option to boot to "alternate screens"—which a Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed was a boot-to-Desktop mode. Shared backgrounds between the Start page and Desktop, plus the ability to use the lock screen to display photos, are designed to ease new users into Windows 8.
These aren't functional improvements. These are sops to those who were turned off by Windows 8. Look, Microsoft is saying. Windows 8 is friendly.
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