The Windows 8.1 Update that introduces a bunch of interface changes to Windows 8.1 is designed to enhance the experience of mouse and keyboard users, but what about the growing number of happy touch users? About 40 percent (and increasing) of PCs available at retail have a touchscreen (compared to just 4 percent when Windows 8 launched), and for the most part, their buyers enjoy how they work. With touch interfaces a growing part of the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft didn’t want to make the touch experience worse. While many desktop users may want their systems to boot straight to the desktop, this is unlikely to be a popular option for tablet users. Touch laptop users could easily go either way. Microsoft’s goal, therefore, was to pick a sensible default based on the kind of system being used. The way the update does this is based on something called the power platform role , a setting found in the computer’s firmware specified by the manufacturer. For Windows PCs, it will typically be “desktop,” “mobile,” or “slate,” for desktops, laptops, and tablets, respectively. Read 9 remaining paragraphs | Comments
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Here’s how Windows 8.1 Update tries to give you the right UI on any device
