14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that all its Windows 8 built-in apps would receive a pack of updates in the next few days, just in time for the big launch of the new operating system.
SkyDrive, Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging and Photos are on the updates list, Microsoft revealed in a blog post while also emphasizing that Windows 8 early adopters are strongly recommended to install the new versions of these apps.
The first one to be updated is “Bing,” with a new version to be released tomorrow in Windows Store, while all the other Windows 8 utilities will be unveiled by October 26.
“Bing,” for example, will feature richer search results for local content and images, but also a zooming tool on the search results to see related queries.
What’s more, the new version will allow you to use the file picker to select an image from Bing and use it on the lock screen or in other apps.
The “Finance” app will come with additional news and magazine content, more market exchanges and finance videos, while the “Sports” tool will boast slideshows and new soccer leagues.
“Leading up to GA for Windows 8, we will be releasing updates for many of the apps that were included with the release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 8 that was delivered to PC makers and to MSDN and TechNet subscribers in August,” Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky, president of the company’s Windows group, explained.
“Naturally, these app updates will also be available to PC makers to include by default with their PCs shipping in the future, but for those of you who have already installed Windows 8 RTM, it is super easy to get the updates from the Store app.”
The Windows Store tile will automatically notify users whenever new updates are available and hitting the “Update” button is all you need to do to install the new version.