14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has indeed optimized Windows 8 to work better on smaller devices, but the company is still facing criticism for some of its Metro apps that eat up a lot of space on the screen without actually providing enough information.
A report, published by PC Pro and citing a high-profile company executive, reveals that Microsoft has actually taken notice of the problem, but it only recommends users to try out a larger display, as “the experience would be greatly improved.”
Desktop apps obviously use the available screen space a lot better, while Metro tools focus on a full-screen approach with big images and large fonts.
“When you get to large screens the experience could be better,” Chaitanya Sareen, principal program manager lead on Windows, told PC Pro.
“There are different ways to solve that. You [developers] can put more content on the canvas – there are certainly no guidelines on size of text. Also you solve that by changing the amount of windows you can have on one screen.”
Windows 8.1 is specifically optimized to work with smaller displays, so it now comes with improved portrait mode on the Start scree and in the Windows Store.
In addition, the software maker has greatly improved the Windows Store to better use the available screen space and display many more app details without the need for scrolling.
At the same time, the Windows Store and the other Metro tools have received a redesigned UI that’s not only in line with its Modern approach, but also easier to uss for both beginners and experienced users.
The RTM version of Windows 8.1, which is expected in October this year, is set to continue the improvements aimed at smaller devices, especially because Microsoft itself is set to launch its own challenger in this market category.
Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that a Surface Mini is on its way, most likely equipped with an 8-inch screen and running Windows 8.1.