14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 is just around the corner, so the company continues its usual marketing blitz to promote the operating system before its public debut.
The Softies are now talking big about the built-in Bing apps, while also suggesting that the Start screen is a much better feature than the Start Menu because it provides instant access to all available tools.
Since Bing was recently revamped with a fresh interface, Microsoft used the occasion to talk about the two new apps offered to Windows 8.1 users, namely Food & Drink and Health & Fitness.
“News, Weather, Sports, Finance, Maps and Travel, which were updated in April, are also updated in Windows 8.1. Right from the Start screen, the larger live tile screens bring you more detailed information about the things you care about -- without even opening the app,” Ryan Gavin, general manager of Microsoft Apps & Services, explained.
Gavin added that all Bing apps offered to Windows 8 and 8.1 users have been designed to help them stay connected, express themselves and get stuff done.
“These are some of the most important things we all do, every day, and we believe your Windows device should reflect that right from the first moment you power it on. The Bing apps bring you the information you want, from the content sources you trust, in easy to use, photo-rich experiences,” he noted.
Microsoft has very high expectations from Windows 8.1, the first major Windows 8 overhaul that's projected to go live next month, especially because it addresses most of the complaints received after the launch of the core OS.
For example, Windows 8.1 packs a Start button that's always visible on the desktop, as well as an option to boot directly to desktop and skip the Start screen. As a result, the tech giant hopes to boost Windows sales in the coming months, especially because lots of new devices running 8.1 are also said to hit the market soon.