14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has yesterday unveiled the new-generation Surface tablet, including the revamped RT and Pro models, both of which are running the company’s new Windows 8.1, either in RT or Pro form.
Panos Panay, the man behind the entire Surface project at Microsoft, also talked about the way Windows 8.1 improves the overall experience with the app, claiming that the number of Modern tools currently available for download has grown a lot lately.
The growth was mostly experienced thanks to the arrival of Windows 8.1, the first major Windows 8 overhaul that’s projected to go live next month.
Windows 8.1 puts the focus on the Modern UI even more, bringing a number of improvements, such as enhanced touch support and new options aimed at smaller tablets.
At the same time, 8.1 comes with a completely new Windows Store that’s supposed to be easier to use and put the key features of the apps in the spotlight.
Panay claims that at this point there are more than 100,000 apps available for download from the Store, which is clear advantage for the second-generation Surface tablet. Last year when the first Surface got to see daylight, there were only 10,000 apps published in the Store, so it’s no surprise that some users decided to delay the purchase of a new Microsoft tablet.
As far as Windows 8.1 is concerned, the official unveiling will take place on October 18, with Windows 8 users to be allowed to download it free of charge from the Store.
Pre-Windows 8 users, on the other hand, will have the option to purchase the operating system separately, as Microsoft has already announced pricing for the retail package. The core version will have a price tag of $119.99 (€90), while the Pro build will be sold for $199.99 (€150).