14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft this month rolled out a new Windows Store update that's supposed to enhance the entire experience offered to users and make it easier to find and download apps.
Among the improvements implemented with this update, there's also a new option which allows users to view app screenshots in full screen on their tablets and PCs by simply clicking or tapping on the images displayed in the default configuration in the store.
This feature is particularly helpful on smaller devices where users need to view screenshots in full screen in order to get a better picture of a specific app, as the default view doesn't tell much since you cannot zoom in on the available images.
Microsoft previously said that all the improvements it made to the Windows Store were based on consumer feedback, so the new version should actually come in handy whenever you are trying to find apps and games for your device.
There are obviously some new elements, including a navigation screen that's always on top and provides one-click/one-tap access to top charts, categories and collections.
"Customer feedback tells us that most people want to quickly see the chart-toppers, search by the top categories they’re interested in, or browse our curated Collections. Because of this, the navigation bar is now focused on to Top charts, Categories, and Collections. You can still quickly access your Account information," the company explained.
Of course, the Windows Store update was developed around the universal app concept presented for the first time by Microsoft at the BUILD developer conference in April.
Universal apps can be purchased just once and installed on both tablets and smartphones and provide a similar experience across all devices. There are already several such apps in the stores and Microsoft hopes the number of increase even more following efforts to push developers to this new concept.
"App publishers can now choose to link their free Windows and Windows Phone apps, helping you to quickly identify and download the apps you love across your Windows devices. Similarly, publishers can also choose to link their paid apps such that if you buy the app once, you can get it across your Windows devices. This also applies to in-app purchase of durable items," the company said when it rolled out the new Windows Store version.
If you can't see the new Windows Store design on your Windows 8.1 Update computer, make sure that you installed all patches released by Microsoft this month. To do this, go to Windows Update and hit the "Check for updates" button, install all available updates and then reboot your computer.