14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft revealed last week some of the features to be implemented into the upcoming Windows 8.1, but the company has used the TechEd keynote to introduce a bunch of tools specifically aimed at businesses.
Basically, the tech giant is planning to make Windows 8.1 the kind of operating system that’s designed for a wide array of consumers, including not only end users, but also small and midsize businesses.
First of all, Windows 8 will come with NFC tap-to-pair printing, as well as Wi-Fi Direct printing and Native Miracast wireless display options. Broadband tethering and auto-triggered VPN will also be included in the next Windows release.
As far as security options aimed at businesses are concerned, Windows 8.1 will pack modern access controls, such as support for fingerprint-based biometrics, as well as network behavior monitoring for Windows Defender.
The control over your business devices will be improved with assigned access to enable a single Windows Store application on a selected unit, plus the so-called Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry version specifically aimed at POS systems and ATMs.
“Windows 8.1 advances this vision and introduces new manageability, mobility, security, user experience and networking capabilities that will be available later this year. And our goal for Windows 8.1: offer customers the best business tablets and versatile, next generation business PCs driven by the most powerful operating system designed for modern businesses,” Microsoft explained.
In addition, the company used the same announcement to remind businesses that migrating from Windows XP should be a priority, as support for this particular OS will end on April 8, 2014.
“We also recommend businesses start targeting Windows 8.1 touch PCs for their hardware refresh planning as well as evaluate Windows 8.1 for all device form factors. And if you are already testing and deploying Windows 8, Windows 8.1 will be available later this year so you can begin your migration,” it noted.