26/03/2014
Microsoft is preparing an update to Windows 8
for release later this year. It says the changes
are designed to address complaints and
confusion with the new operating system.
Windows 8 is the most radical overhaul of
Microsoft's operating system since Windows
95 came out nearly two decades ago. It was
revamped to embrace the types of touch-
screen controls popular on smartphones and
tablet computers, devices that are siphoning
sales from the desktop and laptop PCs that
have been Microsoft's traditional stronghold.
Windows 8 was released with much fanfare in
October, but got a lukewarm reception from
consumers.
Part of the problem is that Windows 8 tries to
be all things to all people. It's designed to
respond to touch-screen controls, but it also
works with traditional mouse and keyboard
commands. It offers a new layout that
resembles tablet computers, but it also has a
desktop mode that looks like previous versions
of Windows. What results is confusion.
In addition, many of the controls to launch
programs and change settings have been
tucked away. That gives Windows 8 a cleaner
look, but it also requires people to do more
work finding all the controls.
Microsoft isn't saying much about what the
new Windows 8 will have. Nor will it say
whether it will charge for the upgrade. What
the Redmond, Washington, company will say is
that it's responding to customer feedback in
developing the update.
