12 missing feature updates for Windows 8.1

For Microsoft, the newly released Windows 8.1 system is an important face-saving tool that improves the crash design of many Windows 8 systems, such as resuming the Start button. Of course, the improvements to Windows 8.1 are more details than revolutions, because ultimately it's just an update, not a whole new operating system.

Although we have previously detailed the Windows 8.1 new applications and hidden features, but after experimenting with the Windows 8.1 Preview version of the day, we still find a lot of imperfections, here is a summary of Windows 8.1 Missing 12 feature updates, See if you feel the same. In addition, it may be several months before Microsoft officially releases Windows 8.1 updates, and we pray that it will fix those parts.

1. Better user prompt function

Although the Start button is returned in Windows 8.1, it is not actually a previous Windows system Start menu, just a shortcut key to returning to the Metro main screen interface. In other words, you still need to use a lot of hidden secret gestures or touch a corner to implement Windows 8.1, but the problem is that these complex gesture features are completely silent. We very much hope that Microsoft can use some subtle visual clues to tell us: here can click, slide from right to left to open the Charms menu!

2. Make Windows desktop more friendly

Although Windows 8.1 increases the ease of use of desktop effects, it seems reluctant. Back to the Start button can be directly off your computer, but you must use the right click to appear options, and buried deep in a heap of power management options. Similarly, the ability to bring you directly to all app apps is embedded in the submenu. We very much want these options to be more visible, easier to find, or to provide relevant choices when the system is installed. However, given that Microsoft loves it and intends to use the so-called "modern" Metro UI all the time, it may be better to overlook traditional desktops than to cancel them altogether.

3. More cohesive personalization options

In this case, the personalized part really should let the user have more choice, rather than just change the start screen color, color block, Microsoft should consider in Windows 8.1 to provide a "one-stop DIY interface" function. If you can increase the screen protection and lock screen interface options (such as some application notification information), or to allow users to change the photo, this is not only more meaningful, but also make users feel happy.

4. Add reading list option for desktop version IE11 browser

If you've found a great article when you're viewing a Web page using a browser, it's a great feature to save it as a reading list for later reading. Even better, Windows 8.1 's IE11 browser can not only support this feature, but also allow you to easily share. Unfortunately, this feature only appears in the Metro Start Screen IE11, the traditional desktop version is not supported.

5. When you set the other browser defaults, you can run the touch screen version IE11

In Windows 8.1, if you set a non IE kernel browser such as Chrome or Firefox as your default browser, you will not be able to use the Metro-style touchscreen version of the IE11 browser. This is an incredible limitation because I like to use the IE11 browser on touch screen devices, but because Chrome is the default browser, I will not be able to use IE11.

6. A touch-screen version of the File Manager application

I understand, Microsoft, you want to focus on SkyDrive, the Windows 8.1 as a cloud system, to achieve the "Windows everywhere" concept. But in fact, people are not ready to stubbornly accept the concept of cloud storage, after all, the security of data is not guaranteed. Therefore, a touchscreen version of local file management can help save all users with touch devices, including Windows RT users, because the desktop version of the smaller icon is difficult to achieve good results. So, in Windows 8.1, which advertises "more and more friendly gestures," it is essential to integrate a touch-controlled file manager.

7. DVD Playback function

Although the Windows 8.1 preview provides a Media Center component (including DVD playback) for a price of $10 (about 61 yuan), there is no sign that Microsoft will resume DVD playback in the official version. You can't even install the Media Center package unless you're using a Windows 8 Pro version that costs 200 dollars (about 1227 RMB) (80 dollars more than the regular version). Unfortunately, Microsoft's chances of restarting DVD playback as standard are slim because the costs are too high. But in fact, the standard features that have been integrated since Windows XP, why do they disappear as the system upgrades? Is it because the mainstream public really does not need this feature, or the Microsoft Split function to make more money for the small trick?

8. Better Communication Application support

Currently, in the Windows 8.1 preview, there are no updates for mail and calendars, so we are not sure whether the App Store will have a relevant application, but they still need some better enhancements as a top priority communication feature. I am personally inclined to Microsoft's launch of the Metro interface POP Mail and CalDAV calendar application to solve the current start screen has only a monotonous Hotmail application phenomenon.

9. More Metro Tile Customization options

The new customizable elements of the Windows 8.1 Start screen interface are mainly embodied in the oversized and oversized two kinds of metro tile sizes, but once again ask Microsoft: Why not change it a little bit more thoroughly? You still can't rename the tile, change your favorite icon or background color, This limitation is a criticism of the user.

Another feature we'd like to see is sorting tiles, you can think of them as Metro-style folders that can be categorized according to the category of the application, not only easier to use, but also avoid too many applications and the need to slide the screen to the right.

10. Touch screen fingerprint recognition function

Natural ID sensor allows the screen to identify fingerprints

This feature sounds sci-fi, but I suggest that Microsoft join this feature as soon as possible. Natural ID Technology has already been able to add biometrics to the touch screen, support the ability to read fingerprints on the touchscreen, and if the touch-centric Windows 8.1 can join this feature, it will at least attract more secure enterprise users to join the upgrade army.

Metro apps can run on a traditional desktop

A third-party plug-in called "Modernmix" allows Metro apps to run on a traditional desktop, so why can't windows 8.1 turn this functionality into system native support? This will certainly make it easier for traditional Windows users to accept Metro elements, is a way of both worlds. In fact, I've always been puzzled by the style of the Windows 8 system: Why do you want to make a distinction between the Metro interface and the traditional desktop, rather than the organic fusion? Is it simply for better experience differentiation? Microsoft has made things too complicated.

12. A simple clock tile application

The last feature looks ridiculous, but it's actually a fundamental user experience issue. When you use a Windows 8 series computer, the first appearance of the interface is basically the Metro main screen, but there is no original clock application can be prominently placed on the screen, so that you easily understand the time, you have to go from the right edge of the screen to slide to the left, to open the Charms menu, To see the time.

For example, Apple in the latest iOS 7 update, added the clock icon dynamic display function, it is that you do not have to enter the clock application, look at the icon on the desktop to know what time, as simple as watching a watch, this is the small details brought about by the use of experience promotion. And how hard is it for Microsoft to add a clock tile to Windows 8.1? You can do it, Microsoft!